Spinach
Spinach is high in Nickel and Oxalates. It also contains moderate levels of Histamine and Tyramine. It has low levels of Salicylate and FODMAPs. If you're sensitive to any of these, check it against your profile before eating.
Intolerances
- NickelHigh
- OxalatesHigh
- Histamine (+liberators / DAO inhibitors)Moderate
Spinach is one of the few vegetables that genuinely carries histamine, and it climbs quickly once picked or left cooked in the fridge. Buy it fresh, cook it the same day, and do not reheat leftovers — that is where most reactions come from.
- TyramineModerate
Tyramine builds with time and bacterial action, so for these the lever is freshness and processing rather than the food itself: minced, smoked, pickled, sun-dried, pre-cut or long-simmered all mean more surface, more storage, or more bacterial contact. Bought fresh and eaten the same day, most of these are unremarkable. Sources: EFSA Journal 2011 (tyramine in fermented foods); McCabe-Sellers et al., J Food Compos Anal 2006.
- SalicylateLow
- FODMAPsLow
- SucroseNone
- LactoseNone
- OligosaccharidesNone
- SorbitolNone
- FructoseNone
- GlutenNo
Intolerance levels are based on our documented scientific sources. See sources →
Note about this food
Spinach should be avoided if you're histamine intolerant or have poor gut health because it's naturally high in histamine and can release more during storage or cooking. It also contains oxalates and other compounds that may irritate a sensitive gut and hinder mineral absorption, making it harder to digest and potentially worsening inflammation.
React to Nickel? Check these too
More in Vegetables
- Artichoke→
- Bamboo shoots→
- Beet→
- Black beans→
- Broccoli→
- Brussels sprouts→
- Cabbage→
- Carrot→
- Cassava→
- Cauliflower→
- Celery→
- Chicory→
Frequently asked questions
Which intolerances does spinach affect?
spinach is notable for Nickel, Oxalates, Histamine, Tyramine, Salicylate and FODMAPs.
Does spinach contain Nickel?
Yes — spinach is high in Nickel.
Does spinach contain Oxalates?
Yes — spinach is high in Oxalates.
Does spinach contain Histamine?
spinach contains moderate levels of Histamine. Spinach is one of the few vegetables that genuinely carries histamine, and it climbs quickly once picked or left cooked in the fridge. Buy it fresh, cook it the same day, and do not reheat leftovers — that is where most reactions come from.
Does spinach contain Tyramine?
spinach contains moderate levels of Tyramine. Tyramine builds with time and bacterial action, so for these the lever is freshness and processing rather than the food itself: minced, smoked, pickled, sun-dried, pre-cut or long-simmered all mean more surface, more storage, or more bacterial contact. Bought fresh and eaten the same day, most of these are unremarkable. Sources: EFSA Journal 2011 (tyramine in fermented foods); McCabe-Sellers et al., J Food Compos Anal 2006. Amounts vary by brand and recipe, so always check the label of the exact product.