Are Cashews Ok for a Low Histamine Diet?

November 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research published in the journal Nutrients, histamine intolerance is estimated to affect around 1% of the population, often mimicking other conditions. For those managing this sensitivity, a key question arises: are cashews ok for a low histamine diet? The answer is nuanced, depending heavily on individual tolerance, the freshness of the nuts, and overall diet.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the complexities of consuming cashews on a low histamine diet. It explores why individual tolerance varies, outlines factors that influence histamine levels, and compares cashews to other nuts. The guide also offers advice for reintroducing foods and suggests low histamine alternatives for safer consumption.

Key Points

Ambiguous Histamine Content: Cashews have conflicting classifications, with some sources listing them as potential histamine liberators or moderate risks.
Freshness is Key: Histamine levels in cashews can increase with age and improper storage, making fresh, properly stored nuts a safer choice.
Processing Matters: Processed or roasted cashews may contain additives or have higher histamine levels than raw, unprocessed nuts.
Individual Tolerance: Due to individual sensitivities, some people with histamine intolerance may tolerate small amounts of cashews, while others cannot.
Test with Caution: A methodical reintroduction process under medical guidance is the safest way to determine your personal tolerance to cashews.
Safer Alternatives Exist: Macadamia nuts, brazil nuts, and pumpkin seeds are generally considered safer, lower histamine nut and seed options.
Look for Additives: Be aware that additives and preservatives in many packaged nut products can also contribute to histamine load.

What is Histamine Intolerance?

Histamine intolerance is a condition where the body's natural ability to break down histamine is compromised, leading to an excess accumulation of the substance. This can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, digestive issues, hives, and nasal congestion. The enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine in the gut is called Diamine Oxidase, or DAO. When DAO activity is low or overwhelmed by a high histamine load from food, symptoms can appear. Cashews and other foods are assessed based on their histamine content and whether they act as 'histamine liberators' which trigger the body's own histamine release.

The Ambiguous Status of Cashews

The position of cashews on a low histamine diet is not straightforward, with conflicting information available from different sources. Some lists, such as the Swiss Interest Group Histamine Intolerance (SIGHI), classify cashews as a "1" on their 0-3 scale, indicating they are moderately problematic and potentially a histamine liberator. Conversely, other resources may consider them a low-histamine nut, but advise caution and moderation. This inconsistency highlights the highly individual nature of histamine intolerance. For some, a small, fresh portion may be tolerated without issue, while for others, any amount could trigger symptoms.

Factors Influencing Histamine Levels in Cashews

The histamine content in cashews is not fixed and can be affected by several key factors:

Freshness: As with many foods, the longer cashews are stored, the higher their potential histamine level becomes. Bacterial contamination over time can contribute to histamine production. Always opt for the freshest possible nuts.
Processing and Additives: Roasting, salting, or adding other ingredients can impact how a nut affects someone with histamine sensitivity. Processed products may contain additional ingredients or preservatives that can trigger a reaction.
Storage Conditions: Nuts stored in warm, humid conditions are more prone to bacterial growth, which increases histamine content. Storing cashews in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer helps minimize this risk.

Safe Low Histamine Nut and Seed Alternatives

For those who react poorly to cashews or wish to avoid them entirely, several other nuts and seeds are generally considered lower in histamine.

Macadamia nuts: Often well-tolerated and creamy, making them a great substitute in many recipes.
Brazil nuts: Typically safe in moderation, but note they are very high in selenium, so limit intake to a few per day.
Pistachios: Generally considered low histamine, especially when purchased plain and fresh.
Tiger nuts: Not a true nut, but a tuber, and a safe, low histamine option.
Pumpkin and Sunflower seeds: Good sources of nutrients and typically well-tolerated.

A Comparative Look: Cashews vs. Other Nuts


Feature	Cashews	Macadamia Nuts	Walnuts
SIGHI Score (0-3)	1 (Moderate Risk, Liberator)	0 (Low Risk)	3 (High Risk, Liberator)
Histamine Content	Inconsistent, varies with freshness	Generally considered low histamine	High, definite no-go for many
Biogenic Amines	May contain other amines that can block DAO	Less likely to contain other biogenic amines	Can be problematic for some
Key Consideration	Individual tolerance is key; start with very small, fresh portions	A safer, versatile alternative for many	Best to avoid entirely on a strict low histamine diet

How to Test Your Personal Tolerance

When trying to determine if cashews are safe for you, a systematic approach is crucial. This process, often part of a broader reintroduction phase of a low histamine diet, should always be done with medical supervision.

Steps for testing tolerance:

Elimination Phase: Strictly avoid all high-histamine foods, including cashews, for a few weeks to allow symptoms to subside.
Controlled Reintroduction: Introduce a very small, fresh, and unseasoned portion of cashews. Wait 24-48 hours and monitor for any adverse reactions, such as skin issues, digestive upset, or headaches.
Monitor and Record: Keep a food diary to log the amount consumed, preparation method, and any symptoms experienced. This helps identify patterns and thresholds.
Repeat or Substitute: If symptoms appear, cashews should be avoided. If they are tolerated, you can slowly increase the amount while continuing to monitor. If not, stick to known low-histamine alternatives.

Conclusion: Listen to Your Body

The final word on whether cashews are ok for a low histamine diet is that it's highly subjective. While some sources classify them as a potential trigger or liberator, others suggest they might be low in histamine when fresh. The most prudent approach is to start with an elimination phase and reintroduce them cautiously, if at all, while paying close attention to your body's specific reactions. For many, safer alternatives like macadamia nuts or pumpkin seeds offer a comparable nutrient profile without the same level of risk. Always consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to develop a personalized and safe dietary plan. For more information on navigating food sensitivities, consider reliable resources like the Swiss Interest Group Histamine Intolerance (SIGHI) for their comprehensive food lists.

Important Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any dietary changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cashews are sometimes flagged as problematic because they can contain biogenic amines and are noted by some groups, like SIGHI, as potential histamine liberators, meaning they could trigger the body's own histamine release.

Cashew butter is likely riskier than fresh cashews due to processing and longer storage times, which can increase histamine levels. Homemade butter from very fresh cashews might be slightly better, but many find it best to avoid or test with extreme caution.

Symptoms can vary widely, but may include headaches, migraines, digestive upset, skin reactions (hives, rashes), nasal congestion, or a rapid heart rate. The severity depends on your individual threshold and the overall histamine load.

No, not all nuts are high in histamine. Many are considered safe, including macadamia nuts, brazil nuts (in moderation), and chestnuts. However, some, like walnuts, are high histamine and should be avoided.

To minimize histamine build-up, store nuts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, or better yet, in the refrigerator or freezer. This prevents the bacterial growth that can increase histamine content over time.

The concept of histamine liberators is debated in the scientific community. Some lists identify cashews as liberators, but scientific evidence is not entirely conclusive, making personal experience and monitoring essential.

For those with histamine sensitivity, raw cashews may be a better option, provided they are fresh. Roasting and other processing can sometimes increase histamine levels and introduce triggering additives.