Is honey high in salicylates? A nutritional guide for a low-salicylate diet

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to several analyses, the salicylate content of honey can vary dramatically, with some types classified as very high. This raises important questions for individuals managing a low-salicylate diet, as understanding whether is honey high in salicylates is key to managing symptoms.

Quick Summary

Honey's salicylate level is highly variable depending on its floral source, with some analyses classifying certain honeys as very high in salicylates. This variance is critical for those managing salicylate intolerance, who must approach honey with caution.

Key Points

High Variability: Honey's salicylate level depends heavily on its floral source and geographical origin, with darker honeys often containing higher levels.
Conflicting Evidence: Some studies classify certain honeys as very high in salicylates, while others find negligible amounts, highlighting the inconsistencies in testing and sourcing.
Salicylate Intolerance: This condition is a sensitivity, not an allergy, and symptoms can include headaches, skin issues, and digestive problems.
Dietary Alternatives: For individuals on a low-salicylate diet, safer alternatives to honey include white sugar, pure maple syrup, and rice malt syrup.
Elimination Diet: Diagnosis of salicylate sensitivity requires a medically supervised elimination diet and challenge to identify specific triggers.
Consult a Professional: Due to the wide variability and individual tolerance levels, consulting a doctor or dietitian is crucial for managing salicylate sensitivity safely.

Understanding Salicylate Sensitivity

What Are Salicylates?

Salicylates are natural chemicals derived from salicylic acid that are found in many plants, fruits, vegetables, and other products. For most people, consuming salicylates in foods poses no problem and may even offer antioxidant benefits. However, some individuals have a salicylate sensitivity or intolerance, a condition where they react negatively to even small doses. This is not a true allergy but an adverse food reaction that can cause a range of symptoms.

Salicylate Intolerance vs. Allergy

It's important to distinguish between a salicylate intolerance and a true allergy. An allergy is an immune system response, while an intolerance involves a difficulty processing or metabolizing a substance. Symptoms of salicylate intolerance are varied and can include headaches, migraines, hives, gastrointestinal distress, and behavioral problems in children. The only way to confirm a salicylate sensitivity is through a medically supervised elimination diet and challenge protocol, as there are no reliable blood or skin tests.

The Complex Answer to: Is Honey High in Salicylates?

The Variable Salicylate Content of Honey

There is no single answer to the question, "Is honey high in salicylates?" because the content varies significantly depending on its floral and geographical origin. Studies and food lists often show conflicting results, underscoring this variability.

Evidence for high salicylates: Some research, like the 1985 study by Swain et al., found that honey's salicylate content ranged from 2.5 to 11.24 mg per 100 grams, with some specific types testing as very high. Certain allergy organizations and dietitians also classify honey as very high in salicylates.
Evidence for low salicylates: In contrast, a 2017 study by Kęszycka et al. found negligible salicylate levels in a specific polyfloral honey, showcasing the potential for low-salicylate honey varieties.
The dark honey connection: Honey's antioxidant capacity, which is linked to its phenolic content, is often correlated with its botanical origin and color. Darker honeys tend to have higher levels of phenolic compounds, and this may also correlate with higher salicylate levels.

Why Testing Methods Matter

The inconsistencies in test results can also be attributed to different analytical methods used in various studies. Earlier tests may have yielded different, and sometimes higher, values than more recent, refined methods. The variation in the food itself, influenced by growing conditions, is also a factor.

Navigating a Low-Salicylate Diet

Practical Tips for Honey Consumption

For individuals with a known salicylate sensitivity, honey should be treated with caution. Since its salicylate level is unpredictable, it's often included in the list of high-salicylate foods to avoid during an elimination diet. If you have successfully managed an elimination diet and are reintroducing foods, you can test honey in small, controlled amounts under medical supervision.

A Comparison of Sweeteners for a Low-Salicylate Diet


Sweetener	Typical Salicylate Level	Best for Low-Sal Diet?	Notes
Honey (Variable)	Variable (Negligible to Very High)	Exercise Caution	Depends heavily on floral source. Darker honeys may be higher.
White Sugar	Negligible to Low	Yes	Processed to remove most compounds.
Pure Maple Syrup	Negligible to Low	Yes	Ensure it is pure, not artificially flavored.
Golden Syrup	Low	Yes	Made from sugar, contains minimal salicylates.
Rice Malt Syrup	Low	Yes	A good alternative with a honey-like texture.

Low-Salicylate Alternatives to Honey

If you need a sweetener while on a low-salicylate diet, consider these alternatives:

White granulated sugar
Pure maple syrup
Golden syrup
Rice malt syrup
Homemade caramel (using white sugar and dairy)

What to Do If You Suspect a Sensitivity

If you believe you have a salicylate sensitivity, it is essential to seek guidance from a doctor or registered dietitian. They can help you implement a structured elimination diet and reintroduction plan to accurately diagnose the intolerance and create a long-term management strategy. Relying solely on a food list can be misleading due to the variability in food salicylate content.

Conclusion: Know Your Honey

The final verdict on whether honey is high in salicylates is that it can be, but it's not a universal rule. The salicylate content is highly dependent on the floral source, and darker honeys may have higher concentrations. For those with salicylate sensitivity, it is safest to assume that honey is a high-salicylate food and to use a tested alternative like pure maple syrup or white sugar. For a more in-depth list of foods and their salicylate levels, consider resources like the Diet vs Disease website, which provides comprehensive guides based on research findings.

Note: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honey's salicylate content is highly variable and can be very high depending on its floral source. In contrast, pure maple syrup is generally considered low in salicylates and is often a safer sweetener for those with sensitivities.

No, it is not recommended to consume honey on a strict low-salicylate diet because its content is highly unpredictable. It is safer to use tested low-salicylate sweeteners and avoid honey entirely until testing your individual tolerance under a doctor's supervision.

You cannot reliably tell by the honey's appearance or taste. While darker honeys may be higher in salicylates due to higher phenolic content, this is not a definitive rule. The only way to know for sure is to have it tested, which is not practical for consumers. The safest approach is to assume honey is a high-salicylate food if you are sensitive.

Yes, rice malt syrup is often recommended as a low-salicylate alternative that has a texture similar to honey. Pure maple syrup and golden syrup are also safe options.

Salicylate sensitivity is diagnosed through a medically supervised elimination diet and food challenge. There are no reliable blood or skin tests for this type of food intolerance.

No, not all dark-colored foods are high in salicylates. While darker honeys and certain pigmented fruits and vegetables can be high, other dark foods like pure cocoa powder are negligible in salicylates. The color connection is not a universal rule.

Besides honey, common high-salicylate foods include certain fruits (like berries, grapes, and dried fruit), many herbs and spices (such as paprika, thyme, and rosemary), tea, coffee, wine, and olive oil.