Is Sulfur Dioxide in Dried Fruit Bad for Your Stomach?

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), less than 1% of the general population has a sulfite sensitivity, yet for those who are susceptible, the question of whether is sulfur dioxide in dried fruit bad for your stomach is a valid concern. While a preservative, sulfites can cause digestive upset and other adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.

Quick Summary

Sulfur dioxide in dried fruit, while generally safe, can cause digestive upset for individuals with sulfite sensitivities or allergies, potentially leading to bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Factors like high fiber and fructose content can also contribute to gastrointestinal discomfort.

Key Points

Sensitive Individuals: A small percentage of the population, including many asthmatics, is sensitive to sulfites and may experience digestive distress from sulfur dioxide in dried fruit.
Symptom Manifestation: For sensitive people, sulfur dioxide can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
High Fiber Impact: The high fiber and concentrated fructose in dried fruit can exacerbate digestive issues for those with sensitive stomachs, particularly those with conditions like IBS.
Unsulfured Alternatives: Opt for unsulfured dried fruit, which is darker and chewier, or choose freeze-dried fruit to avoid added sulfites.
Mitigation Techniques: Soaking dried fruit in hot water before eating can help reduce the amount of sulfur dioxide present on the surface.
Label Reading is Key: Look for labeling requirements on packages, as the FDA mandates that sulfites be disclosed if concentrations are above 10 ppm.
Consult a Professional: If you experience adverse reactions, consult a healthcare provider for testing and personalized advice.

Understanding Sulfur Dioxide and Its Purpose

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a colorless gas with a pungent odor that has been used as a food preservative for centuries. In dried fruits like apricots, raisins, and golden raisins, it is added to prevent browning and spoilage, maintaining a visually appealing color and extending shelf life. The FDA classifies sulfites as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) for most people. However, it is its very properties as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent that can cause issues for certain sensitive populations.

How Sulfur Dioxide Can Affect Digestion

While the average person can consume sulfites without issue, those with sensitivities or allergies may experience adverse effects, particularly involving the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The reaction is not an immune-system-driven allergy for most, but rather an intolerance that can irritate the gut lining. The following digestive issues have been reported:

Abdominal pain and cramps
Bloating and gas
Diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting

These symptoms can be amplified when combined with the high fiber and concentrated sugar (fructose) content that is naturally present in dried fruit, which can also contribute to gas production and discomfort in sensitive individuals. For those with pre-existing GI conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), these effects may be more pronounced.

Who is at Risk for Sulfite Sensitivity?

Several factors can increase an individual's risk of having a reaction to sulfites in dried fruit. Asthmatics are at a significantly higher risk, with studies suggesting that 3–10% of chronic asthmatics are hypersensitive to sulfites. Reactions can cause respiratory distress, in addition to digestive symptoms. Furthermore, sulfite sensitivity can develop at any age, even without a prior history of reactions.

Managing Your Sensitivity to Sulfur Dioxide

If you suspect you have a sulfite sensitivity, or experience digestive issues after eating dried fruit, there are several strategies you can employ to mitigate or avoid symptoms:

Read Labels Carefully: The FDA requires that any product containing more than 10 parts per million of sulfites must be labeled. Look for “sulfur dioxide,” “potassium bisulfite,” “sodium sulfite,” or “sulfites” on the ingredient list.
Choose Unsulfured Products: Many health food stores offer unsulfured dried fruits, which are naturally darker in color and have a less tart, more natural caramel flavor.
Soak and Rinse: As some studies show, soaking dried fruit in hot water can help remove a portion of the surface sulfites. While this doesn't eliminate all traces, it may reduce the amount for some sensitive individuals.
Start Small: Introduce dried fruits gradually into your diet to see how your body reacts before consuming larger quantities.

How to Tell the Difference: Sulfured vs. Unsulfured

For consumers, a simple visual comparison can often indicate whether dried fruit has been treated with sulfur dioxide. The aesthetic difference is a direct result of sulfur dioxide's preservative properties against oxidation.


Feature	Sulfured Dried Fruit	Unsulfured Dried Fruit
Appearance	Bright, vibrant color (e.g., golden apricots)	Dark, brown, or more natural color
Texture	Softer and more pliable	Chewier and sometimes tougher
Flavor	Often more tart or acidic	Sweeter, deeper, and more caramel-like flavor
Preservatives	Contains sulfur dioxide (E220) or other sulfites	Contains no added sulfites; relies on drying process
Shelf Life	Longer shelf life due to preservation	Shorter shelf life; more susceptible to spoilage

Exploring Alternatives for Sensitive Stomachs

For those who wish to avoid sulfur dioxide entirely due to digestive concerns, several options are available. Look for freeze-dried fruit, which retains its freshness and flavor through a process that removes water without the need for chemical preservatives. Alternatively, fresh fruit or other naturally dried options can provide similar nutritional benefits without the risk of a sulfite reaction. Organic dried fruits are also required to be unsulfured.

Conclusion

While sulfur dioxide is a safe and effective preservative for the vast majority of people, the answer to the question, "is sulfur dioxide in dried fruit bad for your stomach?" is a resounding yes for those with sulfite sensitivity. This condition can lead to uncomfortable digestive symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. By understanding the signs of sulfite sensitivity, knowing how to identify sulfured products through labeling and appearance, and exploring unsulfured or alternative options, affected individuals can continue to enjoy the nutritional benefits of dried fruit without the negative gastrointestinal side effects.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Individuals with concerns about sulfite sensitivity should consult with a healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sulfur dioxide is a common food preservative used in dried fruits to prevent browning and microbial spoilage. It acts as both an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent.

Yes, for the vast majority of people, dried fruit containing sulfur dioxide is safe to eat. However, individuals with sulfite sensitivities, particularly asthmatics, may experience negative reactions.

In sensitive individuals, it can cause various digestive problems, including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, nausea, and diarrhea.

Treated dried fruits are often brighter in color (e.g., golden apricots), whereas unsulfured varieties are naturally darker brown. Check the ingredients list for 'sulfur dioxide' or other sulfite compounds.

No, a sulfite sensitivity is generally an intolerance that doesn't involve the immune system in the same way as a true allergy. However, the symptoms can be uncomfortable or severe, especially for asthmatics.

Alternatives include unsulfured dried fruit, freeze-dried fruit, and organic dried fruit, none of which contain added sulfur dioxide.

Soaking dried fruit in hot water can help remove some of the surface sulfites, but it will not eliminate them completely. This may be enough to reduce reactions for some individuals.