What Fruits Don't Contain Iodine?: A Guide for Your Low-Iodine Diet

October 23, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated 89% of households worldwide have access to iodized salt, making dietary iodine consumption a ubiquitous practice. However, certain medical procedures, particularly radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer, require patients to strictly limit their iodine intake. For those following a low-iodine diet, knowing what fruits don't contain iodine is key to maintaining a varied and healthy nutritional plan.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed list of fruits that are naturally low in iodine, along with considerations for processed options. It's an essential resource for anyone required to follow a low-iodine diet, outlining safe and delicious fruit choices to ensure dietary variety and satisfaction.

Key Points

Low-Iodine Fruit List: Most fresh and plain frozen fruits, including apples, berries, citrus, and melons, are naturally low in iodine and safe for consumption.
Avoid Red Dye #3: Be cautious of fruits containing the artificial color Red Dye #3 (Erythrosine), found in products like maraschino cherries, as it contains a significant amount of iodine.
Check Processed Fruit Ingredients: Always read labels on canned, dried, or frozen fruit products to ensure they don't contain added iodized salt, certain preservatives, or colorings.
Soil Affects Content: The exact iodine level in any plant is influenced by the soil's composition, but the concentration in most fruits remains very low compared to other iodine-rich foods.
Avoid Rhubarb: Rhubarb is one of the few fruits often listed as an item to avoid during a strict low-iodine diet.
Consult a Professional: Always talk to your healthcare provider or a dietitian to ensure your diet plan meets your specific health needs, especially when undergoing medical treatment.

Understanding Iodine in Your Diet

Iodine is an essential trace mineral necessary for the thyroid gland to produce hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development. While iodine deficiency is a global health concern, some medical situations necessitate a temporary reduction in iodine intake. The most common reason for a strict low-iodine diet is preparation for radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy for thyroid cancer. The goal of this diet is to deplete the body's natural iodine stores, making the thyroid cells more receptive to the radioactive treatment. This diet typically lasts for one to two weeks and is very restrictive, requiring careful monitoring of all food sources.

The Low-Iodine Fruit Landscape

Fortunately, most fresh and frozen fruits are naturally very low in iodine, making them an excellent dietary staple for a low-iodine regimen. The iodine content in plant-based foods is primarily dependent on the iodine levels of the soil where they are grown, which can vary widely by region. Still, relative to high-iodine sources like seafood and dairy, the contribution from most fruits is negligible.

A Comprehensive List of Low-Iodine Fruits

Most fresh fruits are safe for a low-iodine diet. Here is a list of fruits you can generally enjoy without concern:

Apples: Fresh apples and unsweetened applesauce are safe choices.
Apricots: Both fresh and dried (if unsalted) apricots are acceptable.
Berries: Fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and cranberries are low in iodine.
Cherries: Fresh cherries are a good option, but maraschino cherries should be avoided due to the potential for Red Dye #3.
Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and tangerines are all low in iodine.
Grapes: A versatile, low-iodine snack.
Melons: Cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew are all safe choices and excellent for hydration.
Peaches and Nectarines: These provide natural sweetness and are low in iodine.
Pineapple: Canned pineapple in its own juice is also safe.
Plums: Fresh plums are a suitable, low-iodine option.
Dried Fruits: Unsalted raisins and other dried fruits (without red dye #3 or sulfites, as some can contain high iodine) are generally safe in moderation.

Processed Fruits: Key Considerations

While fresh fruit is generally worry-free, processed fruit products require more careful attention. Canned fruits, jams, and jellies are often safe, but you must check the ingredient list to ensure no iodized salt or artificial colorings like Red Dye #3 (Erythrosine) have been added. Red Dye #3 is a significant source of iodine and is found in some fruit cocktails, cereals, and candies. Frozen fruits are typically safe, provided they are plain and not in a sauce.

Comparison: Low-Iodine Fruits vs. Higher-Iodine Foods

Understanding how fruits fit into a low-iodine diet compared to other food groups can help provide perspective on why they are considered safe. The table below illustrates the contrast.


Food Category	Example Foods	Typical Iodine Content	Dietary Advice
Low-Iodine Fruits	Apples, Watermelon, Oranges	Generally very low (affected by soil)	ALLOWED - Fresh, frozen (plain), and unsalted canned versions are safe.
Dairy Products	Milk, Cheese, Yogurt	High (affected by cow's feed and iodophors)	AVOID - These are major sources of iodine and must be avoided.
Seafood	Cod, Shrimp, Seaweed	Very High (especially seaweed)	AVOID - The most significant source of iodine; avoid all marine products.
Iodized Salt	Table Salt	Added specifically for iodine content	AVOID - Use non-iodized salt instead.
Certain Additives	Red Dye #3, Carrageenan	Can be significant sources	AVOID - Check ingredient lists for these additives.

Practical Tips for Your Low-Iodine Diet

Read Labels Diligently: This is the most important rule. Always check the ingredient list on any processed or packaged food. Look for iodate, iodide, carrageenan, agar-agar, alginate, or FD&C Red Dye #3.
Go for Fresh: When in doubt, fresh is best. Buy fresh, whole fruits and prepare them yourself to have full control over the ingredients.
Embrace Variety: With so many low-iodine fruit options, you can enjoy a wide variety of flavors and textures. Create fruit salads, make fresh smoothies, or simply enjoy a piece of fruit as a snack.
Beware of Surprising Sources: Be aware of less obvious iodine sources. Some multivitamins, supplements containing kelp or dulse, and certain medications can contain high levels of iodine and should be avoided.
Homemade is Better: Consider making your own fruit-based products, like jams, jellies, or fruit leathers, using non-iodized salt and no red dye.

Conclusion

While a low-iodine diet can feel overwhelming and restrictive, most fruits provide a safe and healthy source of vitamins and minerals. By focusing on fresh and simply processed options and being a diligent label reader, you can incorporate a variety of delicious fruits into your diet. For specific, authoritative dietary guidance related to your medical condition, consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian. You can also refer to the resources from the American Thyroid Association for more information on managing a low-iodine diet safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most 100% fruit juices are low in iodine and safe to drink. However, you should check the label to make sure they do not contain Red Dye #3 or other iodine-containing additives. Freshly squeezed juices are always a safe bet.

Yes, many dried fruits are acceptable, provided they are unsalted and do not contain Red Dye #3. Dried raisins and prunes are good examples. It is crucial to read the ingredient list carefully.

Yes, bananas are a suitable choice for a low-iodine diet. They contain a very small amount of iodine, making them a safe and nutritious option.

Red Dye #3, or erythrosine, is an artificial food coloring that is a significant source of iodine. It is often found in maraschino cherries and some candy, cereal, and fruit cocktail products. It should be avoided on a low-iodine diet.

Canned fruit can be safe if it is packed in its own juice or syrup and does not contain any iodine-rich additives like Red Dye #3. Always check the ingredients to be certain.

Yes, the iodine content of any plant, including fruit, is influenced by the iodine level in the soil. However, the concentration in most fruits is so low that this variability is not a significant factor for those following a low-iodine diet, especially when compared to high-iodine sources like seafood.

A low-iodine diet is most commonly prescribed for patients preparing to receive radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy for certain types of thyroid cancer. By lowering the body's iodine levels, the treatment becomes more effective by allowing the cancerous cells to absorb more of the radioactive iodine.