What Non-Plant Foods Contain Histidine?

December 4, 2025 •

4 min read

Histidine is one of nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own and must obtain from the diet. While it is present in some plant sources, a wide variety of non-plant foods contain histidine in high concentrations, making them excellent choices for ensuring adequate intake.

Quick Summary

This article details the primary non-plant dietary sources of histidine, including various meats, fish, dairy products, and eggs, and explains its importance for human health and bodily functions.

Key Points

Rich Meat and Poultry Sources: Excellent histidine sources include pork, beef, chicken, turkey, and wild game like venison and boar.
Diverse Fish and Seafood Options: Fish such as tuna, salmon, cod, and mackerel, along with shellfish like oysters, provide ample histidine.
Dairy and Eggs as Key Contributors: Cheese (especially parmesan and ricotta), milk, yogurt, and eggs are significant non-plant sources of this essential amino acid.
Histidine and Histamine Connection: The body uses histidine to produce histamine, a compound with important functions in immunity and digestion; however, this can be relevant for those with specific sensitivities.
Deficiency Is Rare with Adequate Protein: Ensuring enough overall protein intake, regardless of source, is the best way to prevent a histidine deficiency.

The Importance of Histidine

Histidine is more than just a component of protein; it's a vital building block for several critical bodily functions. As a precursor to histamine, it plays a key role in the immune response, digestion, and nerve signaling in the brain. It is also involved in tissue repair and the formation of red and white blood cells. A histidine deficiency is rare for those who consume enough protein, but a balanced diet from diverse sources is essential for proper health.

Meat and Poultry: Top Animal Sources

Meat and poultry are some of the richest non-plant sources of histidine. The concentration can vary depending on the cut and type of meat. Wild game, such as venison and boar, can have higher levels compared to some domesticated animals. Generally, leaner meats offer a concentrated source of this essential amino acid.

High-Histidine Meat and Poultry Choices

Pork: A braised pork chop can offer a very high percentage of the daily value for histidine. Ham and other pork products also contain significant amounts.
Beef: Cuts like skirt steak and beef roast are excellent sources. Various beef cuts, including chuck and brisket, are high in histidine.
Chicken and Turkey: Lean chicken breast is a potent source of histidine. Turkey roast is another strong option for boosting intake.
Game Meats: Deer meat (venison), wild boar, and antelope are particularly dense in histidine.

Fish and Seafood

For those who prefer seafood, many fish species offer a robust supply of histidine. The amount can vary based on the species, with dark-muscled fish generally containing higher levels than white-muscled fish.

Seafood Options High in Histidine

Tuna: Both fresh tuna fillets and canned tuna subs are noted for their high histidine content.
Salmon: A well-known source, salmon offers a healthy dose of histidine alongside other beneficial nutrients.
Mackerel and Sardines: These fish naturally contain high levels of histidine, which is a key reason for their association with histamine production after improper handling.
Other Fish: Cod, halibut, snapper, and trout are also reliable sources of histidine.
Shellfish and Others: Canned oysters and fish roe provide additional sources of histidine.

Dairy Products and Eggs

Dairy and eggs are foundational non-plant sources of protein and histidine for many diets, including lacto-ovo vegetarians.

Dairy and Egg Sources of Histidine

Cheese: Parmesan and ricotta are cited as strong dairy sources of histidine. Many other types of cheese also contribute.
Eggs: The protein-rich egg white is a particularly good source, though histidine is present in the whole egg. Dried egg white powder is a very concentrated source.
Milk and Yogurt: These are readily available sources of histidine, contributing to daily intake through various forms.

Comparison of Non-Plant Histidine Sources

To put the histidine content into perspective, here is a comparison of histidine per 100g for various non-plant food options, referencing data from food databases.


Food Source	Histidine Content (mg per 100g)	Notes
Pork (braised)	1,080	Rich and versatile meat source.
Beef (skirt steak)	1,293	High concentration in leaner cuts.
Lean Chicken Breast	1,195	Excellent and popular poultry source.
Tuna	880	Content can vary by species and preparation.
Salmon	806	A great source along with other nutrients.
Parmesan Cheese	1,609	Highly concentrated dairy source.
Dried Egg White	1,872	Very concentrated protein powder source.
Ricotta Cheese	~430	Calculated from approximate RDI.

Factors Affecting Histidine Content

Several factors can influence the histidine content of animal products. The specific cut of meat or species of fish can cause variability. For fish, proper handling is crucial, as histidine can convert into histamine if not stored correctly, which can be an issue for individuals with histamine intolerance. Additionally, the diet and general health of an animal can impact its nutritional profile.

The Role in Histamine Production

It is important to understand the metabolic process related to histidine. The body uses histidine to produce histamine, a compound involved in allergic reactions, gastric acid production, and neurotransmission. For most people, this is a normal process. However, some individuals with histamine intolerance or certain metabolic disorders (like histidinemia) need to monitor their intake or processing of histamine, which is often derived from histidine-rich foods. Cooking practices can sometimes affect histidine levels. For this reason, those with specific health concerns should consult a professional.

Conclusion: A Diverse Array of Sources

In conclusion, a wide range of non-plant foods are excellent sources of histidine, an essential amino acid. From various cuts of meat and types of poultry to a broad selection of fish, seafood, and dairy products, consumers have many options to ensure adequate dietary intake. Eggs, especially egg whites, also provide a powerful source. For a balanced diet, incorporating a mix of these high-protein foods can help meet the body's needs for histidine and support overall health.

For more information on the role of amino acids in the body, consider resources from reputable health organizations like the Cleveland Clinic: Amino Acid: Benefits & Food Sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Histidine is classified as essential because the human body cannot produce it on its own and must obtain it from dietary sources to meet its needs for protein synthesis, nerve function, and other vital processes.

No, the histidine content varies depending on the type of meat and the specific cut. Wild game like venison tends to be very high, while leaner cuts of beef, pork, and chicken are also excellent sources.

Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and various cheeses contain significant amounts of histidine. Parmesan cheese, for example, is a particularly concentrated source.

Yes, improper handling or storage of certain fish, like mackerel or tuna, can lead to the conversion of histidine into histamine. Proper refrigeration or flash-freezing helps prevent this.

Beyond protein synthesis, histidine is a precursor for histamine, a compound that supports immune function, digestion, and neurotransmission. It also contributes to tissue repair and blood cell formation.

For most healthy individuals who consume a diet with adequate protein, a histidine deficiency is rare. The body is efficient at compensating for lower intake over short periods.

Yes, eating foods high in histidine increases the raw material available for the body to produce histamine. This is a normal physiological process, but for individuals with histamine intolerance, managing intake is sometimes necessary.