What Products Contain Sulphites? A Comprehensive Guide

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

Sulphites have been used as a food preservative since ancient Roman times, and their use is widespread today across many food and drink products. For individuals with sensitivities, understanding what products contain sulphites is crucial for managing their diet and avoiding adverse reactions.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of common foods, beverages, and other items containing sulphites. It helps readers navigate labels and understand the risks associated with these preservatives.

Key Points

Prevalence: Sulphites are widely used as preservatives in dried fruits, wines, and many processed foods.
Food Types: Common sources include wine, beer, dried fruits, processed potatoes, and condiments.
Reading Labels: Look for E-numbers (E220-E228) and chemical names like sodium metabisulphite on ingredient lists.
Sensitivity vs. Allergy: Sulphite reactions are typically sensitivities, not true allergies involving the immune system, but can cause severe, allergy-like symptoms, especially in asthmatics.
Variable Levels: The concentration of sulphites can differ greatly between products; for example, dried fruit generally contains much higher levels than wine.
Hidden Sources: Be aware of sulphites in pre-cut produce, some medicines, and certain cosmetics.
Asthma Risk: People with asthma are at a higher risk of experiencing adverse reactions to sulphites.

The Role of Sulphites in Food Production

Sulphites, primarily in the form of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and its derivatives, are chemical compounds with powerful preservative properties. In the food and beverage industry, they serve several key functions:

Preservative and Antioxidant: They prevent spoilage by inhibiting the growth of mold and bacteria and protect products from oxidation, which can cause discolouration and alter flavour.
Bleaching Agent: Sulphites are used to bleach food starches, like those from potatoes, and to maintain the vibrant colour of dried fruits.
Anti-browning: In fresh-cut produce, sulphites stop enzymatic browning, keeping items like pre-cut potatoes and salads looking fresh.

Common Food Items Containing Sulphites

Sulphites can be found in a wide array of foods, especially those that are processed or pre-packaged. Here is a list of some common culprits:

Dried and Processed Produce

Dried Fruits: A primary source of high sulphite levels, including dried apricots, raisins, and prunes.
Pre-cut and Processed Potatoes: Frozen French fries, dried potatoes, and pre-cut, peeled potatoes are often treated with sulphites to prevent browning.
Fruit Juices and Concentrates: Bottled lemon and lime juices, as well as many other fruit and vegetable juices, contain sulphites.
Fruit Fillings and Jams: Many processed fruit-based products use sulphites to maintain freshness and colour.

Meats and Seafood

Processed Meats: Sausages, deli meats, and hot dogs often use sulphites as a preservative.
Crustaceans: Both fresh and frozen prawns and shellfish are sometimes treated with sulphites to prevent black spots and discolouration.

Condiments and Dressings

Vinegar: Both wine and cider vinegars are known sources of sulphites.
Sauces and Dressings: Many salad dressings, gravies, and bottled sauces contain sulphites.
Guacamole: Pre-made guacamole and other avocado-based dips often include sulphites to prevent browning.

Sulphites in Beverages and Other Products

Beyond solid foods, sulphites are prevalent in many drinks and can even be found in non-edible items.

Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Wine and Beer: Sulphites are naturally produced during fermentation and are also added by winemakers and brewers to preserve flavour and prevent spoilage.
Cider: Similar to wine, cider contains both natural and added sulphites.
Soft Drinks: Fruit juice concentrates and other soft drinks may contain sulphites.

Medicines and Cosmetics

Pharmaceuticals: Certain injectable medications, such as some adrenaline auto-injectors and local anaesthetics, contain sulphites as a preservative.
Cosmetics: Products like hair dyes, skin creams, and tanning lotions can contain sulphites.

Comparison of Sulphite Levels

While many products contain sulphites, the concentration varies significantly. Here is a comparison of typical sulphite levels in common products:


Product Category	Example Product	Typical Sulphite Concentration	Notes
Dried Fruit	Dried Apricots	500-2000 ppm	One of the highest concentrations found in food.
Wine	White Wine	~100 mg/L (ppm)	Concentrations vary based on type; sweeter wines typically have more.
Processed Potatoes	Frozen French Fries	10-49 ppm	Levels depend on processing method and brand.
Condiments	Ketchup/Mustard	Varies	Small amounts often used as a preservative.
Fresh Grapes	Preserved for transport	Variable	Sulphites are sometimes used during transport to preserve freshness.

How to Avoid Sulphites

For sensitive individuals, avoiding sulphites requires careful label reading and awareness of hidden sources. The following strategies can help:

Read Labels Every Time: Recipes and ingredients can change, so always check the product label, even if it's a brand you've used before.
Know the E-Numbers: In many regions, sulphites are identified by E-numbers (E220-E228) in the ingredients list.
Identify Common Names: Watch for names like sulphur dioxide, potassium metabisulphite, and sodium bisulphite.
Check Precautionary Statements: Look for 'may contain' warnings, which indicate potential cross-contamination.
Be Mindful When Dining Out: Restaurant salads and other pre-prepared foods may have been treated with sulphites to maintain their fresh appearance. Communicate your sensitivity to the staff.
Use Fresh, Unprocessed Foods: Cooking and eating fresh, whole foods is the most reliable way to avoid sulphites.

Conclusion

Sulphites are common food additives used to preserve a wide variety of products, from everyday condiments to special occasion wines. While most people consume them without issue, those with sensitivities must remain vigilant. By understanding where sulphites are typically found, reading ingredient lists, and being aware of hidden sources, sensitive individuals can successfully manage their diets. For further information and detailed allergen guidelines, reliable resources such as the Anaphylaxis UK factsheet on sulphites provide helpful guidance for navigating a sulphite-free diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sulphites are a group of sulphur-based substances, such as sulphur dioxide, used as preservatives to prevent food from spoiling and to maintain its colour.

Sulphites are often mistakenly blamed for headaches from wine. However, research suggests other factors like histamines or tannins are more likely to be the cause.

No, sulphite sensitivity is different from an allergy to sulfa-based medications. They are unrelated chemical compounds.

All wines contain some naturally occurring sulphites from the fermentation process. Most winemakers also add additional sulphites for preservation, though 'no added sulphite' wines exist and are more fragile.

In many countries, food labels must declare sulphites if they are present above 10 parts per million. Check the ingredients list for words like 'sulphites', 'potassium bisulphite', or E-numbers E220-E228.

Many brightly coloured dried fruits, including apricots, raisins, and prunes, contain sulphites to prevent oxidation and browning. Darker-coloured raisins and prunes may contain fewer or no added sulphites.

It is possible to react to sulphites in wine but not in dried fruit. This is because sulphites in wine are 'free' and highly reactive, while those in dried fruit are 'bound' and processed differently by the body.