Allergy & Asthma Center of SW Washington

Food Additives

Sulfites are anti-oxidizing agents used as preservatives that can sometimes trigger an asthma or allergy attack. (Read more about food allergy.) Sulfites are sometimes in foods that we may not expect. For example, many fresh fruits have been treated with preservatives to keep them looking fresh.

If you are sulfite-sensitive, you should always read labels and ask before you eat at restaurants. The most common foods that have sulfites are:

• Dried fruits
• Some packaged or prepared dried vegetables
• Wine or beer
• Shellfish

Below is a list of products that commonly have sulfite additives. This is not an all-inclusive list and many products with sulfites may not be listed here. Most states now have labeling laws that require posting of foods that contain sulfites, but always ask if you're not 100 percent sure.

Dairy

• Cheese
• Milk powder
• Fruit yogurt

Fish and Poultry

• Clams
• Crabs
• Lobsters
• Oysters
• Shellfish
• Shrimp

Fruits and Vegetables

Grains

• Corn bread or muffin mix
• Hot roll mix

Meat

Miscellaneous

• A la carte meals
• Beer
• Cordials
• Corn syrup
• Dips, especially with avocado
• Dried south mixes
• Gelatin
• Maraschino cherries
• Pancake syrup
• Potato chips
• Salad dressing made with vinegar
• Sweet and sour sauce
• Tang
• Vinegar
• Wine