Updated on December 11, 2025.
Lung inflammation can trigger asthma attacks that may make people feel as though they're drowning or struggling to breathe. To help prevent these attacks, it's important to avoid inflammation triggers. For some people with asthma, foods containing sulfites can be especially problematic.
Sulfites are used in manufacturing to preserve color and keep foods looking fresh. But they can also irritate the lungs, and many people with asthma are more sensitive to them. In some cases, it may be an allergic reaction to sulfites. In other cases, they may react because food and drinks containing sulfites release sulfur dioxide gas when consumed. Within a few hours, this exposure can trigger symptoms such as wheezing and a cough.
Here are some common foods containing sulfites, along with simple swaps you can use instead.
Pickles and relishes
This includes pickle relish and anything pickled, including sauerkraut. Swap pickles for fresh veggies or freshly made salsa. The lime juice can satisfy your craving for something sour.
Beer, wine, and hard cider
Sulfites are a natural byproduct of fermentation, so there's no wine or beer that's truly sulfite-free. Your best bet is avoiding alcohol altogether. If you do drink, do so in moderation. That’s a limit of one drink each day for women, and two for men.
Avoid sulfites by choosing a cocktail made with a distilled spirit, such as whiskey, rum, or gin. Beware cocktail mixes and garnishes that may also contain sulfites, such as pickled cocktail onions and maraschino cherries.
Vinegars
Red wine vinegar, cider vinegar, sherry vinegar, and rice wine vinegar contain sulfites for the same reason that wine and beer do: They're fermented. While vinegars can be difficult to substitute in some foods, a squeeze of fresh citrus juice can help to flavor vegetables, lean meats, and salads.
Fruit toppings
If your favorite fruity sundae or yogurt topping was commercially processed, it's likely got sulfites to help preserve the color. So do jams, jellies, processed fruit, and veggie juices, and dried fruits, like raisins, apricots, and dried plums. Opt for fresh fruit instead. If you're craving a fruity sauce for a sundae or parfait, toss diced berries with a little sugar and let it macerate for a few minutes before dolloping it on your ice cream or yogurt.
Processed meats
Some processed meats, such as prepared beef stew, contain sulfites. Another reason to avoid processed meats: They're often high in saturated fat, which some research has linked with worse asthma symptoms. Since manufacturers cannot by law add sulfites to raw meat, it may be wisest to prepare beef, pork, and other meats from scratch at home.
Packaged guacamole
Sulfites help keep ready-to-eat guacamole bright green. Fortunately, it’s simple to slice your own avocados or quickly make your own guac. If you're dining out, ask if the guacamole is made fresh in the restaurant kitchen.
Frozen and instant potatoes
Like the avocados in guacamole, it's hard to keep potatoes from turning brown, so food manufacturers turn to sulfites to do the trick. Try slicing and roasting potato wedges yourself or prepare a homemade mashed potato dish. When you're eating out, choose a baked potato, especially if you're not certain the fries were made on site.
Frozen seafood
Sulfites are added to frozen shrimp and lobster to keep their shells bright. Frozen fish, canned clams and shrimp, and dried cod can also contain sulfites. Still, seafood is a good source of healthy nutrients, such as protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. Try buying your seafood and shellfish fresh. Finding a fish market with a knowledgeable staff can help.
Packaged cookies
Processed baked goods are often made with sulfites, and many also contain saturated fats. If you have asthma, it’s wise to steer clear of items such as commercial pie crusts, cookies, canned frosting, refrigerated biscuit dough, and cookie dough as best you can.
