Sulfite Free/Low Sulfite Products I Like
Updated 02/22/20 with some new products I’ve recently discovered or forgot to mention in original post.
Here is a list of some products, foods and beverages that I enjoy. Not everyone’s tolerance is the same so some of these items may or may not work for you. It just depends on your tolerance or sensitivity level to sulfites. I use or consume these products on a regular basis and am not and have not received any compensation for endorsing these products. My motivation for this post is to share what works for me because I know how difficult the trial and error game can be. Hopefully I can make your journey at least a little easier today.
Beauty/Hygiene Products
This is a tough category. Hidden ingredients makes the task of finding sulfite or sulfate free difficult. Sulfates are used in soaps and shampoos to create lather. Yellow #5 is used abundantly to color creams and lotions. Sulfites are also often used to preserve products, especially face products. Though I am prone to acne due to my PCOS, I saw a dramatic improvement in breakouts when I started avoiding topical sulfites. Even many acne products contain sulfites. The frustration of products marketed to make acne better, only making mine worse is no longer an issue for me.
Closys Toothpaste and Mouthwash – This was a game changer find for me. Many toothpastes that I have used my whole life contain sulfites. My daily baseline Idiopathic Angioedema, frequency of canker sores and extent of geographic tongue all saw improvement.
Charcoal Soap – I’ve tried and liked several types. I used Dial Soap for many years. Recently they changed their formulation, and it no longer works for me.
I found a brand of Charcoal Soap I really like. Easy to find (I found it at Walmart) and it’s fairly inexpensive as ‘special soaps’ go.
Yardley Activated Charcoal Moisturizing Bath Bar
Moisturizer – Cetaphil Lotion and Cream (Caution: Cetaphil Cleanser and Cetaphil for Eczema are not Sulfate Free)
Foundation – Nars
Lipstick – Bite Beauty ( I love giving these products as gifts)
Sunscreen – EltaMd
Beverages
I LOVE coffee. It is both a staple and a treat for me. Considering most beverages contain some form of sulfites, either outright or hidden, I have found that other than tap water and Ozarka bottle water, a good cup of coffee is my happy place.
Coffee – Black – Naturally without sulfites but beware of additives, creamers and flavorings.
Water – Ozarka Bottled Water (Many bottled waters have Magnesium Sulfate or Calcium Sulfates as added minerals – even if not listed). On my last trip to Mexico, I couldn’t find a Sulfite free bottle of water. I ended up mostly drinking fresh juice and fortunately our friends had rented a condo with a kitchen for themselves so I took advantage of that and boiled tap water there and kept it with me.
Green or Black Tea – Loose or Keurig pods (Tea bags can be treated with sulfites to prevent discoloration)
Vodka – Beware of flavored vodkas or mixers. I usually do well with Tito’s (a Texas favorite) Kettle One, Grey Goose.To be safe I stick to tap water and fresh lime.
Tequila – An example of a Low Sulfite Skinny Margarita – Fresh squeezed lime, Fresh Orange Juice, Agave.
Food
Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Quinoa
Eggs (Eggs naturally have some sulfites and white shelled eggs may be treated with sulfites)
Fresh Fruit (Grapes have some sulfites) – berries are a great option
Vegetables (Garlic and onions have low level of sulfites)
Poultry
Beef
Seafood – Shellfish may be treated with sulfites …
Cadbury Chocolate made in Europe, mainly England (Europe has stricter regulations of additive use)
Peanut M&M’s made in England (they don’t use Red #40 and Yellow #5) …
Popcorn (avoid flavorings)
Nuts – Almonds, Peanuts (Walnuts naturally have sulfites)
Bread – Dave’s Killer Bread
Natural or Organic Peanut Butter
Beans
Cheese (avoid ‘cheese product’ ie American cheese and packaged grated cheese)
Yogurt – avoid those with added fruit or food colorings
