Foods Containing Nickel

Some people experience an allergic reaction to foods or other products containing the mineral nickel, with women having this problem more often than men. Typical symptoms include a rash, an itchy swollen area with or without blisters and cracked or peeling skin. Your doctor can test you for a nickel allergy if you experience these symptoms after touching products containing nickel. Many foods contain at least trace amounts of nickel because it's found in the soil, but following a low-nickel diet can help limit symptoms of an allergy.

Beans and legumes, including soybeans, kidney beans, lentils, peas, chickpeas and peanuts, are among the foods highest in nickel. So are some grains, including whole wheat, oats, millet, rye, fiber and bran products, brown rice, muesli, multigrain breads and buckwheat.

Beverages that are relatively high in nickel include coffee, hot cocoa, tea, red wine and beer.

Nuts and seeds, such as sunflower, flaxseed and sesame seeds, and products containing them, such as marzipan, also provide nickel.

Tomatoes, raw carrots, onion, dried fruits, dates, pineapple, prunes, raspberries and figs are also high in nickel.

You'll also be getting some nickel in your diet when you eat some types of seafood, including tuna, herring, mackerel and shellfish. Other foods that are significant sources of nickel include canned foods, chocolate, gelatin, licorice, baking powder and some vitamin supplements.