Chocolate (milk)

Milk chocolate brings two potential triggers together — cocoa that prompts histamine release, and dairy that many people with histamine intolerance find adds to their symptoms.

• Lower cocoa, but not off the hook — less cocoa than dark chocolate means a weaker liberating effect, but it's still enough to be noticeable for sensitive individuals

• The dairy factor — many people with histamine intolerance also report difficulty with dairy, so the combination may compound the effect even if neither ingredient is severe on its own

White chocolate, which skips the cocoa solids, is often the most manageable option if you still want something sweet.