Tomato paste
Tomato paste is highly concentrated tomato — studies have measured elevated histamine levels in concentrated tomato products compared to fresh.
Cooking down tomatoes into a paste removes water and concentrates everything, including histamine and the compounds associated with histamine release.
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Measured histamine content — concentrated tomato products have been found to contain higher levels of histamine and other biogenic amines than fresh tomatoes, with levels varying by brand and production method
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Hidden in recipes — tomato paste often appears in small amounts in sauces, soups, and stews, so it's worth checking ingredient lists if you're monitoring your intake
Fresh tomato, used sparingly, is a much gentler option if you still want that flavor.
Track your reactions to tomato paste in Histamine Tracker. Log meals and symptoms to spot the patterns that matter for your body.
For educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personal guidance.
References
- SIGHI Food Compatibility List — SIGHI (2026)
- Histamine and histamine intolerance — Maintz & Novak (2007)
- Histamine Intolerance: The Current State of the Art — Comas-Basté et al. (2020)
- Low-Histamine Diets: Is the Exclusion of Foods Justified by Their Histamine Content? — Sánchez-Pérez et al. (2021)
- Histamine Intolerance: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Beyond — Jochum (2024)
- Guideline on management of suspected adverse reactions to ingested histamine — Reese et al. (2021)
Histamine Tracker