Capers

Capers, canned

Source: USDA Nutrient Database. Protein daily value based on ISSN Position Stand for an individual weighing ~150 lbs.

Capers FAQ

Table of Contents

• Are capers gluten-free?
• Are capers keto?
• Are capers vegan?
• Are capers low FODMAP?
• Are capers high in potassium?
• Are capers high histamine?
• Are capers paleo?
• Are capers kosher?
• Are capers vegetarian?
• Are capers high in sodium?

Are capers gluten-free?

Yes, capers are naturally gluten-free. Gluten is found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye while capers are buds from a shrub. As a plant-based food, capers do not contain gluten unless cross-contaminated or processed with gluten-containing foods.

Are capers keto?

Yes, capers can be part of a keto diet. One tablespoon of capers, which is approximately 8.6 grams, contains about 0.2 grams of net carbohydrates. Given that the daily limit for a strict keto diet is generally around 20 grams of net carbohydrates, capers can be included without significantly impacting your carb count.

Are capers vegan?

Yes, capers are vegan. They are small buds that come from a shrub named Capparis spinosa and therefore are plant-based without any animal ingredients or by-products.

Are capers low FODMAP?

Capers can be low FODMAP depending on the portion size. According to Monash University, a low FODMAP serving size of capers is 1 tablespoon when they are drained. However, if consumed in larger amounts they may become high FODMAP due to the amount of fructans (a type of FODMAP). FODMAPs can trigger digestive symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is important to note individual tolerance can vary.

Are capers high in potassium?

Capers, in general, contain moderate levels of potassium. To be precise, 35 grams of drained capers (one heaped tablespoon) contain about 25.6 mg of potassium. However, when we compare it to the recommended daily intake of potassium for an adult, which is 4700 mg, it may not be considered very high. Consuming capers purely for their potassium content would require consuming them in large quantities which is not recommended due to their high sodium content.

Are capers high histamine?

Yes, capers are considered a high histamine food. Histamines are naturally occurring compounds in a variety of foods, including fermented or preserved foods like capers. This can potentially cause issues for individuals with histamine intolerance, a condition where the body is unable to effectively break down histamines, leading to an excess, which can trigger various symptoms such as headaches, itchy skin, and gastrointestinal issues.

Are capers paleo?

Yes, capers are paleo-friendly. The paleolithic diet, often known as the paleo diet, mainly includes foods that could be hunted or gathered by our prehistoric ancestors. Capers, being a plant product, fall into the “gathered” category and they are not processed or refined, which makes them suitable for the paleo dietary guidelines.

Are capers kosher?

Capers in their natural form are kosher, since they are a plant product. However, when capers are canned or bottled, they may be processed with other ingredients which are not kosher. It’s always important to check the packaging for a kosher certification; brands such as Bnei Darom or Roland have capers that are certified kosher.

Are capers vegetarian?

Yes, capers are 100% vegetarian. They are simply flower buds of the caper bush, which are often pickled for consumption.

Are capers high in sodium?

Yes, capers are high in sodium due to the pickling process. A single tablespoon contains about 202 mg of sodium. This is approximately 9% of the recommended daily intake of 2300 mg for a healthy adult. It’s crucial to factor this high sodium content into your meal planning, especially if you have conditions like high blood pressure that require a low-sodium diet. If you want to reduce the sodium, you can rinse the capers before consuming them.