Amaranth is a grain in the Amaranthaceae family of plants. Other plants in this family include beetroot, chard, spinach and quinoa.

True grains are in the Poaceae family of plants, so amaranth and quinoa are considered 'pseudocereals'. They don't contain gluten, so are suitable for people following a gluten free diet. You can read more about grains and pseudocereals on our Grain Page.

The World Health Organization (WHO) does not have any recorded allergens for amaranth, but it is thought to contain 7S seed storage proteins and 11S seed storage proteins. These are proteins more commonly found in nuts, seeds and legumes.

Amaranth is a high FODMAP food. FODMAP stands for Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. Foods high in FODMAPs can cause symptoms of food intolerance, affecting the gastro intestinal system and this can be mistaken for a true IgE food allergy.

As a cereal, amaranth is a food low in salicylates. Salicylates have the potential to cause worsening of asthma, swelling, itching and hives as well as food intolerance symptoms in people who are sensitive to salicylates.

Amaranth contains a moderate amount of lectins, another cause of food intolerance. Cooking foods with lectins makes them more digestible and can reduce the symptoms of food intolerance.

You can read more about Food Intolerances on the dedicated Food Intolerance Page.

Amaranth is linked to contact allergic dermatitis.

Other plants in the Amaranthaceae family of plants include beetroot, chard, spinach and quinoa. If you are allergic to some of these foods you may want to avoid eating amaranth.

Other plants which contain 7S seed storage proteins include various peas, seed and beans as well as coconut and quinoa.

11S seed storage proteins are also found in many nuts and legumes as well as kiwi, pumpkin and quinoa.

Note that these food lists are not exhaustive, the most up to date food lists can be found on the Cross Reactivity Tool page.

Let me know if you found any of these interesting or useful. If you spot an article or research that you think is interesting you can message me or tag me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter - links at the bottom of the page.