The Feingold Diet: Complete Guide to Food Lists, Benefits, and Safety

The Feingold Diet is a nutritional approach developed in the 1970s that aims to improve behavioral challenges in children by removing specific food additives, artificial ingredients, and naturally occurring compounds called salicylates from the diet.

Originally designed by Dr. Benjamin Feingold, a California-based pediatrician and allergist, this dietary protocol has been promoted as a potential intervention for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders, and various behavioral concerns in children.

Despite its popularity among some parent communities, the scientific evidence supporting this diet remains limited and controversial. This comprehensive guide explores what the Feingold Diet involves, what research says about its effectiveness, and important safety considerations for families considering this approach.

What Is the Feingold Diet?

The Feingold Diet is an elimination diet that restricts certain foods and food additives believed to contribute to hyperactivity and behavioral problems in children. Dr. Feingold initially developed this eating pattern while treating young patients for allergic conditions such as hives, asthma, and eczema.

After observing improvements in behavior alongside allergy symptom relief, he began recommending the diet specifically for children experiencing ADHD symptoms, learning disabilities, and other behavioral challenges.

The core principle of the diet is that artificial food additives and naturally occurring salicylates may trigger adverse behavioral reactions in sensitive individuals. By eliminating these substances, proponents believe children can experience improved focus, reduced hyperactivity, and better overall behavior.

Key Components Eliminated

The diet requires complete elimination of:

• All artificial food colorings and dyes
• Artificial flavorings
• Artificial sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose, saccharin)
• Three specific preservatives: BHA, BHT, and TBHQ
• Foods naturally high in salicylates
• Synthetic fragrances and perfumes

How Does the Feingold Diet Work?

The Feingold Diet follows a two-phase elimination and reintroduction protocol designed to identify potential dietary triggers for behavioral symptoms.

Phase One: Strict Elimination

During the initial phase, all potentially problematic foods and additives are removed from the child’s diet. This includes:

• Complete avoidance of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and the three specified preservatives
• Elimination of all foods containing salicylates
• Preparation of all meals from scratch using approved ingredients

According to the original protocol, behavioral improvements should become noticeable within one to six weeks if the diet is effective for that individual child.

Phase Two: Gradual Reintroduction

After completing the elimination phase and observing any behavioral changes, salicylate-containing foods can be slowly reintroduced one at a time. If symptoms return with specific foods, those items are removed again.

Importantly, artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and the three preservatives remain permanently restricted and are never reintroduced into the diet.

Foods to Avoid on the Feingold Diet

The Feingold Diet requires avoiding an extensive list of foods, particularly during the initial elimination phase.

High-Salicylate Fruits

The following fruits must be eliminated during phase one due to their high salicylate content:

• Apples and apple products (including applesauce and juice)
• Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries)
• Cherries and grapes
• Oranges, tangerines, and other citrus fruits
• Stone fruits (peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots)
• Raisins, currants, and other dried fruits
• Tomatoes

High-Salicylate Vegetables

Several vegetables are restricted during the elimination phase:

• Cucumbers and pickles
• Bell peppers and hot peppers
• Tomatoes and tomato products
• Zucchini and summer squash
• Radishes
• Broccoli and spinach
• Eggplant

Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings

Many common cooking spices contain high levels of salicylates and must be avoided:

• Cinnamon, cloves, and allspice
• Curry powder, turmeric, and cumin
• Oregano, thyme, and rosemary
• Cayenne pepper and paprika
• Ginger and mustard

Other Restricted Items

• All processed foods containing artificial additives
• Breakfast cereals with colorings or preservatives
• Chewing gum and candy
• Flavored beverages including most juices, sodas, and teas
• Jams, jellies, and flavored syrups
• Most nuts and seeds (especially almonds)

Approved Foods on the Feingold Diet

Despite the extensive restriction list, many whole, unprocessed foods are permitted on the Feingold Diet.

Low-Salicylate Fruits

• Bananas
• Pears
• Melons (cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon)
• Mangoes and papayas
• Pineapple
• Lemons and limes
• Kiwi fruit

Low-Salicylate Vegetables

• Potatoes (excluding sweet potatoes)
• Carrots and beets
• Cabbage and Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower and celery
• Lettuce and kale
• Green beans and peas
• Sweet corn
• Mushrooms and onions

Protein Sources

Plain, unprocessed proteins without additives are allowed:

• Fresh meat, poultry, and fish (without marinades or seasonings containing banned ingredients)
• Eggs
• Beans and lentils
• Plain dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt without artificial additives)

Grains and Starches

• Plain rice, oats, and other whole grains
• Bread and pasta made without preservatives or artificial ingredients
• Plain crackers without additives

Sweeteners

While artificial sweeteners are banned, the following are permitted:

• White and brown sugar
• Honey and maple syrup
• Stevia (a natural plant-derived sweetener)
• Sugar alcohols like xylitol and sorbitol

Does the Feingold Diet Actually Work?

The effectiveness of the Feingold Diet for treating ADHD and behavioral problems remains highly controversial in the medical and scientific communities.

Research Findings

Early studies conducted in the 1970s and 1980s largely failed to demonstrate significant benefits from the Feingold Diet. These investigations found little to no improvement in hyperactivity or ADHD symptoms when compared to control groups.

More recent systematic reviews examining the relationship between artificial food additives and behavioral problems have produced mixed results. While some research suggests a small subset of children may be sensitive to certain food dyes, the overall evidence does not support widespread elimination of these substances for all children with ADHD.

A 2022 comprehensive review published in the journal Nutrients found insufficient evidence to recommend elimination diets for ADHD management in the general population.

Individual Variability

It’s important to recognize that behavioral disorders like ADHD are complex conditions with multiple contributing factors. What may affect one child’s symptoms may have no impact on another.

Some children may indeed have sensitivities to specific food additives or naturally occurring compounds, but this appears to be the exception rather than the rule. Proper medical evaluation is essential for identifying genuine food sensitivities versus other factors affecting behavior.

Placebo Effect and Observation Bias

Many reported successes with the Feingold Diet may be influenced by placebo effects or observer bias. When parents believe a dietary intervention is helping their child, they may unconsciously interpret behaviors more positively or attribute improvements to the diet rather than other concurrent changes.

Well-designed studies using double-blind methodologies, where neither parents nor researchers know which children are following the diet, have generally shown minimal to no benefit from the Feingold approach.

Safety Concerns and Potential Risks

While eliminating artificial additives and focusing on whole foods aligns with general health recommendations, the Feingold Diet’s extreme restrictions raise several important safety concerns, particularly for growing children.

Risk of Nutritional Deficiencies

The diet eliminates many nutrient-dense foods including:

• Berries rich in antioxidants and vitamin C
• Tomatoes containing lycopene and vitamins
• Oranges and citrus fruits high in vitamin C
• Nuts and seeds providing healthy fats and minerals
• Various vegetables offering important vitamins and fiber

Children have high nutritional needs for proper growth and development. Unnecessarily restricting healthy foods without medical justification can lead to inadequate intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

Development of Disordered Eating Patterns

Placing young children on highly restrictive diets may contribute to unhealthy relationships with food. When many foods are labeled as “bad” or “forbidden,” children may develop:

• Food anxiety and fear around eating
• Difficulty with social situations involving food
• Rigid thinking about “good” versus “bad” foods
• Increased risk of eating disorders later in life

Social and Emotional Impact

Following such a restrictive diet can significantly impact a child’s social life and emotional well-being:

• Difficulty participating in normal childhood activities like birthday parties
• Feeling different or isolated from peers
• Limited food options at school or restaurants
• Potential for stigmatization or bullying

Practical Challenges for Families

The Feingold Diet demands extensive time and resources from families:

• All meals must be prepared from scratch
• Grocery shopping becomes more complicated and time-consuming
• Food costs may increase significantly
• Separate meal preparation may be needed for different family members
• Constant vigilance is required to avoid banned ingredients

Who Should Consider the Feingold Diet?

Given the lack of strong scientific evidence and potential risks, the Feingold Diet is generally not recommended as a first-line approach for managing ADHD or behavioral issues.

When Dietary Evaluation May Be Appropriate

In some specific circumstances, exploring dietary factors may be warranted:

• When a child has documented food allergies or intolerances
• If parents observe consistent, reproducible reactions to specific foods
• As part of a comprehensive evaluation under medical supervision
• When other appropriate interventions have been implemented

Proper Approach to Food Sensitivity Testing

If you suspect your child may have food sensitivities affecting behavior, work with qualified healthcare professionals including:

• Pediatricians who can rule out other medical causes
• Registered dietitians who can design nutritionally adequate elimination diets
• Allergists who can test for genuine food allergies
• Psychologists or psychiatrists specializing in childhood behavioral disorders

A properly supervised elimination diet will be less restrictive than the Feingold Diet, carefully monitored for nutritional adequacy, and conducted for a limited time period with systematic reintroduction protocols.

Safer Alternatives to the Feingold Diet

Rather than following the restrictive Feingold Diet, families seeking to support their child’s behavioral health through nutrition should consider these evidence-based approaches.

Focus on Overall Diet Quality

Research supports providing children with a balanced diet emphasizing:

• Plenty of fruits and vegetables of all types
• Whole grains and fiber-rich foods
• Lean proteins and plant-based protein sources
• Healthy fats from fish, nuts, seeds, and plant oils
• Adequate hydration with water
• Limited added sugars and highly processed foods

Establish Regular Eating Patterns

Consistent meal and snack times help stabilize blood sugar and energy levels, which may support better behavior and focus:

• Provide three balanced meals daily
• Include planned, nutritious snacks
• Avoid skipping breakfast
• Limit grazing and unstructured eating

Ensure Adequate Sleep

Sleep quality significantly impacts behavior, attention, and emotional regulation. Prioritize:

• Age-appropriate sleep duration
• Consistent bedtime routines
• Screen-free time before bed
• A calm sleep environment

Encourage Physical Activity

Regular exercise has proven benefits for children with ADHD and behavioral challenges:

• At least 60 minutes of activity daily
• Mix of structured sports and free play
• Outdoor time when possible
• Movement breaks during homework or quiet activities

Evidence-Based ADHD Management

For children diagnosed with ADHD, the most effective treatment approaches typically include a combination of interventions tailored to each child’s specific needs.

Behavioral Interventions

Structured behavioral strategies have strong research support:

• Parent training in behavior management techniques
• Classroom accommodations and support
• Organizational skills training
• Social skills development
• Cognitive behavioral therapy for older children

Medical Treatment

For many children with ADHD, medication prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider can be highly effective. If considering any treatment approach, including medication, always consult with your child’s doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks specific to your child’s situation.

Comprehensive Support

The most successful outcomes often result from coordinated care involving:

• Regular medical monitoring
• School collaboration and support
• Family education and counseling
• Addressing any co-occurring conditions

The Bottom Line

The Feingold Diet is a highly restrictive elimination diet developed in the 1970s that removes artificial food additives and salicylate-containing foods with the goal of improving behavioral problems in children. Despite ongoing popularity in some communities, scientific evidence does not support its effectiveness for treating ADHD, autism, or other behavioral disorders in most children.

The diet poses several significant concerns including potential nutritional deficiencies, development of unhealthy relationships with food, social and emotional impacts, and substantial practical burdens for families. The extreme restrictions eliminate many nutritious foods without clear benefit for the vast majority of children.

While a very small percentage of children may have genuine sensitivities to specific food additives, this should be evaluated and managed under professional medical supervision using appropriate testing protocols and monitored elimination diets that are less restrictive and nutritionally adequate.

Families concerned about their child’s behavior, attention, or development should work with qualified healthcare providers to obtain proper diagnosis and evidence-based treatment. This may include behavioral interventions, educational support, and when appropriate, medical treatment. Consultation with your child’s doctor is essential before making any significant dietary changes or starting any treatment approach.

Rather than following unproven restrictive diets, focusing on overall nutrition quality, regular eating patterns, adequate sleep, physical activity, and evidence-based interventions offers the best support for children’s behavioral health and development.

Sources:

• National Center for Biotechnology Information – Food Additives and ADHD
• Mayo Clinic – ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
• American Psychological Association – ADHD Resources
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – ADHD Treatment
• American Academy of Pediatrics – ADHD Information
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Food Additives and Colors