If you're looking for foods that have zero cholesterol, it might help if you understand exactly where cholesterol comes from. Your body makes some cholesterol, and you get the rest from foods you eat. Dietary cholesterol comes only from animals and animal products. Plant foods do not contain cholesterol. The list of foods that have zero cholesterol is quite extensive, as evidenced by the USDA National Nutrient Database.
Fruits and Vegetables
Since dietary cholesterol comes only from animals, all fruits and vegetables have zero cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends limiting your intake of dietary cholesterol to less than 300 mg per day. Since fruits and vegetables are generally low in calories, including plenty of them in your diet is a good way to keep both cholesterol and calorie intake low.
Beverages and Condiments
Beverages that have zero cholesterol include water, coffee, tea, colas and fruit juices. Alcoholic beverages also contain no cholesterol. Jams, jellies and preserves have zero cholesterol, as do honey, molasses, ketchup and mustard. Regular margarine also does not contain cholesterol, but margarine mixed with butter does contain some cholesterol.
Other Foods
Most cereals have zero cholesterol, and many breads have none. Although egg yolks are high in cholesterol, egg whites contain none. Other foods that have zero cholesterol include nuts and peanut butter, rice and spices such as cinnamon, chili powder, oregano, paprika, curry powder and black pepper. Leavening agents such as yeast, baking powder and baking soda also have zero cholesterol. Cooking and salad oils contain no cholesterol, but, like many foods with zero cholesterol, can be high in calories.
