Iodine is a trace mineral that the body requires to synthesize thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland is a small gland in the front of the neck that is about the size of a walnut. This is where most of the iodine in your body is stored. People that have had thyroid cancer often have to get regular checkups called "radioiodine scans" to make sure there are no cancerous thyroid cells in the body. In preparation, they have to follow a diet that contains low-iodine foods.
Fruits
Fruits that are fresh, frozen or in the form of juices are all low in iodine. Examples include apples, grapes, pears, bananas and berries. Canned pineapples, peaches and pears are also low in iodine. Maraschino cherries with the additive Red Dye No. 3 and rhubarb are exceptions.
Vegetables
Vegetables are similar to fruits in the fact that fresh and frozen are the lowest in iodine. Examples of these are carrots, celery, cucumbers, squash, kale and collard greens. Spinach and broccoli are two exceptions that are a little higher in iodine than other vegetables.
Sweeteners
Sugar, jelly, unsulfured molasses, maple syrup and honey are all sweeteners that are used for topping bread, adding to tea and for baked goods. They all have a sweet taste and are also low in iodine.
Beverages
Distilled water, non-instant coffee, non-instant tea, lemonade, diet soda, regular soda, wine and beer are all beverages that are low in iodine content. The only exception would be sodas that have Red Dye No. 3 in them.
Nuts
Nuts are high in polyunsaturated fats which are the good kinds and they are low in iodine. But that only applies to nuts that are free of salt. Examples of these are almonds, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, cashews and peanuts. Nut butters that are made from any of the mentioned nuts are also low in iodine, provided there is no salt added.
Oils
Vegetables oils are used for cooking, salad dressing and to top steamed vegetables. They are low in iodine; examples include olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil and safflower oil.
Miscellaneous
According to the Entrust Medical Group Centers of Care, the following foods are all low in iodine: fresh meats prepared by a butcher, poultry without salt, egg whites, wild game, legumes, unsalted pasta, rice cakes, popcorn, bean oil and dairy-free margarine.
Seasonings
Regular salt is high in sodium and iodine, but non-iodized salt is not. Fresh or dried herbs, salt-free mixes, spices and vinegars are examples of seasonings that are free of iodine.
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