Nutrition selection

Iron rich foods for digestive health

Written by NutriDecide Editorial Team Last updated: 2026-07-25

A curated food list to compare nutrients, calories and dietary context without focusing on just one item.

Use the tables to compare real options for your goal — values are per 100 g unless stated otherwise on the label.

Type: Food pages Focus: Nutrition Goal: Health & performance
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Nutrition selection

Iron rich foods for digestive health

A curated food list to compare nutrients, calories and dietary context without focusing on just one item.

Protein Fiber Vitamins Minerals Energy Balance

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Page summary

🍽️

Total foods

100

items analyzed

Best choice

Proteína isolada de ervilha em pó

💪

Average protein

8,6 g

per 100g

🌿

Average carbs

37,0 g

per 100g

🔥

Average fat

9,6 g

per 100g

Quick assessment

Our analysis

This ranking showcases foods rich in iron that also support digestive health, based on datasets from DATA.top_foods and other sources. It helps you identify which foods provide the most iron per 100 grams, with practical comparisons on calories, protein, carbs, fat, and fiber.

Note: Foods included have at least 2 grams of fiber and sufficient iron content, aiming to promote good digestion while boosting iron intake. This list is tailored for those looking to improve their digestive health through nutrient-dense choices.

👍 Positive points

  • ✅ List with 100 foods; Proteína isolada de ervilha em pó ranks among the top picks.
  • ✅ Leader in Iron: Sumac, dried (imported data) (180 mg per 100 g).
  • ✅ Top of the ranking: Sumac, dried (imported data) (Protein 0, Calories 261, Carbs 39.2).

⚠️ Points to watch

  • ⚠️ Large list — compare portions and context, not just table rank.
  • ⚠️ Calorie range spans 9 kcal to 790.84 kcal per 100 g — the same pick can weigh very differently on your daily target.
  • ⚠️ Cumin packs more calories (417 kcal per 100 g) — watch portions.

Full analysis

Understanding this list of foods

This ranking showcases foods rich in iron that also support digestive general general health, based on datasets from DATA.top_foods and other sources. It helps you identify which foods provide the most iron per 100 grams, with Practical food comparisons on Calories, Protein, Carbs, Fat, and Fiber.

Note: Foods included have at least 2 grams of Fiber and sufficient iron content, aiming to promote good digestion while boosting iron intake. This list is tailored for those looking to improve their digestive general general health through nutrient-dense choices.

Top picks and why they rank well

Among the foods listed, several stand out due to their impressive nutrient profiles:

  • Sumac (imported data): High in iron (180 mg per 100 g) and Fiber (33 g), with moderate Calories (261 kcal). It's a flavorful spice that boosts iron without adding many Calories.
  • Thyme: Rich in iron (124 mg), Protein (9.1 g), and vitamin A. Its antioxidant properties support digestion, making it a versatile herb.
  • Manjerona (dried marjoram): Very high in iron (83 mg), with substantial calcium, vitamin A, and antioxidants, aiding digestive processes.
  • Coriandro (dehydrated cilantro leaves): Contains 81 mg of iron and an impressive amount of Fiber (37 g), promoting gut general general health while providing essential nutrients.
  • Sesame seeds: Although high in Calories (598 kcal), they provide significant iron (10.4 mg) and general general healthy fats that support nutrient absorption.

How to choose foods based on your goal

If your goal is to improve digestive general general health with adequate iron intake:

  • Prioritize foods with high Fiber (above 20 g per 100 g) like Sumac, Cilantro, and Sesame seeds, which help promote gut motility and digestion.
  • Choose foods with high iron content (over 50 mg per 100 g), such as Thyme and Sumac, to support anemia prevention.
  • For those aiming at Protein intake alongside iron, herbs like Thyme and seeds like Sesame are excellent options.

If your focus is weight loss, consider lower-calorie options like Sumac (261 kcal) and dried herbs, rather than calorie-dense seeds like Sesame. For muscle gain, foods with higher Protein (Thyme, with 9.1 g per 100 g) or pea Protein isolate powder are more suitable.

Common mistakes when using this list

Many overlook portion sizes—values are per 100 g, which is often more than a typical serving. Adjust your portions accordingly to avoid overestimating nutrient intake.

Another mistake is relying solely on mineral content without considering overall diet balance. For example, high-calorie seeds like Sesame, while nutritious, should be consumed in moderation if weight control is a goal.

Lastly, ignoring other nutrients such as vitamin C, which aids iron absorption, can limit the effectiveness of iron-rich foods. For instance, cilantro provides both iron and vitamin C.

Practical next step for you

Start incorporating some of these top-ranked foods into your daily meals. For example, adding dried sumac or thyme to salads or meats can boost iron intake and support digestion. Remember to balance your diet with a variety of high-Fiber foods, adequate hydration, and overall nutrient diversity.

Use this list as a practical guide to make smarter choices—by comparing nutrient values and serving sizes, you can tailor your diet to support digestive general general health and iron levels effectively.

How to interpret this page

🔥 Calories: Calories show energy per 100 g and help you compare portion impact across foods. Use them with protein and carbs to see whether an option fits maintenance, deficit, or surplus goals. A low score does not mean a food is ‘bad’ — it reflects nutrient density for general health, not your specific plan.

💪 Protein: Protein per 100 g shows how concentrated a food is as a protein source. Higher values support muscle recovery, satiety, and meal balance when that is your priority. Compare foods on this page rather than judging a single macro in isolation.

🌾 Carbs: Carbs matter most in context: training days, ketogenic diets, and endurance goals change what ‘good’ looks like. Powders such as maltodextrin score lower on our general-health scale because they are energy-dense with little protein, fiber, or micronutrients — not because they are never useful.

🥑 Fat: Fat carries more than twice the calories per gram than protein or carbs, so small portion changes matter. Moderate fat levels can support hormones and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Use this column with calories when balancing satiety and energy density.

Tip: combine the table with your goal — weight loss, muscle gain, low carb, endurance, or general health. The score helps compare options on this page; it does not replace medical or sports-nutrition advice.

Nutrition facts (per 100g)

The data shown is filtered to match this page’s topic.

The NutriDecide score (1–10) ranks foods on this page by protein, nutrient density, fiber, and a general-health lens — not by taste or whether they fit a specific diet. Low scores (e.g. maltodextrin) usually mean fewer nutrients per calorie; high scores (e.g. soy protein isolate) mean stronger protein and micronutrient density. It is a comparison tool: a low score does not forbid a food when it matches your goal.

FoodCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberScore
🍽️

Sumac, dried (imported data)

261,00,039,211,632,9 6/10
🍽️

Thyme

331,09,157,17,418,6 5/10
🍽️

Thyme, dried (imported date)

248,00,045,37,418,6 4/10
🍽️

White bread, fried

256,08,851,51,63,5 3/10
🍽️

Zaatar, homemade, with salt (imported cube) (dried thyme, toasted sesame seeds, sumac, with salt)

345,00,029,625,218,6 4/10
🍽️

Marjoram, dried (imported date)

233,00,042,57,018,1 4/10
🍽️

Coriandro (cilantro), leaves, dehydrated, Brazil

136,00,010,710,437,3 7/10
🍽️

Cumin, seed, raw (imported date)

407,017,833,722,310,5 4/10
🍽️

Cumin

417,017,845,418,210,5 4/10
🍽️

Turmeric, powder (imported date)

207,00,044,43,222,7 4/10
🍽️

Sage, dried (imported date)

285,00,042,712,718,1 4/10
🍽️

Mix of dried herbs (imported date)

209,00,033,78,228,9 5/10
🍽️

Dill

288,019,942,24,437,6 8/10
🍽️

Nori, dried algae (imported data)

17,00,02,70,736,4 10/10
🍽️

Laurel, leaf, dried (imported date)

300,07,648,78,426,3 5/10
🍽️

Basil

175,014,420,54,040,5 9/10
🍽️

Basil

740,614,420,54,040,5 7/10
🍽️

Basil, dried (imported date)

209,00,043,24,017,8 4/10
🍽️

Parsley, dried (imported date)

121,00,014,57,044,7 8/10
🍽️

Cinnamon, powder

44,03,93,254,3 10/10
🍽️

Star anise, seed (imported date)

285,00,035,415,914,6 3/10
🍽️

Oregano, dried (imported date)

144,00,026,44,342,5 7/10
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Chili or hotpepper, powder

303,012,031,714,334,8 7/10
🍽️

Rosemary, dried (imported date)

223,00,021,515,242,6 7/10
🍽️

Tarragon, raw (imported date)

27,00,04,31,12,9 4/10
🍽️

Black pepper

230,011,038,33,326,5 6/10
🍽️

Rosemary

342,05,046,415,224,1 5/10
🍽️

Black, pepper

73,010,93,326,5 8/10
🍽️

Breakfast cereal, corn and wheat

374,06,080,83,03,4 2/10
🍽️

paprika, powder

328,014,838,013,020,0 5/10
🍽️

Paprika, powder

328,014,838,013,020,0 5/10
🍽️

Breakfast cereal, wheat and rice

369,016,074,01,03,0 3/10
🍽️

Seaweed, agar agar, powder (imported date)

296,00,073,20,37,7 2/10
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Paprika, powder (imported date)

192,00,019,112,934,9 6/10
🍽️

Fried corn

566,06,651,037,34,9 2/10
🍽️

Ginger, powder (imported date)

268,00,057,54,214,1 3/10
🍽️

Colorific, annatto, powder (imported date)

219,00,040,96,132,1 5/10
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Spice, curry, powder, Brazil

219,00,028,611,633,2 6/10
🍽️

Rice, bran, raw, Brazil

218,00,011,219,324,3 4/10
🍽️

Beans, pinto, raw, Brazil

166,00,038,91,224,0 5/10
🍽️

Fennel, seed (imported date)

184,00,012,514,939,8 7/10
🍽️

Babassu, mesocarp, flour, raw, Brazil

247,00,061,30,217,9 3/10
🍽️

Cereal, with wheat bran, All-Bran (imported data)

224,00,044,94,929,3 5/10
🍽️

Thyme, raw (imported date)

57,00,010,51,714,0 4/10
🍽️

Green tea, Matcha, powder (imported data)

104,00,014,05,338,7 7/10
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Soy, grain, toasted, unshelled, ground, Brazil

394,00,014,037,69,5 2/10
🍽️

Cereals, porridge, dry mix (averga of several flavours), Brazil

364,05,282,91,33,2 2/10
🍽️

Wheat appetizer

507,010,358,225,96,3 3/10
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Wheat appetizer

506,010,358,225,86,2 3/10
🍽️

Scratchings

482,010,352,225,86,2 3/10

Vitamins and minerals

Showing top foods: 12 / 100
🍽️

Food

Sumac, dried (imported data)

Minerals

Calcium 3,1
Iron 180,0
Magnesium 0,9
Phosphorus 1,0
Potassium 5,6
Sodium 0,2
Zinc 0,0

Vitamins

Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Vitamin B1 0,0
Vitamin B2 0,0
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B6 0,0
Vitamin B12 0,0
🍽️

Food

Thyme

Minerals

Calcium 1890,0
Iron 123,6
Magnesium 220,0
Phosphorus 201,0
Potassium 814,0
Sodium 55,0
Zinc

Vitamins

Vitamin A 380,0
Vitamin C 0,0
Vitamin D 0,0
Vitamin E 0,0
Vitamin K
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B12
🍽️

Food

Thyme, dried (imported date)

Minerals

Calcium 1890,0
Iron 123,0
Magnesium
Phosphorus 200,0
Potassium 810,0
Sodium 55,0
Zinc 6,2

Vitamins

Vitamin A 380,0
Vitamin C 0,0
Vitamin D 0,0
Vitamin E 9,2
Vitamin K
Vitamin B1 0,5
Vitamin B2 0,4
Vitamin B3 4,9
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B6 0,4
Vitamin B12 0,0
🍽️

Food

White bread, fried

Minerals

Calcium 54,9
Iron 89,2
Magnesium 24,6
Phosphorus 89,2
Potassium 107,8
Sodium 509,6
Zinc 0,6

Vitamins

Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B12
🍽️

Food

Zaatar, homemade, with salt (imported cube) (dried thyme, toasted sesame seeds, sumac, with salt)

Minerals

Calcium 1,0
Iron 86,7
Magnesium 142,0
Phosphorus 372,0
Potassium 537,0
Sodium 422,0
Zinc 4,5

Vitamins

Vitamin A 0,2
Vitamin C
Vitamin D 0,0
Vitamin E 3,7
Vitamin K
Vitamin B1 0,2
Vitamin B2 0,2
Vitamin B3 4,2
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B6 0,2
Vitamin B12 0,0
🍽️

Food

Marjoram, dried (imported date)

Minerals

Calcium 1990,0
Iron 82,7
Magnesium
Phosphorus 310,0
Potassium 1520,0
Sodium 77,0
Zinc 36,0

Vitamins

Vitamin A 807,0
Vitamin C 0,0
Vitamin D 0,0
Vitamin E 9,2
Vitamin K
Vitamin B1 0,3
Vitamin B2 0,3
Vitamin B3 4,1
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B6 0,0
Vitamin B12 0,0
🍽️

Food

Coriandro (cilantro), leaves, dehydrated, Brazil

Minerals

Calcium 783,0
Iron 81,4
Magnesium 392,0
Phosphorus 388,0
Potassium 3222,0
Sodium 18,3
Zinc 4,7

Vitamins

Vitamin A 635,0
Vitamin C 40,8
Vitamin D 0,0
Vitamin E 2,2
Vitamin K
Vitamin B1 0,1
Vitamin B2 0,1
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B6 0,1
Vitamin B12 0,0
🍽️

Food

Cumin, seed, raw (imported date)

Minerals

Calcium 931,0
Iron 66,4
Magnesium 366,0
Phosphorus 499,0
Potassium 1790,0
Sodium 168,0
Zinc 4,8

Vitamins

Vitamin A 64,0
Vitamin C 7,7
Vitamin D 0,0
Vitamin E 3,3
Vitamin K
Vitamin B1 0,6
Vitamin B2 0,3
Vitamin B3 4,6
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B6 0,4
Vitamin B12 0,0
🍽️

Food

Cumin

Minerals

Calcium 931,0
Iron 66,3
Magnesium 356,0
Phosphorus 499,0
Potassium 1788,0
Sodium 168,0
Zinc

Vitamins

Vitamin A 127,0
Vitamin C 7,7
Vitamin D 0,0
Vitamin E 0,0
Vitamin K
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B12
🍽️

Food

Turmeric, powder (imported date)

Minerals

Calcium 168,0
Iron 55,0
Magnesium 208,0
Phosphorus 299,0
Potassium 2080,0
Sodium 27,0
Zinc 4,5

Vitamins

Vitamin A 0,0
Vitamin C 0,7
Vitamin D 0,0
Vitamin E 4,4
Vitamin K
Vitamin B1 0,1
Vitamin B2 0,1
Vitamin B3 1,4
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B6 0,1
Vitamin B12 0,0
🍽️

Food

Sage, dried (imported date)

Minerals

Calcium 1650,0
Iron 54,8
Magnesium 70,0
Phosphorus 91,0
Potassium 1070,0
Sodium 11,0
Zinc 4,7

Vitamins

Vitamin A 590,0
Vitamin C 0,0
Vitamin D 0,0
Vitamin E 9,2
Vitamin K
Vitamin B1 0,1
Vitamin B2 0,3
Vitamin B3 5,7
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B6 0,6
Vitamin B12 0,0
🍽️

Food

Mix of dried herbs (imported date)

Minerals

Calcium 1,0
Iron 54,8
Magnesium 70,0
Phosphorus 656,0
Potassium 1,0
Sodium 61,7
Zinc 8,9

Vitamins

Vitamin A 906,0
Vitamin C 26,2
Vitamin D 0,0
Vitamin E 9,2
Vitamin K
Vitamin B1 0,3
Vitamin B2 0,4
Vitamin B3 4,7
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B6 0,6
Vitamin B12 0,0

Analysis

💪

Protein

Low

🌾

Carbs

Moderate

🥑

Fat

Moderate

🔥

Calories

Moderate

🏆

Summary

Decide better

Frequently asked questions

What is this list for?

It groups foods rich in iron that also promote digestive health, helping you make informed dietary choices.

Where should I start in the table?

Begin with Sumac, dried (imported data), Thyme, and Cilantro, comparing their protein, fiber, and calorie content per 100 g.

Are these values per serving or per 100 g?

All values are standardized per 100 g, so adjust portions based on your actual intake.

How can I use this info practically?

Compare foods based on their iron content, fiber, and calories to select options that best fit your health goals and daily routine.

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