Foods high in iodine

Iodine is a mineral needed to make thyroid hormones, which help regulate the body's metabolism and support normal growth and development. Dried, raw seaweeds, including kombu, wakame and nori, lead this list. Other foods near the top include grilled, poached or steamed haddock, dried shrimps and cooked brown crab meat.

The list ranks foods by their iodine content per 100g, rather than by the amount usually eaten. Typical portion sizes therefore matter when comparing foods, particularly dried seaweed, which may be eaten in small amounts. Excess iodine can affect thyroid function, so a higher ranking does not mean a food is more suitable for everyone. Full figures are in the tables below.