Migraine is a neurological condition often characterized by severe headaches. A variety of lifestyle-based and environmental factors can trigger migraines. Even foods can induce migraine attacks in combination with other factors. However, the triggers typically vary from person to person, and there is no universal migraine trigger. Nevertheless, here are a few surprising foods and beverages that have often been known to contribute to or cause migraine episodes in many of those affected:

1. Chocolate
According to research, about 22% of those with migraines consider chocolate a trigger. This is attributed to the presence of beta-phenylethylamine in chocolate. Beta-phenylethylamine is an organic compound that stimulates the brain and central nervous system.

2. Caffeine
Caffeine is known to help relieve headaches; however, when consumed daily, one can become dependent on it. Then, if they cut down on caffeine, say even by 80mg less than their typical intake, they could experience a headache. Given that the concentration of caffeine differs in foods (like chocolate) and drinks (like green tea and coffee), one must keep their daily caffeine intake in check.

3. Salty foods
Salty foods, including salty processed foods containing a lot of preservatives, can also trigger a migraine attack. A high sodium intake is known to induce headaches and spike blood pressure, so one should limit excessively salty foods.

4. MSG (monosodium glutamate)
About 10–15% of those with migraine regard MSG as a trigger. This ingredient is added to foods like instant noodles, frozen foods, snacks like potato chips, canned soups, Chinese food, and fast foods.

5. Artificial sweeteners
Several processed foods contain artificial sweeteners as alternatives to sugar. However, these sweeteners, especially aspartame, may trigger a migraine or even worsen it.

6. Aged cheese
Aged cheese contains tyramine—a substance that develops due to protein breakdown in aging foods. So, the longer a cheese is aged, the more tyramine it contains. The substance is known to trigger migraine and headaches. So, one may want to limit the intake of parmesan, blue cheese, and feta cheese, all of which are rich in tyramine.

7. Fresh fruits
Highly acidic foods, like citrus fruits, can lead to gastric irritation, which can result in a migraine attack. So, one should see if citrus fruits or juices seem to trigger a migraine episode and consider limiting their intake. In addition, bananas and avocados, like aged cheese, can develop a high tyramine level when they are too ripe and should be avoided.

8. Fermented and pickled foods
Fermented and pickled foods are also rich in tyramine, making them potential migraine triggers. So, one should limit intake of pickled jalapenos, pickled okra, kombucha, kimchi, and pickles if they are dealing with migraines.

9. Frozen foods
Frozen drinks and foods like slushes and ice creams can also trigger a throbbing headache. Many with migraine experience headaches that turn into a migraine attack upon eating cold food quickly, especially after exercising and when they feel overheated.

10. Nuts and dried fruits
Nuts or nut-based foods, like peanuts and peanut butter, as well as dried fruits, contain phenylalanine—a chemical that can trigger a migraine attack. So, one should limit the intake of nuts and dried fruits like apricots, figs, dates, and raisins when dealing with migraines.