Nicotine in Vegetables? What You Need to Know

When people hear the word "nicotine," they usually think about things like cigarettes, vaping, nicotine pouches, or other tobacco products. Most people associate nicotine with smoking and addiction, but what many don’t know is that nicotine is actually a natural substance found in some of the vegetables we eat every day. This might sound surprising, but certain common foods, like tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants, contain small amounts of nicotine. Of course, the levels are much lower than what you would find in tobacco products, but it’s still interesting to know that nicotine exists in nature beyond just tobacco leaves.

Which Vegetables Contain Nicotine?

Nicotine is an alkaloid that is primarily associated with the tobacco plant, but it can also be found in small amounts in certain members of the nightshade family vegetables (Solanaceae).

• Tomatoes - The nicotine content increases as the tomato ripens
• Eggplants (Aubergines) - Eggplants contain some of the highest levels of nicotine among edible plants.
• Potatoes - Green or unripe potatoes have slightly higher levels of nicotine
• Peppers - Peppers (such as bell peppers and chili peppers) contain trace amounts of nicotine

How Much Nicotine Is in These Vegetables?

The nicotine levels in these vegetables are extremely low compared to tobacco products. For example, a typical serving of eggplant (about 20 grams) contains around 1 microgram of nicotine. Other vegetables in the nightshade family also have trace amounts of nicotine:

• Tomatoes – A ripe tomato contains about 0.8 to 1.6 micrograms of nicotine per 100 grams. The levels are slightly higher in green, unripe tomatoes.
• Potatoes – On average, potatoes contain about 1.5 micrograms of nicotine per 100 grams, with green or sprouting potatoes having slightly higher amounts.
• Peppers (bell peppers, chili peppers) – These contain around 7.1 micrograms of nicotine per kilogram, which is very low.

By comparison, a single cigarette contains between 1 and 2 milligrams (1,000 to 2,000 micrograms) of nicotine, making the amount in these vegetables hundreds to thousands of times lower than in tobacco products. While they do contain nicotine, the levels are so tiny that they have no noticeable effects on the body.

Should You Be Concerned?

The amount of nicotine found in vegetables is extremely low—so low that it does not have any addictive effects or pose any harm to your health. In fact, eating vegetables from the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and peppers, provides many important health benefits. These vegetables are rich in essential vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin A, as well as powerful antioxidants that help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. They are also a great source of fiber, which supports digestion and overall gut health.  

Interestingly, some research suggests that the small amounts of nicotine naturally present in these foods might even have potential benefits. Studies have explored the idea that nicotine could have protective effects on the brain, possibly lowering the risk of developing neurological diseases like Parkinson’s. While more research is needed to fully understand this connection, scientists believe that the interaction between nicotine and certain brain receptors might play a role in protecting nerve cells.  

Overall, while the nicotine in vegetables is nothing to be concerned about, the health benefits of including these nutrient-rich foods in your diet are well worth it!

Summary

Nicotine isn’t just something you find in cigarettes—it’s actually present in some everyday vegetables too. But don’t worry, the amounts are so tiny that they won’t have any effect on you. In fact, they might even come with some health perks! So if you’re a fan of tomatoes, eggplants, or potatoes, there’s no need to stress—just keep enjoying your veggies.