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ketchup
Condiments & Sauces
Is ketchup high in gos?
Is ketchup high or low in gos? See its exact rating, how much counts as a portion, and its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility in one place.
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Sensitivity notes
Why gos food checker matters
Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are carbohydrates found mainly in legumes and some vegetables. They're a FODMAP that can ferment in the gut, causing bloating and discomfort in sensitive people.
- Canned and rinsed legumes are lower in GOS than dried
- Start with smaller portions and build up tolerance
- Some people find beano-type enzymes helpful
- Firm tofu is lower in GOS than silken tofu
- Sprouted legumes may be better tolerated
Sensitivities
What ketchup contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where ketchup fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about ketchup
Ketchup is the textbook stacked trigger: no single ingredient in it is extreme, but it borders on a problem across an unusual number of them at once. It is made from concentrated tomatoes (nightshade plus histamine), cooked and aged (histamine and glutamate build up), sweetened with high-fructose syrup (excess fructose and FODMAPs) and often preserved with sulfites. Individually each is a moderate load; together, in the amount people actually use, they can push a sensitive person over the edge when a plain tomato would not. If you react to ketchup but tolerate fresh tomato, the processing is usually why.
Watch for
- Concentrated tomato makes it a nightshade and moderately high in histamine, two triggers in one spoonful
- Cooking and ageing raise free glutamate (a savoury, MSG-like load) and histamine beyond that of a fresh tomato
- Sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, so it carries excess fructose and a moderate FODMAP load
- Often preserved with sulfites, a further additive trigger, and it is pro-inflammatory overall thanks to the sugar and processing
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GOS Guide
Everything you need to know about gos sensitivity and smart food choices.
Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are carbohydrates found mainly in legumes and some vegetables. They're a FODMAP that can ferment in the gut, causing bloating and discomfort in sensitive people.
Sensitivity varies widely. What triggers one person may be fine for another. Track your reactions to find your personal threshold.
These foods are generally well-tolerated for GOS sensitivity:
View all safe options
These foods have moderate levels and may be tolerated in small amounts:
These foods are high in gos and may trigger symptoms:
View full list
If you're sensitive to GOS, consider these strategies:
- 1Canned and rinsed legumes are lower in GOS than dried
- 2Start with smaller portions and build up tolerance
- 3Some people find beano-type enzymes helpful
- 4Firm tofu is lower in GOS than silken tofu
- 5Sprouted legumes may be better tolerated
Pro tip: Keep a food diary to track your reactions. The Triggerbites app makes this easy with automatic pattern detection.
Want personalized tracking?
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Get the AppFAQ
Is ketchup high in GOS?
GOS: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat ketchup if I'm sensitive to GOS?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check AIP, Reflux Diet, and Specific Carbohydrate next for a fuller picture.