whole grain cereal
Grains
Is whole grain cereal high in gos?
Find out whether whole grain cereal is high or low in gos, see its exact rating, and check its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility all 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
Triggers
Diets
Serving size, prep, and portion notes for whole grain cereal
Whole grain breakfast cereal is marketed as the responsible way to start the day, but a wheat or bran cereal is high in fructans and rates high FODMAP, which is why a bowl can leave you bloated by mid-morning. Most wheat- and barley-based cereals also contain gluten. On top of the grain itself, boxed cereals often add dried fruit or high-fructose corn syrup, so a single bowl can carry fructans, gluten and added fructose together. The bran that makes it look healthy is exactly the part that ferments.
Watch for
High in fructans and high FODMAP, especially bran and wheat-flake cereals, so bloating and gas are common / Most wheat- and barley-based cereals contain gluten, a problem for celiac disease and gluten sensitivity / Added dried fruit or high-fructose corn syrup can stack excess fructose on top of the wheat fructans / The high bran content adds fermentable fiber that can worsen wind on a sensitive or IBS-prone gut
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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.
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Get the AppFAQ
Is whole grain cereal high in GOS?
GOS: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat whole grain cereal if I'm sensitive to GOS?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check FODMAPs, Fructans, and Gluten next for a fuller picture.