Back to Polyols food checker
barley
Grains
Is barley high in polyols?
Is barley high or low in polyols? 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 polyols food checker matters
Polyols (sugar alcohols) are found naturally in some fruits and vegetables, and are used as artificial sweeteners. They're poorly absorbed and can cause digestive symptoms, especially in IBS sufferers.
- Avoid sugar-free products with sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, maltitol
- Stone fruits are naturally high in polyols
- Cooking doesn't reduce polyol content
- Avocado portion size matters - small amounts may be fine
- Cauliflower and mushrooms are common triggers
Sensitivities
What barley contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where barley fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about barley
Barley is a gluten grain, so people often ask if barley is safe on a gluten-free diet: it is not. It carries the same gluten problem as wheat plus a heavy fructan load, which is why barley in soup, barley malt in cereals and the barley behind most beer can quietly set off both coeliac and IBS symptoms.
Watch for
- Contains gluten, so barley is off-limits for coeliac disease and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, the same as wheat and rye
- Very high in fructans, a FODMAP that ferments in the gut and commonly causes bloating, gas and cramping even in people with no gluten issue
- Hides in plain sight as barley malt, malt extract, malt vinegar and beer, so a "wheat-free" label does not mean barley-free
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Polyols Guide
Everything you need to know about polyols sensitivity and smart food choices.
Polyols (sugar alcohols) are found naturally in some fruits and vegetables, and are used as artificial sweeteners. They're poorly absorbed and can cause digestive symptoms, especially in IBS sufferers.
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 Polyols sensitivity:
View all safe options
These foods have moderate levels and may be tolerated in small amounts:
These foods are high in polyols and may trigger symptoms:
View full list
If you're sensitive to Polyols, consider these strategies:
- 1Avoid sugar-free products with sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, maltitol
- 2Stone fruits are naturally high in polyols
- 3Cooking doesn't reduce polyol content
- 4Avocado portion size matters - small amounts may be fine
- 5Cauliflower and mushrooms are common triggers
Pro tip: Keep a food diary to track your reactions. The Triggerbites app makes this easy with automatic pattern detection.
Want personalized tracking?
Download Triggerbites to log meals, track symptoms, and discover your unique triggers.
Get the AppFAQ
Is barley high in Polyols?
Polyols: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat barley if I'm sensitive to Polyols?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Fructans, Gluten, and Lectin next for a fuller picture.