black coffee
Beverages
Is black coffee high in polyols?
Find out whether black coffee is high or low in polyols, see its exact rating, and check its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility all 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
Triggers
Diets
Serving size, prep, and portion notes for black coffee
Black coffee is the classic high-caffeine trigger: it sits at the top of the caffeine scale, and a single cup delivers roughly 80 to 120 mg. For sensitive people that is enough to spark jitters, a racing heart, anxiety, disrupted sleep or a sudden dash to the bathroom. Coffee is also naturally acidic, a separate issue for reflux and sensitive stomachs even though the acidity is not a histamine or salicylate problem. The upside is that black coffee is otherwise clean, with no gluten, lactose, FODMAPs or nightshade, so if caffeine is your trigger, moving to decaf keeps almost everything you like about the cup.
Watch for
Very high in caffeine (roughly 80 to 120 mg a cup), the main driver of jitters, palpitations, anxiety and broken sleep / Naturally acidic, which can aggravate acid reflux, GERD and a sensitive stomach independently of the caffeine / Caffeine is a diuretic and gut stimulant, so coffee often triggers urgency or loose stools on an empty stomach / Decaf still contains a little caffeine (usually 2 to 5 mg a cup), not zero, but low enough for most caffeine-sensitive people
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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?
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Get the AppFAQ
Is black coffee high in Polyols?
Polyols: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat black coffee if I'm sensitive to Polyols?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Caffeine, Inflammation, and Mediterranean next for a fuller picture.