Back to Polyols food checker
butter
Oils & Fats
Is butter high in polyols?
Is butter 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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Compare butter across criteria
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 butter contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where butter fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about butter
Butter is a dairy food, so it is flagged high for lactose, but the real amount is small: it is almost pure milk fat with only a little milk sugar and protein left in it. That is why many people who react to milk or cream still tolerate butter, and why clarified butter (ghee) removes almost all of what remains. The steadier concerns are the traces of casein and whey it keeps and the fact that, as a saturated animal fat, it is graded pro-inflammatory.
Watch for
- Flagged high for lactose as a dairy food, though it is mostly fat and holds only a little milk sugar, which is why it is often tolerated when milk is not
- Still contains casein and whey traces, enough to bother a strict dairy or milk-protein avoider
- Graded pro-inflammatory and not Mediterranean, paleo or vegan friendly, being a saturated animal fat
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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 butter high in Polyols?
Polyols: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat butter if I'm sensitive to Polyols?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Dairy Proteins, Lectin, and Low Fermentation next for a fuller picture.