Back to Polyols food checker
cane sugar

cane sugar

Sweeteners

Is cane sugar high in polyols?

Polyols status
Safe

Find out whether cane sugar is high or low in polyols, see its exact rating, and check its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility all in one place.

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

HistamineSafe
Histamine LiberatorsSafe
FODMAPsSafe
FructansSafe
GOSSafe
FructoseSafe
PolyolsSafe
GlutenSafe
LactoseSafe
Dairy ProteinsSafe
NightshadesSafe
SalicylatesSafe
OxalatesSafe
NickelSafe
SulfitesSafe
NitritesSafe
GlutamatesSafe
TyramineSafe
CaffeineSafe
LectinSafe
Low FermentationModerate

Diets

GlutenFit
InflammationAvoid
VeganFit
VegetarianFit
Paleo AIPAvoid
MediterraneanAvoid
DASH DietAvoid
EoE CompatibleFit
FODMAPsFit
Low FermentationAvoid
Priority ingredient notes

Serving size, prep, and portion notes for cane sugar

Cane sugar is sucrose, and as sucrose it is low FODMAP and clean across the food-chemistry triggers: no histamine, no salicylates, no oxalate, no gluten. It is not the same as honey or agave, which are high in free fructose. The real caveat with cane sugar is not sensitivity but inflammation: as a refined sugar it is pro-inflammatory, and in larger amounts it can feed bacterial overgrowth if you have SIBO.

Watch for

Pro-inflammatory as a refined sugar, so a high intake can worsen an inflammatory picture even though it triggers none of the classic sensitivities / Can feed small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in quantity, one reason a very sweet diet aggravates bloating for some people / Low FODMAP as pure sucrose, unlike honey and agave which carry excess fructose, so do not lump cane sugar in with those sweeteners

Learn More

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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FAQ

Is cane sugar high in Polyols?

Polyols: low signal for most people.

Can I still eat cane sugar if I'm sensitive to Polyols?

Usually fine in normal portions.

What else should I check?

Check Inflammation, Paleo AIP, and Mediterranean next for a fuller picture.