cider
Beverages
Is cider high in polyols?
Is cider 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 cider 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 cider contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where cider fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about cider
Cider is fermented apple juice, and that mix of fruit sugars plus fermentation stacks several triggers at once. As an apple drink it is high in excess fructose and the polyol sorbitol, both FODMAPs, and because it is fermented and usually sulfited it carries moderate histamine and sulfites, while the alcohol itself is pro-inflammatory and slows the enzyme that clears histamine. So cider can cause flushing, a stuffy nose, headache or gut symptoms through more than one pathway. In the US, unfermented pressed apple cider shares the fructose and sorbitol but not the alcohol or histamine.
Watch for
- Fermented and usually sulfited, so it carries moderate histamine and sulfites, a common cause of flushing, congestion or headache in histamine- or sulfite-sensitive people
- High in excess fructose and sorbitol from the apples, both FODMAPs that can bloat a sensitive gut
- Alcohol is pro-inflammatory and slows DAO, the enzyme that breaks down histamine, so it can amplify a reaction to whatever you eat alongside it
- Moderate tyramine from fermentation, worth noting if you take an MAOI or are prone to migraine
Explore related in Beverages
Compare similar foods to build a personalized list of swaps that work for your system.
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 cider high in Polyols?
Polyols: higher signal - consider smaller servings or swaps.
Can I still eat cider if I'm sensitive to Polyols?
Best to avoid or test carefully with a small amount.
What else should I check?
Check AIP, Reflux Diet, and Paleo next for a fuller picture.