Back to Polyols food checker
coconut milk
Dairy & Alternatives
Is coconut milk high in polyols?
Is coconut milk 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 coconut milk 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 coconut milk contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where coconut milk fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about coconut milk
Canned coconut milk is low in histamine and clean on the usual sensitivity triggers, which makes it a popular dairy-free swap. Its two real catches are FODMAP by volume, since sorbitol concentrates as the milk thickens, and saturated fat: it is one of the richest plant sources, which is why it scores poorly for anti-inflammatory and Mediterranean-style eating. A splash in a curry is low FODMAP. Half a can is not.
Watch for
- Low FODMAP only in small serves (about 1/4 cup canned); 1/2 cup or more brings moderate to high sorbitol
- Very high in saturated fat, the reason it rates poorly on anti-inflammatory and Mediterranean scores despite being trigger-clean
- Carton (UHT) versions are lighter and often low FODMAP up to about 1/2 cup, but check for added gums or sweeteners
Explore related in Dairy & Alternatives
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?
Download Triggerbites to log meals, track symptoms, and discover your unique triggers.
Get the AppFAQ
Is coconut milk high in Polyols?
Polyols: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat coconut milk if I'm sensitive to Polyols?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Mediterranean, DASH Diet, and FODMAPs next for a fuller picture.