dark chocolate
Sweeteners
Is dark chocolate high in polyols?
Find out whether dark chocolate 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 dark chocolate
Dark chocolate has real upsides, since its cocoa flavanols make it anti-inflammatory, but that same cocoa is high in histamine, a histamine liberator, high in nickel and high in oxalate, with a moderate dose of caffeine. That is why a couple of squares can bring on a migraine, flushing or a nickel-type skin flare in sensitive people even though it is one of the better-for-you sweets.
Watch for
High in histamine and a histamine liberator, a well-known migraine and flushing trigger / High in nickel, cocoa is one of the classic foods that flares systemic nickel allergy / High in oxalate, worth portioning on a kidney-stone diet / Contains caffeine, less than coffee but enough to matter for 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.
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Get the AppFAQ
Is dark chocolate high in Polyols?
Polyols: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat dark chocolate if I'm sensitive to Polyols?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Histamine, Histamine Liberators, and Oxalates next for a fuller picture.