Back to Polyols food checker
fig

fig

Fruit

Is fig high in polyols?

Polyols status
High

Is fig 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.

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 fig contains

FODMAPs

FODMAPsHigh
FructansSafe
GOSSafe
FructoseHigh
PolyolsHigh
LactoseSafe

Histamine & Amines

HistamineModerate
Histamine LiberatorsSafe
TyramineSafe

Plant compounds

SalicylatesLow
OxalatesModerate
Lectin
NightshadesSafe

Irritants

CaffeineSafe
AlcoholSafe
Spicy FoodsSafe
Acidic FoodsSafe

Additives

SulfitesSafe
NitritesSafe
GlutamatesSafe

Allergens

Dairy ProteinsSafe
GlutenSafe
EggSafe
PeanutSafe
Tree NutsSafe
SoySafe
FishSafe
CrustaceansSafe
MolluscsSafe
SesameSafe
CelerySafe
MustardSafe
LupinSafe
Alpha-galSafe
NickelModerate

Diet fit

Where fig fits

Therapeutic diets

Low HistamineCheck
Low SalicylateFit
Low FermentationSafe
EoE CompatibleFit
AIPFit
InflammationFit
Reflux DietFit
Specific CarbohydrateFit
Low FibreAvoid
Gastroparesis DietAvoid

Lifestyle diets

VeganFit
VegetarianFit
PescatarianFit
MediterraneanFit
DASH DietFit
PaleoFit
Whole30Fit
KetoAvoid
Low-carbCheck

Religious diets

HalalFit
KosherFit
Hindu (no beef)Fit
JainCheck
Buddhist VegetarianFit
Orthodox FastingFit
Ingredient notes

What to know about fig

Fresh figs are low FODMAP only in tiny portions. They stack excess fructose with sorbitol, a polyol, so half a small fig is the Monash limit and anything more can bloat a sensitive gut or send you running. That double sugar load, not fiber alone, is why figs and fig syrup have a laxative reputation.

Watch for

  • High in excess fructose, so the sugar arrives faster than the small intestine can absorb it and draws water into the bowel
  • High in sorbitol, a sugar alcohol with an osmotic, laxative pull, which compounds the fructose for classic bloating, gas and loose stools
  • Drying concentrates both sugars, so a dried fig hits far harder per gram than a fresh one
  • Mild histamine and moderate oxalate load, worth noting if you already limit either
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?

Download Triggerbites to log meals, track symptoms, and discover your unique triggers.

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FAQ

Is fig high in Polyols?

Polyols: higher signal - consider smaller servings or swaps.

Can I still eat fig if I'm sensitive to Polyols?

Best to avoid or test carefully with a small amount.

What else should I check?

Check Low Fibre, Gastroparesis Diet, and FODMAPs next for a fuller picture.