Back to Polyols food checker
grapefruit

grapefruit

Fruit

Is grapefruit high in polyols?

Polyols status
Safe

Find out whether grapefruit 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 LiberatorsHigh
FODMAPsHigh
FructansSafe
GOSSafe
FructoseModerate
PolyolsSafe
GlutenSafe
LactoseSafe
Dairy ProteinsSafe
NightshadesSafe
SalicylatesHigh
OxalatesAvoid
NickelSafe
SulfitesSafe
NitritesSafe
GlutamatesSafe
TyramineSafe
CaffeineSafe
LectinSafe
Low FermentationSafe

Diets

GlutenFit
InflammationFit
VeganFit
VegetarianFit
Paleo AIPFit
MediterraneanFit
DASH DietFit
EoE CompatibleFit
FODMAPsAvoid
Low FermentationFit
Priority ingredient notes

Serving size, prep, and portion notes for grapefruit

Grapefruit is more than a tart breakfast citrus. It is very high in oxalate, high in salicylates, and acts as a histamine liberator, an unusual triple for a fruit, and it is high FODMAP by volume with a moderate excess-fructose load. On top of that trigger profile, grapefruit is famous for interacting with dozens of prescription medications, an effect most everyday citrus like oranges and clementines does not share.

Watch for

Very high in oxalate, the most oxalate-heavy fruit in this group, which matters if you form calcium-oxalate kidney stones / Histamine liberator and high in salicylates, so it can set off flushing, itching, headaches or a runny nose in people sensitive to either / High FODMAP by volume, with a moderate excess-fructose load, so large servings or grapefruit juice can bring on bloating and loose stools / Contains furanocoumarins that block the CYP3A4 enzyme, so grapefruit can raise blood levels of many statins, blood-pressure and other drugs to unsafe levels; check with a pharmacist

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.

Get the App

FAQ

Is grapefruit high in Polyols?

Polyols: low signal for most people.

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

Usually fine in normal portions.

What else should I check?

Check Oxalates, Histamine Liberators, and FODMAPs next for a fuller picture.