Back to Polyols food checker
gravy
Condiments & Sauces
Is gravy high in polyols?
Is gravy 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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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 gravy contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where gravy fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about gravy
Gravy is a hidden source of gluten and onion for a lot of people. Traditional gravy is thickened with wheat flour, so it is high in gluten and adds fructans, and it is usually built on onion plus a stock cube or bouillon, which pushes it high in fructans and free glutamate. That combination makes gravy high-FODMAP and a frequent trigger even when the meal around it looks safe.
Watch for
- Thickened with wheat flour, so standard gravy contains gluten and is off-limits on a celiac or gluten-free diet unless it is specifically made gluten-free
- High in fructans from both the wheat flour and the onion or onion powder that flavours most gravy, which is the FODMAP behind the bloating
- High in free glutamate from stock cubes, bouillon and gravy granules, a trigger for people sensitive to MSG-like umami
- Often carries a moderate sulfite load from commercial stock and gravy mixes
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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.
Want personalized tracking?
Download Triggerbites to log meals, track symptoms, and discover your unique triggers.
Get the AppFAQ
Is gravy high in Polyols?
Polyols: moderate signal - portion size matters.
Can I still eat gravy if I'm sensitive to Polyols?
Try smaller portions and space it out.
What else should I check?
Check Vegan, Vegetarian, and AIP next for a fuller picture.