Back to Polyols food checker
honey
Sweeteners
Is honey high in polyols?
Is honey 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 honey contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where honey fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about honey
Honey is one of the classic high-FODMAP foods because it carries far more fructose than glucose, so the excess fructose cannot all be absorbed and ferments in the gut. That is why honey is a frequent cause of bloating, gas and diarrhea for people with fructose malabsorption or IBS, and it is rated high FODMAP by Monash. It is also moderately high in salicylates and sits on the pro-inflammatory side as an added sugar.
Watch for
- Very high in excess fructose, the main reason it triggers bloating, gas and loose stools in fructose malabsorption
- Rated high FODMAP overall, so even a teaspoon can be enough for a sensitive gut
- Moderately high in salicylates, a separate trigger if you are salicylate sensitive
- Poorly tolerated in SIBO, where the sugars feed bacterial overgrowth
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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 honey high in Polyols?
Polyols: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat honey if I'm sensitive to Polyols?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Fructose, Low Fermentation, and Vegan next for a fuller picture.