kimchi
Condiments & Sauces
Is kimchi high in polyols?
Is kimchi 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 kimchi contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where kimchi fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about kimchi
Kimchi is one of the most layered food triggers going, which is why a spoonful can set off symptoms fast. As a long-fermented cabbage it is very high in histamine and tyramine and it also acts as a histamine liberator, then it piles on the chilli that makes it a nightshade, the garlic and onion that make it high in fructans, and free glutamate from the ferment. People search whether kimchi causes headaches, flushing or a racing heart, and with this many triggers in one jar the answer is often yes.
Watch for
- Very high in histamine and a histamine liberator on top of that, a strong driver of flushing, headache and hives
- High in tyramine from the long ferment, relevant for MAOI diets and fermented-food migraines
- Contains chilli, so it counts as a nightshade, and the garlic and onion push it high in fructans (a FODMAP)
- Fermentation raises free glutamate, which can add to the umami-food reactions some people get
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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 kimchi high in Polyols?
Polyols: moderate signal - portion size matters.
Can I still eat kimchi if I'm sensitive to Polyols?
Try smaller portions and space it out.
What else should I check?
Check Histamine, Histamine Liberators, and Tyramine next for a fuller picture.