onion
Vegetables
Is onion high in polyols?
See polyols status for onion alongside other trigger notes.
Related checkers
Compare onion across criteria
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
Diets
Serving size, prep, and portion notes for onion
Aromatic base that adds depth to soups, sauces, and sautes.
Typical serving
1/4 medium onion (about 50 g)
Best for
saute bases / soups / roasted trays
Prep notes
- Sweat slowly to mellow the bite.
- Slice thinly for quick pickles or salads.
- Rinse raw slices for a lighter flavor.
Portion notes
- A quarter onion is plenty for most pans.
- Thin slices distribute flavor across bowls.
- One tablespoon minced adds aroma without bulk.
Watch for
raw bite in salads / over-browning at high heat
Explore related in Vegetables
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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.
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