Back to Polyols food checker
pilsner

pilsner

Beverages

Is pilsner high in polyols?

Polyols status
Safe

Is pilsner 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.

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 pilsner contains

FODMAPs

FODMAPsLow
FructansLow
GOSSafe
FructoseLow
PolyolsSafe
LactoseSafe

Histamine & Amines

HistamineModerate
Histamine Liberators
TyramineModerate

Plant compounds

SalicylatesModerate
OxalatesModerate
LectinLow
NightshadesSafe

Irritants

CaffeineSafe
AlcoholModerate
Spicy FoodsSafe
Acidic FoodsLow

Additives

SulfitesModerate
NitritesSafe
GlutamatesLow

Allergens

Dairy ProteinsSafe
GlutenAvoid
EggSafe
PeanutSafe
Tree NutsSafe
SoySafe
FishSafe
CrustaceansSafe
MolluscsSafe
SesameSafe
CelerySafe
MustardSafe
LupinSafe
Alpha-galSafe
NickelLow

Diet fit

Where pilsner fits

Therapeutic diets

Low HistamineCheck
Low SalicylateCheck
Low Fermentation
EoE CompatibleAvoid
AIPAvoid
InflammationNo data
Reflux DietAvoid
Specific CarbohydrateAvoid
Low FibreFit
Gastroparesis DietAvoid

Lifestyle diets

VeganCheck
VegetarianCheck
PescatarianCheck
MediterraneanNo data
DASH DietCheck
PaleoAvoid
Whole30Avoid
KetoAvoid
Low-carbCheck

Religious diets

HalalAvoid
KosherFit
Hindu (no beef)Fit
JainAvoid
Buddhist VegetarianAvoid
Orthodox FastingCheck
Ingredient notes

What to know about pilsner

Pilsner is the pale, crisp, hop-forward style of lager, and like all traditional beer it is brewed from malted barley, so it is high in gluten and off-limits if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Fermentation also gives it a moderate histamine and tyramine load, which is why beer can bring on a flushed face, a stuffy nose or a headache. The bright hop bitterness that defines a pilsner does not change the barley: the gluten is the headline trigger, with borderline sulfites and FODMAP grain sugars close behind.

Watch for

  • High in gluten: pilsner is brewed from malted barley, so it is unsafe for celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity.The pale colour and crisp finish do not make it any lighter on gluten.
  • Moderate histamine and tyramine from fermentation, a common cause of flushing, congestion and headaches from beer even in people who tolerate spirits.
  • Borderline sulfites and FODMAP grain sugars (fructans) that can bloat or unsettle a sensitive gut, and it grades poorly for SIBO.
  • The hops add bitterness and some plant salicylate, so a very hoppy pilsner can bother salicylate-sensitive drinkers a little more than a plain lager.
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.

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Download Triggerbites to log meals, track symptoms, and discover your unique triggers.

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FAQ

Is pilsner high in Polyols?

Polyols: low signal for most people.

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

Usually fine in normal portions.

What else should I check?

Check Gluten, AIP, and EoE Compatible next for a fuller picture.