Back to Polyols food checker
skyr

skyr

Dairy & Alternatives

Is skyr high in polyols?

Polyols status
Safe

Find out whether skyr is high or low in polyols, see its exact rating, and check its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility all 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

Triggers

HistamineModerate
Histamine Liberators
FODMAPsSafe
FructansSafe
GOSSafe
FructoseSafe
PolyolsSafe
GlutenSafe
LactoseModerate
Dairy ProteinsHigh
NightshadesSafe
SalicylatesModerate
OxalatesModerate
NickelSafe
SulfitesLow
NitritesLow
GlutamatesLow
TyramineLow
CaffeineSafe
LectinLow
Low FermentationLow

Diets

GlutenFit
InflammationAvoid
VeganAvoid
VegetarianFit
Paleo AIPAvoid
MediterraneanAvoid
DASH DietAvoid
EoE CompatibleAvoid
FODMAPsFit
Low FermentationAvoid
Priority ingredient notes

Serving size, prep, and portion notes for skyr

Skyr is Icelandic cultured skimmed milk that has been strained hard, and technically it is a fresh soft cheese rather than a yogurt, which is why the numbers land where they do. Straining is the whole story for trigger purposes. Whey is where most of the milk sugar sits, so pouring it off takes lactose with it, and our grades show the gap plainly: plain yogurt grades very high for lactose and high for FODMAPs, while skyr grades moderate for lactose and clean for FODMAPs overall. That is a real improvement and it is the reason people who bloat on yogurt often get away with skyr. It is not a rescue, though. Moderate still means present, and the same straining that removes sugar concentrates protein, so skyr grades high for dairy protein: you get more casein per spoon than you would from milk. Histamine grades moderate and tyramine mild, consistent with a cultured but unaged dairy. Gluten, nickel, caffeine and nightshade all grade clean.

Watch for

Straining is why it grades better than yogurt. Removing the whey removes lactose with it, which moves skyr from the very high lactose grade we give plain yogurt down to moderate, and from high FODMAP down to clean overall / Moderate is not free. Skyr is still a lactose-containing dairy, and because it is sold in big high-protein tubs the portion people eat is often larger than a normal yogurt serving, which puts some of the saving straight back / High in dairy protein, and deliberately so. Skyr is a protein concentrate, so if casein or whey is the part of dairy you react to, skyr is the wrong direction to move in rather than a lighter option / Moderate histamine, mild tyramine. It is cultured but not aged, so it sits well below aged cheese, and freshness of the tub matters: amines accumulate in dairy that has been open a while / Flavoured skyr is a different product. Fruit purees, honey, syrups and added chicory or inulin fibre bring FODMAPs the plain grade does not cover, so the clean FODMAP score applies to unsweetened skyr only

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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FAQ

Is skyr high in Polyols?

Polyols: low signal for most people.

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

Usually fine in normal portions.

What else should I check?

Check Vegan, Paleo AIP, and Dairy Proteins next for a fuller picture.