sorbitol
Sweeteners
Is sorbitol high in polyols?
Is sorbitol 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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Compare sorbitol 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
- Avocado portion size matters - small amounts may be fine
- Cauliflower and mushrooms are common triggers
What to know about sorbitol
Sorbitol (E420) is graded E for polyols and D on FODMAPs overall, and it is one of only two polyols that FODMAP guidance names individually rather than lumping into a group. The part most people miss is that sorbitol is not only an additive. It occurs naturally in stone fruit and pome fruit: prunes, plums, apples, pears, cherries, peaches and apricots all carry it, which is precisely why prunes have their laxative reputation. Cutting sugar-free gum and mints therefore does not necessarily cut your sorbitol load. On the chemical triggers sorbitol is quiet, graded A for histamine, histamine liberation, tyramine, sulfite, nickel, glutamates, gluten and lactose. The problem is osmotic and fermentative, not immune, and it is graded E for low fermentation SIBO protocols.
Watch for
- Polyols E, the top of the scale.Sorbitol is absorbed slowly and incompletely in the small intestine, so it pulls water into the gut and then ferments in the colon. Bloating, wind, cramping and loose stools a few hours after the dose are the classic pattern
- Fruit counts.Prunes, apples, pears, cherries, plums, apricots, peaches and blackberries all contain sorbitol naturally, so a week with no sugar-free products can still be a high-sorbitol week
- It stacks with fructose.A food that carries sorbitol and excess fructose together, like an apple or a pear, is a harder test than sugar-free gum, and reacting to one does not tell you which of the two did it
- Low fermentation SIBO E, so sorbitol is a poor fit if you are working through a low fermentation protocol rather than a standard low FODMAP one
- It travels with its relatives.Sorbitol appears on panels beside maltitol, mannitol, isomalt and lactitol in the same sugar-free products, so logging one name alone can badly undercount the polyol dose you actually took
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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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Get the AppFAQ
Is sorbitol high in Polyols?
Polyols: higher signal - consider smaller servings or swaps.
Can I still eat sorbitol if I'm sensitive to Polyols?
Best to avoid or test carefully with a small amount.
What else should I check?
Check FODMAPs, Low Fermentation, and AIP next for a fuller picture.