spinach
Vegetables
Is spinach high in polyols?
Find out whether spinach is high or low in polyols, see its exact rating, and check its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility all 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
Triggers
Diets
Serving size, prep, and portion notes for spinach
Spinach is genuinely nutritious and strongly anti-inflammatory, but it is also one of the highest-oxalate foods on the plate and grades high in histamine and salicylates. That combination is why a daily green smoothie or a big spinach salad can raise kidney-stone worries, itching or headaches even though the leaf itself is a nutrient powerhouse.
Watch for
Very high in oxalate, the single biggest reason spinach is limited on kidney-stone (calcium oxalate) diets / High in histamine and a moderate liberator, so it can drive itching, flushing or headaches in histamine intolerance / High in salicylates and a high-nickel food, extra triggers if you react to either / Often poorly tolerated in SIBO even though it is not especially high in the usual FODMAPs
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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 spinach high in Polyols?
Polyols: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat spinach if I'm sensitive to Polyols?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Salicylates, Oxalates, and Glutamates next for a fuller picture.