Back to Polyols food checker
sweet potato

sweet potato

Vegetables

Is sweet potato high in polyols?

Polyols status
Moderate

Find out whether sweet potato 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

HistamineSafe
Histamine LiberatorsSafe
FODMAPsLow
FructansSafe
GOSSafe
FructoseSafe
PolyolsModerate
GlutenSafe
LactoseSafe
Dairy ProteinsSafe
NightshadesSafe
SalicylatesModerate
OxalatesAvoid
NickelSafe
SulfitesSafe
NitritesSafe
GlutamatesSafe
TyramineSafe
CaffeineSafe
LectinSafe
Low FermentationSafe

Diets

GlutenFit
InflammationAvoid
VeganFit
VegetarianFit
Paleo AIPFit
MediterraneanFit
DASH DietFit
EoE CompatibleFit
FODMAPsAvoid
Low FermentationFit
Priority ingredient notes

Serving size, prep, and portion notes for sweet potato

Despite the name, sweet potato is not a nightshade. It belongs to the morning glory family (Ipomoea batatas), while the white potato is the actual nightshade (Solanum tuberosum), so people avoiding nightshades can usually eat sweet potato freely. Its real trigger is oxalate: sweet potato is high in oxalate, with roughly 97 mg in a medium one, which matters for anyone prone to calcium-oxalate kidney stones.

Watch for

High in oxalate, around 97 mg per medium sweet potato, a meaningful amount for anyone managing calcium-oxalate kidney stones or on a low-oxalate diet / Not a nightshade: it is in the morning glory family, unlike the white potato, so nightshade-sensitive people generally tolerate it / Moderate salicylate and moderate polyols, so a large portion can also add up for sensitive guts

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.

Want personalized tracking?

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

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FAQ

Is sweet potato high in Polyols?

Polyols: moderate signal - portion size matters.

Can I still eat sweet potato if I'm sensitive to Polyols?

Try smaller portions and space it out.

What else should I check?

Check Oxalates, Inflammation, and Salicylates next for a fuller picture.