turmeric
Herbs & Spices
Is turmeric high in polyols?
Find out whether turmeric 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 turmeric
Turmeric is the sharpest example of a food being genuinely good for inflammation and still being a trigger. It grades as strongly anti-inflammatory, the best rating in the set, while also grading high in salicylates. So the spice people take specifically to calm inflammation is one of the ones salicylate-sensitive people react to. It is clean on histamine, gluten, lactose, nickel and lectins, and despite a very persistent myth it is not a nightshade.
Watch for
High in salicylates. This is the trigger that catches people out, because turmeric is usually being taken for its anti-inflammatory reputation rather than suspected of anything / Curcumin capsules and high-dose supplements concentrate the plant far beyond what a curry delivers, so a daily supplement is a much bigger salicylate exposure than the spice jar / Turmeric latte and golden milk recipes combine turmeric with other high salicylate ingredients such as cinnamon, ginger and black pepper, which stacks the load in one drink / Moderate on FODMAPs, but culinary amounts are small enough that this is rarely the issue
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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 turmeric high in Polyols?
Polyols: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat turmeric if I'm sensitive to Polyols?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Salicylates, FODMAPs, and FODMAPs next for a fuller picture.