Back to Polyols food checker
walnuts

walnuts

Nuts & Seeds

Is walnuts high in polyols?

Polyols status
Safe

Find out whether walnuts 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 LiberatorsModerate
FODMAPsLow
FructansSafe
GOSSafe
FructoseSafe
PolyolsSafe
GlutenSafe
LactoseSafe
Dairy ProteinsSafe
NightshadesSafe
SalicylatesModerate
OxalatesAvoid
NickelHigh
SulfitesSafe
NitritesSafe
GlutamatesSafe
TyramineSafe
CaffeineSafe
LectinSafe
Low FermentationSafe

Diets

GlutenFit
InflammationFit
VeganFit
VegetarianFit
Paleo AIPAvoid
MediterraneanFit
DASH DietFit
EoE CompatibleAvoid
FODMAPsAvoid
Low FermentationFit
Priority ingredient notes

Serving size, prep, and portion notes for walnuts

Walnuts are genuinely anti-inflammatory thanks to their plant omega-3s, but they are also very high in oxalate and high in nickel, so the same handful that is good for your heart can be a real problem if you are prone to kidney stones or have a nickel allergy. That trade-off, a strong nutrition upside sitting on top of two clear triggers, is what sets walnuts apart from a plain snack nut.

Watch for

Very high in oxalate, one of the higher-oxalate nuts, worth limiting if you are managing calcium-oxalate kidney stones / High in nickel, a common flare trigger for people with systemic nickel allergy (nut, seed and wholegrain foods tend to be nickel-rich) / A tree nut, so a top allergen and not eosinophilic-oesophagitis friendly if nuts are on your elimination list

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 walnuts high in Polyols?

Polyols: low signal for most people.

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

Usually fine in normal portions.

What else should I check?

Check Oxalates, Paleo AIP, and EoE Compatible next for a fuller picture.