water
Beverages
Is water high in polyols?
Find out whether water 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 water
Plain water is the baseline safe drink: no histamine, no FODMAPs, no salicylate, no caffeine, nothing to react to. If water seems to bother you, the trigger is almost always an additive, not the water. Tonic water contains quinine and sugar, flavoured and vitamin waters add sweeteners and citric acid, and sparkling or carbonated water can bloat a sensitive or reflux-prone gut. Still water itself is as clean as a drink gets.
Watch for
Tonic water is not plain water: it contains quinine and added sugar, so a reaction to tonic is not a reaction to water / Flavoured and vitamin waters add sweeteners, acids and colourings, any of which can be the real trigger / Sparkling and carbonated water can cause bloating or reflux for some, from the carbonation rather than any chemical trigger
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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.
Want personalized tracking?
Download Triggerbites to log meals, track symptoms, and discover your unique triggers.
Get the AppFAQ
Is water high in Polyols?
Polyols: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat water if I'm sensitive to Polyols?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Histamine, Histamine Liberators, and FODMAPs next for a fuller picture.