On a strict low FODMAP diet but wanting to indulge in some sweets? In quantities under 30g, you can still treat yourself to some chocolate this festive season without triggering any symptoms. We recommend a good quality dark chocolate as the best (and usually the healthiest) option.
Dark chocolate: Half an ounce to no more than 3 ounces in a serving is considered to be low-FODMAPs. Milk chocolate and white chocolate: A half-ounce serving is considered low-FODMAP. At 1 ounce, the level of lactose increases to the point that it might cause you to have symptoms if you are lactose intolerant.
Many old-fashioned lollipops are fine, as are small “fun size” chocolates. Gummy candies, from bears to Swedish fish are okay, too. Even the sour kind of gummy candies can be low FODMAP - but always check labels! Many hard candies, such as Jolly Ranchers, are low FODMAP candy as are many peanut butter cups.
YES you can eat milk chocolate on the low FODMAP diet! You just have to stick with portion sizes. Monash recommends a ¾ ounce/20 g portion as allowable – due to the lactose.
Most people can tolerate small amounts of chocolate and other sweets, but if you have lactose intolerance or IBS, the more you eat, the more you tempt fate.
Is Kit Kat Milk Chocolate Wafer Bar low FODMAP? No, Kit Kat Milk Chocolate Wafer Bar is not low FODMAP.
Both lactose-free and dairy-free ice creams are safe to eat on a low FODMAP diet, but double check with your nutritionist to be safe. There are a number of popular brands that sell both kinds of ice cream for IBS eaters, including Breyer's, Chapman's, Natrel, Ben & Jerry's, President's Choice, etc.
At a tested serving size of 20g, we can confirm that hazelnut spread is low FODMAP. One of the main ingredients added to commercially available hazelnut spreads includes skim milk powder; a high FODMAP ingredient for lactose. However, at the serving size of 20g specified, this ingredient is low FODMAP.
Many potato chips are high FODMAP because the seasonings in them contain onion and/or garlic. However, plain and salted potato chips such as the classic original Lays chips or Ruffles original are low FODMAP. The ingredient list is simple, containing only potatoes, vegetable oil and salt.
Dark chocolate is low FODMAP in serving sizes of 30g, and chocolate truffles are one of the most direct ways to enjoy it in a confection. The ingredients are simply lactose-free heavy cream, chocolate, and cocoa (the whiskey is optional), making for a indulgent but IBS-friendly, low FODMAP dessert.
Sweet potato contains fructose, a type of FODMAP, but in small amounts. It's considered a low FODMAP food, but you should consider keeping your intake to 1/2 cup (75 grams) cooked. Comparatively, yam is lower in FODMAPs. You may be able to eat larger amounts of it on a low FODMAP diet.
Chocolate bars and chocolate candy can trigger IBS because they're typically high in fat and sugar and commonly contain lactose and caffeine. Some people experience constipation after eating chocolate.
Coffee is low FODMAP, but caffeine can be an irritant for many people, those with IBS and even those without, hence the confusion. Coffee contains caffeine, which is a gut irritant,so although it may be low FODMAP, there are still other issues to address.
Unripe bananas are low in FODMAPS and therefore a better choice for people with IBS — although they're not as sweet or soft as ripe bananas. However, as bananas ripen, they accumulate a type of FODMAP called oligofructans. Therefore, ripe bananas are considered a high FODMAP food (6, 7 ).
Food to eat during an IBS flare
My most common choice is a piece of toast with a smear of peanut butter or jam. This goes down quite easily for me and the bread fills me up. Bread is also a good source of energy and keeps me functioning so I can get on with my day.
1. Gluten-free toast. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) , a person with IBS may wish to avoid gluten in their diet. Gluten is in products that contain wheat, barley, and rye.
Foods to Eat When You Have Diarrhea From IBS. The BRAT diet is often recommended to help bind loose or watery stools. 3 BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. However, this restrictive diet should not be used as anything more than a short-term solution during diarrhea flare-ups.
Aged cheeses include Cheddar, Camembert, Cheshire, Pecorino Style, Swiss, Brie, Blue Cheese, Havarti, or Parmesan. These are low FODMAP cheese options and they are normally well tolerated by people with lactose intolerance.
Wheat pasta: Yes, you read that correctly! According to Monash University (the creators of the low FODMAP diet), wheat pasta can be included on the low FODMAP diet in small amounts. The low FODMAP serving for wheat pasta is a ½ cup (cooked) or 74 grams.
IS GREEK YOGURT LOW FODMAP? Greek yogurt is made by straining yogurt, creating a thicker and creamier texture. This process removes whey and most lactose, making Greek yogurt lower in lactose and low FODMAP at 23g, as per Monash (3).
Snacks with minimal preparation:
Vegetables: vegetables with dip, pre-made sweet potato chips (baked with olive oil and a sprinkle of spices) Gluten free toast or rice crackers with toppings: peanut butter, cheese, marmalade. Packaged foods: Popcorn, 2 sweet plain biscuits, pretzels.
Low FODMAP alcoholic drinks to try:
Beer (we suggest opting for a gluten-free beer, since gluten can be triggering) Red, white, or sparkling wine (stick with something low sugar) Whiskey. Vodka.
Coffee drinks contain milk, and smoothies are also off-limits since they contain apple juice concentrate and cow's milk-based yogurt. For dessert, there is a cranberry raisin blend that is low FODMAP. Unfortunately, the apple slices, cookies, pies, and ice cream options are all high FODMAP.