Is Polysorbate 80 Low FODMAP? The Full Guide

Yes, Polysorbate 80 likely contains low levels of FODMAPs when consumed in typical serving sizes, although it has not been officially tested. Individual tolerances can vary, so it’s best to start with a small amount and observe how your body responds. For tailored advice, consider consulting a dietitian specializing in FODMAPs to ensure it suits your dietary needs.

Best Low FODMAP alternatives to Polysorbate 80 for your diet

You can also substitute Polysorbate 80 with arrowroot flour, tapioca starch and potato starch. These alternatives work well in most recipes and are easier on your stomach if you’re following a low FODMAP diet

Is polysorbate 80 good for people with IBS?

Yes, Polysorbate 80 is ok for IBS when consumed in appropriate serving sizes. It is considered low FODMAP and generally well-tolerated. For those managing IBS or SIBO during the elimination phase, it’s generally safe to include this ingredient in your meals within recommended portions. However, it’s important to avoid overconsumption, as larger servings may exceed Low FODMAP thresholds. Allow adequate time between meals to support digestive processing and maintain symptom relief.

Pro tip: Ingredients under 2% of a product or used for colouring are typically too minimal to trigger FODMAP reactions.

About Polysorbate 80

Polysorbate 80 is an emulsifier commonly used in ice cream, salad dressings, and sauces to improve texture and stability, and while generally considered safe, it may cause allergic reactions or gastrointestinal issues in some individuals.

About Low FODMAP Diet

The Low FODMAP diet is designed to reduce the intake of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, which can cause digestive discomfort. This diet typically follows three stages: elimination, gradual reintroduction of foods, and personalisation to help manage symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Faq

What is “Typical serving size”?

Typical serving size refers to the standard serving size of a food product, determined by factors such as official nutritional guidelines, packaging serving size recommendations, and healthy eating standards. For example, a typical serving size might include two slices of bread or half a cup of cooked vegetables. In the context of FODMAPs, Typical serving size provides a baseline for assessing a food's digestive impact and nutritional characteristics..

Are the weights in the article cooked or raw?

Values are usually given for raw product. Ingredient categories such as meat, cereals, rice, pasta have values in cooked form

How do I use portion sizes during the 3-step FODMAP diet?

During step 1 of the Low FODMAP diet, we recommend that you choose “Low FODMAP serving size” of foods limit“Moderate FODMAP serving size” and avoid “High FODMAP serving size” of foods. “High FODMAP serving size” and“Moderate FODMAP serving size” of foods are then slowly reintroduced, depending on your level of tolerance, in steps 2 (FODMAP reintroduction) and 3 (FODMAP personalisation) of the diet

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About the author

Emily Stewart, MPH, RD, LDN is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Therapist licensed to treat clients in PA, NJ, FL, and TX. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics and a Master's of Public Health from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. After completing the RD program at Rutgers University, Emily worked as a Clinical Dietitian for both Penn at Princeton and RWJ University hospitals specializing in the treatment of Eating Disorders at the Inpatient, Partial and Intensive Outpatient levels of care.

January 31, 2025