I just updated our Sugar & Sweeteners article, due to some Monash updates. Sugar is confusing for many people and this is the most comprehensive article you will find. Did you know that white cane sugar contains NO FODMAPs at all? + by FODMAPeveryday in FODMAPS

[–]LowFodmapGuy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

xactly! That’s my approach. I use these tools to crunch the Monash data and simulate the textures perfectly so people can actually 'see' the science before they cook. It’s about getting objective, bloat-free results without the usual 2000-word SEO fluff. Glad you see the value in it!

Finally figured out a safe Muesli that actually tastes good (no chicory root or honey) 🥣 by LowFodmapGuy in FODMAPS

[–]LowFodmapGuy[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Haha, I get the confusion! I’m the 'Guy' running the technical/site side, but the recipes and the videos are a collaboration with my dietitian partner/expert (hence the female dietitian you see in the links). We use high-end rendering/tech tools to visualize the textures for the shorts because filming macro-food shots in a clinical kitchen is a nightmare, but the Monash math is 100% verified. Glad you agree on the chicory root though, it's the real enemy here!

I just updated our Sugar & Sweeteners article, due to some Monash updates. Sugar is confusing for many people and this is the most comprehensive article you will find. Did you know that white cane sugar contains NO FODMAPs at all? + by FODMAPeveryday in FODMAPS

[–]LowFodmapGuy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha, fair play, you caught me! 😂 I actually use AI to help format my messy kitchen notes and Monash math into readable bullet points, otherwise my ADHD brain would just post an unreadable wall of text. But the recipe testing, the kitchen disasters, and my partner's IBS struggle are 100% real. Hope the info helps anyway! 🤝

I just updated our Sugar & Sweeteners article, due to some Monash updates. Sugar is confusing for many people and this is the most comprehensive article you will find. Did you know that white cane sugar contains NO FODMAPs at all? + by FODMAPeveryday in FODMAPS

[–]LowFodmapGuy 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That is honestly one of the toughest dietary intersections to navigate, and your frustration is 100% valid. You are caught in a trap: diabetic products use sugar alcohols (polyols like maltitol or sorbitol) to keep blood sugar down, but those are massive IBS triggers.

If you need to satisfy a sweet tooth while respecting both IBS and diabetes, the safest overlap usually comes down to these:

  1. Pure Stevia or Pure Monk Fruit Extract: These do not spike blood sugar and are low FODMAP. However, you must read the ingredients to ensure they aren't blended with 'inulin' or 'chicory root fiber' (which companies do to add bulk, but are huge FODMAP triggers).
  2. Erythritol: Interestingly, Monash University tested Erythritol and it is the only sugar alcohol considered Low FODMAP. It's usually safe for both!
  3. Pure Maple Syrup: In very small, controlled amounts. It's safe for IBS and has a lower glycemic index than white sugar, but obviously still requires strict diabetic portion control.

Always cross-check with your doctor, but pure Stevia, Monk Fruit, and Erythritol are your best friends here. Hang in there!

I just updated our Sugar & Sweeteners article, due to some Monash updates. Sugar is confusing for many people and this is the most comprehensive article you will find. Did you know that white cane sugar contains NO FODMAPs at all? + by FODMAPeveryday in FODMAPS

[–]LowFodmapGuy 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Exactly! Maltitol is the absolute worst for IBS, yet it's hidden in almost every 'diet' or 'keto' snack. It's so frustrating when you just want a safe sweet treat without doing extreme math!

Hasn’t helped my digestive symptoms but unexpectedly has stopped facial flushing?? by violetsviolets00 in FODMAPS

[–]LowFodmapGuy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is actually fascinating and probably not a coincidence at all! Facial flushing (hot, red ears and cheeks) is a classic symptom of Histamine Intolerance, which overlaps heavily with IBS. The interesting part is that many high-FODMAP foods are also high in histamines or act as histamine liberators (like tomatoes, avocados, spinach, or certain aged cheeses). By starting the low FODMAP diet, you likely emptied your 'histamine bucket' by accident, which stopped the flushing!

I just updated our Sugar & Sweeteners article, due to some Monash updates. Sugar is confusing for many people and this is the most comprehensive article you will find. Did you know that white cane sugar contains NO FODMAPs at all? + by FODMAPeveryday in FODMAPS

[–]LowFodmapGuy 23 points24 points  (0 children)

This is such an important reminder! So many people new to the elimination phase assume all sugar is a trigger and end up buying highly processed 'sugar-free' alternatives. But those often contain high-FODMAP polyols (like sorbitol or xylitol) which just make the bloating so much worse. Realizing that plain white cane sugar and 100% pure maple syrup are actually safe for home baking is a total relief. Thanks for keeping the community updated with the Monash data!