Fructose intolerance foods to avoid

Fructose is a natural sugar in fruit, honey and some vegetables, and it is also used in sweetened drinks and packaged foods. When the small intestine does not absorb it well, extra fructose can draw water into the bowel and be fermented by gut bacteria. This may lead to bloating, wind, cramping or loose stools. Fructose intolerance is different from a food allergy because it does not involve the same immediate immune reaction.

Keep a food and symptom diary, checking labels for fructose, fruit juice concentrate, honey and high-fructose sweeteners. A clinician or dietitian may suggest a short, structured reduction followed by careful reintroduction, so your diet remains varied. Avoid removing many foods for a long period without guidance. Read more about Food Intolerance and consider Food Intolerance Testing if symptoms persist or the trigger is unclear.

Arrange medical advice for ongoing diarrhoea, repeated abdominal pain, dehydration, unplanned weight loss, blood in the stool or symptoms that disturb sleep. Urgent assessment is appropriate for severe pain, fainting, confusion or inability to keep fluids down. Bloating and diarrhoea can have causes other than fructose intolerance.

Ask whether your symptoms fit fructose malabsorption, whether another condition should be checked, and how to reintroduce foods without creating nutritional gaps. You can also ask for a referral to Nutrition Counselling.