Sucrose intolerance food list: what to know

Sucrose is the sugar commonly known as table sugar. It is found in sweetened drinks, sweets, desserts, many packaged foods and some sauces. Some people develop bloating, cramps, gas or diarrhoea after eating sucrose-containing foods because digestion or absorption is limited. Symptoms can overlap with other forms of food intolerance, so a food reaction does not identify the cause on its own. Explore [Food Intolerance](/conditions/food-intolerance/) and note that a [Bloating](/symptoms/bloating/) or [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/) page may help you describe what happens.

Start a short food and symptom diary. Record ingredients, portion size, timing and symptoms, then look for patterns rather than removing many foods at once. Check labels for sugar, sucrose, syrup, confectionery, desserts and sweetened drinks. Choose less processed meals built around tolerated vegetables, protein, grains and unsweetened fluids. A clinician or dietitian can help protect fibre and nutrient intake while testing changes. [Food Intolerance Testing](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/food-intolerance-testing/) or [Nutrition Counselling](/treatments/lifestyle-and-wellness/nutrition-counselling/) may be considered when symptoms persist.

Arrange medical advice for ongoing diarrhoea, repeated abdominal pain, weight loss, dehydration, blood in the stool or symptoms that disturb sleep. Seek urgent help for severe pain, fainting, confusion, inability to keep fluids down or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the lips or difficulty breathing. Do not rely on a restrictive food list to explain persistent symptoms.

Could another digestive condition explain my symptoms? Which foods should I reduce first, and for how long? How can I maintain fibre and balanced nutrition? Would testing or dietetic support be useful?