Notes:

FODMAP Information

All recipes are based upon Monash University & FODMAP Friendly science at time of initial publication.

• Almonds: Both Monash University and FODMAP Friendly have lab tested whole almonds, and their results vary from one another. Monash says that a Green Light low FODMAP portion is 10 whole almonds at 12 g, but a high FODMAP portion is 20 whole almonds at 24 g. FODMAP Friendly gives them a “Pass” at 30 g or ¼ cup.

• Avocados: Both Monash University and FODMAP Friendly have lab tested avocados, and their results vary from one another. In addition, they have also re-tested avocados and lab test results vary from before; this was to be expected. ALWAYS note that lab tests are meant to be guides only and represent snapshots in time of the avocados that are tested during that particular testing round. Monash University lab testing had reported that avocado was low FODMAP at 30 g, or what they called “an eighth of an avocado”; this volume amount means nothing, BTW. Avocados can vary from 3-ounces (85 g) a piece to over 5-pounds (2.3 kg). GO BY WEIGHT – and the weight is for flesh only. Current lab tests have a low FODMAP serving size set at 60 g. Their details state that the avocados they tested contain sorbitol. FODMAP Friendly lab testing initially reported that avocados had a low FODMAP “Pass” at 120 g (4.23-ounces). The details stated that avocados tested contained mannitol, fructans and some excess fructose. FODMAP Friendly recently re-tested both ripe Hass avocado and unripe Hass avocado. The lab testing reports that both ripe and unripe get a “Pass” at 80g (2.82 ounces). Their details state that both the ripe and unripe avocados were low in all FODMAP groups, and in fact both ripe and unripe have a max low FODMAP serving size, as determined in the lab, to be 1000 g (that is not a typo). PLEASE read our article, Is Avocado Low FODMAP?

• Cheese: Many cheeses have low FODMAP serving sizes. The low FODMAP diet is not a dairy-free diet. Hard cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino Romano have been lab tested by Monash University and are low FODMAP in 40 g amounts – and the servings remain low FODMAP up to 500 g.

• Honey: Honey has been lab tested by both FODMAP Friendly and Monash University. FODMAP Friendly gives it a “Fail” at 2 teaspoons (15 g). Monash says that while clover honey specifically is only low FODMAP at ½ teaspoon (3 g), they state that honey is low FODMAP in 1 teaspoon (7 g) amounts.

• Lettuce: Romaine lettuce has been lab tested by both Monash and FODMAP Friendly. Also labeled as cos lettuce on the Monash app, their lab tested determined a generous low FODMAP serving size of 2 cups (75 g). FODMAP Friendly gives it a “Pass” at 1 cup (75 g).

• Oil: All pure oils are fats and contain no carbohydrates, therefore they contain no FODMAPs.

• Pasta: Please note that small amounts (74 g) of conventional wheat-based pasta is low FODMAP Use your Monash app for more information; the diet is not wheat or gluten-free. If you are gluten-free, you have to read labels, as there are many low FODMAP gluten-free brands of pasta available, but remember that gluten-free does not equal low FODMAP. Use what is called for in individual recipes. Our go-to is rice-based pasta. Monash University and FODMAP Friendly have both tested “gluten-free” pasta, but they do not specify what the pasta was made from. Monash says gluten-free pasta is low FODMAP at 145 g or 1 cup cooked; FODMAP Friendly lab testing suggested 2 cups or 146 g cooked is low FODMAP. Monash has also lab tested pasta made from rice, which they list under “rice stick” and it is low FODMAP at 220 g, which no Moderate or High FODMAP amounts given.

• Scallions: Monash University lab testing found no FODMAPs detected in scallion greens; they suggest a 75 g serving size. FODMAP Friendly has also lab tested scallions: their recommended serving size for the green parts is 16 g, with a max low FODMAP serving of 161 g. They have also tested the bulb and it is low FODMAP in 19 g portions, which is about 2 tablespoons finely chopped.

• Strawberries: This popular berry has been lab tested by both Monash University and FODMAP Friendly. Monash lab testing initially reported that no FODMAPs were detected in strawberries. They suggested 10 medium berries (150 g) as a serving. Subsequent lab tests in 2021 state 5 strawberries or 65 g as low FODMAP and the “no FODMAP” language has been removed; they show fructose content. What this tells us is that strawberries can contain no FODMAPs, or they can. There is no way to tell what the FODMAP content is of the berries you buy. FODMAP Friendly initially gave strawberries a “pass” and pegged 10 medium berries at (140 g) as a serving. They retested in 2021 and now state that their lab results show that a low FODMAP serving size is 50 g (or 4 berries). We suggest that you test your own tolerance (as always) and eat to your personal limit. Remember, the varieties, ripeness etc. of the berries that were lab tested will be different from those that you eat. Use the lab tests as a guide.

• Vinegar: Several vinegars have been lab tested by both Monash and FODMAP Friendly. From Monash: Apple cider vinegar is low FODMAP at 2 Australian tablespoons or 42 g; Balsamic vinegar is low FODMAP at 1 Australian tablespoons or 21 g; Malt vinegar contains no FODMAPs; Rice wine vinegar is low FODMAP at 2 Australian tablespoons or 42 g. From FODMAP Friendly: Balsamic gets a “Pass” at 2.5 tablespoons or 42 ml. Apple cider vinegar gets a “Pass” at 1 tablespoon or 14 g (don’t ask me why one is in milliliters and the other in grams).

Please always refer to the Monash University & FODMAP Friendly smartphone apps for the most up-to-date lab tested information. Foods will be retested from time to time; in the case of raw ingredients, such as fruits and vegetables, results may vary. All lab tested results are valid and represent a snapshot in time. As always, your tolerance is what counts; please eat accordingly. The ultimate goal of the low FODMAP diet is to eat as broadly as possible, without triggering symptoms, for the healthiest microbiome.