Technically, they are FODMAPS carbohydrates, and they are sweet! Most polyols are poorly absorbed, and wind up in the large intestine when they are consumed. In the large intestine, polyols are fermented by gut bacteria. They are also capable of drawing water into the large intestine. Together, the excess gas and excess fluid can cause distension of the colon, which cause bloating, flatulence and looser stools for the IBS sufferer. In a double whammy, eating or drinking sugar alcohols worsens fructose intolerance!

Some sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol, occur naturally in fruits such as apples, pears, and the "stone fruits," which include plums, prunes, apricots, peaches, cherries and so on. Sugar alcohols are often used to sweeten "sugar-free" foods (such as candy, gum, low-carb items, and bubbly water) and liquid medications. They can be recognized on the food label's list of ingredients by the ending "-ol". Examples are xylitol and maltitol.

Note that erythritol seems to be an exception. Studies have shown it is well absorbed and unlikely to cause GI symptoms.

The nutrition information says there is no fiber, so therefore no (measurable) fructans or galactans. Also, there are no (measurable) sugars, thus no lactose, fructose or sugar alcohols. It is highly unlikely, therefore, that the remaining carbohydrates in the product would contain enough fermentable, osmotically active carbohydrates to meet the definition of a FODMAP.This product is probably fine for a FODMAPS-elimination diet.

If you have used this product, please leave a comment and let us know how it worked in your kitchen!

According to this report, the average 9-ounce "cup" of filtered coffee contains 1.3 grams of fiber. Most of the fiber is a fermentable type, and would be defined as FODMAPS, in the galactans category. People who drink three "cups" of coffee a day could be consuming about 4 grams of fiber, equal to the amount in 1/4 cup of cooked beans. Who knew?

Many people, including me, would find it very difficult to give up coffee entirely for even a week or two, to do a completely FODMAPS-free elimination phase. I'm going to suggest, instead, that people undertaking the FODMAPS elimination diet cut back on coffee somewhat, but not to the point that would cause caffeine withdrawal symptoms, during the elimination phase.

If you decide to be a purist, you could wean yourself off coffee over a week's time--watch out for rebound caffeine-withdrawal headaches if you do this. Then, after the elimination phase of the diet, you could add de-caf coffee back during the galactans challenge. Challenge with decaf to avoid confusion about the impact of caffeine itself on bowel habits.

Once in a while someone who is apparently a good candidate for the FODMAPS elimination diet doesn't improve much during the elimination phase. Before calling the experiment a failure, it might make sense at that point to completely wean off coffee and see if any further improvement takes place.