Is Sucrose OK for FODMAP? Understanding Table Sugar and IBS

November 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Monash University, a key authority on the low FODMAP diet, standard table sugar (sucrose) is considered low FODMAP because it contains equal parts glucose and fructose. This critical fact addresses the common question: is sucrose ok for FODMAP?, especially when many high-FODMAP foods contain excess fructose.

Quick Summary

Sucrose, or table sugar, is generally low FODMAP because its balanced glucose and fructose ratio prevents malabsorption. The presence of equal glucose assists in fructose uptake, which stops fermentation in the gut, but moderation is advised for overall health.

Key Points

Balanced Glucose-Fructose: Sucrose, or table sugar, is a low-FODMAP disaccharide because its 1:1 glucose-to-fructose ratio promotes efficient absorption in the small intestine, unlike excess fructose.
Not all Sugar is Equal: Many other sweeteners, such as honey, agave, and high-fructose corn syrup, are high FODMAP due to excess fructose, while others like maple syrup are low FODMAP in specific portions.
Sucrase Deficiency is Different: Specific sucrose intolerance (CSID), caused by a lack of the sucrase enzyme, is a different digestive issue from FODMAP sensitivity and may require a different dietary approach.
Moderation is Key: While low FODMAP, excessive intake of sucrose can still irritate the gut and should be consumed in moderation to avoid aggravating IBS symptoms and for general health.
Read Ingredients Carefully: When consuming products with sucrose, always check for other hidden high-FODMAP ingredients like onion, garlic, or other sweeteners.
Test if Symptoms Persist: If you follow a low FODMAP diet but still react to table sugar, consider getting tested for sucrose intolerance via a breath test or other diagnostic methods.

The Science Behind Sucrose and FODMAPs

Sucrose is a disaccharide, a type of carbohydrate made of two sugar molecules bonded together. Specifically, each sucrose molecule is composed of one glucose molecule and one fructose molecule. This 1:1 ratio is what makes it fundamentally different from high-FODMAP sugars like honey, which has an excess of fructose over glucose. The "D" in the FODMAP acronym stands for disaccharides, but it refers specifically to lactose, not sucrose. The human body requires the enzyme sucrase to break down sucrose in the small intestine for proper absorption. For most people with IBS who are sensitive to excess fructose, this balanced glucose-fructose ratio allows for efficient absorption without triggering symptoms.

The Critical Role of the Glucose-Fructose Balance

Fructose is a high-FODMAP sugar when it is present in excess of glucose. However, when glucose and fructose are consumed together in equal amounts, the glucose aids in the absorption of the fructose in the small intestine. This process, facilitated by the GLUT-2 transporter, prevents the unabsorbed fructose from traveling to the large intestine where it would be fermented by gut bacteria, causing bloating, gas, and pain. Since sucrose naturally has this perfect 1:1 balance, it bypasses the digestive issues associated with excess fructose intake for many individuals.

Understanding Sucrose Intolerance: A Separate Consideration

While sucrose is low FODMAP for most people with IBS, a specific condition known as Sucrose Intolerance (or Congenital Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency - CSID) can cause symptoms. This is not a FODMAP-related issue but a deficiency of the sucrase-isomaltase enzyme, which is necessary to break down sucrose. Individuals with this condition cannot properly digest sucrose, leading to fermentation and severe gastrointestinal symptoms. If you react poorly to sucrose even while adhering to a low FODMAP diet, you may need further testing for this specific intolerance.

How to Distinguish Sucrose Intolerance from Fructose Malabsorption

The symptoms of sucrose intolerance and fructose malabsorption can overlap, but the key lies in what triggers them. With fructose malabsorption, you react to foods with more fructose than glucose, like apples or high-fructose corn syrup. With sucrose intolerance, you react specifically to foods containing table sugar and starch. A hydrogen and methane breath test or a duodenal biopsy can help a doctor differentiate between these conditions and determine the proper course of action.

Low FODMAP Sweetener Alternatives and Their Status

While sucrose is a safe option, it's helpful to know about other sweeteners on the low FODMAP diet. Many non-nutritive sweeteners, including aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin, are also low FODMAP because they are not carbohydrates. Natural sweeteners like maple syrup and rice malt syrup are also generally low FODMAP, though they have recommended serving sizes based on testing by Monash University.


Sweetener	FODMAP Status (Typical Serving)	Key Consideration
Sucrose (Table Sugar)	Low FODMAP	Equal glucose/fructose ratio; requires sucrase enzyme.
Honey	High FODMAP	Contains an excess of fructose over glucose.
Maple Syrup	Low FODMAP	Safe in recommended portions (e.g., 2 tbsp).
Agave Syrup	High FODMAP	Typically high in excess fructose.
High-Fructose Corn Syrup	High FODMAP	Contains excess fructose, a primary FODMAP trigger.
Stevia	Low FODMAP	Safe in recommended amounts (e.g., 2g).
Coconut Sugar	High FODMAP	Contains fructans, making it high FODMAP.

Tips for Including Sucrose in Your Low FODMAP Diet

Portion Control: Although sucrose is low FODMAP, excessive sugar intake can still irritate the gut and contribute to other health issues. Enjoy it in moderation. Monash University guidelines suggest a standard 1/4 cup (50g) portion size for table sugar, which is based on general healthy eating advice, not FODMAP content.
Read Labels Carefully: Many packaged foods contain sucrose but also include high-FODMAP ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, fruit juice concentrates, or fructans from other sources.
Be Aware of Other Triggers: Caffeine, carbonation, and fatty foods are known IBS triggers and often accompany sugary items. A soda containing sucrose might be problematic due to the carbonation, not the sugar itself.
Monitor Your Symptoms: Some individuals with IBS might still experience symptoms from large amounts of sugar, even if it's low FODMAP. Pay attention to how your body reacts and adjust your intake accordingly.

Conclusion: Moderation and Awareness are Crucial

Sucrose is generally acceptable on a low FODMAP diet for most people, thanks to its balanced glucose and fructose composition that ensures proper absorption. However, this does not give license for unlimited consumption, as moderation remains vital for overall gut health. Furthermore, it is crucial to recognize that a distinct condition called sucrose intolerance exists and requires a different approach. For those who find themselves experiencing symptoms despite a low FODMAP diet, investigating specific intolerances with a healthcare professional is the next logical step. By understanding the nuances of how sucrose interacts with the body, individuals can make informed decisions to manage their IBS effectively.

For more detailed information on FODMAPs and certified products, visit the Monash University Low FODMAP Diet website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Table sugar (sucrose) is considered low FODMAP. It is composed of one molecule of glucose and one of fructose, and this equal ratio allows for effective absorption in the small intestine, preventing the issues associated with excess fructose.

Fructose is a high FODMAP when it is in excess of glucose. In sucrose, the 1:1 ratio of glucose to fructose means the glucose molecule helps transport the fructose for absorption. This prevents the fructose from traveling to the large intestine where it would be fermented.

FODMAP sensitivity is triggered by various fermentable carbohydrates, including excess fructose. Sucrose intolerance is a separate genetic or acquired condition caused by a deficiency of the sucrase enzyme needed to break down sucrose specifically.

No. While sucrose is low FODMAP, excessive intake of any added sugar is not recommended for overall gut health and can act as a non-FODMAP gut irritant for some individuals. Moderation is always key.

Yes, common types like brown sugar, cane sugar, and icing sugar are all considered low FODMAP, as they are derived from sucrose. However, always check for other added ingredients that could be high FODMAP.

Many sweeteners are low FODMAP, including maple syrup (in recommended servings), rice malt syrup, stevia, and artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose. High-fructose sweeteners like honey and agave are generally high FODMAP.

If you follow a low FODMAP diet but continue to experience symptoms after consuming foods with sucrose or starch, you might consider getting tested for sucrose intolerance. This can be done via a hydrogen and methane breath test or a duodenal biopsy.