Fructose intolerance: Which foods to avoid?

Date Updated: 01/21/2022

Answer Section

Fructose is a sugar found naturally in fruits, fruit juices, some vegetables and honey. Fructose is also a basic component in table sugar (sucrose), and high-fructose corn syrup is used to sweeten many processed foods and beverages.

When your digestive system doesn't absorb fructose properly, it can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea and gas.

People who have fructose intolerance should limit high-fructose foods, such as juices, apples, grapes, watermelon, asparagus, peas and zucchini. Some lower fructose foods — such as bananas, blueberries, strawberries, carrots, avocados, green beans and lettuce — may be tolerated in limited quantities with meals.

Read product labels carefully and avoid foods containing:

Fructose
High-fructose corn syrup
Honey
Agave syrup
Invert sugar
Maple-flavored syrup
Molasses
Palm or coconut sugar
Sorghum

Consult a registered dietitian for a complete list of foods your daughter should eat or avoid if she has fructose intolerance. The dietitian can also help create a healthy diet plan for your daughter to make sure she gets the nutrients she needs.