Low FODMAP Vegan Recipes (Easy & Affordable) (2024)

FAQs

Can you be vegan and low FODMAP? ›

But that said, if you're plant-based and you're trying to figure out which foods might be giving you painful symptoms, it is possible to follow both a vegan diet and a low-FODMAP diet at the same time.

Opt for cheaper meats and eat more vegetarian

Quinoa, egg, canned lentils, and tofu are great options for a low FODMAP protein and are relatively inexpensive. If you do eat meat, opt for canned fish, like tuna and sardines, or leaned mince meat, for a low FODMAP and high protein meal.

Chickpeas are generally a high FODMAP food due to their galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) content. However, if you eat ¼ cup or less of canned chickpeas that have been rinsed and drained, they are actually low FODMAP. This is because FODMAPs are water-soluble and leach out of the chickpeas into the brine of the can.

The low-FODMAP diet temporarily restricts these carbohydrates in order to relieve uncomfortable symptoms and give your digestive system a rest. Removing irritants gives your gut lining a chance to repair itself and can help restore a healthy balance of gut flora.

Cons of a vegan diet

Many plant-based foods can worsen IBS symptoms, causing bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. Vegan diets that avoid triggering foods could leave out essential vitamins and minerals, such as protein, iron, and calcium.

You may also be eating more starches and sugars from hyper-processed gluten free, low FODMAP packaged foods than usual, which may overwhelm the absorption capacity of a sensitive, hyper-active gut. If you suspect this, try eating more fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds and see how you feel.

The gluten free diet has some similarities to the FODMAP diet and it is often tried first before undetaking the low FODMAP diet.

“The low FODMAP diet isn't meant for weight loss, but you can lose weight on it because it eliminates so many foods. For someone at an already too low weight, losing more can be dangerous.”

Is peanut butter low FODMAP? Peanuts are low in FODMAPs, and natural peanut butter is also. Some peanut butter brands add sweeteners with FODMAPs, but typically add small amounts that most people tolerate.

What is the lowest FODMAP fruit? ›

Greek yogurt is made by straining regular yogurt, a process that removes much of the whey, resulting in a lower lactose content. Monash has recently tested Greek yogurt, and the low FODMAP serving is ¾ ounce (23 grams). At 3 tablespoons, Greek yogurt is moderate in FODMAPs.

Sweet potato contains fructose, a type of FODMAP, but in small amounts. It's considered a low FODMAP food, but you should consider keeping your intake to 1/2 cup (75 grams) cooked. Comparatively, yam is lower in FODMAPs. You may be able to eat larger amounts of it on a low FODMAP diet.

Why is traditional hummus not low FODMAP? Hummus is typically made with dried rather than canned beans. Most dried beans are limited on the low FODMAP diet as they contain high amounts of fructans and GOS. These types of FODMAPs are water-soluble which is why well-rinsed, canned versions are usually better tolerated.

Tofu is a curd made from soy beans, and during the production of tofu, the FODMAPs are separated out so tofu is naturally low in FODMAPs. Firm tofu is a very good source of protein, with around 15g per 100g.

Inadequate Fiber Intake

Fiber intake can take a hit on a low FODMAP diet. That's not ideal, since fiber is an important food source for the good bacteria in our gut. In addition to producing gas, those gut bacteria perform other services important to human health.

Foods to eat

Non-Starchy Vegetables: Include a variety of leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and squash. Lean Proteins: Choose lean sources such as tofu, tempeh, and legumes for protein. Healthy Fats: Incorporate avocados, nuts, and olive oil for essential fatty acids.