Is grapefruit low FODMAP?

Is grapefruit low FODMAP? Let’s find out! Grapefruit’s sour and bitter taste adds freshness to sweet and savory dishes.

The specific taste makes grapefruit versatile, but having IBS might discourage you from experimenting with this citrus fruit.

This article will discuss whether grapefruit and its juice are low FODMAP and the main health information about grapefruit. 

We will also share five recipes to help you include grapefruit in safe portion sizes.

Is grapefruit low FODMAP?

Grapefruit is low FODMAP up to 80g per portion, which is roughly ⅓ of grapefruit. However, larger portion sizes are high FODMAP due to fructans (1).

To read more about fructans, read our article: Fructans – are you intolerant to them?

Is grapefruit juice low FODMAP?

Probably not, as the fruit itself is low FODMAP in smaller quantities. 

This means that we would need more than 80g of grapefruit for a cup of juice, which would make the juice high in FODMAPs.

However, we do not have the exact data as a leading authority on FODMAP testing – Monash has not tested the juice.

Check out our article on low FODMAP fruit juices to learn which juices are allowed on the low FODMAP diet.

Low FODMAP grapefruit recipes

Grapefruit’s flesh is juicy and acidic, and its flavor profile can vary from mildly sweet to refreshingly tart. 

Grapefruit can be a fantastic addition to salads. Check out our favorite low FODMAP recipes:

• Low FODMAP Grapefruit & Greens Salad with Candied Pecans
• Grapefruit Prawn Salad
• Green Curry Marinated Salmon with Red Grapefruit and Paw Paw Salad

If you prefer grapefruit in sweet dishes, try Broiled Grapefruit & Coconut Whipped Cream.

Grapefruit is also a popular ingredient in cocktails and smoothies. Check the FODMAP-friendly recipe for a special occasion: Low FODMAP Sea Breeze Mimosa.

The Health Benefits of Grapefruit on the low FODMAP diet

Grapefruit is a rich source of vitamin C. A low FODMAP portion provides 25mg of vitamin C, more than half of the daily UK recommendations (2, 3).

Grapefruit can potentially interfere with various medications, leading to adverse reactions.

This can happen due to naturally present compounds from grapefruit called furanocoumarins, which can inhibit various enzymes in the body responsible for drug metabolism (4). 

That means grapefruit can activate or deactivate many drugs, leading to higher or lower levels in the bloodstream (4).

Summary

Grapefruit is low FODMAP in portions of 80g. Due to fructans (a type of FODMAP), you should avoid larger portions while following a low FODMAP diet. 

Unfortunately, the leading authority on FODMAP testing has not tested grapefruit juice, so we recommend opting for tested low FODMAP juices, such as orange and grape juice.

Grapefruit is a rich source of vitamin C and can boost salads, drinks, or desserts.

However, grapefruit can interfere with some medications. If you take such medications, respect doctors’ or pharmacists’ instructions to avoid any adverse effects.

Written by Barbara Lešnik, Student Dietitian, reviewed by Kirsten Jackson, Consultant Dietitian BSc Hons, RD, PG Cert