There is nothing quite like eating a garden fresh beefsteak tomato directly off the vine still warm from the summer sun. Fortunately, for low FODMAP diet followers, fresh tomatoes are low FODMAP.
Tomatoes are a fruit and as such are of source of the ‘fruit sugar’ fructose. Fresh, canned, Roma and cherry tomatoes do not contain ‘excess fructose’ so fall under the low FODMAP category per Monash University low FODMAP diet app. On the contrast, sun-dried tomatoes do have some excess fructose in a moderate portion. The concentration of the fructose increases with drying and a 2 piece portion of dried tomatoes is a low FODMAP portion but larger servings would not be.
What other tomato products might be a source of excess fructose? Tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomato and per USDA nutrient information, it could be a source of excess fructose in larger servings of 1/2 cup or more. I have not seen data yet on tomato paste from Monash U.
Tomato-based products such as ketchup, BBQ sauce and marinara sauce often contain other FODMAP ingredients. Though Monash University did test some US ketchups and found that ~3/4 tablespoon was low enough in FODMAPs, even when made with high fructose corn syrup. A perfect example of how portion control is key.
Canned diced tomatoes sometimes have lurking FODMAPs in the ingredients, even if the front of the label states simply, diced tomatoes. As always, read the ingredient label!
These ^ Pomi brand tomatoes contain only tomatoes, as noted in the ingredient list.
Rao’s Sensitive Formula marinara is a great option for marinara, a delicious sauce made without onion and garlic.
Tomatoes are a rich source of Vitamin C, potassium and lycopene, important for heart and prostate health. Learn more about tomatoes and nutrition here.
Melinda
Hi Kate. Please excuse this comment if it is a duplicate. I tried sending one earlier, but don’t think it was posted. I must have made an error. Thank you for the information on tomatoes, my favorite fruit! I see many recipes that call for crushed tomatoes, but they all contain tomato puree. Is it fodmap safe?
katescarlata
Melinda, they should be okay. I find my patients can tolerated crushed tomatoes. Try them in small amounts and if they bother you, go back to diced or another variety that works.
Lisa
This was so helpful and explains why tomatoes are sometimes an issue. Thank you for so clearly explaining it and for your constant dedication.
katescarlata
Oh good, glad you found it helpful! Thanks, Lisa, for the commment!
Gabriela
Hello Kate,
Pomi is a brand that I considered FODMAP friendly and they have different products: tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato puree. None of this have garlic/onions but now I’m concerned about the fructose content shall I be recommending only 1/2 a cup serving or what would be your suggestion?
katescarlata
Gabriela, I would recommend the portions as posted on the Monash app. For canned tomato products–which should be similar to the Pomi packs–Monash recommend 1/2 cup serving. And…as always, adjust to your tolerance. Some individual can tolerate more. But, servings > than 1 cup would have excess fructose likely.