15 Surprising Foods That Cause Gas

**Gas and Bloating: Foods to Watch Out For**

Many foods can cause gas and bloating. These include carbonated drinks, lentils, and cruciferous vegetables. Most people experience gas at some point in their lives. Passing gas is natural but excessive gassiness can be uncomfortable or painful.

**Chewing Gum**

When you chew gum, you swallow air. This air can lead to gas in your gut. Sugar-free gums often contain sorbitol and xylitol. These sugar substitutes may cause gas or act like laxatives for some people.

**Apples**

Apples contain sorbitol, a natural sugar found in many fruits. Some people cannot absorb it properly, leading to gas and bloating. In children, it may even cause diarrhea.

**Blackberries**

Blackberries are delicious fresh or dried in teas. They have natural sugars that can upset your stomach if you struggle with sorbitol digestion. This may result in bloating, belly pain, diarrhea, gas, or nausea.

**Watermelon**

Watermelon is high in fructose, a fruit sugar that some find hard to digest. This can lead to gas issues for certain individuals. Rarely, this problem might be genetic—known as hereditary fructose intolerance.

**Potatoes**

Potatoes are generally safe as a side dish but can still cause gas for some due to starch content.

**Peas**

Peas contain galacto-oligosaccharides that feed gut bacteria and produce gas. This can create discomfort after meals.

**Coffee**

Caffeine from coffee might make you rush to the bathroom. If you feel an urgent need after drinking coffee, consider reducing your intake.

**Oatmeal**

Oatmeal is high in fiber and keeps you full longer. However, adding too much too quickly may upset your stomach. Introduce oatmeal gradually into your diet for better tolerance.

**Cruciferous Vegetables**

Cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower are healthy but hard to digest for some people. They may cause bloating or cramps; consider swapping them for easier-to-digest options like bell peppers or zucchini.

**Dried Apricots**

Dried apricots are high in fiber and great for constipation relief. However, they also contain fructose which can lead to tummy aches if consumed excessively.

**Peaches**

Juicy peaches are delightful but their natural sugars called polyols may upset your stomach sometimes. This could result in cramps or bloating.

**Diet Drinks with Sugar Alcohols**

Some low-calorie drinks use sugar alcohols as sweeteners. While helpful for weight loss, these can act like laxatives if consumed too much—check labels carefully!

**Hard Candy**

Sucking on hard candy causes you to swallow air which leads to gas. Many candies also contain xylitol or sorbitol that might upset your stomach.