15 Surprising Foods That Cause Gas

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

Many foods can cause gas and bloating. Carbonated drinks, lentils, and cruciferous vegetables are common culprits. 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 a laxative 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 the gut for some individuals. If you struggle with sorbitol digestion, you might feel bloated or experience nausea.

**Watermelon**

Watermelon is high in fructose, a fruit sugar that can cause gas. Some people have difficulty digesting fructose due to genetics. This condition is known as hereditary fructose intolerance and can be diagnosed with a blood test.

**Potatoes**

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

**Peas**

Peas contain galacto-oligosaccharides, which feed gut bacteria and produce gas. This can lead to discomfort after meals.

**Coffee**

Caffeine in coffee might make you rush to the bathroom. If this happens frequently, consider reducing your coffee intake.

**Oatmeal**

Oatmeal is high in fiber and keeps you full longer. However, adding too much fiber too quickly can 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 upset your stomach if eaten excessively.

**Peaches**

Juicy peaches are delightful but may cause digestive issues due to their natural sugars called polyols. This sometimes leads to cramps or bloating.

**Diet Drinks with Sugar Alcohols**

Some low-calorie drinks use sugar alcohols as sweeteners. While helpful for weight loss, they can act like laxatives if consumed in large amounts.

**Hard Candy**

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