Is Butter Low FODMAP?
Yes, butter is low FODMAP. It is almost entirely fat with only trace lactose — about 0.1 g per tablespoon — far below any symptom threshold, even for people with confirmed lactose intolerance.
AI-assisted classification
Serving note
Butter is low FODMAP at typical servings (1 tablespoon) and remains so at larger culinary amounts. If rich or fried foods reliably trigger your symptoms, treat total meal fat as its own variable to track — switching butter for oil rarely changes anything FODMAP-wise.
Disclaimer: This nutrition information is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat eating disorders, metabolic conditions, or nutritional deficiencies. Consult a registered dietitian or medical professional before starting any new diet plan. See our Medical Disclaimer.
LOW
Unknown
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Butter is safe for most, but you may have a unique sensitivity.
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Digestive Profile
- Fiber Type
- Not specified
- Common Irritants
- None detected
- Allergen Warnings
- None detected
Nutrition Facts (per 100g)
- Calories
- 717 kcal
- Protein
- 0.9g
- Carbohydrates
- 0.1g
- Fat
- 81.1g
- Sugar
- 0.1g
Why is Butter low FODMAP?
The only FODMAP in dairy is lactose, and butter is what remains after churning cream separates the fat from the lactose-carrying buttermilk. A tablespoon of butter carries a fraction of a gram of lactose, which is why Monash lists butter as low FODMAP and why even lactose-intolerant people generally tolerate it. Large amounts of butter can still bother fat-sensitive guts — but through fat-driven gut responses, not FODMAPs.
FODMAP classifications on this page follow the framework established by the Monash University FODMAP research program, which laboratory-tests foods for fermentable carbohydrates. Individual tolerance varies.
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Not medical advice. Learn more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is butter low FODMAP?
Yes. Butter is nearly pure fat with only trace lactose — Monash lists it as low FODMAP at standard servings. Margarine is likewise low FODMAP; choose by preference.
Can I eat butter if I'm lactose intolerant?
Almost always yes — a tablespoon of butter has about 0.1 g of lactose, well under the several-gram threshold most lactose-intolerant people can handle.
Is ghee even lower in lactose than butter?
Yes — clarifying removes the remaining milk solids, making ghee essentially lactose-free. It is a good option for the most dairy-sensitive.
Can buttery foods still trigger IBS symptoms?
Yes, via fat rather than FODMAPs: high-fat meals slow gastric emptying and heighten gut sensitivity in some people. If croissants bother you but toast with butter doesn't, wheat fructans — not butter — are the likelier cause.
Is margarine low FODMAP too?
Yes — margarine is plant fat and contains no lactose. Check flavoured spreads for milk solids or honey, but plain margarine is safe.
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GutGraph is an informational health tracking tool and is not a medical device, medical authority, or substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. See our Medical Disclaimer for more details.