At Macro Mike, we’re all about making healthy indulgence easy, accessible, and most importantly, enjoyable, especially for those with sensitive tummies.
You’ve probably seen us call our products “gut-friendly” across our website and socials. A question we get asked a lot is: “Are your products low FODMAP?”
Let’s break down what that really means, and how the Macro Mike range supports your gut health journey.
🌱 What Are FODMAPs?
FODMAPs are a group of fermentable carbohydrates that can be tricky for some people to digest. The acronym stands for:
Fermentable - This refers to how these carbohydrates are broken down in the gut. When FODMAPs reach your large intestine undigested, they’re fermented by gut bacteria, producing gas. This can lead to bloating, cramping, and discomfort, especially in people with sensitive guts or conditions like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
Oligosaccharides (e.g. fructans, galacto-oligosaccharides) - These are short chains of sugar molecules found in foods like:
- Wheat, rye, and barley
- Onions, garlic, and leeks
- Lentils and chickpeas
- Most people can't fully digest oligosaccharides, which is why they can cause issues in the digestive tract.
Disaccharides (e.g. lactose) - Lactose is the sugar found in dairy products like:
- Milk
- Soft cheeses
- Yogurt
- If you're lactose intolerant, your body doesn’t produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose, leading to bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Monosaccharides (e.g. excess fructose) - Fructose is naturally found in:
- Apples
- Honey
- High-fructose corn syrup
- When there’s more fructose than your body can absorb, it draws water into your intestines and ferments, which can cause digestive symptoms.
And - Yes, the "A" just stands for "and." It's part of the acronym to connect all these tricky carbs together.
Polyols (e.g. sorbitol, mannitol) - These are sugar alcohols found in:
- Some fruits (e.g. apples, pears, stone fruits)
- Sugar-free gums and mints
- Artificial sweeteners
- Polyols are poorly absorbed and can ferment in the gut, causing gas and bloating.
When consumed, high-FODMAP foods can ferment in the gut, leading to symptoms like:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Abdominal pain
- Irregular bowel habits
But here's the thing: FODMAP sensitivity is highly individual.
What affects one person might be completely fine for another.
🧠 Why We Say Gut-Friendly (Not “Low FODMAP”)
Because every gut is different, we avoid blanket statements like “low FODMAP.” Instead, we design our products to be gentle and better tolerated by sensitive digestive systems.
Here’s how:
- ✅ No dairy, gluten, or artificial nasties
- ✅ Natural sweeteners like monk fruit and thaumatin
- ✅ No added sugar, sugar alcohols, or synthetic fibres
- ✅ Filtered plant protein to reduce gut-irritants like lectins and starches often found in legumes
- ✅ Wholefood ingredients that nourish without overwhelming your gut
That said, even "gut-friendly" ingredients can still be a maybe for some. If you’re managing diagnosed IBS or undergoing a FODMAP elimination phase, we always recommend checking in with a healthcare professional.
🧪 Not Sure How You’ll React? Try a Sample First.
We totally get that buying a full-size bag of protein (or baking mix!) can feel like a big step if you're unsure how your body will respond. That’s why we offer sample packs across our entire range, from OG flavours to our newest limited-edition collabs.
👉 Perfect for testing how your tummy handles different options
👉 A budget-friendly way to explore before committing
👉 Ideal if you're following a sensitive gut protocol or just beginning your gut health journeyMar
💡 FODMAPs, Gut Health & Macro Mike - Quick Recap
- We don’t label our products as low FODMAP, because everyone’s gut is unique
- Our formulas are crafted with gut-friendly ingredients and clean processes
- Our protein isolation method removes common irritants often found in legumes
- You can always sample before you commit
- Gut health is a journey, and we're here for it, one scoop at a time
🙌 A Note for Those Following a Low FODMAP Diet
If you're currently on a strict low FODMAP plan, remember:
☝️ It’s designed to be short-term, under guidance from a dietitian or health professional.
Why? Because long-term FODMAP restriction can reduce the diversity of your gut bacteria, which isn’t ideal for long-term health. Once your triggers are identified, the goal is to gradually reintroduce foods to build a sustainable, gut-happy way of eating.
🛒 Shop Gut-Friendly Sample Packs
Ready to find your perfect match?
Explore our sample collection and discover what works best for you.