FODMAP Friendly food range launched

As many as 15% of Australians suffer from bloating, cramping and other symptoms related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Many IBS sufferers have found that following a diet low in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) can ease these unpleasant symptoms.

FODMAPS are poorly absorbed in the intestine, providing bacteria with a source of food, which leads to fermentation and thus the bloating and cramping associated with IBS.

Kez’s Kitchen has released Australia’s first ‘FODMAP Friendly’ certified range of cereals and snacks, helping IBS sufferers select breakfast and snack foods that will agree with them.

Kez’s Kitchen already caters to coeliacs and those with gluten intolerance with its Kez’s Free range of gluten-free products. The company recently attained certification for its Gluten-Free Cereal, Gluten-Free Cereal Snacks and Gluten-Free Cereal Bites from dietician and researcher Dr Sue Shepherd, who is best known for her research into gluten-free and low-FODMAP diets.

The products achieved certification as they exclude (or incorporate only low levels of) FODMAP sugars, including fructose, lactose, mannitol, sorbitol, fructans and galacto-oligosaccharides - ingredients that manufacturers often use for flavour and texture. Instead, Kez’s Kitchen uses ingredients such as coconut water, chia seed, psyllium husk and organic rice syrup, which are all low in FODMAPs.

Michael Carp, Kez’s Kitchen Managing Director, is gluten and lactose intolerant. He found that his wellbeing improved markedly once he started following a low-FODMAP diet. He says the company’s FODMAP-friendly certified products were developed in response to growing consumer demand.

“Similar to our popular gluten-free and lactose-free products, we’ve developed foods that cater for an overwhelming demand from consumers with specific dietary requirements, and yet still want great-tasting product,” Carp said.

“We hear regularly from shoppers who are frustrated with the lack of options readily available to them, or who experience daily confusion at the supermarket. These products provide a direct solution to these issues.”

IBS sufferers will benefit greatly from Kez’s Kitchen products receiving this certification, Dr Shepherd says.

“To have Kez’s Kitchen, a brand that has become known for its great-tasting products, pioneering the way for the FODMAP Friendly certification is a huge step forward for sufferers of IBS symptoms,” Dr Shepherd said.

“This certification is a game changer, eliminating the confusion faced every time they grocery shop and creating a benchmark for other manufacturers. Those experiencing IBS will now be able to eat delicious, readily available cereals and snacks that won’t trigger pain or discomfort after eating.”

Each product is analysed independently in a food testing laboratory before it is given the FODMAP Friendly accreditation.

“People who experience problems due to hidden ingredients in foods, and who find themselves spending lots of time reading food packaging and labels will benefit from the clear and convenient messages represented by the new FODMAP Friendly logo,” Dr Shepherd said.

More information about the FODMAP Friendly certification is available from www.fodmap.com.