Monash University Low FODMAP Diet App Review

Monash University Low FODMAP Diet App

Verywell / Zorica Lakonic

Typically, you get the best results when you attempt the low-FODMAP diet—which has been shown to be particularly helpful in the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)—under the supervision of a qualified dietary professional. Since a dietitian or health coach can't be by your side at all times, you may find that the Monash University FODMAP Diet App an essential go-to resource if you're following this way of eating.

The FODMAP Diet app was published and is maintained by researchers at Monash University in Australia, where the diet was originally formulated. The app is constantly being updated as new foods are tested for their FODMAP content. Thus, you can trust that this app is not only giving you scientifically-based information about any foods you are considering eating but also that you are getting the most up-to-date, comprehensive information available.

The Monash University FODMAP diet app is available for both Android and Apple devices ($8).

The Food Guide

The app offers a great value for your investment, and by far the most helpful feature is the comprehensive food guide database.

The specific food search option is helpful, of course, if you want to quickly find out about the FODMAP content of a particular item. The category search option is extremely useful if you are faced with a variety of food choices (such as in a grocery store or while looking at a menu) and want to know which food would be your optimal choice.

What makes this app so user-friendly is that it uses a red, yellow, or green circle rating system. At a glance, you can see if a food is low in FODMAPs (green) or high in FODMAPs (red). Foods that get a yellow rating are those that are low in FODMAPs at smaller portion sizes.

The food database goes beyond individual whole food items as the university has been testing pre-packaged foods from a variety of countries.

Other App Features

The Monash University FODMAP Diet App is quick and easy to use. In addition to the Food Guide, the app offers a variety of other helpful resources:

  • You will find a comprehensive selection of articles covering all aspects of the diet, many of which offer highly specific tips for ensuring that you are following a healthy, nutritious food plan.
  • You'll have access to a variety of low-FODMAP recipes, with options for snacks as well as all your main meals.
  • You can create your weekly shopping list right within the app, armed with the confidence that you are only purchasing low-FODMAP foods. 
  • You can use the app to record what you eat and how you feel in the Food & Symptom diary. The app will then create summaries and graphs for you to show to your healthcare provider or dietitian.

Is This App for You?

The low-FODMAP diet may be an effective one, but it can be difficult for many people to follow. This app goes a long way toward making the diet doable and is worth getting, particularly if you're a low-FODMAP beginner or you want to try the diet again after having struggled with it in the past.

Even if you are not in a position to commit yourself to the low-FODMAP diet at this time, the app can still be helpful. You can use the information on the app to make better food choices when you are having an IBS flare, or when you want to prevent your symptoms from popping up.

Remember that the low-FODMAP diet is not intended to be a long-term diet as there are many health benefits to many foods that are high in FODMAPs.

The diet (and the app) are designed to be used as tools to gain information and identify your trigger foods. With this knowledge, you can enjoy a wider variety of foods without experiencing excessive digestive symptoms.

You can download the Monash University FODMAP Diet App through the iTunes Store and Google Play.

2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Magge S, Lembo A. Low-FODMAP Diet for Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Gastroenterol Hepatol (NY). 2012;8(11):739-45.

  2. Monash University. FODMAPs and irritable bowel syndrome.

Barbara Bolen, PhD

By Barbara Bolen, PhD
Barbara Bolen, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and health coach. She has written multiple books focused on living with irritable bowel syndrome.