I am intolerant to fructose.
frut-TOH-zyoh — stress on second syllable. 'tt' = double, held slightly longer.
Use when ordering fruit-based desserts, sauces with onion, or dishes with high-fructose ingredients. Fructose intolerance is less commonly understood in restaurants — be prepared to explain.
Fructose intolerance (intolleranza al fruttosio) means avoiding fruits, honey, and high-fructose vegetables like onion and garlic. This is distinct from hereditary fructose intolerance, a rare metabolic disorder. Italian gelato and fruit sorbets are problematic.
Evito la frutta e il miele.
I avoid fruit and honey.
Practical breakdown of the main fructose sources.
Il dolce contiene frutta?
Does the dessert contain fruit?
Checking dessert ingredients.
Senza frutta nel piatto.
Without fruit in the dish.
Direct exclusion for savory dishes with fruit elements.
Italian gelato often relies on fresh fruit purees — limone, fragola (strawberry), and lampone (raspberry) are classics. Fructose-intolerant visitors should look for 'fior di latte', 'crema', or 'cioccolato' flavors instead.