Toots & Trots
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Toots & Trots / Does it matter?

Onion powder or cumin in the mince — does it matter?

Yes — mainly because of gas. If wind and bloating is a problem for you, Cumin — powdered / dehydrated is worth trying. If you're tolerating Onion — powdered / dehydrated without issues, the difference may not show up for you personally.

These two sit at opposite ends of the spice rack and most people would never guess which is which. Onion powder is dried onion with the water taken out, so the fructans are concentrated into a teaspoon — it's one of the highest scorers we have. Cumin is a seed with almost nothing fermentable in it. If a family dinner is going to bother you, the seasoning is worth checking before the vegetables are.

Scores use a standard reference serving via the GASP model. Individual tolerance varies.

Onion — powdered / dehydrated
9.3
! More likely challenging
Cumin — powdered / dehydrated
0.5
Likely gentler
8.7Gas0.48.3
0.3Agitation0.3
2.5Stool-loosening0.22.3
0.7Particle load0.40.3
0.5Binding0.20.3

Yes — mainly because of gas.

If wind and bloating is a problem for you, Cumin — powdered / dehydrated is worth trying. If you're tolerating Onion — powdered / dehydrated without issues, the difference may not show up for you personally.

Try it on your own food

These ideas are a starting point — see how your actual meals and foods score.

More comparisons

Where the scores come from

Scores are our modelled synthesis — not endorsed by these organisations.

Written and checked from lived experience with a J-pouch. Last updated June 2026. The GASP Score is a modelled estimate, not medical advice — always work alongside your own clinical team.

Scores are modelled estimates, not medical advice. Everyone's gut is different, and tolerance changes over time. Reintroduce foods one at a time, and follow your own medical team's advice.