A Guide to What are Foods Not High in Fiber?

October 30, 2025 •

3 min read

For some individuals with specific digestive conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or those preparing for medical procedures such as a colonoscopy, a diet focusing on foods not high in fiber may be recommended by a healthcare professional. This temporary dietary adjustment is designed to give the digestive system a rest by reducing the amount of undigested bulk moving through the bowel.

Quick Summary

A low-fiber diet involves consuming refined grains, specific fruits, cooked vegetables, and most animal products. It's often prescribed temporarily for medical procedures or managing certain digestive symptoms.

Key Points

Refined Grains: Choose refined grains like white bread and white rice, as they are processed to remove the fiber-rich outer layers.
Peeled Produce: To lower fiber, eat fruits and vegetables that have been cooked and had their skins and seeds removed.
Animal Products: Most meat, fish, poultry, and eggs contain no dietary fiber and are suitable for a low-fiber diet.
Limit Nuts and Seeds: Nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole-grain foods are generally high in fiber and should be avoided.
Temporary Use Only: A low-fiber diet should only be followed for short periods under medical supervision, as long-term use carries health risks.
Slow Reintroduction: When reintroducing fiber, do so gradually to allow the digestive system to adjust and avoid discomfort.
Hydration is Key: Drinking plenty of fluids is important on a low-fiber diet to help prevent constipation.

Understanding a Low-Fiber Diet

A low-fiber diet, sometimes called a low-residue diet, is an eating plan that minimizes the intake of indigestible parts of plant-based foods, such as grains, fruits, and vegetables. The goal is to reduce the volume and frequency of stools, which can alleviate symptoms like diarrhea, cramping, and bloating. Unlike typical healthy eating guidelines that promote high fiber intake, this approach serves a specific, often temporary, medical purpose. It may be necessary for those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diverticulitis, or other conditions affecting the intestines. It is also standard practice for patients preparing for a colonoscopy or recovering from gastrointestinal surgery.

Low-Fiber Food Categories

To follow this diet effectively, it is essential to know which foods contain low levels of fiber, and which preparation methods are necessary to reduce fiber content.

Refined Grains and Starches

White Bread and Rolls: Made with refined white flour, they lack the fiber-rich bran and germ.
White Rice: Refined and contains very little fiber compared to brown or wild rice.
Refined Pasta and Noodles: Choose plain options made from white flour.
Low-Fiber Cereals: Options like cornflakes or puffed rice are suitable.
Plain Crackers: Saltine crackers are typically low in fiber.

Fruits

Peeled and Canned Fruits: The skin and seeds are removed to reduce fiber. Examples include canned peaches or pears.
Ripe Bananas: Softer and lower in fiber than greener ones.
Melons: Cantaloupe and honeydew are good low-fiber choices.
Applesauce: A soft, low-fiber option.
Strained Fruit Juices: Juices without pulp are low in fiber.

Vegetables

Cooked and Peeled Vegetables: All vegetables should be well-cooked and peeled, with seeds removed. Examples include cooked carrots, green beans, and potatoes without skin.
Spinach and Pumpkin: Both are suitable when well-cooked.
Strained Vegetable Juices: Lack the pulp and fiber found in whole vegetables.

Meats and Other Proteins

Meat, Fish, and Poultry: Animal products contain no fiber. Choose tender, well-cooked, skinless portions.
Eggs: A fiber-free protein source.
Tofu: Another good protein option.
Smooth Peanut Butter: Creamy varieties are acceptable; avoid crunchy versions with nut pieces.

Dairy Products

Milk and Cheese: Most dairy is low in fiber.
Yogurt: Choose plain yogurt without added fruits, seeds, or granola.
Ice Cream: Plain ice cream is generally allowed.

Low-Fiber vs. High-Fiber Food Comparison


Food Group	Examples of Low-Fiber Foods	Examples of High-Fiber Foods to Avoid
Grains	White bread, white rice, refined crackers	Whole grains, brown rice, oatmeal, popcorn
Fruits	Ripe bananas, canned peaches, melons (no seeds)	Berries, dried fruits, fruits with skin/seeds
Vegetables	Cooked, peeled carrots, green beans, potatoes (no skin)	Raw vegetables, corn, peas, broccoli, potato skins
Protein	Tender meat, fish, eggs, smooth peanut butter	Legumes, beans, lentils, chunky nut butters
Dairy	Milk, plain yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese	Yogurt with fruit or granola, dairy with seeds
Misc.	Clear jellies, broths, plain cakes/cookies	Nuts, seeds, coconut, marmalade

Potential Risks and Reintroduction of Fiber

A prolonged low-fiber diet should only be followed under a doctor's supervision due to potential health concerns, including constipation, nutrient deficiencies, and long-term health risks such as increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Your doctor may recommend a multivitamin to compensate for missing nutrients.

Reintroducing Fiber

When cleared by your healthcare provider, reintroduce fiber gradually to allow your digestive system to adjust. Start with small amounts of high-fiber foods and monitor your body's reaction. Keeping a food diary can be helpful during this transition.

Conclusion

Understanding what are foods not high in fiber is critical for individuals following a specific, medically-directed dietary plan. While not suitable for general health, this diet serves an important temporary purpose in managing certain digestive issues or preparing for procedures. Close collaboration with a healthcare professional is essential to ensure the diet is appropriate, followed correctly, and that the transition back to a high-fiber diet is managed safely. For more in-depth information, resources like the Mayo Clinic's guidance on low-fiber diets are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

The terms are often used interchangeably. A low-fiber diet limits the amount of fiber, while a low-residue diet limits both fiber and other foods that create bulk in the stool, like dairy, if tolerated.

Not all. While many are, you should still check the labels to ensure they do not contain added high-fiber ingredients. Canned fruits should also be free of skin and seeds.

No, fried foods should generally be avoided. They can cause discomfort and worsen symptoms like diarrhea, especially if you have an active digestive condition.

Yes, but you should choose juices without pulp. Strained fruit or vegetable juices are good options.

A low-fiber diet is typically recommended by a doctor for specific medical reasons, such as managing a flare-up of a digestive condition or preparing for a procedure. You should not self-diagnose or start this diet without professional guidance.

Your doctor may recommend a multivitamin because a low-fiber diet restricts many nutrient-rich foods. Always consult your healthcare provider to discuss your specific needs.

Reintroduce fiber slowly, adding small amounts of a new high-fiber food every couple of days. Pay attention to how your body reacts, and consult your doctor or dietitian for a personalized plan.

In small amounts, fats and oils like butter, margarine, and oils are typically allowed. If you have diarrhea, however, you should limit high-fat foods, as they can aggravate symptoms.