Are Grits Ok on a Low Residue Diet? The Definitive Guide

December 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to gastrointestinal health professionals, grits are typically considered acceptable on a low-residue diet, provided you choose the right variety and prepare them correctly. The key is to select refined grits, which have had the high-fiber hull and germ removed during processing.

Quick Summary

Refined grits are generally allowed on a low-residue diet, which aims to reduce indigestible fiber in the bowel. Preparation is key; choose instant or quick grits over stone-ground and cook them with water or broth rather than high-fat dairy. Careful topping selection is also crucial.

Key Points

Choose Refined Grits: Stick to instant, quick, or regular grits, as the refining process removes the high-fiber bran and germ.
Avoid Stone-Ground Grits: This variety is a whole grain and too high in fiber for a low-residue diet.
Use Water or Broth for Cooking: Prepare grits with water or clear, low-sodium broth to minimize fat and potential irritants.
Skip Fatty Dairy: Avoid rich ingredients like heavy cream, whole milk, and most cheeses, which can be difficult to digest for some.
Select Toppings Carefully: Opt for plain, smooth toppings like mild cheese, honey, or a small amount of butter, avoiding all high-fiber additions.
Consult a Professional: Always talk to your healthcare provider or a dietitian before starting or changing your diet to ensure it is appropriate for your needs.

Understanding the Low-Residue Diet

Before we can answer the question, "Are grits ok on a low residue diet?" it's important to understand what this dietary plan entails. A low-residue diet is a temporary, restrictive eating plan that minimizes the amount of undigested material that passes through the large intestine. It is often prescribed for people preparing for a colonoscopy, recovering from bowel surgery, or managing flare-ups of conditions like Crohn's disease or diverticulitis. Unlike a strict low-fiber diet, a low-residue diet also limits foods that might stimulate bowel activity, such as dairy and certain cooked vegetables. By reducing the workload on the digestive system, it allows the intestines to rest and heal.

Why Refined Grains are Key

The primary goal of a low-residue diet is to reduce fiber intake, which is the indigestible part of plant-based foods. This is where the distinction between different types of grits becomes critical. Whole grains, including stone-ground grits, are rich in fiber because they retain the entire corn kernel, including the fibrous outer hull. In contrast, refined grains undergo a milling process that removes the bran and germ, significantly reducing their fiber content. Instant and quick-cooking grits are examples of these refined grains.

The Right Grits for a Low-Residue Diet

Choosing the correct type of grits is the most important step for anyone on a low-residue diet. Stick to instant or quick-cooking grits, as these have been highly processed to remove the fibrous parts of the corn kernel. Avoid stone-ground or other minimally-processed varieties, as their high fiber content would work against the goals of the diet. Many fortified brands of quick and instant grits are also enriched with vitamins and minerals lost during processing, which can help compensate for the restricted nutrient intake.

Cooking and Serving Grits on a Low-Residue Diet

Just as important as choosing the right grits is preparing them in a low-residue-friendly way. The wrong additions can transform a suitable dish into one that could cause discomfort. Use only permitted low-residue liquids, like water or clear broth, to prepare your grits. While many recipes call for high-fat dairy like whole milk, cream, or cheese, these should be avoided as they can stimulate bowel activity. Small amounts of tolerated, low-fat dairy like skim milk or plain, seedless yogurt may be acceptable, but consult your doctor or dietitian first. Acceptable flavorings can include a small amount of butter, plain salt, or a drizzle of syrup without added fruit or nuts. Always avoid spicy seasonings, peppers, or fibrous vegetables.

Comparing Grits to Other Grains on a Low-Residue Diet


Grain Type	Suitability for Low-Residue Diet	Notes
Refined Grits	Acceptable	Choose instant, quick, or regular varieties. The milling process removes fiber.
Stone-Ground Grits	Avoid	High in fiber as the whole kernel is used. Incompatible with a low-residue diet.
White Rice	Acceptable	A classic low-residue choice. Highly refined and easy to digest.
Brown Rice	Avoid	A whole grain with high fiber content, which should be avoided.
White Pasta/Noodles	Acceptable	Like white rice, refined pasta is low in fiber and easily tolerated.
Whole Wheat Pasta	Avoid	Made from whole grains and high in fiber.
Oatmeal	Avoid	A whole-grain cereal with high fiber content.
Cream of Wheat	Acceptable	Another refined grain cereal that is a suitable low-residue option.

Conclusion: Making Grits Part of Your Low-Residue Plan

Yes, grits can be an acceptable part of a low-residue diet, but the devil is in the details. The critical factor is selecting refined grits (instant, quick, or regular) that have minimal fiber content. Preparing them simply with water or clear broth and avoiding high-fat or high-fiber additions is also crucial. As with any specialized diet, it is always best to consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to ensure it is appropriate for your specific health condition and to receive personalized guidance. For additional dietary resources, the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation offers comprehensive information on nutrition for patients. By being mindful of your choices and preparation methods, you can safely enjoy grits while following a low-residue eating plan.

Refined grits recipe for a low-residue diet

Ingredients

1/2 cup instant or quick-cooking white grits
2 cups water or clear, low-sodium broth
1/4 tsp salt (optional)
1 tsp butter or margarine (optional)

Instructions

Bring the water or broth to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan.
Slowly whisk in the grits and salt, if using.
Reduce the heat to low and continue stirring until the mixture begins to thicken, about 5–7 minutes.
Once the grits reach your desired consistency, remove from heat.
Stir in the optional butter or margarine until fully melted.
Serve plain or with other low-residue toppings, such as a small amount of mild cheese, if tolerated.

Low-Residue Topping ideas for grits

Mild, melted cheese (e.g., American or mild cheddar)
Plain, clear jelly (no fruit chunks or seeds)
Honey or plain syrup
Small amount of lean, cooked ham or bacon pieces (ensure no gristle)
Flaked, tender, cooked fish
Mashed, ripe banana

Frequently Asked Questions

A low-residue diet is a temporary eating plan designed to reduce the amount of indigestible fiber and other material that forms stool. It is often used to rest the bowels before procedures like a colonoscopy or to manage certain gastrointestinal conditions.

No, only refined varieties of grits like instant, quick-cooking, or regular grits are recommended. Stone-ground grits are whole grain and too high in fiber for this diet.

Refined grits are processed to remove the fibrous hull and germ, leaving primarily the starchy endosperm, which is easily digested. Stone-ground grits, a whole grain, contain the entire kernel and therefore have a much higher fiber content.

Use plain water or a clear, low-sodium broth to cook your grits. Avoid using high-fat dairy products like whole milk or heavy cream, as they can sometimes aggravate digestive issues.

Acceptable toppings include a small amount of butter, smooth and seedless jelly, honey, or mild, melted cheese. Avoid adding high-fiber ingredients like nuts, seeds, or fruits with skins.

Many brands of instant and quick-cooking grits are enriched, meaning vitamins and minerals lost during processing are added back. These are generally acceptable on a low-residue diet.

Similar to white rice, refined grits are a suitable low-residue grain option because the milling process removes their fiber. Both are easy to digest and can serve as a simple carbohydrate source.