Are Tomatoes Ok on a BRAT Diet? What Health Experts Say

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

While tomatoes offer many valuable nutrients, their natural acidity makes them unsuitable for a sensitive digestive system. So, are tomatoes ok on a brat diet? The short answer is no, as health experts advise sticking to milder, less irritating options when managing an upset stomach.

Quick Summary

Tomatoes are not recommended for the classic BRAT diet due to their high acidity and fiber content, which can irritate a sensitive stomach. A modern bland diet offers a broader range of gentle, low-fiber foods for temporary digestive distress.

Key Points

Tomatoes are not recommended: Due to their acidity and fiber content, tomatoes can irritate an upset stomach and should be avoided on a BRAT diet.
BRAT diet is outdated: Health experts now prefer a more comprehensive bland diet, as the classic BRAT diet is too restrictive and lacks nutrients for proper recovery.
Modern bland diet is preferred: This alternative includes more nourishing, low-fiber, and low-fat foods like cooked vegetables, lean proteins, and plain yogurt.
Avoid acidic foods: Besides tomatoes, other acidic items like citrus fruits and caffeine should be excluded to prevent further stomach irritation.
Reintroduce foods slowly: After a period of bland eating, gradually add other foods back into your diet to avoid a return of symptoms.

Understanding the BRAT Diet

The traditional BRAT diet is an acronym for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. It was once a popular recommendation for individuals experiencing short-term gastrointestinal distress, such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. The foods included in this restrictive diet are low in fiber, bland, and easy to digest, with the goal of resting the digestive system and helping to firm up stool.

Why Tomatoes Are Not Recommended on a BRAT Diet

Tomatoes are consistently listed among the foods to avoid on a BRAT or bland diet for several key reasons:

High Acidity

Tomatoes have a natural pH level between 4.0 and 5.0, making them an acidic food. For someone with an upset stomach or acid reflux, this acidity can trigger heartburn, aggravate the stomach lining, and worsen gastrointestinal discomfort.

Fiber Content

Though fiber is a crucial part of a healthy diet, certain types can be difficult for a sensitive digestive system to process. Raw tomatoes, especially with the skin and seeds, contain fiber that can be irritating during an episode of diarrhea. The low-fiber nature of the BRAT diet is specifically intended to reduce the workload on the gut.

Other Irritants

Tomato products, such as sauce, paste, and juice, are often even more concentrated in acidity than fresh tomatoes. This makes them particularly potent irritants for a recovering stomach. Many people also add ingredients like onions and garlic to tomato sauces, which are known to cause gas and bloating.

The Shift to a Modern Bland Diet

Modern health experts now consider the classic BRAT diet too restrictive and nutritionally incomplete for anyone, especially children. The consensus has shifted toward a more comprehensive “bland diet” that includes a wider variety of low-fiber, low-fat foods to ensure the body receives enough nutrients to recover.

Foods to Include on a Modern Bland Diet

Low-Fiber Starches: White rice, saltine crackers, plain white toast, and cream of wheat.
Soft Fruits: Bananas, applesauce, melons, and canned peaches or pears.
Well-Cooked Vegetables: Soft-cooked, skinless vegetables like carrots, green beans, and potatoes.
Clear Liquids and Broths: Clear broths, apple juice, and water are essential for hydration.
Lean Protein: Plain, baked, or boiled skinless chicken or turkey, and scrambled or boiled eggs.
Probiotics: Plain yogurt and kefir can help restore good gut bacteria.

Foods to Avoid on a Modern Bland Diet

High-Fiber Foods: Raw vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes.
Acidic Foods: All tomato products, citrus fruits, and seeded berries.
Spicy and Fatty Foods: Fried foods, greasy meats, and heavy seasonings.
Dairy: Most dairy products are avoided initially, though plain yogurt and kefir are often tolerated.
Beverages: Alcohol, coffee, and caffeinated sodas should be avoided.

Comparison: Classic BRAT vs. Modern Bland Diet


Feature	Classic BRAT Diet	Modern Bland Diet
Food Variety	Very restrictive (only 4 foods)	Wide range of low-fiber, bland options
Nutritional Value	Lacks protein, fat, and many micronutrients	Includes more protein and balanced calories
Duration	Very short-term (24-48 hours)	Short-term, with gradual food reintroduction
Primary Goal	Rest the gut and firm stools	Restore nutrients and support recovery
Included Foods	Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast	Adds cooked chicken, eggs, plain yogurt, cooked vegetables
Avoided Foods	High-fiber, dairy, fat, spicy foods	Similar foods avoided, but with more emphasis on gentle reintroduction

How to Reintroduce Foods After Recovery

As you begin to feel better, it's important to reintroduce foods slowly to avoid upsetting your digestive system again. Start by adding soft, cooked foods like eggs or more cooked vegetables on the third day of recovery. Gradually incorporate lean meats and other proteins, and finally, less acidic fruits and fibrous vegetables. If symptoms return, revert to the bland diet for a day or two before trying again. Always stay hydrated by drinking plenty of clear fluids throughout the process.

Conclusion

In summary, for those wondering, are tomatoes ok on a brat diet?, the clear answer from health professionals is no. The high acidity and fiber content of tomatoes can aggravate a sensitive digestive system, worsening symptoms rather than alleviating them. The classic BRAT diet has been largely replaced by a more varied bland diet that still avoids irritating foods but provides more complete nutrition for a faster and healthier recovery. By sticking to bland, low-fiber, and low-fat foods initially and reintroducing others gradually, you can give your digestive system the best chance to heal. For persistent or severe symptoms, always consult a healthcare provider. You can learn more about managing digestive issues from authoritative health resources such as the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tomatoes are high in acid, which can aggravate an irritated stomach lining and contribute to symptoms like heartburn or acid reflux. The fiber in raw tomatoes can also be difficult to digest during a bout of diarrhea.

No, tomato sauce should be avoided. It is even more concentrated in acidity than fresh tomatoes and often contains other irritating ingredients like onions and garlic, which are not suitable for a bland diet.

Safe, bland vegetables include soft-cooked, skinless carrots, green beans, potatoes, and squash. They should be boiled or steamed without added fat or heavy seasoning.

The American Academy of Pediatrics no longer recommends the restrictive BRAT diet for children, as it lacks sufficient nutrients for recovery. A balanced, age-appropriate diet is now advised within 24 hours of symptoms subsiding.

A bland diet is intended for short-term use, typically for 1 to 3 days, until symptoms improve. After that, you should gradually reintroduce a wider variety of foods.

A modern bland diet is a better alternative. It includes the core BRAT foods but adds other easily digestible items like clear broths, lean proteins, and cooked vegetables to provide more nutrients.

No, not all fruit is off-limits. Low-fiber, non-acidic fruits like bananas, melons, applesauce, and canned peaches are generally well-tolerated. High-fiber and citrus fruits should be avoided.