Can I eat mashed potatoes with diverticulitis flare up?

November 25, 2025 •

3 min read

While a high-fiber diet is typically recommended for preventing future episodes, research shows that a temporary low-fiber approach is necessary during an acute flare-up. This leads many to wonder, "Can I eat mashed potatoes with a diverticulitis flare up?" Yes, you can, as they are a soft, low-fiber option, but proper preparation is key to avoiding further irritation.

Quick Summary

Peeled and well-cooked mashed potatoes are generally safe to eat during a diverticulitis flare-up as part of a low-fiber diet. Careful preparation by avoiding the skin and high-fat ingredients is essential to prevent irritating the inflamed colon and to facilitate the healing process.

Key Points

Low-Fiber Preparation: Mashed potatoes must be prepared without the skin to be a safe, low-fiber food during a flare-up.
Watch the Add-ins: Avoid high-fat additions like butter, cream, and cheese, which can worsen inflammation; use low-fat alternatives instead.
Start Slow: When recovering from a flare, mashed potatoes should follow an initial clear liquid diet as part of a gradual reintroduction of soft foods.
Peel and Purée: Thoroughly peel potatoes and cook them until very soft before mashing to ensure a smooth, easily digestible consistency.
Expert Guidance is Key: While general guidelines exist, always consult a doctor or dietitian for a personalized diet plan during a diverticulitis episode.
Long-Term Prevention: After recovering from the flare-up, a high-fiber diet is recommended for long-term prevention, but reintroduce fiber slowly.

Navigating Your Diet During a Diverticulitis Flare-Up

When a diverticulitis flare-up occurs, managing your diet is a critical step in allowing your digestive system to rest and heal. The dietary approach is typically phased, starting with a clear liquid diet for a few days, transitioning to a low-fiber or low-residue diet, and finally returning to a high-fiber diet once symptoms resolve. Mashed potatoes, when prepared correctly, fit perfectly into the low-fiber recovery stage.

Mashed Potatoes: A Safe Addition to Your Low-Fiber Diet

During a flare-up, the goal is to consume foods that are easy to digest and do not add bulk to the stool, which could put pressure on the inflamed diverticula. Potatoes, when the skin is completely removed, become a low-fiber starch that is easy on the digestive system. Mashing them further breaks down their structure, making them even gentler on your gut. This is why many dietitians recommend mashed potatoes as a suitable food during the recovery phase.

How to Prepare Mashed Potatoes Safely

The key to making mashed potatoes safe for a diverticulitis flare-up lies in their preparation. To ensure they are as gentle as possible on your system, follow these steps:

Peel thoroughly: Remove all of the skin from the potatoes. The skin contains insoluble fiber that can irritate an inflamed colon.
Cook until soft: Boil or steam the peeled potatoes until they are very tender. The softer they are, the easier they are to digest.
Use low-fat additions: Instead of high-fat milk, cream, or butter, opt for low-fat dairy or a small amount of vegetable oil. Some sources recommend avoiding milk if you have lactose intolerance, which can cause additional bloating. A clear broth can also be used for moisture.
Mash until smooth: Use a masher or ricer to create a smooth, lump-free consistency. Avoid leaving any large, fibrous chunks.
Skip the add-ins: Do not add extra ingredients like onions, garlic, or cheese, as these can be high in FODMAPs or fat, potentially causing gas and discomfort.

Suitable Foods During Recovery

Besides properly prepared mashed potatoes, other foods are well-tolerated during a low-fiber diverticulitis recovery phase:

Proteins: Soft, tender meats such as shredded chicken or fish, eggs, and tofu.
Grains: White rice, white bread, and refined pasta.
Fruits: Canned or cooked fruits without skin or seeds, applesauce, and ripe bananas.
Vegetables: Well-cooked vegetables that are peeled and without seeds, like carrots and pumpkin puree.
Dairy (if tolerated): Low-fat milk, cottage cheese, and plain yogurt.

Foods to Avoid During a Flare-Up

Just as important as knowing what to eat is knowing what to avoid. During a flare-up, steer clear of foods that can exacerbate symptoms and cause irritation.

High-fiber foods: Raw vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
High-fat foods: Fried foods, red meat, and full-fat dairy products.
Spicy foods: Can irritate the digestive tract.
Sugary foods: Candies, sodas, and other sweets.
Alcohol: Can disrupt the healing process.

Mashed Potatoes Comparison: Safe vs. Unsafe During a Flare-Up


Feature	Safe for Flare-Up	Unsafe for Flare-Up
Potato Type	Peeled, white potatoes	Potatoes with skin or skins included
Cooking Method	Boiled or steamed until very soft	Roasted or baked with skin, fried
Added Fat	Small amount of vegetable oil or low-fat dairy	Full-fat butter, heavy cream, full-fat cheeses
Seasoning	Salt to taste	Garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, spices
Texture	Pureed or mashed until smooth	Lumpy, with fibrous pieces

Conclusion

For most individuals, mashed potatoes are a safe and comforting food to eat during a diverticulitis flare-up, provided they are prepared correctly to be low in fiber and fat. Starting with a clear liquid diet and gradually introducing soft, low-fiber foods like peeled mashed potatoes is a proven strategy for allowing your bowel to rest and recover. As symptoms subside, you can begin to reintroduce more fiber-rich foods to prevent future episodes. Always consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet during a flare-up to ensure your specific health needs are met. For more information on managing digestive conditions, a great resource can be found at Northwestern Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should not eat mashed potatoes with the skins during a flare. The skins are a source of insoluble fiber, which can irritate the inflamed diverticula and worsen symptoms.

Use low-fat or skim milk, or even a clear broth, to moisten your mashed potatoes. High-fat dairy products can be difficult to digest and may contribute to inflammation.

Pureed sweet potatoes can be an excellent alternative during a flare-up, provided they are peeled and cooked until very soft. The purée form ensures they are low in fiber and easy to tolerate.

It is best to avoid adding garlic and onion powder during a flare-up. These can be high in FODMAPs, which may cause gas and bloating in sensitive individuals.

A low-fiber diet is typically followed for a few days to a week or two, depending on symptom improvement. Once symptoms subside, you should gradually transition back to a high-fiber diet to prevent future flare-ups.

It is generally safer to make your own mashed potatoes from scratch during a flare-up to control the ingredients. Store-bought versions may contain high-fat dairy, high-FODMAP seasonings, or preservatives that can irritate your system.

In addition to mashed potatoes, you can eat white rice, refined pasta, and low-fiber cereals like corn flakes during the low-fiber recovery phase of a diverticulitis flare-up.