Can I Eat Soup Every Day with Diverticulitis?

January 8, 2026 •

4 min read

Diverticulosis affects more than half of all adults over 70, with a significant percentage eventually developing diverticulitis. When managing diverticulitis, especially during an acute flare-up, dietary adjustments are critical to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Soup can be a part of this process, but its suitability depends entirely on the type and timing.

Quick Summary

This article explores how soup fits into a diverticulitis diet, distinguishing between clear liquid broths for flare-ups and fiber-rich options for long-term management. Learn the appropriate soup types for each phase and when to proceed with caution.

Key Points

Timing Matters: The type of soup you eat should be based on whether you are in an active flare-up or managing the condition long-term.
During Flare-ups: Stick to clear, fat-free broths and pureed soups to rest the digestive system and reduce inflammation.
In Remission: A high-fiber diet, which can include chunky, fiber-rich soups with legumes and vegetables, is key to preventing future flare-ups.
Gradual Reintroduction: When recovering from a flare, transition slowly from clear liquids to pureed, low-fiber soups before adding solid, high-fiber ingredients.
Personalization is Key: Monitor how your body reacts to different ingredients and work with your healthcare provider to find the best soup recipes for you.
Hydration and Preparation: Always pair high-fiber soups with plenty of water. Control ingredients by making homemade soups to avoid irritants like excessive fat or certain spices.

The Role of Soup in Managing Diverticulitis

Soup can be a versatile and beneficial food for individuals with diverticulitis, but its role changes depending on whether you are experiencing a flare-up or managing the condition in remission. During an acute flare-up, the primary goal is to rest the digestive system to reduce inflammation. In contrast, a high-fiber diet is recommended long-term to prevent future flare-ups. Understanding these distinct phases is crucial for incorporating soup safely and effectively.

Soup During a Diverticulitis Flare-Up

When diverticulitis is active, a healthcare provider may recommend a clear liquid diet for a few days to give the colon a rest. Clear, fat-free broths are the ideal type of soup during this period. The focus is on providing hydration and some nutrients without taxing the digestive tract with solid food or excessive fiber.

Clear Broth: This includes plain chicken, beef, or vegetable broth. It provides essential electrolytes and fluids without any fiber or particulate matter that could irritate the inflamed diverticula.
Strained Soups: After the initial clear liquid phase, some strained soups can be introduced. These are typically broths with the solid pieces of vegetables or meat removed, offering more substance while remaining low in fiber.

Once symptoms begin to improve, you can gradually progress to a low-fiber, low-residue diet. During this transition, pureed soups can be excellent options. A pureed vegetable soup, for example, offers more nutrients than a clear broth but is still easy for the digestive system to handle. This gradual reintroduction of solid foods is key to a smooth recovery and avoiding a symptom setback.

Soup for Long-Term Diverticulitis Management

Outside of a flare-up, the focus shifts dramatically to a high-fiber diet. A high-fiber diet helps produce soft, bulky stools that pass easily, reducing pressure in the colon and preventing new diverticula from forming. Soups are an excellent vehicle for increasing fiber intake naturally and deliciously. Unlike during a flare-up, these soups should be made with whole, fiber-rich ingredients.

Here are some examples of high-fiber soups for remission:

Lentil and Vegetable Soup: Lentils are a powerhouse of fiber. Combining them with other vegetables like carrots and celery makes for a hearty, nutrient-dense meal.
Split Pea Soup: Split peas are exceptionally high in fiber and create a thick, satisfying soup. You can add a ham bone for flavor, and the fiber helps with bulk formation.
Cannellini and Butter Bean Soup: This soup features two different types of beans, packing a significant fiber punch that supports healthy digestion.
Blended Butternut Squash Soup: Creamy squash soups are excellent for fiber intake. Ensure the skin is removed during cooking, but the flesh provides great nutritional value.

Safe Soup Preparation and Ingredients

To ensure your soup is safe and beneficial, consider the following preparation tips:

Control the Ingredients: Homemade soups allow you to control every ingredient, avoiding high-fat or processed elements that can trigger symptoms.
Watch the Fat Content: High-fat meats and fried foods should be minimized. Use lean protein sources like shredded chicken or turkey.
Mind the Seasonings: Spicy foods can sometimes be irritating. Stick to mild herbs and seasonings like thyme, rosemary, and ginger.
Seeds are Generally Safe: Modern research has debunked the myth that seeds and nuts get stuck in diverticula and cause inflammation. However, if you are particularly sensitive or during the early transition back to solids, you might choose to avoid them.

The Importance of Hydration and Other Factors

Drinking enough fluids is crucial when increasing your fiber intake. This helps the fiber do its job of softening stool and prevents constipation, which can contribute to flare-ups. Soups naturally contribute to your daily fluid intake. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking are also vital for preventing flare-ups.

Comparison Table: Soup for Diverticulitis Phases


Feature	Flare-Up (Clear Liquid/Low-Fiber)	Remission (High-Fiber)
Soup Type	Clear broths (chicken, vegetable, beef), strained soups.	Hearty, fiber-rich soups (lentil, bean, split pea, pureed vegetable).
Primary Goal	Rest the digestive tract, reduce inflammation, provide hydration.	Promote regular bowel movements, reduce colon pressure, prevent future flare-ups.
Key Ingredients	Water, bouillon, clear juices, fat-free stock.	Legumes, whole grains, non-starchy vegetables (carrots, celery), lean proteins.
Texture	Thin, clear liquid, or smooth and pureed.	Thick, chunky, and with plenty of solids.
Duration	Short-term (2–3 days) during acute symptoms, followed by low-fiber.	Long-term, part of a regular, healthy diet.
Precaution	Avoid all solids, high fiber, dairy, and spices.	Introduce fiber gradually, ensure adequate hydration to avoid bloating.

Conclusion

Yes, you can eat soup every day with diverticulitis, but the type of soup and its ingredients must align with the stage of your condition. During a flare-up, clear or pureed low-fiber soups give your colon the rest it needs to heal. During remission, high-fiber soups packed with vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are an excellent daily dietary addition to prevent future attacks. Always listen to your body and work with a healthcare provider to establish the right dietary plan for your specific needs. The key to success is adapting your soup choices to the current state of your digestive health.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes, especially when managing a medical condition like diverticulitis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but with caution. During a flare-up, choose a low-fat, clear broth variety. In remission, opt for high-fiber canned soups but check for added sugars, high sodium, or excessive fat content. Homemade soup is generally preferred as it allows for better ingredient control.

Clear, fat-free broths are best during a flare-up, such as chicken, beef, or vegetable broth. They provide hydration and electrolytes without any solid particles that could irritate the colon.

Yes, once you move past the initial clear liquid stage, pureed and blended soups (with no skins, seeds, or chunks) are a safe and nutritious way to get more nutrients while on a low-fiber diet.

High-fiber soups are highly recommended for long-term management and prevention of diverticulitis, but should be avoided during an active flare-up. They help soften stool and reduce colon pressure.

Recent studies show that seeds and nuts do not cause diverticulitis flare-ups. However, if you are sensitive or in the early stages of recovery, you may choose to avoid them. During remission, they are generally safe.

A clear liquid diet is typically followed for 2-3 days during an acute flare-up, but should not be continued long-term due to nutrient deficiencies. Your doctor will advise you on the specific duration.

Great high-fiber additions for soups during remission include lentils, beans (like cannellini and split peas), whole grains (quinoa, barley), and vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and sweet potatoes.

Yes, particularly high-fiber soups consumed regularly during remission. By promoting softer, bulkier stools, these soups help reduce the pressure in the colon, which is a key factor in preventing new flare-ups.