Can People with Gastroparesis Eat Raisins? Understanding Your Dietary Options

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), managing gastroparesis often involves dietary adjustments to manage symptoms. This critical first step often involves reevaluating common foods, leading many to question whether a snack like raisins is safe for consumption.

Quick Summary

Raisins and other high-fiber, dried fruits are generally not recommended for individuals with gastroparesis due to their potential to worsen symptoms. High fiber content can slow stomach emptying and, in rare cases, form blockages known as bezoars. A low-fiber, low-fat diet focusing on soft, cooked, or pureed fruits is often advised instead.

Key Points

Avoid High Fiber: Raisins and other dried fruits are high in fiber, which can worsen delayed gastric emptying in gastroparesis.
Bezoar Risk: The fiber in raisins can clump together to form a bezoar, a serious stomach blockage.
Opt for Safer Fruits: Canned, cooked, or pureed fruits without skins or seeds, such as applesauce, are better tolerated.
Eat Smaller, Frequent Meals: Breaking up meals into smaller portions throughout the day can ease digestion and symptoms.
Seek Professional Advice: A doctor or registered dietitian can provide personalized dietary recommendations based on your condition.
Consider Liquids: In some cases, consuming liquids or pureed foods may be necessary, as they move through the stomach more easily.

Why Are Raisins Generally Avoided with Gastroparesis?

For individuals with gastroparesis, a condition that delays or stops the stomach from emptying properly, diet is a crucial component of symptom management. A key principle of a gastroparesis diet is to reduce the intake of high-fiber and high-fat foods, as these are more difficult to digest. Raisins fall into the high-fiber category, which presents several challenges.

The Impact of High Fiber

Raisins are known for their high fiber content. While fiber is beneficial for healthy digestion, it can be problematic when gastric motility is impaired. The stomach of a person with gastroparesis struggles to break down and push food into the small intestine. This process is further inhibited by indigestible fiber, causing food to linger in the stomach for longer periods. This delayed emptying can exacerbate symptoms such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness after eating only small amounts.

The Risk of Bezoar Formation

Perhaps the most serious risk associated with consuming high-fiber foods like raisins is the formation of a bezoar. A bezoar is a mass of indigestible material, including food fibers, that clumps together in the stomach. In the context of delayed gastric emptying, this fibrous mass can grow and eventually create a blockage, preventing the stomach from emptying at all. Many health and digestive specialists specifically list dried fruits, including raisins and figs, as potential contributors to bezoar formation and advise against their consumption for gastroparesis patients.

Safer Fruit Alternatives for a Gastroparesis Diet

Instead of high-fiber raisins, there are numerous fruit options that are easier on the digestive system. The general rule is to choose fruits that are cooked, canned, or pureed, and to remove any skins or seeds.

Here are some better-tolerated fruit alternatives:

Cooked or baked fruits: Apples and pears, when cooked and peeled, become much softer and easier to digest. Applesauce is an excellent choice.
Canned fruits without skin: Canned peaches and pears are good options, as they have already been processed to remove the tough skin and are softer in texture.
Ripe bananas: Ripe bananas are a low-fiber, easy-to-digest fruit that can be well-tolerated by many individuals.
Seedless melons: Cantaloupe and watermelon, when eaten in moderation, can be tolerated due to their high water content and lower fiber.
Strained fruit juices: Drinking strained fruit juices provides nutrients without the added fiber that can cause issues.

Incorporating Pureed Fruits into Your Diet

For those with more severe symptoms, a liquid or pureed diet may be necessary. Pureed fruits are often much easier to digest than solid forms. Many fruits can be blended into a smooth consistency with a liquid like low-fat milk or juice to create a nutritional smoothie. For instance, a smoothie made with a banana and low-fat milk can be a great way to get calories and nutrients without taxing the stomach.

Comparison Table: Raisins vs. Applesauce for Gastroparesis


Feature	Raisins	Applesauce (Canned, Unsweetened)
Fiber Content	High	Very Low
Digestion Speed	Slows gastric emptying	Moves quickly through the stomach
Bezoar Risk	Increases risk due to high fiber	Minimal to no risk
Recommended for GP	Not recommended, should be avoided	Generally recommended and well-tolerated
Preparation	No preparation needed (but should be avoided)	Already processed, no skin, easy to consume
Symptoms	Can worsen nausea, bloating, and fullness	Less likely to trigger symptoms

General Gastroparesis Dietary Management

Beyond specific food choices, adopting a strategic approach to eating is essential. This involves:

Eating smaller, more frequent meals: This prevents the stomach from becoming too full and overwhelmed.
Reducing fat intake: High-fat foods slow down stomach emptying, so opting for low-fat or fat-free versions of dairy and lean proteins is advised.
Chewing food thoroughly: Properly chewing breaks down food particles, making them easier for the stomach to process.
Staying upright after meals: Avoid lying down for at least 1-2 hours after eating to aid digestion.
Staying hydrated: Sipping on low-fiber, non-carbonated fluids throughout the day is crucial, especially to prevent dehydration associated with vomiting.

The Role of a Healthcare Professional

It is vital to consult with a doctor or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet, especially when managing a chronic condition like gastroparesis. They can provide personalized advice tailored to your specific symptoms and nutritional needs. Your healthcare team can also help monitor for signs of malnutrition or other complications. To learn more about gastroparesis, you can find valuable resources at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) website.

Conclusion

While raisins are a healthy snack for many people, their high fiber and concentrated nature make them a poor choice for individuals with gastroparesis. The high fiber can significantly impede the already slowed gastric emptying and potentially contribute to a serious blockage. Safer and more tolerable alternatives include peeled and cooked fruits, applesauce, and pureed options. By prioritizing a low-fiber diet and adopting smart eating habits, people with gastroparesis can better manage their symptoms and support their overall digestive health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dried fruits are typically high in fiber, which is difficult for a stomach with delayed emptying to process. The tough, concentrated fiber can slow digestion and potentially lead to bezoar formation, a hard mass that can cause a blockage.

It is not recommended to eat any amount of raisins or dried fruit. Even small quantities of high-fiber foods can be enough to exacerbate symptoms in sensitive individuals and contribute to the risk of complications over time.

No, all dried fruits are generally advised against for gastroparesis patients due to their concentrated fiber content. This includes dates, figs, prunes, and dried apricots.

Focus on fruits that are low in fiber and easy to digest. Good options include peeled and cooked fruits (like applesauce), canned fruits without skin, ripe bananas, and some seedless melons.

Even if blended, the indigestible fiber from the skin and pulp of the raisins remains. This can still be problematic for a sensitive digestive system. It's safer to use low-fiber fruit purees or juices for smoothies.

Juice from raisins or grapes is generally safe, as the fiber has been removed. Strained fruit juices are often recommended as a way to consume fruit nutrients without the risks associated with high fiber.

Yes, dietary management is one of the most effective strategies for controlling gastroparesis symptoms. Following a low-fiber, low-fat diet with small, frequent meals can significantly reduce nausea, bloating, and feelings of fullness.