Can You Eat Apples Instead of Applesauce for Diarrhea?

November 19, 2025 •

3 min read

The BRAT diet, which includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, is a well-known remedy for diarrhea. But can you eat apples instead of applesauce for diarrhea? The answer depends entirely on how the apple is prepared, as the skin and cooking method significantly impact its effect on your digestive system.

Quick Summary

Raw, unpeeled apples contain fiber that can worsen diarrhea, while peeled, cooked apples or unsweetened applesauce provide soluble fiber (pectin) to help firm stools and soothe the digestive tract.

Key Points

Applesauce vs. Raw Apple: For diarrhea, applesauce is better than raw apples because cooking and removing the skin eliminates irritating insoluble fiber.
Pectin is Key: The soluble fiber, pectin, found in the pulp of apples, helps to firm up loose stool by absorbing water.
Avoid the Skin: The skin of an apple contains insoluble fiber, which can speed up digestion and worsen diarrhea symptoms.
Cooked is Best: Cooking peeled apples, such as stewing or baking, breaks down their fibers and makes them much easier for a sensitive stomach to digest.
Choose Unsweetened: Opt for unsweetened applesauce, as added sugars can draw more fluid into the gut and exacerbate diarrhea.
Consider the BRAT Diet: Applesauce is part of the BRAT diet, which is designed to be bland and binding to help manage diarrhea.
Prioritize Hydration: Alongside dietary changes, maintaining hydration by drinking plenty of fluids is crucial for recovering from diarrhea.

The Science Behind Pectin and Diarrhea

When experiencing diarrhea, the goal is to consume foods that are low in insoluble fiber, as this type of fiber speeds up bowel transit and can exacerbate symptoms. Apples, in their whole, unpeeled form, contain a mixture of both insoluble fiber (in the skin) and soluble fiber, particularly pectin (in the flesh). Pectin is a binding agent that absorbs water and forms a gel-like substance in the intestines, which can help bulk up stool and slow down digestion. Applesauce is the preferred option over raw apples because the cooking process and removal of the peel concentrate the gut-soothing pectin while eliminating the potentially irritating insoluble fiber.

Applesauce: The Gentle Choice

Applesauce is a staple of the BRAT diet for a reason. Its smooth, cooked texture makes it incredibly easy to digest, even for a sensitive stomach. It delivers the soluble fiber (pectin) needed to help firm loose stools without introducing the insoluble fiber found in the apple's skin. For this reason, unsweetened applesauce is always the recommended option, as excess sugar can pull additional water into the intestines and worsen diarrhea.

The Drawback of Raw, Unpeeled Apples

Consuming a raw apple with its skin is counterproductive when dealing with diarrhea. The skin is a major source of insoluble fiber, which acts as a bulking agent and accelerates bowel movements, the opposite of what is needed for symptom relief. This can irritate an already inflamed digestive tract and lead to further discomfort. For those with sensitive digestive systems, even the fructose in raw apples can sometimes be problematic in large quantities.

How to Safely Eat Apples with Diarrhea

If you prefer to consume a whole apple rather than applesauce, proper preparation is key. The most important step is to peel the apple to remove the insoluble fiber. After peeling, cooking the apple is recommended, as this further breaks down the fibers, making it even gentler on the stomach.

Baked Apples: Core a peeled apple and bake it until soft. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for flavor.
Stewed Apples: Peel and chop apples, then simmer them in a small amount of water until they become a soft mash.
Pureed Apples: Blend cooked, peeled apples to a smooth consistency, creating a homemade applesauce that is fresh and easy on the digestive system.

Apple vs. Applesauce for Diarrhea: A Comparison


Feature	Raw Apple (Unpeeled)	Applesauce (Unsweetened)	Peeled/Cooked Apple
Fiber Profile	Insoluble & Soluble	Soluble (Pectin)	Soluble (Pectin)
Effect on Digestion	Can speed up bowel movements, irritate the gut	Soothes and slows digestion	Soothes and slows digestion
Ease of Digestion	Difficult for a sensitive stomach	Very easy to digest	Easy to digest
Pectin Concentration	Present, but accompanied by irritating fiber	Concentrated and readily available	Concentrated and readily available
Suitability for Diarrhea	Not recommended	Recommended	Recommended

Additional Dietary Considerations for Diarrhea Relief

Beyond apple preparation, other dietary choices are crucial for managing diarrhea. The traditional BRAT diet is often suggested, including bland foods like bananas, white rice, and toast. Hydration is paramount, so be sure to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes with water, clear broths, or coconut water. Foods to avoid include high-fat items, dairy products (except for some low-lactose yogurts with probiotics), and high-fiber vegetables. Gradually reintroduce other foods as your symptoms improve.

Conclusion

While a raw, unpeeled apple is not an ideal food for someone with diarrhea due to its high insoluble fiber content, applesauce or a peeled and cooked apple are excellent choices. The key is to prepare the apple in a way that provides soothing, soluble pectin without the irritating roughage. By choosing the right form of apple and following a bland, easy-to-digest diet, you can support your digestive system and aid in a quicker recovery. For further reading on dietary adjustments for an upset stomach, a resource like Verywell Health can be helpful More on the BRAT diet for an upset stomach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Applesauce is better because it is made from cooked, peeled apples, which removes the insoluble fiber found in the skin. The remaining soluble fiber, pectin, is concentrated and easier to digest, helping to firm stool.

Pectin is a type of soluble fiber found in apples. When ingested, it absorbs water and forms a gel, which adds bulk to and slows the passage of stool, helping to reduce diarrhea symptoms.

Yes, it's best to eat applesauce in moderation. While beneficial, it is part of a restrictive diet. For infants and children, excessive consumption can lead to issues due to the lack of nutrients found in a full diet. Always choose unsweetened varieties to avoid the negative effects of added sugars.

Yes, you should peel an apple. The skin contains insoluble fiber that can irritate the digestive tract and worsen diarrhea. Removing the skin ensures you get the soothing soluble fiber (pectin) without the unwanted roughage.

Apple juice can be an option for rehydration, but it can be high in fructose. High sugar content can draw fluid into the intestines and potentially worsen symptoms, especially in larger quantities. Clear broths or oral rehydration solutions are often better choices.

Other bland and binding foods like bananas, white rice, toast, boiled carrots, and lean proteins like chicken breast or eggs are good options. These foods are generally easy to digest and can help firm up stools.

Yes, baked apples are an excellent choice. Baking a peeled apple softens the fruit and makes the beneficial soluble fiber (pectin) more accessible to the body, making it very gentle on a sensitive stomach.