Can You Have Chicken Noodle Soup on a BRAT Diet?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

While the traditional BRAT diet is no longer widely recommended by doctors due to its restrictive and nutritionally incomplete nature, a broader 'bland diet' approach is often suggested for digestive recovery. This evolution raises a common question: can you have chicken noodle soup on a BRAT diet, or a similar bland food plan?

Quick Summary

Standard chicken noodle soup is too fatty and seasoned for the initial BRAT diet, but a modified, bland version can be introduced after 24-48 hours. Focus on clear broth, plain chicken, and soft pasta.

Key Points

Modified is Best: A standard chicken noodle soup is too fatty and seasoned for a bland diet, but a simple, homemade version can be acceptable.
Start with Broth: The clear broth from chicken noodle soup is excellent for rehydration and replenishing electrolytes during the initial recovery phase.
Gradual Reintroduction: Solid components like plain chicken and soft noodles should be introduced gradually on day two or three, after clear liquids and core BRAT foods are tolerated.
Lean Protein Only: Use plain, skinless chicken breast, as it is easier to digest than fattier cuts or processed meats.
Avoid Strong Flavors: Skip onions, garlic, and hot spices, relying instead on mild herbs like parsley and a pinch of salt.
Prioritize Hydration: Ensuring adequate fluid intake is the most important step in recovering from digestive illness.

Understanding the BRAT and Bland Diets

Historically, the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) was a go-to recommendation for individuals experiencing stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. The foods were chosen for their blandness and low fiber content, which were believed to give the digestive system a much-needed rest. However, modern medical advice recognizes the BRAT diet's limitations, particularly its lack of essential nutrients, and now promotes a more balanced, bland diet that can be more effective for recovery. This expanded diet includes other easy-to-digest foods like clear broths, cooked carrots, and plain, skinless chicken.

Is a Typical Chicken Noodle Soup BRAT-Approved?

A standard, store-bought, or restaurant-style chicken noodle soup is generally not suitable for the early stages of a BRAT or bland diet. The reasons include:

High Fat Content: Many soups use fatty chicken pieces, creamy bases, or added oils, which are difficult for an inflamed or sensitive digestive system to process and can exacerbate symptoms.
Strong Seasonings: Seasoning packets and typical recipes include spices, garlic, and onions, which can irritate the stomach lining.
Complex Ingredients: Ingredients like celery and fibrous vegetables can be hard to digest in the initial phase of recovery.
Processed Additives: Store-bought versions can contain a high level of sodium, preservatives, and other additives that are not ideal for a recovering gut.

How to Make a BRAT-Friendly Chicken Noodle Soup

If you want to enjoy the comforting feeling of chicken noodle soup while on a bland diet, you must modify the recipe to meet your digestive needs. A bland, gentle version is acceptable to introduce gradually, often around day two or three of recovery. Here is a guide to making a safe version:

Acceptable Ingredients for a Bland Soup

Clear, Low-Fat Broth: Use a homemade or store-bought clear chicken broth that is low in sodium and fat. Bone broth is also an excellent option, as it provides essential electrolytes and nutrients that aid gut health.
Plain, Cooked Chicken: Use skinless, boiled, or baked chicken breast. Shred or cut it into very small, easy-to-chew pieces.
Simple Noodles: Opt for simple, plain pasta like small egg noodles, or even substitute with plain white rice, which is a classic BRAT staple.
Cooked Carrots: Add boiled or steamed carrots, cooked until very soft. Carrots provide nutrients and are easy to digest.
Minimal Seasonings: Flavor with just a pinch of salt to replenish electrolytes lost from illness. Mild herbs like parsley or thyme can also be added in small amounts if tolerated.

Comparison: Standard vs. BRAT-Friendly Chicken Noodle Soup


Feature	Standard Chicken Noodle Soup	BRAT-Friendly Chicken Noodle Soup
Broth	Often rich, fatty, and high in sodium	Clear, low-fat, low-sodium broth
Chicken	Fatty cuts like thighs, with skin	Lean, skinless chicken breast, plain
Vegetables	Onion, celery, leafy greens	Cooked carrots, very soft
Seasoning	Black pepper, garlic, strong herbs	A pinch of salt, mild fresh herbs like parsley
Other Ingredients	Processed ingredients, high fats	None beyond the basics, no added fat

A Safe Path to Digestive Recovery

Remember, the goal is to reintroduce nutrients without shocking your system. A good approach is to follow a phased recovery plan:

Initial Phase (0-24 hours): After vomiting or diarrhea has stopped, focus on clear liquids only to prevent dehydration. Broth, weak tea, or electrolyte beverages are key here.
Transitional Phase (Day 2): Introduce core BRAT foods, including bland, low-fat options like plain white rice, toast, and crackers. This is when you can try sips of your homemade, bland chicken noodle soup broth.
Gradual Reintroduction (Day 3+): If the broth and core BRAT foods are tolerated, you can start adding the solids from your bland chicken noodle soup, such as small pieces of cooked chicken breast and soft pasta. Monitor your body's response and scale back if symptoms return.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Chicken Noodle Soup

So, can you have chicken noodle soup on a BRAT diet? The answer is a qualified yes, but with a significant caveat. A traditional, rich, and heavily seasoned chicken noodle soup is not appropriate during the initial stages of digestive upset. However, a bland, low-fat, and simply seasoned homemade version can be a soothing and nutritious part of a broader bland diet as your digestive system begins to recover. Always prioritize hydration with clear broths first and introduce solids like plain chicken and soft noodles gradually. Remember that modern bland diet recommendations prioritize nutrient variety over the strict BRAT regimen to promote faster healing.

For more information on bland diet recipes and nutritional recovery, consider consulting reputable sources like the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, which offers extensive dietary guidance for sensitive stomachs.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can typically start with the clear broth after 24 hours of no vomiting or diarrhea. You can reintroduce solid components like plain chicken and soft noodles around day two or three, after you have tolerated other bland foods.

The main difference is the fat and seasoning content. A BRAT-friendly soup uses clear, low-fat broth, plain chicken breast, soft noodles, and minimal, mild seasoning. A typical soup is often much richer and more heavily flavored.

Opt for a clear, low-sodium chicken or bone broth. The high water content aids in rehydration, and the electrolytes are beneficial for recovery.

Yes, but with caution. Similar to adults, a very bland, low-fat, and low-sodium version of the soup can be introduced gradually. However, it's always best to consult a pediatrician for children's dietary needs during illness.

It is best to avoid fibrous vegetables like celery during the early stages of recovery, as they can be hard to digest. Stick to very well-cooked, soft vegetables like carrots initially.

The traditional BRAT diet is too restrictive and lacks essential nutrients like protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Healthcare professionals now advocate for a more inclusive bland diet to promote faster healing and prevent nutrient deficiencies.

Most store-bought varieties are too high in sodium, fat, and seasonings for a bland diet. It is safer to make a simple, homemade version tailored to your digestive needs.