A Comprehensive List of Low Fiber Foods

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Mayo Clinic, a low-fiber diet limits the amount of undigested material that passes through the large intestine, often used to alleviate symptoms related to various gastrointestinal conditions. This complete list of low fiber foods will help you identify which items to include in your diet for improved digestive comfort and management.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of low fiber food options across various categories like grains, fruits, vegetables, proteins, and dairy, explaining the rationale behind a low fiber diet and when it might be necessary.

Key Points

Refined Grains: Opt for white bread, white rice, and pasta instead of whole-grain versions, as the refining process removes most of the fiber.
Cooked Fruits and Vegetables: Focus on well-cooked, peeled, and seedless fruits and vegetables like applesauce, canned peaches, and carrots to minimize digestive load.
Proteins and Dairy: Most meat, fish, eggs, and plain dairy products are naturally low in fiber and are suitable options.
Short-Term Use: A low-fiber diet is typically a temporary measure for medical reasons like colonoscopy prep or managing flare-ups of conditions like diverticulitis.
Consult a Professional: Always follow this diet under the supervision of a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to ensure nutritional adequacy and safety.
Read Labels: Be cautious of hidden fiber in processed foods like cereals, yogurts, and even some drinks, by checking the nutrition facts.

Understanding the Low Fiber Diet

A low fiber diet, sometimes called a low-residue diet, is designed to reduce the amount of undigested food and bulk in the stool. This dietary approach is often recommended temporarily for individuals with specific gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diverticulitis, or as preparation for medical procedures like a colonoscopy. By minimizing fiber intake, the diet helps to reduce bowel movements and discomfort, allowing the digestive tract to rest. The refining process for grains, where the fibrous outer coat (bran) is removed, is a key principle in preparing many low-fiber food items. For fruits and vegetables, removing the skins, seeds, and tough membranes is crucial.

Who Needs a Low Fiber Diet?

While high-fiber foods are a cornerstone of a healthy diet, a low-fiber approach serves specific medical purposes. Healthcare professionals may recommend this diet for a limited time to:

Prepare for a colonoscopy: To ensure the colon is clear for a procedure.
Manage digestive conditions: Such as during a flare-up of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Recover from surgery: After bowel surgery to give the digestive system time to heal.
Address bowel narrowing: To prevent blockages in the intestine.

Low Fiber Food Lists by Category

Here is a comprehensive list of foods that are generally low in fiber, organized by category:

Grains and Starches

White bread, rolls, and bagels (made from refined white flour)
White rice
White pasta and noodles
Cream of Wheat or Cream of Rice
Saltine crackers and plain toast
Peeled, cooked potatoes, such as mashed potatoes
Cold cereals like Rice Krispies or Corn Flakes (check labels for less than 1-2g fiber per serving)

Fruits (cooked, canned, or peeled)

Applesauce
Canned peaches or pears without skin
Ripe bananas
Melons (cantaloupe, honeydew)
Fruit juices without pulp
Stewed or peeled cooked fruits like peaches or pears

Vegetables (well-cooked and peeled)

Canned or well-cooked carrots
Canned or well-cooked green beans
Peeled, cooked zucchini
Peeled, seedless eggplant
Cooked spinach
Pumpkin
Well-cooked asparagus tips
Strained tomato sauce (no seeds or skin)

Proteins

Tender, well-cooked meat, fish, and poultry
Eggs
Creamy, smooth peanut butter (without nuts)
Tofu
Fish and shellfish

Dairy (if tolerated)

Milk
Plain cheese and cottage cheese
Plain yogurt (no fruit, nuts, or seeds added)
Ice cream and sherbet

Fats, Sauces, and Sweets

Butter, margarine, oils
Plain gravies and smooth sauces
Mayonnaise
Clear jelly and honey
Plain cakes and cookies (without nuts or fruit)

Low Fiber vs. High Fiber: A Quick Comparison


Food Category	Low Fiber Examples	High Fiber Examples	Key Difference
Grains	White bread, White rice	Whole-wheat bread, Brown rice, Quinoa	Refinement removes the bran and germ, which contain fiber.
Fruits	Peeled apples, ripe bananas, canned peaches	Berries, dried fruit, raw apples with skin	Peeling and cooking removes most of the insoluble fiber.
Vegetables	Cooked carrots, peeled potatoes, canned green beans	Raw vegetables, corn, broccoli, Brussels sprouts	Cooking softens fiber, while peeling removes the toughest parts.
Proteins	Tender cooked meat, eggs, tofu	Nuts, seeds, legumes (beans, lentils)	Plant-based sources often contain high amounts of fiber.
Dairy	Plain milk, plain yogurt, cheese	Yogurt with added fruit or seeds, items with bran	Additional ingredients, not the dairy itself, introduce fiber.
Snacks	Saltine crackers, plain cookies	Popcorn, nuts, granola bars	Fiber content is determined by ingredients (e.g., whole grains, seeds).

Expert Recommendations and Important Considerations

When following a low-fiber diet, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian. The diet is not a long-term solution for most people and should be followed under medical supervision to prevent nutritional deficiencies, especially concerning vitamins and minerals. Here are some additional guidelines:

Check food labels: Many processed foods unexpectedly contain added fiber, so it's important to read the Nutrition Facts panel carefully.
Hydrate adequately: While a low-fiber diet aims to reduce stool bulk, staying hydrated is still vital for overall digestive health.
Gradual reintroduction: Once the medical need for the diet has passed, gradually reintroducing high-fiber foods is recommended to allow the digestive system to adapt.
Monitor dairy tolerance: Some individuals with digestive sensitivities may need to limit dairy products, so observe your body's reaction.
Cook thoroughly: Ensure all vegetables are well-cooked to make them as easy to digest as possible.

For more in-depth information and specific dietary plans, the Mayo Clinic is an authoritative source on low-fiber diets, often providing extensive guidance on what to eat and avoid.

Conclusion

A low fiber diet is a specialized, often temporary, dietary plan used to manage various gastrointestinal issues and prepare for certain medical procedures. By focusing on refined grains, peeled and cooked fruits and vegetables, and proteins without fibrous additives, individuals can reduce strain on their digestive system. It is vital to adhere to a healthcare professional's guidance when following this diet and to be mindful of its temporary nature. By carefully selecting foods from the provided list, you can support your digestive health and recovery effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of a low-fiber diet is to reduce the amount of indigestible food and bulk in stool, which helps to minimize bowel movements and alleviate stress on the gastrointestinal tract.

Yes, white bread, along with other refined grains like white rice and white pasta, is considered a low fiber food because the fibrous outer coat (bran) is removed during processing.

No, most raw vegetables should be avoided on a low-fiber diet. Instead, vegetables should be well-cooked, and skins and seeds should be removed to make them easier to digest.

No, not all fruits are acceptable. Fruits should be ripe, cooked, or canned, with skins and seeds removed. Examples include bananas, applesauce, and canned peaches, while berries and dried fruits are typically avoided.

For packaged foods, you can check the Nutrition Facts label for the fiber content. For fresh produce, generally, whole grains, raw foods, and items with skins, seeds, and hulls are high in fiber, whereas refined grains and peeled, cooked items are low.

A low-fiber diet may be recommended for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), diverticulitis, following bowel surgery, or during preparation for a colonoscopy.

Most plain dairy products, such as milk, plain yogurt, and cheese, contain no dietary fiber. However, products with added fruits, seeds, or grains should be avoided.