Is chicken noodle soup good for irritable bowel syndrome? A guide to making it IBS-friendly

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated 10-15% of the global population is affected by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic digestive disorder. For many individuals navigating this condition, comfort foods can be a challenge, prompting the important question: is chicken noodle soup good for irritable bowel syndrome?

Quick Summary

Chicken noodle soup can be a comforting and hydrating meal for managing IBS, but its suitability hinges on the ingredients used. Using low-FODMAP alternatives and low-sodium broth makes it gentle on the digestive system.

Key Points

IBS-Friendly Modifications: Use low-FODMAP ingredients like garlic-infused oil, rice noodles, and low-FODMAP broth to create a version of chicken noodle soup less likely to trigger symptoms.
Hydration is Key: The warm, liquid broth is excellent for hydration, which is vital for managing IBS, particularly for those experiencing diarrhea or constipation.
Focus on Lean Protein: Lean chicken breast is a low-fat protein source that is generally well-tolerated by those with sensitive digestive systems, unlike fattier meats.
Watch the Additives: Pre-made or canned soups can be high in sodium, preservatives, and potential trigger ingredients, so homemade is often the safer option for IBS sufferers.
Bone Broth Benefits: Opting for a slowly simmered bone broth can add beneficial amino acids and gelatin, which may help soothe and repair the gut lining.
Individual Tolerance Varies: No single food is universally safe for all IBS patients; it is crucial to test individual ingredients and listen to your body, consulting a professional for personalized advice.

The Traditional Recipe: Potential IBS Triggers

Traditional chicken noodle soup is often prepared with ingredients that can trigger symptoms for people with IBS. Common triggers include:

Onions and garlic: These are high in fructans, a type of FODMAP that can cause bloating, gas, and pain.
Wheat noodles: Most traditional egg noodles are made from wheat, which contains fructans and can be problematic for those sensitive to gluten or high-FODMAP carbohydrates.
High-sodium broths: Canned or store-bought broths can be loaded with sodium and preservatives, which may contribute to digestive upset.
Fatty ingredients: Excess fat, especially from richer cuts of meat or frying, can overstimulate the digestive system and worsen symptoms.

Benefits of Broth-Based Soups for IBS

For those with IBS, the very nature of soup offers several digestive advantages when prepared correctly.

Hydration: The high water content in broth helps maintain proper fluid levels, which is crucial for regulating bowel movements and preventing both diarrhea and constipation.
Easy Digestibility: The warmth and cooked, softened ingredients make soup easier to digest than solid foods, placing less strain on a sensitive gut.
Nutrient Absorption: A properly prepared bone broth, simmered slowly, can release valuable amino acids, gelatin, and minerals that may help repair the intestinal lining and improve nutrient absorption.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Incorporating ingredients like ginger and turmeric can add flavor while also providing anti-inflammatory benefits that may help soothe an irritated gut.

Making Chicken Noodle Soup IBS-Friendly

The key to enjoying chicken noodle soup with IBS is to adapt the classic recipe using low-FODMAP ingredients and gentler cooking methods. Here are some IBS-friendly swaps and tips:

Aromatics: Instead of onion and garlic, use garlic-infused olive oil to get the flavor without the FODMAPs. The green parts of leeks and spring onions are also low-FODMAP and can add a savory touch.
Broth: Choose a certified low-FODMAP chicken stock or make your own bone broth at home to control ingredients. This avoids the high sodium and hidden triggers in many pre-made options.
Noodles: Replace wheat-based egg noodles with gluten-free alternatives. Rice noodles, rice vermicelli, or brown rice pasta are excellent, low-FODMAP choices.
Vegetables: Use small portions of low-FODMAP vegetables. Carrots, zucchini, and small amounts of celery (check Monash University guidelines for serving sizes) are safe bets.
Chicken: Stick to lean, skinless chicken breast that is poached or boiled. Avoid frying the chicken, and opt for plain, unseasoned poultry to avoid high-FODMAP marinades.

Comparison Table: Classic vs. IBS-Friendly Chicken Noodle Soup


Feature	Classic Chicken Noodle Soup	IBS-Friendly Chicken Noodle Soup
Aromatics	Onions and garlic	Garlic-infused oil, green leek tops, chives
Noodles	Wheat-based egg noodles	Rice noodles, brown rice pasta
Broth	Often store-bought, high in sodium and additives	Homemade bone broth or low-FODMAP chicken stock
Vegetables	Mixed vegetables, including high-FODMAP types	Carrots, zucchini, small amounts of celery
Flavor Profile	Can be rich and heavily seasoned with trigger foods	Mild, uses herbs like thyme, parsley, and ginger
Potential Impact	High risk of triggering bloating, gas, and pain	Lower risk of symptoms due to careful ingredient selection

What About the Chicken? Lean Protein and IBS

For individuals with IBS, the fat content in meat can be a major factor in symptom management. Fatty meats can be harder to digest and overstimulate the gut, potentially causing pain and diarrhea. That's why lean chicken breast is a better choice for IBS-friendly soup. Boiling or poaching the chicken keeps it low in fat and easy on the digestive system. Shredding or dicing the chicken into smaller pieces can further aid in digestion.

Other Tips for Serving

Start Simple: When introducing your IBS-friendly chicken noodle soup, start with a simple recipe. You can gradually add new low-FODMAP ingredients one at a time to see how your body reacts. A food diary can be a helpful tool in this process.
Mind Your Portions: Eating smaller, more frequent meals can be beneficial for managing IBS symptoms. A bowl of soup can be a great option for one of these smaller meals.
Garnish Wisely: Add flavor with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end, rather than relying on high-FODMAP spices or seasonings.
Avoid Add-ins: Be cautious with common add-ins like croutons, crackers, or cheese, as these can contain wheat or dairy that could trigger symptoms.

The Bottom Line: Can You Enjoy It?

Yes, you can enjoy chicken noodle soup with irritable bowel syndrome, but the version you eat should likely be homemade and carefully customized. By controlling the ingredients, you can turn a potential trigger food into a nourishing and gentle meal. The soothing warmth and hydrating properties of broth, combined with easy-to-digest components, can provide much-needed comfort during a flare-up. However, remember that every individual's tolerance is unique, and you should always listen to your body. For personalized dietary advice, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian.

Conclusion

For many with irritable bowel syndrome, the classic comfort of chicken noodle soup is not out of reach. By making conscious choices, such as using low-FODMAP ingredients like garlic-infused oil, rice noodles, and low-sodium broth, you can transform this traditional dish into a gut-friendly meal. The hydrating and easily digestible nature of a modified chicken noodle soup can provide a soothing option for managing symptoms without sacrificing flavor or comfort. With a bit of customization, you can warm both your body and soul without upsetting your digestive system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common triggers include high-FODMAP ingredients like onions and garlic, and high-fat content from certain broths or meat cuts. Wheat-based noodles are also a common issue due to their fructan content.

You can use a homemade broth with low-FODMAP vegetables, or choose a certified low-FODMAP chicken stock from the store. Use garlic-infused oil instead of whole garlic cloves for flavor.

Wheat-based egg noodles are typically high in FODMAPs and should be avoided by those with IBS. Safer, gluten-free alternatives include rice noodles or brown rice pasta.

Many people with IBS find bone broth beneficial because it contains collagen and amino acids that may help soothe and repair the gut lining. It's often easier to digest and more nutrient-dense than standard broths.

It is not recommended, as canned soups are often high in sodium, preservatives, and potential trigger ingredients like onion and garlic powder. Homemade soup offers much greater control over ingredients.

Low-FODMAP vegetables like carrots, zucchini, the green parts of leeks or spring onions, and small, measured amounts of celery are safe choices for most people with IBS.

Fatty cuts of meat can be harder to digest and potentially trigger symptoms in some people with IBS. It is best to use lean, skinless chicken breast that is poached or boiled, rather than fried.