Is Soup Good for Ulcers? Your Guide to Soothing and Irritating Choices

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

According to GI dietitians, many patients are often recommended a bland diet consisting of easily digestible, soft, and moist foods, including soups, to manage ulcer symptoms. The key question, "is soup good for ulcers?" depends entirely on the ingredients used in its preparation, as some components can help soothe, while others can irritate, the delicate stomach lining.

Quick Summary

The right soup can be beneficial for ulcers by providing nutrients in an easily digestible format, soothing the stomach lining, and aiding in hydration. However, soups containing spicy ingredients, high fat, or high acidity can irritate an existing ulcer and worsen symptoms. Opting for bland, broth-based versions with healing ingredients is crucial for relief.

Key Points

Bland is Best: Opt for soups made with mild, easily digestible ingredients like tender vegetables, lean protein, and low-sodium broth to avoid irritating the stomach lining.
Avoid Spicy and Creamy Soups: Soups containing spicy ingredients (e.g., hot pepper, chili) or high-fat cream can worsen ulcer symptoms by irritating the stomach and increasing acid production.
Choose Broth Over Cream: Clear broth-based soups are generally easier to digest and less likely to trigger acid reflux than heavy, cream-based varieties.
Incorporate Healing Ingredients: Add beneficial ingredients like turmeric, ginger, cabbage, and probiotics (e.g., miso) to your soup for their anti-inflammatory and gut-healing properties.
Small, Frequent Portions: Instead of a large, single serving, consume smaller portions of soup throughout the day to keep stomach acid neutralized and prevent painful over-distention.
Homemade is Preferred: Making your own soup allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring low sodium, low fat, and no harsh preservatives found in many processed versions.

The Importance of an Ulcer-Friendly Diet

For individuals with peptic ulcers or gastritis, dietary choices play a significant role in managing symptoms and promoting healing. Medical professionals often recommend a bland diet, which is designed to minimize irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. Soups, when prepared correctly, can be a cornerstone of this diet, offering a way to consume vital nutrients while being gentle on the digestive system. The soft, cooked nature of soup ingredients reduces the workload on the stomach and provides much-needed hydration. However, not all soups are created equal. The difference between a soothing and an irritating soup for an ulcer patient lies in its specific ingredients and preparation method.

Why Bland and Broth-Based Soups Are Your Best Friend

Bland, broth-based soups are highly recommended because of their soothing properties and nutritional benefits. They are typically made with easily digestible ingredients that don't trigger excess stomach acid production. A clear chicken broth or a gentle vegetable puree can help neutralize stomach acid and provide essential hydration. A low-fat, low-acid soup helps avoid stomach distention, which can stimulate more acid secretion. The frequent, small meals recommended for ulcer management can also be easily achieved by sipping on a nutrient-dense broth throughout the day. Bone broth, in particular, is noted for its potential to help heal the gut lining due to its gelatin content.

The Culprits: Why Some Soups Are Off-Limits

Conversely, several types of soups can be detrimental to an existing ulcer. The primary culprits are ingredients that increase stomach acid production or directly irritate the inflamed stomach lining. Here are the main types to avoid:

Spicy Soups: Despite the common myth that spicy foods cause ulcers, they can significantly irritate an existing one and worsen symptoms like burning pain. Soups containing hot peppers, chili powder, or excessive black pepper should be avoided.
Cream-Based Soups: High-fat dairy products, like those used in creamy soups, can delay stomach emptying and increase stomach acid secretion. The calcium in full-fat dairy can also stimulate acid production. Opt for low-fat or fat-free alternatives if you must have a cream-like consistency.
Acidic Soups: Tomato-based soups are often highly acidic and can trigger reflux and irritation in sensitive individuals. While not all people with ulcers react to acidic foods, it's a common trigger and best to limit if you experience symptoms.
Highly Processed Soups: Canned or packaged soups can contain high levels of sodium and preservatives, which may be irritating to the stomach. Freshly made, homemade soups are the best option for controlling ingredients.

Healing Ingredients to Add to Your Soup

Building a beneficial soup involves selecting ingredients known for their soothing and healing properties. Consider incorporating the following:

Probiotics: Miso or probiotic-rich yogurt added after cooking can help fight Helicobacter pylori, a major cause of ulcers.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Cabbage and broccoli are noted for their protective and anti-bacterial properties. Cabbage contains a unique nutrient called vitamin U that may aid healing.
Anti-inflammatory Spices: Turmeric and ginger have powerful anti-inflammatory effects and can be included sparingly in a mild, broth-based soup.
Lean Protein: Lean poultry (skinless chicken) or fish, cooked until tender, provides essential protein for tissue repair without added fat.
Vitamin A: Carrots and spinach are rich in vitamin A, which can help increase mucus production to protect the stomach lining.

Best vs. Worst Soups for Ulcers


Feature	Best Soups for Ulcers	Worst Soups for Ulcers
Base	Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, bone broth	Cream-based, high-fat, or high-acid bases like tomato
Protein	Lean, cooked chicken, fish, tofu	Processed meats, sausages, fatty beef
Vegetables	Cooked and peeled carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, celery, cauliflower, cabbage	Raw vegetables, gas-forming vegetables (broccoli, corn, green peppers for some)
Seasoning	Mild herbs (parsley, thyme), small amounts of ginger, turmeric	Black or red pepper, chili powder, strong spices, excessive garlic
Fat	Healthy fats sparingly (olive oil)	High-fat dairy, large amounts of oil, fried foods
Other Add-ins	Well-cooked pasta, oatmeal, rice	High-sugar ingredients, processed cheese

Beyond the Bowl: Other Dietary Considerations

While focusing on the right soup is important, it's part of a larger dietary strategy for managing ulcers. Eating several small meals throughout the day, rather than large, heavy ones, can help keep stomach acid neutralized. Chewing food slowly and thoroughly is also vital for aiding digestion. Staying hydrated is important for overall health and can help soothe the stomach. Including fiber-rich foods like oats, applesauce, and other cooked fruits and vegetables is also beneficial, as fiber may reduce stomach acid concentration. The key is to find what works for your individual tolerance, as triggers can vary from person to person. An authoritative source for digestive health information is the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research at badgut.org.

Conclusion

So, is soup good for ulcers? Yes, it can be a highly effective tool for managing symptoms and aiding recovery, provided it is prepared with care. By choosing bland, broth-based options rich in gentle vegetables and lean protein, you can create a meal that is both nourishing and non-irritating. Conversely, avoiding soups that are spicy, creamy, or highly acidic is crucial for preventing symptom flare-ups. A well-chosen soup can provide comfort and nutrition, making the healing process more manageable and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Low-sodium chicken, vegetable, or bone broth is best for ulcers. These are gentle on the digestive system, hydrating, and provide nutrients without irritating the stomach lining.

Yes, a mild chicken noodle soup made with tender, cooked chicken, soft noodles, and a low-sodium broth is generally a good choice. Ensure it is not excessively seasoned or fatty.

Canned soups should be approached with caution due to their high sodium content and potential for added irritants. Opt for low-sodium versions or make your own soup from scratch to have better control over ingredients.

Yes, pureed soups are often recommended because the blending process makes them even easier to digest. Smooth, pureed soups with ingredients like cooked carrots, potatoes, or sweet potatoes are excellent choices.

Yes, adding small amounts of fresh ginger or turmeric can be beneficial. Both are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe an irritated stomach.

It is best to avoid spicy vegetable soup. While vegetables are good, the spicy components can significantly irritate an existing ulcer and worsen symptoms. Stick to mild, bland seasonings instead.

For many people, tomato soup is bad for ulcers because tomatoes are highly acidic. This can trigger symptoms like heartburn and stomach irritation. It's often best to avoid tomato-based soups during a flare-up.