Nutrition Diet: What to Avoid Eating with Mumps?

October 26, 2025 •

4 min read

Mumps is a viral infection primarily affecting the salivary glands, causing painful swelling that makes chewing and swallowing difficult [4]. A proper nutrition diet, and especially knowing what to avoid eating with mumps, is crucial for managing discomfort and supporting the immune system during recovery [5].

Quick Summary

A viral infection like mumps can cause painful swollen salivary glands, making a careful diet essential for relief. Avoiding acidic, spicy, hard, and excessively sugary foods minimizes pain and irritation. Opting for soft, bland, and nutrient-rich options supports a smoother recovery. Staying well-hydrated is also critical.

Key Points

Consider Avoiding Acidic Foods: Items like citrus fruits and juices may potentially stimulate salivary glands and increase pain [1, 2].
Limit Hard & Crunchy Items: Chewing hard foods could potentially cause pain in the jaw and glands [1].
Potential Avoidance of Spicy Foods: Hot spices may irritate inflamed glands and increase salivation [1, 2].
Consider Limiting Sugary Foods and Drinks: Excessive sugar intake might potentially influence inflammation [1].
Focus on Soft Foods: Opt for soft, pureed, and liquid foods that require minimal chewing, such as soups and mashed potatoes [3].
Prioritize Hydration: Drink plenty of water, broth, or herbal tea to stay hydrated [6].
Choose Mild Flavors: Opt for bland and gentle flavors that may not irritate the mouth and throat [3].
Lukewarm Temperatures Recommended: Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks that could potentially irritate inflamed glands, although cold may be soothing for some [3, 8].

The Impact of Mumps on Eating

Mumps is caused by a virus and is known for causing swelling and tenderness in the salivary glands, often the parotid glands located near the ears [5]. This swelling can make it painful and challenging to chew and swallow [4]. As a result, adjusting your diet to include foods that are easy on your mouth and throat can be an important part of managing symptoms at home [6]. The types of food and drink consumed can either soothe or aggravate the inflamed glands, impacting comfort during the illness [2].

Foods and Drinks to Potentially Avoid

Certain foods and beverages may worsen mumps symptoms and are often recommended to be avoided [1]. These items can potentially stimulate increased salivation, intensify gland pain, and present textures that are difficult to manage with a sore jaw and mouth [2].

Acidic and Sour Foods: Items like citrus fruits (oranges, lemons) and their juices, as well as vinegar-based products such as pickles and some salad dressings, may cause discomfort [1, 2]. Their acidity can trigger saliva production, which can be painful for swollen salivary glands [2, 7].
Spicy Foods: Hot sauces and peppers can potentially irritate the sensitive lining of the mouth and throat, possibly leading to more discomfort [1]. Similar to sour foods, spicy items can sometimes stimulate salivation [2].
Hard and Crunchy Foods: Foods that require significant chewing, like toast, chips, and raw vegetables, may put strain on swollen jaw muscles and increase pain [1].
Sugary Foods and Drinks: While not always emphasized, some sources suggest that excessive sugar intake might potentially influence inflammation [1]. Limiting intake of candy, sugary sodas, and sweet desserts might be considered.
Extremely Hot or Cold Items: Very hot or very cold temperatures might be jarring to sensitive oral tissues. Opting for foods and drinks that are lukewarm or at room temperature may help avoid irritating the inflamed glands [8]. However, some individuals find cold items soothing [3].
Sticky Foods: Foods that are sticky and require a lot of jaw movement, such as taffy or some types of rice, could potentially cause discomfort [1, 2].

Comparing Potential Diets: What to Potentially Avoid vs. What to Potentially Eat


Type of Food/Drink	Potential Items to Avoid	Potential Items to Eat	Considerations
Texture	Crunchy, hard, chewy, sticky [1, 2]	Soft, puréed, liquid [1]	May minimize painful chewing and swallowing [1].
Acidity	Citrus fruits, fruit juices, tomatoes, pickles [1, 2]	Bland, non-acidic fruits like bananas, applesauce [1]	May help prevent excessive stimulation of salivary glands [1].
Temperature	Very hot or very cold items [8]	Lukewarm or room temperature foods; some cold foods may be soothing [3, 8]	May help avoid temperature shock to inflamed areas [8].
Flavor	Spicy, sour, highly seasoned foods [1]	Mild, bland, gentle flavors [3]	May help prevent irritation of the mouth and throat [1].
Hydration	Acidic juices, sugary sodas [6]	Water, herbal teas, clear broths, coconut water [1]	May provide hydration without irritation [1, 6].

Suggestions for a Mumps-Friendly Approach to Eating

Focusing on nutritious foods that are easy to consume can be helpful during recovery [5].

For Potential Meal Ideas:

Warm oatmeal or porridge with a smooth texture [3].
Scrambled eggs, which are soft and a source of protein [9].
Plain yogurt or soft-cooked rice [3].
Creamy, puréed soups (vegetable, chicken broth) [3].
Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes [3].
Soft-cooked, tender pasta with a mild sauce [3].
Soft-cooked fish, such as baked salmon [10].
Lean, tender chicken that is well-cooked and shredded [10].
Soft tofu dishes [3].

For Potential Snacks and Desserts:

Unsweetened applesauce [1].
Bananas and other soft fruits [1].
Ice cream or sorbet may be soothing for a sore throat [3].
Nut butters (in moderation), potentially added to porridge or smoothies [3].

Maintaining Proper Hydration:

Staying hydrated is important, especially if a fever is present or appetite is low [6]. Sipping on fluids regularly throughout the day is often recommended. Potential options include [1]:

Water (lukewarm or room temperature) [3]
Clear broths [1]
Herbal teas (chamomile, ginger) [1]
Coconut water [1]

Conclusion

While mumps is a viral infection that typically resolves on its own, a thoughtful approach to diet may provide comfort and support the body's recovery process [6]. Avoiding foods that are acidic, spicy, hard, or excessively sugary may help reduce painful symptoms [2, 8]. By considering soft, bland, and nutrient-rich foods, and focusing on hydration, individuals might help minimize discomfort [5]. If symptoms are severe or there are concerns, consulting a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice is advisable [4].

A Note on Potential Complications

While dietary considerations are discussed here, it is important to be aware of potential complications of mumps. In some cases, inflammation can affect areas other than the salivary glands [5]. For example, in males past puberty, it can potentially lead to painful swelling of the testicles (orchitis) [5]. Seeking medical attention is recommended if severe headaches, a stiff neck, dizziness, or abdominal pain occur alongside mumps symptoms [4].

Frequently Asked Questions

Sour foods might be avoided with mumps because they can stimulate saliva production [1, 2]. This increased salivation could potentially cause a sharp, painful sensation in the already tender and swollen salivary glands [2, 7].

Drinks that are non-acidic and gentle on the throat are potentially good for mumps [1]. Examples include water, herbal teas, clear broths, and coconut water [1, 3]. Consuming them at room temperature or slightly warm is often suggested [3].

Yes, ice cream can often be eaten with mumps [3]. The cold temperature might help soothe a sore throat [3]. However, moderation is often advised due to sugar content [1].

Milk and dairy are generally acceptable for mumps, as long as they are not consumed excessively cold [3]. Plain yogurt is soft and can be an option [3]. Individuals may monitor their own reaction to dairy [4].

No, it is generally recommended to avoid spicy foods with mumps [1]. Spices can potentially irritate the inflamed glands and oral tissues, possibly triggering increased salivation and intensifying pain [1, 2]. Bland, mild flavors are often preferred [3].

Foods that are soft and potentially easy to chew with mumps include soups, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, soft-cooked pasta, and well-cooked vegetables [3]. These options may minimize the need for significant jaw movement [1].

A soft food diet might be followed for as long as chewing and swallowing are painful [1]. Recovery typically occurs within one to two weeks [1]. Gradually reintroducing solid foods as symptoms improve is often recommended [1].