Nutrition Diet: Which fruit has the lowest fiber?

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research, a low-fiber diet is often recommended by healthcare professionals for various digestive issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease flare-ups, or before medical procedures like a colonoscopy. Therefore, knowing which fruit has the lowest fiber is crucial for anyone needing to temporarily restrict their dietary fiber intake.

Quick Summary

Watermelon is one of the fruits with the lowest fiber content due to its high water composition and lack of seeds, making it gentle on the digestive system. Other low-fiber options include peeled and cooked fruits like canned peaches and ripe bananas.

Key Points

Watermelon is the lowest in fiber: With its high water content and absence of hard seeds or skins, watermelon is a top choice for a low-fiber fruit.
Canned and cooked fruits are low in fiber: Canned peaches, pears, and applesauce, especially when peeled and seedless, are excellent choices because cooking breaks down the fiber.
Ripe bananas are easier to digest: As bananas ripen, their starch converts to sugar, making them softer and gentler on a sensitive digestive system.
Peel and deseed fruits to reduce fiber: For fresh fruits like apples, peaches, and pears, removing the skin and seeds significantly lowers the overall fiber content.
Avoid dried fruits and berries: High-fiber fruits like berries (due to seeds) and dried fruits should be avoided on a low-fiber diet as they can irritate the digestive system.
Consult a doctor before starting a low-fiber diet: A low-fiber diet should not be followed long-term without medical supervision, as it is primarily intended to manage specific conditions or for pre-procedure preparation.

The role of a low-fiber diet in digestive health

While a high-fiber diet is generally promoted for optimal health, certain medical conditions and procedures necessitate a temporary reduction in fiber intake. This approach, often called a low-residue diet, is designed to reduce the amount of undigested material passing through the digestive tract. It helps to minimize bowel movements and allows the gut to rest and heal. Conditions that may require a low-fiber diet include Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, and preparation for a colonoscopy. In these instances, selecting foods, including fruits, with minimal fiber is key to following a doctor's recommendations.

The lowest fiber fruit: Watermelon

When asking which fruit has the lowest fiber, watermelon emerges as a leading contender, particularly when compared to other fresh fruits. A one-cup serving of watermelon contains approximately 0.6 grams of fiber, and its overall fiber contribution is minimal due to its high water content. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals on a low-fiber or low-residue diet. The fruit's high water composition also aids in hydration, which is important for digestive comfort.

Other low-fiber fruit choices

Beyond watermelon, several other fruits can be included in a low-fiber diet, especially with proper preparation.

Ripe bananas: As bananas ripen, their starch converts to sugar, making them softer and easier to digest. A half-cup serving of ripe banana contains only about 1.1 grams of fiber.
Cantaloupe and honeydew melon: Both of these melons are known for their high water content and low fiber, similar to watermelon.
Canned peaches and pears: Canned fruits that have been peeled and had their seeds removed are significantly lower in fiber than their fresh counterparts. A half-cup serving of canned peaches, for example, can have a lower fiber content than a fresh one. Opt for versions canned in juice or light syrup to minimize added sugar.
Applesauce: Pureed applesauce is a convenient, low-fiber fruit option, as the cooking and processing break down the fibers. It is important to choose plain varieties without added chunky fruit pieces.
Fruit juices without pulp: Strained and pulp-free fruit juices provide some vitamins and hydration with virtually no fiber. However, their high sugar content should be consumed in moderation.

How to prepare fruits for a low-fiber diet

For many fruits, the majority of the fiber is concentrated in the skin and seeds. By peeling fruits like apples, pears, and peaches, and removing any seeds or tough cores, you can significantly reduce their fiber content and make them more suitable for a low-residue diet. Cooking fruits also helps to soften the fibers, making them easier to digest.

Low-fiber fruit comparison


Fruit (1/2 cup serving)	Preparation	Approximate Fiber Content (grams)	Notes
Watermelon (cubed)	Raw	0.6	Highest water content, very low fiber.
Ripe Banana (mashed)	Raw, very ripe	1.1	Softer and more digestible than unripe.
Cantaloupe (cubed)	Raw	1.1	High water content, easy to digest.
Canned Peaches	Peeled, canned in juice	1.6	Softer texture, easy on the gut.
Applesauce	Pureed	2.0	Cooked and processed fiber is easier to digest.

Fruits to avoid on a low-fiber diet

When following a low-fiber diet, it is important to avoid high-fiber fruits that can aggravate digestive symptoms. These include:

Berries: All berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, contain numerous seeds that are difficult to digest.
Dried fruits: Raisins, prunes, dates, and figs have a concentrated amount of fiber. Prune juice is a notable exception to low-pulp juices, as it acts as a laxative.
Fruits with skins: Avoid fruits with their skins, such as unpeeled apples and pears.
Pineapple: The fibrous nature of fresh pineapple can be irritating to a sensitive digestive tract.

Health considerations and expert advice

While low-fiber fruits can be beneficial for specific medical needs, a low-fiber diet is not suitable for everyone and is typically not a long-term solution. It is crucial to follow the guidance of a healthcare professional or registered dietitian when making significant dietary changes, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Prolonged low-fiber intake can lead to constipation and other nutritional deficiencies if not carefully managed. For general health, fiber is an essential nutrient for promoting bowel regularity, maintaining blood sugar levels, and supporting weight management. A low-fiber diet should only be used as directed by a doctor to manage a specific health issue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for which fruit has the lowest fiber to suit a particular dietary need, watermelon is one of the best fresh options due to its high water content and low fiber. Other excellent choices include ripe bananas and peeled, canned fruits like peaches and pears. The key to successfully incorporating low-fiber fruits into your diet lies in understanding which options are best and preparing them correctly, such as removing skins and seeds. Always consult with a healthcare professional to ensure this dietary approach is appropriate for your individual health situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Soft, ripe fruits without skins or seeds are easiest to digest. Watermelon, ripe bananas, cantaloupe, and peeled, canned peaches are among the easiest fruits for the digestive system.

Yes, but you should choose strained, pulp-free fruit juices. Juices with pulp or prune juice should be avoided, as the pulp contains fiber and prune juice can have a laxative effect.

Watermelon is naturally low in fiber because it consists of over 90% water. Unlike many other fruits, it has no hard skin or seeds, which are the main sources of fiber.

Canned fruits, particularly those that are peeled and packed in juice or water, are lower in fiber than fresh versions. The canning process and removal of the skin and seeds reduce the fiber content.

A low-residue diet restricts foods that leave indigestible material in the colon, while a low-fiber diet specifically reduces fiber. A low-residue diet is often also low in fiber, so fruits like watermelon and canned peaches are suitable for both.

No, you don't need to avoid all fruit. The key is to choose the right kind and prepare it correctly. Focus on ripe, soft fruits and remove skins and seeds to minimize fiber intake.

A low-fiber diet is not typically recommended for long-term use unless directed and supervised by a healthcare professional. It is important for digestive health to eventually reintroduce fiber once your medical condition allows.