Understanding a Clear Liquid Diet: Does soup count as clear liquid?

October 16, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Cancer Institute, a clear liquid diet may be prescribed for medical reasons like preparing for surgery or a colonoscopy. A frequently asked question during this time is: Does soup count as clear liquid? The short answer is yes, but only in a very specific form, which is crucial for the diet's effectiveness.

Quick Summary

Clear liquid diets require consuming only transparent liquids without solids or pulp, typically for medical preparation or digestive rest. While most soups are prohibited, clear, fat-free broths like bouillon or consommé are acceptable. Creamy soups or those with solid ingredients like noodles or vegetables are not considered clear liquids.

Key Points

Clear Broth is Allowed: Clear, fat-free broth, bouillon, and consommé are the only types of soup permitted on a clear liquid diet, provided they contain no solid ingredients or particles.
No Creamy or Chunky Soups: Cream-based soups, pureed soups, or any soup with solid additions like noodles, rice, or vegetables are not considered clear liquids and must be avoided.
Purpose is Transparency: The main reason for the distinction is to prevent solid residue from being left in the digestive tract, which is necessary for certain medical procedures like a colonoscopy.
Always Strain Broth: If you make your own broth, ensure it is thoroughly strained to remove any fat or solid particles that could make it cloudy.
Check Bone Broth Rules: Some doctors advise against bone broth due to potential cloudiness from fat and other particles, so always check your provider's specific instructions.
It's a Short-Term Diet: A clear liquid diet is temporary and not nutritionally adequate for long-term use, so follow your doctor's prescribed duration.
Follow All Medical Instructions: Always follow the specific diet and prep instructions given by your medical professional for any procedure.

What Defines a Clear Liquid Diet?

A clear liquid diet is a specialized regimen consisting of transparent liquids that contain no solids, pulp, or cloudiness. The fundamental purpose of this diet is to give the digestive system a rest while maintaining adequate hydration and providing some energy. It is not a nutritionally complete diet and is, therefore, only used for a short duration, typically under a doctor's supervision.

Common reasons for a clear liquid diet include:

Preparing for a medical procedure: This is most famously associated with a colonoscopy, where a clear bowel is necessary for a clear examination.
After certain surgeries: Especially those involving the stomach or bowels, this diet helps reintroduce food gradually.
Treating digestive issues: For problems like severe diarrhea or vomiting, it helps restore hydration without irritating the digestive tract.

The defining characteristic of a 'clear liquid' is that you can see through it at room temperature. This transparency is what ensures no residue is left in the intestinal tract.

The Verdict on Soup: When It Counts as a Clear Liquid

The question, "Does soup count as clear liquid?" depends entirely on the type of soup. The simple distinction is between a cloudy or solid-containing soup and a clear, see-through broth.

Soups Allowed on a Clear Liquid Diet

Only the following types of soup are permitted, and they must be completely free of solid particles, fat, or thickeners:

Clear broth: Broth made from chicken, beef, or vegetables is acceptable, provided it is strained to remove any floating solids.
Bouillon: A clear, flavorful liquid made from a concentrated broth cube or paste is perfectly fine.
Consommé: A clarified meat or fish stock that is completely transparent is a safe choice.

Soups to Avoid on a Clear Liquid Diet

Any soup that is opaque, creamy, or contains solids must be avoided. This includes:

Creamy soups: Any soup made with milk, cream, or other dairy products, such as cream of mushroom or tomato soup.
Chunky soups: Soups containing solid ingredients like noodles, rice, meat, beans, or vegetables are prohibited.
Pureed soups: While pureed, soups like pumpkin or potato soup are cloudy and opaque, making them unsuitable.
Miso soup: Although it may appear clear, miso often contains small particles that make it cloudy, and it's best to avoid it during prep.
Bone broth: Some medical facilities advise against bone broth, as it can contain small, fatty particles that make it cloudy. Always check with your doctor's specific instructions for this one.

Clear Liquid vs. Full Liquid Diets

It is important not to confuse a clear liquid diet with a full liquid diet, which allows for a wider range of items. Here is a comparison to help clarify the differences:


Food/Drink Category	Clear Liquid Diet (Examples)	Full Liquid Diet (Examples)
Soup	Clear broth, bouillon, consommé (no solids)	Cream soups, smooth vegetable soups, strained soups
Juice	Pulp-free juices (apple, white grape)	Any fruit and vegetable juice, including those with pulp
Dairy	None allowed	Milk, milkshakes, ice cream, pudding
Desserts	Plain gelatin, popsicles (no fruit, seeds, or cream)	Custard, yogurt, sorbet
Beverages	Water, clear sports drinks, black coffee/tea	All clear liquids, plus thick beverages like nutritional supplements
Purpose	Bowel cleansing, short-term hydration and rest	Post-surgery or for chewing/swallowing difficulties

Practical Tips for Your Clear Liquid Diet

Navigating a clear liquid diet can be challenging, but a few simple strategies can make it more tolerable:

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration, which can be a risk on this restrictive diet.
Vary Your Choices: To combat boredom and get some energy, rotate between different clear liquid options like broths, juices, and gelatin.
Watch the Colors: Especially before a colonoscopy, some doctors recommend avoiding liquids with red, purple, or blue dye, as they can interfere with the results.
Check Labels: Always read the ingredients list to ensure there are no hidden solids, cream, or other forbidden items.
Follow Medical Advice: Your doctor's instructions are the final authority. They may have specific rules or approved lists tailored to your health condition or procedure. Always follow their guidance meticulously.

Conclusion

So, does soup count as clear liquid? Only clear broths and consommés are considered clear liquids, while creamy or chunky soups are not. The purpose of a clear liquid diet is to minimize solid residue in your digestive system, which is why transparency is the key defining feature. By sticking to fat-free broths and bouillon, you can safely incorporate soup into your clear liquid diet. Remember to follow your medical provider's specific instructions, particularly before a colonoscopy, to ensure the procedure is successful and you get the rest and hydration you need.

For more detailed dietary information on managing various conditions, consulting an authoritative source like the Cleveland Clinic can be very helpful.

Navigating the Clear Liquid Diet

Here are some final key takeaways to help you understand what you can and cannot have on a clear liquid diet.

Transparency is Key: The defining rule of a clear liquid diet is whether you can see through the liquid at room temperature.
Clear Broth is Allowed: Clear, fat-free broth or bouillon is acceptable, but it must be strained and have no solid pieces.
No Creamy or Chunky Soups: Cream-based soups or any soup with solids like noodles, rice, or vegetables are prohibited.
Limited Nutrition: This diet is not nutritionally complete and is only for short-term use, typically for a few days at most.
Medical Guidance is Essential: Always follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor or healthcare provider, especially regarding colored liquids.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, tomato soup is not allowed on a clear liquid diet. It is opaque, not transparent, and is considered a 'full liquid' due to its thickness and lack of clarity.

A clear liquid diet consists only of transparent liquids with no solid pieces, while a full liquid diet includes thicker liquids that you cannot see through, such as cream soups, milk, and smoothies.

Yes, if you strain all the noodles, vegetables, and chicken out, the remaining clear chicken broth is an acceptable clear liquid.

The answer varies by medical facility. Some advise against it because it can contain small, cloudy particles from fat or vegetables. It's best to check with your specific doctor for their guidelines.

Solid food leaves residue in your intestines. To get a clear and accurate view during a colonoscopy, the bowel must be completely clear of any undigested food.

Yes, clear bouillon, typically from a cube or paste, is acceptable as long as the resulting broth is transparent and fat-free.

In addition to clear broth, you can have water, pulp-free juices (like apple or white grape), gelatin, popsicles without fruit or cream, clear sodas, and black coffee or tea without milk.