What Can I Drink on a White Diet?

December 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2019 review published in the journal Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry, a temporary diet restricting pigmented foods and drinks is often advised following teeth whitening to maximize results. When following a white diet, you must carefully select your beverages to avoid undoing the whitening effects or compromising a medical procedure. Understanding what drinks are safe is crucial for adhering to this restrictive, short-term plan.

Quick Summary

The white diet is a temporary plan used after dental whitening or before certain medical procedures. The main goal is to avoid drinks that contain strong pigments or leave residue, so focus on clear or white-colored liquids. Safe options include water, milk, and certain clear juices, while dark and colored beverages should be avoided.

Key Points

Purpose: A white diet protects fresh teeth whitening or is used for a low-residue bowel prep.
Beverage Selection: The core rule is to consume only clear, white, or pale liquids and avoid dark, colored drinks.
Safe Examples: Water, skim milk, plain yogurt drinks, clear broths, and pulp-free white grape or apple juice are safe options.
To Avoid: Steer clear of dark teas, coffee (potentially), red wine, colored sodas, and berry juices to prevent staining.
Medical Clearance: Always follow the specific instructions from your dentist or doctor, as rules can vary depending on the reason for the diet.
Practical Tip: Use a straw to minimize tooth contact with any colored beverages, though clear liquids are best.

Understanding the Purpose of the White Diet

A white diet is a temporary dietary restriction, most commonly recommended for two primary reasons. Firstly, after a teeth whitening procedure, tooth enamel is more porous and vulnerable to staining agents. Avoiding dark or heavily pigmented foods and drinks helps lock in the brightness and prolong the aesthetic results. The second, less common reason is before a colonoscopy, where a low-residue diet, including specific white-colored fluids, is required for a clear bowel preparation. Regardless of the reason, the core principle is the same: consume only white, clear, or pale liquids and foods that won't leave a stain or residue.

Safe and Refreshing Drink Options

Staying hydrated is essential, but it requires careful planning on a white diet. Below are some safe beverages you can enjoy without concern.

Milk and Dairy Alternatives

Skim milk and whole milk: A classic white beverage, milk is rich in calcium and can be a good source of nutrition, especially if you can't eat solid foods.
Vanilla milkshake: Made with milk and vanilla ice cream, this can be a tasty treat, provided there are no other colorful flavorings or toppings.
Natural white yogurt drink: Plain, unflavored yogurt drinks or thinned natural yogurt are excellent options.
Coconut water: Pure coconut water is clear and hydrating, offering electrolytes without the risk of staining.

Clear and White Juices

White grape juice: As long as it is pulp-free, white grape juice is a sweet, clear beverage that is safe for consumption.
Apple juice (no pulp): Opt for clear, pulp-free apple juice to avoid any residue or color.
Lemonade: Plain, white lemonade is an acceptable and refreshing choice.

Other White and Clear Liquids

Water: Plain water, sparkling water, and flavored water (sugar-free, clear) are your best friends on this diet.
Clear broth: Chicken, beef, or vegetable broth that is fat-free and clear is a great source of electrolytes and flavor.
Herbal tea (light colored): You can enjoy some herbal teas, but be careful with the color. Light options are acceptable.
Sports drinks (clear): Some sports drinks, like clear or white variations of Gatorade or Powerade, are approved for rehydration.
Coffee and tea: Black coffee and tea without milk or cream are often acceptable, especially in moderation, for dental-related diets. However, you must use caution, as some dentists still recommend avoiding them completely. For a colonoscopy prep, they are generally permitted if served black.

What Drinks to Avoid

Just as important as knowing what you can drink is knowing what to avoid. The following list includes beverages that can cause stains or interfere with medical procedures:

Tea (dark): Black tea is a notorious staining agent due to its tannins.
Coffee with milk or cream: Any added color or substance can increase the risk of staining.
Red wine: A significant source of chromogens, red wine can easily stain teeth.
Sugary soft drinks: Dark colas and other colorful soft drinks contain strong dyes that can compromise whitening results.
Fruit juices (colored): Avoid juices from fruits like berries, pomegranates, or carrots.
Chocolate milk: The cocoa content in chocolate milk can stain.

Comparison Table: Safe vs. Unsafe White Diet Drinks


Safe Drink Category	Examples	Unsafe Drink Category	Examples
Clear Fluids	Water, clear sports drinks (white/clear), soda water, lemonade	Dark-Colored Beverages	Tea (dark), coffee, red wine, cola
White Dairy	Skim milk, vanilla milkshake, plain yogurt drink	Colored Juices	Cranberry juice, grape juice (dark), orange juice
Clear Juices	Pulp-free apple juice, white grape juice	Acidic Drinks	Pineapple juice, acidic citrus juices
Broth and Savory	Clear chicken or beef broth	Other Staining Liquids	Chocolate milk, dark sauces in liquid form

Strategic Tips for Your White Diet

Use a straw: To minimize contact between a potentially staining beverage and your teeth, use a straw. This is particularly helpful for coffee or tea if your dentist allows it.
Stay hydrated: The restrictive nature of the diet might make you drink less. Keep a bottle of water with you at all times to ensure you stay properly hydrated. Water is the safest and best choice.
Check with your doctor or dentist: Always consult your healthcare professional about your specific diet plan. The rules can vary based on whether the diet is for dental whitening, colonoscopy preparation, or another medical need.

Conclusion

Adhering to a white diet requires careful attention to your drink choices, whether it's to protect your freshly whitened smile or prepare for a medical procedure. The key is to stick to clear or white-colored liquids and avoid anything with strong, dark pigments. Safe options include water, milk, clear broths, and light, pulp-free juices. By following these guidelines and using practical strategies like drinking through a straw, you can successfully navigate this temporary diet while staying well-hydrated. If ever in doubt about a specific beverage, remember the 'white t-shirt test': if it would stain a white shirt, it can likely stain your teeth.

Note: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional or dentist for personalized guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

A white diet is mainly used for two reasons: to protect teeth from staining after a whitening procedure and as part of a low-residue bowel preparation before a medical procedure like a colonoscopy.

This depends on the purpose of your white diet. For teeth whitening, many dentists recommend avoiding coffee entirely due to its staining tannins. For a colonoscopy prep, black coffee (without milk) is generally acceptable.

Yes, milk is a primary and safe beverage on a white diet, as it is white in color and helps provide nutrients. Skim milk is an excellent, low-fat option.

You can have certain fruit juices, but they must be clear and pulp-free. Safe options include pulp-free apple juice or white grape juice. You should avoid all dark or colored juices like cranberry, pomegranate, or orange juice.

Using a straw helps minimize contact between any beverage and the surface of your teeth. This is particularly useful if you are trying to prevent staining after a whitening treatment.

The duration of a white diet is temporary. For teeth whitening, it is often recommended for 48 hours to a week. For medical procedures, it may be for a day or two. Always follow your medical professional's specific advice.

If you accidentally consume a forbidden drink, rinse your mouth with water immediately. The temporary vulnerability of your teeth to staining means a single, small instance is unlikely to ruin results, but it's important to return to the prescribed diet as soon as possible.