What Can I Eat on a Clear Liquid Diet Before a Colonoscopy?

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the National Cancer Institute, a clear liquid diet is used before medical procedures like a colonoscopy to help ensure a clear view of the bowel. Wondering what can I eat on a clear liquid diet before a colonoscopy to ensure a successful procedure? The right food choices are crucial for an accurate examination.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive list of approved foods and drinks, from clear broth to pulp-free juice, and explains which items must be avoided. Find practical tips for staying hydrated and managing hunger during the prep day to ensure the best possible outcome for your colonoscopy.

Key Points

Stay Hydrated: Focus on consuming plenty of clear liquids like water, broth, and pulp-free juice to prevent dehydration.
Avoid Red and Purple Dyes: Steer clear of any drinks or gelatin with red, purple, or blue coloring, as they can be mistaken for blood during the procedure.
Black Coffee and Tea Only: You can drink black coffee or tea, but do not add milk, cream, or other opaque additions.
Check Jell-O and Popsicles: Only consume Jell-O and popsicles that are clear and don't contain fruit pieces or dairy. Green, yellow, and clear are safe options.
No Solid Food: Strictly avoid all solid food during the clear liquid phase of your preparation.
Consider Electrolyte Drinks: Light-colored sports drinks can help replenish electrolytes lost during bowel prep.
Plan Ahead: Stock your kitchen with an approved variety of items to make the prep day more comfortable and bearable.

Understanding the Clear Liquid Diet for Colonoscopy Prep

A colonoscopy is a vital screening tool for detecting colon cancer and other issues. To ensure the procedure is successful and the doctor has an unobstructed view, your bowel must be completely clean. A clear liquid diet is a mandatory part of this preparation, typically consumed for 24 hours before the procedure. The diet consists of liquids and foods that are transparent and leave minimal residue in your digestive tract. Adhering to this diet is not optional; failing to do so can result in a rescheduled procedure.

What is a 'Clear' Liquid?

A clear liquid is any fluid you can see through. This doesn't mean it has to be colorless, but it should be translucent. For example, apple juice is acceptable, but orange juice is not because it contains pulp and is opaque. Similarly, dark liquids like black coffee and tea are allowed, but adding milk or cream makes them opaque and therefore prohibited.

Approved Clear Liquid Diet Items

To make your prep day more manageable, stock up on a variety of approved items from the following list:

Beverages: Water (plain, carbonated, or flavored), clear sodas (like Sprite, 7-Up, or ginger ale), and sports drinks (Gatorade or Powerade in light colors like yellow, green, or white).
Juices: Clear, pulp-free juices only, such as apple juice, white grape juice, or white cranberry juice.
Broths: Clear, fat-free broths like chicken, beef, vegetable, or consommé can provide some much-needed flavor and electrolytes.
Gelatin: Plain gelatin without added fruit or toppings is acceptable. Stick to light colors like yellow, green, or clear to avoid confusing the endoscopist.
Popsicles and Italian Ices: These are excellent for variety and to combat hunger, but ensure they are made without fruit pieces, cream, or forbidden colors.
Hard Candies: Sucking on clear, hard candies (like lemon drops or peppermint rounds) can help with hunger and bad tastes from the prep solution. Avoid any with red or purple dyes.
Coffee and Tea: Black coffee or tea is fine, but do not add any milk, cream, or creamer. Decaffeinated is often recommended, especially before bed.

What to Avoid on Your Clear Liquid Diet

For a successful procedure, it's just as important to know what to avoid as it is to know what is allowed. Stay away from the following:

Solid Food: All solid food is strictly prohibited during the clear liquid phase.
Red, Purple, and Blue Dyes: These colors can stain the colon lining, making it difficult for the doctor to differentiate them from blood. This includes items like red gelatin, grape juice, or popsicles with these dyes.
Milk and Dairy Products: Milk, cream, creamer, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products are not clear liquids and leave residue.
Juices with Pulp: Orange juice, grapefruit juice, and prune juice are not allowed.
Creamy Soups: Any soup that is not a clear, transparent broth is prohibited.
Alcoholic Beverages: All alcohol should be avoided during the prep.
Any non-transparent liquids: If you cannot see through it, do not drink it.

Clear Liquid Diet: Allowed vs. Avoided


Item Category	Foods/Drinks Allowed	Foods/Drinks to Avoid
Beverages	Water, black coffee, black tea, clear sodas (Sprite, Ginger Ale), light-colored sports drinks (yellow, green)	All alcoholic beverages, milk, milkshakes, dairy creamers
Juices	Clear, pulp-free juices (apple, white grape, white cranberry)	Any juice with pulp (orange, tomato, prune), red or purple juices
Broths	Clear, fat-free broth (chicken, beef, vegetable, consommé)	Creamy or thick soups, soups with noodles, rice, or vegetables
Desserts	Plain gelatin (clear, yellow, green), popsicles without fruit pieces or cream	Gelatin or popsicles with red, purple, or blue dye, items with fruit pieces
Candy	Clear hard candies (peppermint, lemon drops)	Any hard candies with red or purple colors, chewy or soft candy

Tips for a More Comfortable Prep

Chill Your Liquids: Many people find that chilling the prep solution and other approved drinks makes them more palatable.
Use a Straw: Drinking the prep solution through a straw can help bypass the tastebuds on the front of your tongue, making it easier to consume.
Suck on Candy: Using clear, hard candies can help cleanse your palate between sips of the prep solution.
Prepare the Bathroom: Have soft toilet paper, wipes, and a soothing ointment ready to combat any irritation from frequent bowel movements.
Stay Busy: Plan for a day at home with activities like watching movies or reading to distract yourself from hunger and discomfort.

Conclusion: Successful Prep, Successful Procedure

Following the strict clear liquid diet is the most crucial part of your colonoscopy preparation. While it can be challenging, a little planning and a positive attitude can make the process much smoother. By sticking to the approved list of foods and beverages and avoiding prohibited items, you give your doctor the best possible conditions for a clear examination. Remember to prioritize hydration and consult your doctor's specific instructions for the most accurate and safe prep. For additional guidance on managing your preparation, you can visit Mayo Clinic's Guide to a Clear Liquid Diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can drink black coffee without milk, cream, or non-dairy creamers. Stop drinking all liquids a few hours before your procedure, as instructed by your doctor.

Yes, plain gelatin is allowed, but only in light colors like yellow, green, or clear. Avoid any red, purple, or blue colors and gelatin with added fruit pieces or dairy.

You can have clear, pulp-free juices such as apple juice, white grape juice, and white cranberry juice. All juices with pulp, like orange or prune juice, must be avoided.

Red and purple dyes can stain the colon lining and be mistaken for blood, potentially obscuring the doctor's view and affecting the accuracy of the examination.

Yes, clear sodas like ginger ale and Sprite are acceptable, as are sports drinks like Gatorade, as long as they are light-colored (yellow, green, white) and not red, purple, or orange.

Yes, clear, fat-free broths or bouillon are excellent options for flavor and hydration on the clear liquid diet. Ensure there are no solid pieces, like vegetables or noodles.

Bloating and nausea can be common. Try sipping the solution slowly, drinking through a straw, or chilling the liquid. If the nausea is severe, stop drinking for a short time before resuming.

Yes, popsicles and ice pops are allowed, provided they are not red or purple and do not contain fruit pulp or cream. Opt for clear, yellow, or green options.