What Desserts Are Low in Fiber?

October 21, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the National Cancer Institute, desserts like angel food cake, gelatin, and custard are examples of foods suitable for a low-fiber diet. For individuals needing to reduce their fiber intake due to certain medical conditions or digestive issues, finding satisfying treats that won't cause discomfort is crucial. This guide explains exactly what desserts are low in fiber, offering a variety of delicious and easy-to-digest options to enjoy without worry.

Quick Summary

This article explores a range of desserts with low fiber content, suitable for those following a low-residue or sensitive diet. It details specific examples such as gelatin, custard, and certain types of cakes and cookies, focusing on ingredients that minimize digestive effort. The guide also provides a comparison table and practical tips for preparing these treats at home.

Key Points

Gelatin and Puddings are Fiber-Free: Plain gelatin and smooth custards or puddings contain virtually no fiber, making them top choices.
Opt for Plain Ice Cream or Sherbet: Avoid varieties with nuts, seeds, or fruit chunks, and stick to smooth, classic flavors.
Choose Plain Baked Goods: Angel food cake and simple white-flour cookies are low in fiber, but check for additives like nuts or dried fruit.
DIY Gives Control: Preparing desserts at home allows you to manage ingredients and avoid hidden sources of fiber.
Read Labels on Packaged Foods: A low-fiber item should have less than 3g of fiber per 100g, and always inspect ingredient lists carefully.
Aim for a Smooth Texture: Smooth and creamy desserts like mousse or puree are gentler on the digestive system than chunky or crunchy options.
Moderation is Key: While low in fiber, these desserts can be high in sugar and fat, so consume them thoughtfully.
Low-Fiber Diets Serve a Purpose: They are often medically prescribed to manage specific gastrointestinal conditions or prepare for procedures.

Understanding Low-Fiber Desserts

For those on a low-fiber or low-residue diet, the key to choosing a suitable dessert is to select options that do not contain high-fiber ingredients like nuts, seeds, coconut, dried fruits, or whole grains. Instead, the focus should be on desserts made with refined ingredients, and smooth, processed components that are gentle on the digestive system. These kinds of treats are often recommended before certain medical procedures, or for managing conditions like Crohn's disease or diverticulitis.

Classic Low-Fiber Choices

Many classic desserts are naturally low in fiber, making them excellent choices. The primary characteristic is their smooth, uniform texture, which requires minimal digestion.

Gelatin Desserts: Plain gelatin, often known by the brand name Jell-O, is famously fiber-free and easy to digest. For a simple treat, prepare a flavored gelatin mix according to the package directions. You can also make your own by using unflavored gelatin powder and a strained, clear fruit juice, ensuring no pulp or seeds are included.
Custard and Puddings: Smooth, plain custards and puddings are perfect low-fiber options. Look for flavors like vanilla, butterscotch, or chocolate that are free of any solid inclusions. Both store-bought and homemade versions can work, but for the safest bet, opt for a homemade one where you can control the ingredients. Rice pudding, when made with white rice and served smoothly, is also a suitable option.
Plain Ice Cream and Sherbet: Standard ice cream and sherbet, particularly plain vanilla or fruit flavors, are typically low in fiber. The danger lies in varieties with mix-ins like nuts, chunks of fruit, or chocolate chips. Always check the ingredients list to ensure there are no high-fiber additions. Frozen yogurt and smooth fruit ice are also safe bets.

Baking for a Low-Fiber Diet

When it comes to baked goods, careful selection of ingredients is paramount to keep fiber content low. The goal is to avoid whole grains and fibrous additives.

Angel Food Cake: This light, airy cake is made primarily from egg whites, sugar, and white flour, making it an ideal low-fiber dessert. Its delicate texture and lack of high-fiber components make it one of the most reliable choices. Serve it with a simple, smooth glaze instead of fruit topping.
Plain Cookies: Simple cookies made with refined white flour and no nuts, seeds, or dried fruit can be enjoyed in moderation. Examples include vanilla wafers, plain sugar cookies, or ginger snaps. Always check nutritional labels for fiber content, aiming for less than 3 grams per 100 grams.
Smooth Cheesecakes: A plain cheesecake with a crust made from crushed vanilla wafers (rather than whole-grain graham crackers) can be a delightful, creamy, low-fiber option. A plain, smooth filling is key; avoid fruit or chocolate chunks.

Comparison Table: Low-Fiber Desserts

To help visualize your options, here is a comparison of some popular desserts based on their suitability for a low-fiber diet.


Dessert	Fiber Content	Ideal Preparation	Notes
Gelatin	Zero fiber	Plain or with strained juice	Very easy to digest. Avoid versions with fruit pieces.
Custard/Pudding	Very Low Fiber	Plain, vanilla, chocolate	Creamy, smooth texture. Ensure no seeds or chunks.
Plain Ice Cream	Low Fiber	Vanilla, chocolate, fruit	Choose smooth, plain varieties. No nuts, seeds, or mix-ins.
Plain Cookies	Very Low Fiber	Simple sugar, vanilla wafers	Avoid whole grains, nuts, and dried fruit. Check labels.
Angel Food Cake	Very Low Fiber	Plain, with smooth glaze	Best choice for a light, airy cake. Use refined flour.
Cheesecake	Low Fiber (Crust Dependent)	Use wafer crust, smooth filling	Key is avoiding a high-fiber, whole-grain crust.

Tips for Enjoying Low-Fiber Treats

DIY Control: Making desserts at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, ensuring no hidden sources of fiber. For example, you can create a simple fruit compote by cooking and straining a low-fiber fruit like canned pears or peaches, then pureeing it until completely smooth.
Smooth is Best: The smoother the texture, the gentler it is on your digestive system. Think creams, purees, and silky-smooth textures rather than crunchy, chunky, or chewy.
Read Labels Carefully: Even items that appear low in fiber can contain hidden fibrous ingredients. Always check the nutrition facts for fiber content and read the ingredients list for nuts, seeds, or whole grains. A general rule of thumb for packaged foods on a low-fiber diet is to look for options with less than 3 grams of fiber per serving.
Moderation is Key: While these desserts are low in fiber, they often contain high amounts of sugar and fat. It's important to consume them in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet, even when following a restricted plan.

Conclusion

When searching for desserts that are low in fiber, the primary objective is to select items that are smooth, creamy, or baked with refined ingredients. Options like plain gelatin, smooth custards, and angel food cake are reliable and delicious choices that are gentle on the digestive tract. By understanding which ingredients to avoid—such as nuts, seeds, and dried fruit—and focusing on refined alternatives, individuals can enjoy a satisfying treat without compromising their dietary needs. Always check labels and consider making homemade versions for optimal control. For more in-depth nutritional information on low-fiber eating plans, the National Cancer Institute provides excellent resources on its website, including a list of low-fiber foods.

Low-Fiber Dessert Recipes

For those looking to create their own, here are a few simple ideas based on the principles discussed:

Simple Vanilla Pudding: A classic using milk, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla. It’s naturally smooth and free of fiber.
No-Bake Cheesecake with Wafer Crust: Combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Use crushed vanilla wafers and melted butter for a simple, low-fiber crust.
Soft Chocolate Cake: A cake made with white flour and without nuts or fruit chunks. The key is the smooth, uniform crumb.
Canned Pear Puree: Take canned pears in light syrup, blend them until perfectly smooth, and serve with a dollop of plain yogurt or smooth whipped cream.

Following these guidelines will help ensure your dessert is not only delicious but also aligned with your dietary requirements for a low-fiber plan.

The Role of a Low-Fiber Diet

A low-fiber diet is often prescribed by healthcare professionals for specific medical reasons, such as before a colonoscopy, during a flare-up of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or to manage other gastrointestinal issues. By reducing the indigestible plant material that can irritate the bowel, these diets help alleviate symptoms and allow the digestive system to rest and heal. This is why low-fiber desserts are a helpful part of the dietary plan, as they offer a way to enjoy a sweet treat without counteracting the therapeutic purpose of the diet.

Ingredients to Use vs. Avoid

To summarize, when preparing or purchasing low-fiber desserts, focus on these ingredients:

Use: Refined white flour, sugar, smooth dairy products (milk, plain yogurt, cream), smooth fruit juices (no pulp), gelatin, cornstarch.
Avoid: Whole-wheat flour, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, coconut, tough fruit skins or seeds, whole grains.

By being mindful of these ingredient choices, you can confidently navigate your dessert options and stay on track with your dietary goals. The abundance of naturally low-fiber desserts means that there is no need to sacrifice taste or enjoyment while following a low-fiber plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Angel food cake is considered one of the best cakes for a low-fiber diet because it is made primarily from refined ingredients like egg whites and white flour, without the addition of fibrous ingredients like nuts or whole grains.

Yes, you can have ice cream, but you must choose plain, smooth varieties like vanilla or chocolate. Avoid flavors with nuts, seeds, fruit chunks, or other high-fiber mix-ins.

Yes, plain puddings and custards that are smooth and free of nuts or fruit are excellent low-fiber dessert choices. This includes options like vanilla, butterscotch, or chocolate pudding.

Simple cookies made with white flour and without nuts, seeds, or dried fruit are acceptable. Good examples include vanilla wafers, sugar cookies, and ginger snaps.

Yes, plain gelatin desserts are fiber-free and are very easy to digest. Always choose unflavored gelatin or a mix that doesn't contain fruit pieces.

Not necessarily all fruit-based desserts, but most. You should avoid fruits with skins, seeds, or tough membranes. However, strained or clear fruit juices and small amounts of soft, peeled canned fruit can be suitable.

Standard graham crackers contain whole grains and are typically not low in fiber. A better, low-fiber alternative for a pie or cheesecake crust would be to use crushed vanilla wafers.

In packaged desserts, you should avoid ingredients like nuts, seeds, whole grains (including whole-wheat flour), dried fruit, and coconut. Always read the nutrition label and ingredient list carefully.