What Kind of Cereal Is Low in Fiber? A Guide to Low-Residue Breakfasts

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

Medical professionals often recommend a low-fiber diet for specific digestive issues or before certain procedures like a colonoscopy. Knowing what kind of cereal is low in fiber is crucial for individuals following this temporary eating plan to manage their digestive health effectively.

Quick Summary

This article outlines breakfast cereals that are low in fiber, including refined grain options like cornflakes and Rice Krispies, to help manage a low-residue diet for medical or digestive purposes.

Key Points

Refined Grains are Key: The foundation of a low-fiber cereal is refined grain, such as corn or rice, not whole grain or bran.
Look for Classic Brands: Cereals like Cornflakes, Rice Krispies, Special K (original), and Crispix are typically low in fiber.
Avoid Whole Grains and Bran: Steer clear of cereals containing whole wheat, oat bran, dried fruits, nuts, or seeds.
Check Nutrition Labels: To be safe, always check the "Dietary Fiber" line on the nutrition label and aim for products with less than 2 grams per serving.
Include Hot Options: Plain refined hot cereals like Cream of Wheat or Cream of Rice are also excellent low-fiber choices.
Choose Low-Fiber Add-ins: Pair your low-fiber cereal with low-fat milk, smooth yogurt, or peeled fruits like bananas or melons.

Understanding the Low-Fiber Diet

For certain medical conditions or procedures, a doctor may prescribe a low-fiber diet, also known as a low-residue diet. This diet is designed to reduce the amount of undigested food that passes through the body, which helps to lessen the bulk and frequency of stools. The goal is to ease gastrointestinal irritation, reduce strain on the bowels, or prepare for a medical procedure like a colonoscopy. A low-fiber diet is typically a short-term plan, and a healthcare provider should be consulted before starting one for an extended period.

The Purpose of a Low-Residue Plan

A low-residue eating plan is commonly used for a variety of digestive tract conditions and situations. It can be beneficial for those with diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease, or hemorrhoids. It is also standard practice before and after certain abdominal surgeries and cancer treatments. By minimizing fiber, the diet reduces bowel activity, which can prevent blockages or provide relief from symptoms like diarrhea, cramping, and bloating.

Identifying Low-Fiber Cereals

The key to finding low-fiber cereals is to look for products made from refined grains rather than whole grains. Refined grains have the fibrous bran and germ removed, which significantly lowers their fiber content. Cereals that are plain and white, or those with added sugar but no other high-fiber ingredients like nuts or seeds, are typically the best choices.

Dry Refined Cereals

Several popular boxed cereals fit into the low-fiber category, making them a convenient breakfast option for those on a restricted diet. Good choices include:

Cornflakes: This classic cereal, made from milled corn, is a staple on low-fiber diet lists.
Rice Krispies: Made from puffed rice, Rice Krispies contain very little fiber per serving.
Special K: This cereal, in its original form, is another low-fiber option based on refined grains.
Crispix: This mix of corn and rice squares contains zero grams of fiber per serving.
Puffed Rice Cereal: As the name suggests, this cereal is made from refined rice and has a low fiber count.
Kix: Made primarily from corn, this simple, sweetened cereal is also suitable.

Hot Cereal Options

For those who prefer a warm breakfast, there are also hot cereal options that are low in fiber, provided they are made from refined grains.

Cream of Wheat (Farina): This hot breakfast cereal is made from refined wheat and is a common recommendation for low-fiber diets.
Cream of Rice: Similar to Cream of Wheat, this is another refined-grain option for a warm, low-fiber meal.

Cereals to Avoid on a Low-Fiber Diet

To adhere to a low-fiber diet, it is equally important to know which cereals to avoid. These are typically cereals made with whole grains, bran, dried fruit, nuts, or seeds, as they contain higher amounts of dietary fiber. Examples include:

Oat-based cereals: Including regular oatmeal, oat bran, and oat-based granolas.
Bran cereals: Any cereal with "bran" in the name, such as Bran Flakes or Fiber One, is high in fiber.
Whole wheat cereals: Cereals like Shredded Wheat or Frosted Mini-Wheats should be avoided due to their whole grain content.
Cereals with add-ins: Avoid any cereals that contain nuts, seeds, coconut, or dried fruits like raisins.

How to Read Cereal Labels

Reading the nutrition label is the most reliable way to ensure you are choosing a low-fiber cereal. Look at the "Dietary Fiber" line on the label. A general guideline is to select cereals with less than 2 grams of fiber per serving to stay within typical low-fiber diet recommendations. Also, check the ingredients list to ensure the cereal is made from refined white flour or rice, not whole grains or bran.

Comparison: Low vs. High Fiber Cereals

To illustrate the difference, here is a simple comparison between typical low and high-fiber cereals.


Cereal	Type of Grain	Approx. Fiber per Serving (g)*	Low/High Fiber
Cornflakes	Refined Corn	<1	Low
Rice Krispies	Refined Rice	<1	Low
Special K (Original)	Refined Rice/Wheat	<1	Low
Cheerios (Original)	Whole Grain Oats	2	Low/Medium
Fiber One	Wheat Bran	18	High
Raisin Bran	Whole Grain Wheat	7	High
Oatmeal	Whole Grain Oats	4-5	High

*Approximate values; always check the specific product label. Note that while Cheerios are made with whole grain, the original variety is often considered acceptable on some low-fiber diets, but it's important to consult a doctor or dietitian.

Tips for a Low-Fiber Cereal Meal

Creating a complete low-fiber breakfast involves more than just the cereal. The milk and toppings you add also matter. Consider these tips:

Use semi-skimmed or fat-free milk, or a suitable non-dairy alternative if you have lactose intolerance.
Add plain, low-fat yogurt without fruit pieces.
Top with peeled, soft fruits like ripe bananas or melon, which are low in fiber.
Opt for smooth fruit juices without pulp instead of whole fruits.
Avoid nuts, seeds, and dried fruit as toppings.

The Importance of Monitoring

While a low-fiber diet can be beneficial for a short time, it is not meant to be a long-term solution. A balanced diet rich in fiber is essential for overall digestive health in the long run. Prolonged periods of low fiber can lead to constipation, hemorrhoids, and other issues. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding the duration of a low-fiber diet and when to reintroduce high-fiber foods. When you are ready to transition back, do so gradually to avoid digestive upset.

For more detailed guidance on dietary restrictions, consult a trusted medical resource, such as the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Conclusion: Making the Right Low-Fiber Choice

Choosing the right cereal on a low-fiber diet is straightforward once you understand the difference between refined and whole grains. Opt for simple, plain cereals like cornflakes, Rice Krispies, or Cream of Wheat, and be vigilant about reading nutrition labels to ensure the fiber content is low. By avoiding whole grains, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, you can easily find suitable breakfast options that support your specific dietary needs while providing a simple and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

A low-residue diet is a restricted eating plan that reduces the amount of indigestible food and fiber passing through the intestines. Low-fiber cereal is a recommended component of this diet because it contains minimal fiber, reducing stool volume and easing digestion.

No, traditional oatmeal is made from whole oats, which are high in fiber. For a hot cereal, refined options like Cream of Wheat or Cream of Rice are the appropriate choices.

Some sweetened cereals, such as Frosted Flakes or Coco Pops, are made from refined corn or rice and are low in fiber. However, it is essential to check the label, as some sweetened varieties may contain added high-fiber ingredients.

Original Cheerios, made with whole grain oats, contain about 2 grams of fiber per serving and may be considered low-to-medium fiber, depending on the specific diet requirements. Always consult a healthcare provider to see if it fits your specific dietary plan.

Semi-skimmed or fat-free cow's milk is typically recommended. If you have lactose intolerance, a lactose-free or fortified non-dairy milk alternative like almond, cashew, or rice milk is a suitable option.

A low-fiber diet is generally intended for short-term use, such as before a medical procedure, because it can cause constipation over a long period. Long-term fiber restriction can also lead to deficiencies in important vitamins and minerals.

Good low-fiber fruit toppings include ripe, peeled bananas and melons like cantaloupe and honeydew. Avoid fruits with skin, seeds, or high fiber content, such as berries or dried fruit.

Low-fiber cereals are generally safe for children, but it's important to ensure they return to a balanced, fiber-rich diet afterward. A doctor's or dietitian's guidance is best for children's specific dietary needs.