What Kind of Soup Can You Eat on a Bland Diet?

December 16, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2023 NCBI StatPearls report, a bland diet can be an effective way to manage symptoms associated with gastrointestinal issues like ulcers, GERD, and nausea. So, what kind of soup can you eat on a bland diet? The best options focus on mild, low-fat ingredients that are easy to digest, such as clear broths, cream-based soups made with allowed foods, and pureed vegetable soups.

Quick Summary

A bland diet relies on easily digestible foods with low fiber and minimal seasoning. Permissible soups include clear broths, homemade chicken soup with soft vegetables, pureed root vegetable soups, and low-fat cream soups made with approved ingredients. Avoid spicy, high-fat, or high-fiber soups to prevent irritating the gastrointestinal tract.

Key Points

Clear Broth is Safest: Simple, low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth is the gentlest option for an irritated digestive system and aids in hydration.
Embrace Pureed Soups: Pureeing vegetables like butternut squash, potatoes, and carrots breaks down fiber, making them easy to digest and nutritious.
Choose Lean Protein: When adding meat, use tender, skinless chicken breast and cook it thoroughly until very soft, along with well-cooked, mild vegetables.
Go Low-Fat and Mildly Seasoned: Avoid high-fat ingredients, fried toppings, and strong spices like chili powder, cayenne, garlic, and onion to prevent irritation.
Start Simple and Observe: Begin with the most basic soups and slowly introduce new ingredients to see what your body tolerates well.
Avoid Gas-Forming Vegetables: Steer clear of soups containing vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, as they can cause excess gas and discomfort.

A bland diet is specifically designed to minimize irritation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract for those recovering from illness, surgery, or dealing with chronic conditions like GERD, gastritis, or ulcers. When it comes to finding a comforting meal that won't upset a sensitive stomach, soup is often the first thing that comes to mind. However, not all soups are created equal in the bland diet world. The key is to select recipes that are low in fat, fiber, and seasonings while being packed with simple, soothing ingredients.

The Safest Soup Choices on a Bland Diet

Simple, Clear Broths

Clear broths are the foundation of a bland diet and are one of the safest options. They are gentle on the stomach and provide hydration and essential electrolytes. Homemade versions are best as they allow you to control the ingredients and sodium content. Opt for low-sodium chicken or vegetable broths seasoned simply with a pinch of salt and mild herbs like parsley. Brands like Swanson and Pacific Foods offer unsalted or low-sodium options that can be a good substitute if you are unable to make your own.

Homemade Chicken Soup with Soft Vegetables

A classic chicken soup can be easily adapted for a bland diet. Start with a low-sodium chicken broth base. Use skinless, boneless chicken breast cooked until tender. The vegetables should be cooked thoroughly until very soft. Good choices include carrots, celery, and potatoes, all finely diced. Avoid adding onions and garlic until you know they are tolerated, and use mild herbs like thyme or basil instead of strong spices. Cooked egg noodles or white rice can be added for substance, but ensure they are soft and well-cooked.

Pureed Soups

Pureed soups are an excellent choice because the blending process breaks down fibers, making them easier to digest. Ideal ingredients for pureeing include:

Butternut Squash: Naturally sweet and creamy, butternut squash can be pureed with low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth for a smooth, comforting soup.
Carrot: A simple carrot soup, pureed with a little broth, is gentle and provides a mild flavor.
White Bean: Pureed white beans mixed with a gentle broth offer a source of protein and a creamy texture.
Potato: Mashed potatoes, thinned out with a mild broth, create a soothing and filling pureed soup.

Low-Fat Cream Soups

If your stomach tolerates dairy, low-fat cream soups can be a delicious option. Ensure they are made with low-fat or fat-free dairy products and not high-fat options like whole milk or heavy cream. Use a roux made with a little butter and white flour and thin it with low-fat milk or an approved, low-sodium broth. A simple cream of chicken or cream of potato soup can be very satisfying. Always check that you tolerate dairy before trying these, as some bland diets advise against it.

The Soups to Avoid

On a bland diet, certain soups are off-limits due to their potential to irritate the digestive tract. These include:

Highly Seasoned Soups: Anything with spicy seasonings like chili powder, cayenne pepper, or excessive amounts of black pepper should be avoided.
High-Fiber Soups: Soups with high-fiber legumes like chickpeas, coarse beans, or lentils can be too harsh for a sensitive GI system.
Strong-Flavored Vegetable Soups: Soups containing strong-flavored or gas-forming vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower are typically not recommended.
Fried Ingredients: Any soup with fried items, such as crispy fried onions, is prohibited due to the high fat content.
Tomato-Based Soups: While some pureed tomato soup is acceptable for certain people, the acidity can be a trigger for conditions like GERD, so it's often best to avoid it initially.

Comparison of Bland Diet Soups


Soup Type	Best For	Typical Ingredients	Preparation Notes
Clear Broth	Acute recovery, hydration, severe nausea	Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, mild herbs (parsley, thyme)	Easiest to digest, very gentle. Use filtered water for best flavor.
Homemade Chicken Soup	Providing protein and substance, early recovery	Tender, skinless chicken; cooked carrots, celery; white rice/noodles	Cook vegetables until very soft. Use mild seasonings only.
Pureed Vegetable Soup	Easing into solid foods, providing fiber without bulk	Butternut squash, potato, white beans, mild broth, low-fat milk (optional)	Blending ensures easy digestion. Add milk or dairy only if tolerated.
Low-Fat Cream Soup	Adding variety and satiety, later stages of recovery	Approved vegetables, low-fat milk, butter, white flour, mild broth	Ensure dairy is well-tolerated. Avoid strong cheeses.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Comfort

When following a bland diet, soup can be a powerful tool for providing comfort and nutrition without causing GI distress. The most suitable options are those that are simple, low-fat, and minimally seasoned. Start with a simple, clear broth and slowly introduce soft-cooked vegetables and lean proteins as your body allows. Homemade versions give you the most control over ingredients, especially sodium and seasonings, making them the safest bet. Always listen to your body and reintroduce foods slowly, noting what feels best. The journey to recovery is a marathon, not a sprint, and gentle, nourishing soups can be your trusted companion along the way.

MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia has a detailed overview of the bland diet and food recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

A bland diet is recommended to reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal issues like ulcers, GERD, and nausea. It consists of soft, low-fiber, and mildly seasoned foods that are easier to digest and less likely to irritate the stomach and intestines.

Yes, but it is important to choose low-sodium or unsalted varieties. Many regular canned broths contain high levels of sodium and preservatives, which can be irritating. Always check the label for sodium content.

Low-fat cream soups made with approved ingredients can be allowed, provided you tolerate dairy. Ensure they are made with low-fat milk or a dairy substitute and avoid high-fat creams or strong-flavored cheeses.

Safe vegetables include carrots, celery, beets, tender green beans, and potatoes. The key is to cook them until very soft. Strong-flavored or gas-forming vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower should be avoided.

You can add flavor using mild, fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil. Cooking vegetables like carrots and celery until soft before adding broth can also help build a gentle flavor base. A pinch of salt is generally acceptable.

Yes, a simplified version of chicken noodle soup is often appropriate. Use a low-sodium broth, tender skinless chicken breast, soft-cooked carrots and celery, and well-cooked egg noodles or white rice. Avoid adding any onion or garlic.

Pureed soups are easy to digest because the blending process breaks down fibrous material. This makes them less likely to cause irritation or gas, making them ideal for someone with a sensitive GI tract.