What Snacks Are Considered Low in Fiber? A Guide to Easy-to-Digest Options

October 22, 2025 •

4 min read

A low-fiber diet is often recommended by healthcare professionals to reduce the amount of undigested food in the digestive tract before procedures like a colonoscopy or during digestive flare-ups. If you need to limit your fiber intake, it is helpful to know what snacks are considered low in fiber to help manage your diet effectively.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive list of low-fiber snack options, categorizing them by food type. It explains the principles of a low-fiber diet and outlines which ingredients and preparations to prioritize for easier digestion.

Key Points

Refined Grains: Opt for white breads, saltine crackers, and plain rice cakes over whole-grain products to reduce fiber content.
Peeled Produce: Remove skins and seeds from fruits and vegetables, choosing options like canned peaches, applesauce, or ripe bananas.
Plain Dairy: Smooth, plain yogurt, cottage cheese, and mild cheese are low-fiber choices, but avoid versions with added fruits or granola.
Smooth Spreads: Use creamy, smooth peanut or almond butter instead of chunky varieties to avoid seeds and extra fiber.
Lean Protein: Hard-boiled eggs and slices of lean deli meat offer filling, fiber-free protein.
Label Reading: Check nutrition labels for a fiber content of 1-2 grams or less per serving to ensure the product is low-fiber.
Preparation is Key: For vegetables, cook them until very tender to soften the fiber content, such as peeled and cooked carrots or potatoes.

Understanding Low-Fiber Snacks

Low-fiber, or low-residue, snacks are those with minimal dietary fiber, which is the part of plant foods the body cannot digest. These snacks are deliberately easy to process, leaving little waste behind. They are often recommended for individuals with specific medical conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diverticulitis, or those preparing for certain medical procedures. The goal is to give the digestive system a rest and reduce potential irritation. It is important to note that a low-fiber diet should not be followed long-term without professional medical advice, as fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet for most people. Always consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet.

Dairy-Based Low-Fiber Snack Options

Dairy products, if tolerated, can be excellent low-fiber snack choices, provided they do not contain added fruits, nuts, or granola.

Plain or Vanilla Yogurt: Opt for smooth varieties without added fruit pieces or seeds. Greek yogurt is a great option for a protein boost.
Smooth Cottage Cheese: A good source of protein, cottage cheese is a filling and naturally low-fiber choice.
String Cheese or Mild Cheeses: These are convenient, portable, and contain no fiber.
Puddings and Custards: Plain varieties of these creamy desserts are low in fiber and can satisfy a sweet craving.
Ice Cream or Sherbet: Plain flavors like vanilla or chocolate are typically low in fiber and easy to digest.

Refined Grain Snacks

Refined grains are processed to remove the bran and germ, significantly lowering their fiber content. When choosing these, it is crucial to read labels to ensure no high-fiber additions have been made.

Saltine Crackers: Simple and easy on the stomach, these are a classic low-fiber option.
White Bread or Toast: Paired with a spread like smooth peanut butter or seedless jelly, this makes a satisfying snack.
Plain Rice Cakes: A versatile and simple snack, often paired with smooth spreads or cheese.
Pretzels: Standard, non-whole-grain pretzels are a crunchy, low-fiber choice.
Plain Biscuits: Rich tea, Marie biscuits, or vanilla wafers are examples of plain, low-fiber cookies.

Fruit and Vegetable Choices

While many fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, preparation is key to making them low-fiber snacks. The goal is to remove the high-fiber skins, peels, and seeds.

Canned Fruit: Options like peaches, pears, and mandarin oranges packed in juice are easy-to-digest snacks.
Applesauce: A smooth, processed applesauce has significantly less fiber than a whole apple.
Ripe Bananas: This fruit is a staple on low-fiber diets due to its soft texture and easy digestibility.
Melons: Cantaloupe, honeydew, and seedless watermelon are great choices.
Well-Cooked Carrots: Cooking carrots until tender softens the fiber, making them easier to tolerate.
Fruit Juice (Pulp-Free): Clear or smooth fruit juices without any pulp are good for hydration and a quick sugar boost.

Comparison Table: Low-Fiber vs. High-Fiber Snacks


Snack Category	Low-Fiber Example	High-Fiber Example
Grains	Plain Saltine crackers	Whole-grain crackers or whole-wheat toast
Fruit	Canned peaches (no skin)	Raw apples (with skin) or berries
Dairy	Smooth plain yogurt	Yogurt with granola or fruit pieces
Protein	Smooth peanut butter	Chunky peanut butter or whole nuts
Sweets	Plain vanilla wafers	Chocolate with nuts or dried fruit

Protein and Other Low-Fiber Options

Protein-based snacks can help with satiety without adding fiber. Ensure you choose tender and lean varieties.

Hard-Boiled Eggs: A simple, protein-rich snack that is naturally fiber-free.
Lean Deli Meat: Slices of turkey or chicken breast can be rolled up for a quick bite.
Smooth Nut Butters: Creamy peanut or almond butter is low in fiber, unlike their chunky counterparts.

Creating Your Low-Fiber Snack Strategy

When building a repertoire of low-fiber snacks, focus on refined grains, peeled and cooked or canned fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins or plain dairy. Reading food labels is a critical step, as many seemingly low-fiber products can have hidden fiber added. Look for items with 1-2 grams of fiber or less per serving to be safe. For those managing a digestive condition, it is also important to consider individual triggers and tolerance levels. The Bowel Cancer Australia website offers further resources for individuals managing their fiber intake for medical reasons.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of low-fiber snacking can seem restrictive, but a variety of satisfying and delicious options are available. By focusing on refined grains, certain processed fruits and vegetables, and plain dairy and lean protein sources, you can maintain your diet while supporting your digestive health. Remember to always consult with a healthcare professional to ensure this dietary approach is appropriate for your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

A low-residue diet is a more restrictive version of a low-fiber diet. While a low-fiber diet limits fiber intake, a low-residue diet also restricts foods that can increase stool volume, such as certain dairy products.

Most raw vegetables should be avoided on a low-fiber diet as they contain tough, undigested fiber. Cooked and peeled vegetables are better tolerated.

Yes, whole nuts and seeds are generally avoided because they are high in fiber. However, smooth nut butters are typically acceptable.

A low-fiber breakfast could include plain cornflakes, puffed rice cereal, or white toast with smooth peanut butter and seedless jelly.

No, popcorn is made from whole grains and contains significant fiber, making it unsuitable for a low-fiber diet.

Choose clear or pulp-free fruit juices. Juices with pulp or added bits of fruit, like many smoothies, should be avoided.

When checking nutrition labels, aim for products that contain no more than 1 to 2 grams of dietary fiber per serving.