What soups can I eat on a liquid diet?

According to research from the National Institutes of Health, a liquid diet is often prescribed for specific medical reasons, such as before or after a medical procedure. Knowing what soups can I eat on a liquid diet is crucial for maintaining hydration and receiving essential nutrients during this temporary period.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines different types of soups suitable for clear and full liquid diets, including broths, blended vegetable purees, and creamy options. It provides tips for preparation, lists what ingredients to avoid, and emphasizes the importance of following a doctor's specific recommendations.

Key Points

• Clear Broth: For a clear liquid diet, only consume thoroughly strained, clear broths like chicken, beef, or vegetable bouillon, with no solids, fat, or pulp.

• Pureed Soups: A full liquid diet allows for thicker, pureed soups made from cooked vegetables like butternut squash, carrots, or lentils, which are blended to a completely smooth consistency.

• Creamy Options: Full liquid diets can include creamy soups like cream of chicken or tomato, provided all chunks and solids are removed by blending and straining.

• Nutritional Boost: To increase the nutritional value of full liquid soups, blend in ingredients like avocado, silken tofu, or protein powder.

• Preparation: Use an immersion blender for easy pureeing and strain all soups through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure no unwanted particles remain.

• Doctor's Guidance: Always consult your doctor or a registered dietitian for specific recommendations regarding your liquid diet, especially before medical procedures.

Understanding Different Types of Liquid Diets

When following a liquid diet, it's important to understand the specific type you need to follow. The two main categories are clear and full liquid diets, and they have very different guidelines for what you can consume.

Clear Liquid Diet Soups

A clear liquid diet consists of only transparent liquids and is typically used for a very short period, often before a medical procedure like a colonoscopy. The goal is to keep the digestive tract clear of any residue.

• Clear broths: The cornerstone of a clear liquid diet. These can be made from chicken, beef, or vegetables. It is crucial that they are thoroughly strained to remove any solids, fat, or other particles. Look for low-sodium options or make your own to control the salt content.
• Bouillon or consommé: A concentrated, clear broth that can be diluted with water. Ensure the version you choose is free of solids or cream.

Full Liquid Diet Soups

A full liquid diet is less restrictive than a clear liquid diet and is used to transition from a clear liquid diet to solid foods. It allows for thicker liquids and foods that become liquid at room temperature. This provides more calories, protein, and nutrients than a clear liquid diet.

• Pureed vegetable soups: Cream of tomato, butternut squash, or carrot soups can be made by cooking vegetables until soft and then blending until completely smooth. Straining the pureed soup through a sieve is often necessary to remove any remaining fibrous bits.
• Cream-based soups: Cream of chicken, cream of celery, or cream of mushroom are good options, provided they are blended until smooth and contain no solid chunks. For extra nutrition, ingredients like cottage cheese or soft breadcrumbs can be blended in.
• Heartier purees: For a more substantial meal, pureed lentil or bean soups can work. Make sure to thoroughly liquidize the mixture and then sieve it to remove any tough husks.

Table: Clear vs. Full Liquid Diet Soups

Feature	Clear Liquid Diet Soups	Full Liquid Diet Soups
Texture	Must be completely clear, free of any particles or residue.	Can be thicker, opaque, and pureed to a smooth, lump-free consistency.
Nutrition	Very low in calories, protein, and nutrients. Primarily for hydration and short-term use.	Higher in calories, protein, and nutrients, aiding in transition to solid foods.
Preparation	Involves boiling and careful straining to remove all solids and fat.	Involves cooking and blending until completely smooth, often with added cream or milk.
Examples	Clear chicken or beef broth, vegetable consommé.	Pureed cream of chicken, butternut squash soup, smooth lentil soup.
Duration	Very short-term, a few days at most.	Longer than clear liquid, used as a transition phase.

Preparing Soups for a Liquid Diet: Tips and Tricks

Preparing your own soups allows for full control over ingredients and nutrients, which is especially important during recovery.

• Use an immersion blender: For pureed soups, an immersion blender is the most convenient tool. It can be used directly in the pot, reducing cleanup.
• Thicken with allowed ingredients: For full liquid soups, you can naturally thicken them without adding chunks. Blend in ingredients like avocado, silken tofu, or cooked potatoes to add creaminess and nutrients.
• Fortify for added nutrition: To boost the nutritional value of a full liquid soup, consider blending in protein powders, non-dairy milk, or nutritional formulas.
• Add flavor without solids: For broths, herbs can be added during cooking and then strained out. For pureed soups, spices like ginger, cumin, or turmeric can add flavor without affecting the texture.
• Strain carefully: For clear broths and pureed soups, straining is a critical step. Use a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to ensure no solids remain. This is particularly important for avoiding irritation to the digestive tract.

Creative and Nutritious Soup Ideas

• Smooth Tomato Soup: Blend peeled, deseeded tomatoes with vegetable broth, a touch of basil, and a little cream or milk alternative. Strain well for a silky-smooth finish.
• Creamy Carrot and Ginger Soup: Cook carrots until very soft, then blend with broth, fresh ginger, and a splash of milk or coconut milk. The ginger adds a nice, warm flavor.
• Restorative Bone Broth: Make your own nutrient-rich bone broth by simmering bones with vegetables and herbs for several hours. Strain meticulously. This provides protein, collagen, and minerals.
• Cold Avocado and Cucumber Soup: For a no-cook option, blend cucumber, avocado, water or coconut water, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Serve chilled for a refreshing, nutrient-dense meal.
• Blended Chicken and Rice Soup: For a full liquid diet, cook chicken and rice until very tender. Blend the ingredients with chicken broth and a little cream. Ensure there are no unblended solids remaining.
• Simple Lentil Puree: Cook red lentils with vegetable broth, then blend until perfectly smooth. A dollop of plain yogurt can add extra protein and a tangy flavor.

Conclusion

Following a liquid diet does not mean you have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition. By understanding the distinction between clear and full liquid diets and preparing your soups correctly, you can create delicious and satisfying meals that support your recovery. Always consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to ensure your liquid diet plan is appropriate for your specific health needs. Proper planning and a little creativity will help you navigate this diet successfully and comfortably.

Sources

• CentraCare. (n.d.). Full Liquid Diet. Retrieved October 11, 2025, from https://www.centracare.com/app/files/public/57edb302-2212-40e1-bc8d-aa55a80660f8/Full-Liquid-Diet.pdf
• Healthline. (2025). Full Liquid Diet: Foods, Diet Plan, vs. Clear Liquid. Retrieved October 11, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/full-liquid-diet
• Medical News Today. (2020). Full liquid diet: Uses, foods, and more. Retrieved October 11, 2025, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327496

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a clear and a full liquid diet?

A clear liquid diet allows only transparent liquids like broth and pulp-free juice. A full liquid diet is less restrictive, allowing thicker, opaque liquids such as pureed soups, milk, and smoothies that have no chunks.

Can I have canned soup on a liquid diet?

You can have canned soup on a full liquid diet, but it must be one that can be pureed or is already smooth, like a cream of tomato. You must check for and blend out any chunks of vegetables or meat. Only clear broths are allowed on a clear liquid diet.

Are chunky soups allowed on a liquid diet?

No, chunky soups are not allowed on either a clear or full liquid diet. Any soup consumed must be free of all solids, whether through straining (for clear diets) or complete blending and sieving (for full diets).

How can I add protein to my soup on a full liquid diet?

For a full liquid diet, you can add protein by blending in cooked chicken, lentils, or soft breadcrumbs. Protein powders or liquid nutritional supplements can also be added to pureed soups.

Is blended vegetable soup considered a clear liquid?

No, blended vegetable soup is not a clear liquid. It contains vegetable fibers and is opaque. It is only suitable for a full liquid diet, after being blended to a perfectly smooth consistency and strained if necessary.

Can I make my own bone broth for a liquid diet?

Yes, making your own bone broth is an excellent, nutrient-rich option for both clear and full liquid diets. Be sure to strain it carefully through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to ensure it's completely clear and particle-free.

What spices can I use in soup on a liquid diet?

For both diet types, dried or ground spices can add flavor without adding solids. Examples include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika. For pureed soups, fresh herbs can be blended in.