What soups can you eat on a clear liquid diet?

October 4, 2025 •

3 min read

According to medical experts, a clear liquid diet limits you to liquids you can see through, a crucial guideline when preparing for certain medical procedures. Navigating this temporary diet often raises the question: what soups can you eat on a clear liquid diet? The answer is simple: only clear, strained broths and bouillon.

Quick Summary

A clear liquid diet restricts you to transparent liquids to minimize digestive residue. Suitable soups include clear chicken, beef, or vegetable broth, as well as bouillon and fat-free consommé. Avoid opaque, creamy, or chunky soups. Always strain homemade broths before consumption.

Key Points

Approved Broths: Only clear, fat-free chicken, beef, or vegetable broths and bouillon are permitted on a clear liquid diet.
Strictly No Solids: Any soup containing solid food particles, noodles, meat, vegetables, or pulp is not allowed.
Creamy Soups are Prohibited: Thick or opaque soups, including cream-based versions, are not considered clear liquids and must be avoided.
Straining is Key: If you prepare homemade broth, it must be strained thoroughly to remove all solid particles and fat before consumption.
Flavoring Tips: You can add flavor to clear broth with fresh herbs, ginger, or lemon juice, as long as these are completely strained out before serving.
Not for Long-Term Use: A clear liquid diet is a short-term, medically supervised regimen and lacks the necessary nutrients for prolonged use.

A clear liquid diet is a medically supervised meal plan prescribed for a short period, typically before or after surgery or certain medical tests like a colonoscopy. The primary goal is to keep you hydrated and provide some energy while ensuring your digestive tract remains clear of solid food and residue. For many, a warm bowl of soup can offer comfort, but not all soups are permitted. Understanding the specific types of soup that qualify as a clear liquid is essential.

What Makes a Soup 'Clear' on This Diet?

The defining characteristic of a clear liquid is that it is transparent and free of any solid food particles, pulp, or fats. This means you should be able to see through the liquid in a glass or bowl. Opaque, thick, or creamy soups are strictly prohibited, as they would interfere with the purpose of the diet. For this reason, popular options like cream of tomato or chicken noodle soup are not allowed, unless the broth is strained completely.

Types of Broth Allowed

Chicken Broth: A simple, clear chicken broth is a go-to choice. It can be made from scratch or purchased, but check the label to ensure it contains no solid bits, noodles, or excess fat. If making your own, strain it carefully through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
Beef Broth: Similar to chicken, clear beef broth is acceptable. This provides a different flavor profile while still adhering to the clear liquid rules. Again, ensure it is fat-free and has no solid particles.
Vegetable Broth: For a vegetarian option, a clear vegetable broth is suitable. Homemade versions should be strained well to remove all cooked vegetables and herbs.
Bouillon and Consommé: These are concentrated, clear broths, often available in cube or powder form. They are excellent, convenient options for a clear liquid diet. Just be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you are on a salt-restricted diet.
Bone Broth: Some medical facilities permit bone broth, provided it is clear and fat-free. High-quality bone broth can offer more nutrients and protein, which can be helpful if permitted. Check with your doctor to see if this is an option for you.

A Simple Comparison: Clear vs. Full Liquid Soups


Feature	Clear Liquid Diet Soup	Full Liquid Diet Soup
Appearance	Transparent; you can see through it	Opaque; you cannot see through it
Texture	Thin, watery consistency	Thick, smooth, or creamy consistency
Solids	No solid pieces, pulp, or chunks	May contain pureed vegetables or meat
Examples	Clear chicken broth, beef consommé	Strained cream soup, blended lentil soup
Dairy	None permitted	Dairy-based liquids like milk or cream are allowed

How to Prepare and Flavor Your Clear Broth

To make your clear broth more enjoyable while still following the diet's restrictions, you can add flavor without adding solids. Here are some ideas:

Herbs: Steep fresh herb sprigs, like thyme or rosemary, in the hot broth. Strain them out completely before serving.
Ginger and Lemon: Add thin slices of fresh ginger and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the broth for a zesty kick.
Spices: A pinch of turmeric or cumin can add depth of flavor. Ensure you strain any powders that don't fully dissolve.
Low-Sodium Options: If you have dietary restrictions on salt, opt for low-sodium broths or bouillon. You can add flavor with herbs and spices instead of relying on salt.

Important Considerations

It is crucial to follow your doctor's specific instructions regarding your clear liquid diet. For example, some procedures, particularly colonoscopies, may require you to avoid broths with red or purple dyes, even if they are clear. A clear liquid diet is not nutritionally complete, so it is only for short-term use and should never be used for weight loss.

Conclusion

When faced with a clear liquid diet, the types of soups you can eat are limited to clear, strained, and fat-free broths and bouillon. Options like clear chicken, beef, or vegetable broth, as well as consommé, are suitable for maintaining hydration and providing electrolytes. By understanding the rules and adding a few simple, permitted flavorings, you can make this temporary dietary restriction more manageable. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions, especially regarding specific preparation instructions for your upcoming procedure. For more information on the guidelines, visit the Mayo Clinic's detailed guide on a clear liquid diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can only have the broth from canned chicken noodle soup if you strain it completely to remove all noodles, chicken pieces, and vegetables. The broth itself must be clear and free of solids.

Some medical providers permit bone broth, provided it is clear and fat-free. Due to its slightly cloudier appearance, you should confirm with your doctor or dietician before consuming it on this diet.

A clear liquid diet consists only of transparent liquids like broth, while a full liquid diet also includes opaque and thicker liquids, such as milkshakes, cream soups, and pureed vegetables.

Yes, you can typically add salt to clear broth unless your doctor has placed you on a salt-restricted diet. Low-sodium options are available for those with specific health needs.

Cream of mushroom soup is not allowed because it is thick, opaque, and contains solids from the mushrooms and cream. A clear liquid diet requires liquids you can see through completely.

Yes, bouillon cubes are an acceptable form of clear broth, and they can be a convenient way to add flavor and electrolytes. As with any broth, check the ingredients for any solids.

Yes, commercially prepared vegetable broth from a box is typically fine, as long as it is a clear broth and not a creamed or chunky soup. Always check the label to ensure no solid ingredients are present.