What type of cereal is low in fiber? A Guide to Low-Residue Options

October 22, 2025 •

4 min read

For individuals with specific digestive sensitivities or those preparing for medical procedures like a colonoscopy, a low-fiber diet is often a temporary and necessary adjustment. This article answers a key question for this dietary modification: What type of cereal is low in fiber?

Quick Summary

This guide covers low-fiber cereal options, which are typically made from refined grains such as corn or rice. Learn which cereals are suitable for low-residue diets used to manage various gastrointestinal conditions or before certain medical procedures.

Key Points

Refined Grains are Key: Look for low-fiber cereals made from refined grains like white rice or corn, which are easier to digest.
Check Labels for Fiber Count: Choose cereals with less than 2 grams of fiber per serving to ensure they are genuinely low-fiber.
Common Examples: Reliable low-fiber cereal choices include plain Rice Krispies®, Corn Flakes, plain Cheerios®, and Cream of Wheat®.
Medical Indications: A low-fiber diet is typically for specific medical needs, such as preparing for a colonoscopy, managing IBD flare-ups, or recovering from surgery.
Avoid Long-Term Restriction: A prolonged low-fiber diet can lead to health issues like nutrient deficiencies and constipation, so it's usually temporary.
Consult a Professional: Always seek advice from a doctor or dietitian before starting a low-fiber diet to ensure it is appropriate for your condition and duration.

Understanding Low-Fiber and Low-Residue Diets

A low-fiber diet, often also called a low-residue diet, is a nutritional plan designed to reduce the amount of undigested material that passes through the digestive system. A low-residue diet aims to reduce the volume and frequency of stools, thereby resting the bowels. This is different from a normal, fiber-rich diet that promotes healthy digestion. In the context of cereals, this means avoiding whole-grain products and opting for those made from refined grains.

Refined grains are cereals that have been processed to remove the bran and germ, which are the parts containing most of the fiber. Examples include white flour and white rice. On the other hand, whole grains keep the entire grain kernel, including the fibrous parts, making them high in fiber.

What Type of Cereal is Low in Fiber?

When seeking a low-fiber breakfast, the key is to look for cereals made from refined white flour, cornmeal, or white rice. These options are easy for the digestive system to process and typically contain less than 2 grams of fiber per serving. Many common household cereals fit this description, and they can be found easily in most supermarkets.

Common low-fiber cereal examples:

Rice Krispies®: Made from puffed white rice, this cereal contains virtually no fiber.
Corn Flakes: Another classic choice, plain corn flakes are made from refined corn and have a very low fiber count.
Plain Cheerios®: While some varieties of Cheerios are higher in fiber, the plain, original version can be considered low-fiber, providing around 4 grams of fiber per 1.5 cups, which is suitable for some low-residue diets.
Cream of Wheat®: This hot cereal, made from refined wheat farina, is a smooth and low-fiber option.
Puffed Rice: Plain, puffed rice cereals are another straightforward, low-fiber choice.
Special K® Original: This rice and wheat-based cereal also falls into the low-fiber category.

Who Should Choose Low-Fiber Cereal?

While a high-fiber diet is generally recommended for overall health, a low-fiber diet is medically necessary in certain situations. It's crucial to consult a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or registered dietitian, before making significant changes to your diet.

Medical reasons for a low-fiber diet:

Pre-Procedure Prep: A low-fiber diet is required for a few days before a colonoscopy or other intestinal procedures to ensure the bowels are clear for the examination.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): During flare-ups of conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, a low-fiber diet can help reduce symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Diverticulitis: For some individuals experiencing inflammation of the diverticula, a low-fiber diet can help alleviate symptoms.
Gastrointestinal Surgery Recovery: Following surgery on the digestive tract, a low-residue diet can ease the transition back to solid foods.
Digestive Sensitivities: People with chronic diarrhea, gastroparesis, or a narrowed intestinal tract may find relief by temporarily reducing their fiber intake.

Low-Fiber vs. High-Fiber Cereal: What's the Difference?


Feature	Low-Fiber Cereal	High-Fiber Cereal
Ingredients	Refined grains like white rice, refined corn, or wheat farina.	Whole grains, bran, oats, dried fruit, nuts, and seeds.
Processing	Highly processed to remove the bran and germ, which contain fiber.	Minimally processed, retaining the entire grain kernel.
Fiber Content	Typically less than 2 grams per serving.	Generally 4 grams or more per serving, with some containing over 10 grams.
Typical Use	Short-term therapeutic diets for medical conditions or procedures.	Part of a balanced, healthy diet to promote regular bowel movements and gut health.
Impact on Digestion	Easy to digest, producing less stool volume.	More difficult to digest, adding bulk to stool and promoting regularity.

Making the Right Choice and Important Considerations

When selecting a low-fiber cereal, always read the nutrition label. Cereals with less than 2 grams of fiber per serving are generally considered low-fiber. Be mindful of added sugars, as some refined-grain cereals can be high in sugar, which is also not ideal for many digestive issues. Choosing a low-sugar version, like plain toasted oat cereals or puffed rice, is a better option. You can always add fruit from the low-fiber list (like peeled pears or ripe bananas) or a smooth nut butter for extra flavor and nutrients.

It is important to remember that a low-fiber diet is almost always temporary. Prolonged restriction of fiber can lead to other health issues, including nutrient deficiencies and constipation. Fiber is essential for a healthy gut microbiome, and limiting it long-term can alter the gut bacteria balance. Once your condition improves or your medical procedure is complete, a healthcare provider will guide you on how to gradually reintroduce fiber back into your diet. You can find more information about dietary fiber and its benefits on reputable health websites, such as the Mayo Clinic.

Conclusion

For those who need to follow a low-fiber diet, selecting the right cereal is a simple but important step. Options like Rice Krispies®, plain Corn Flakes, and Cream of Wheat® are reliable choices because they are made from refined grains that are easier for the digestive system to process. Remember that a low-fiber diet should typically be followed for a short duration under a doctor's supervision. Always check nutrition labels to ensure the cereal meets your specific dietary needs, especially for fiber and sugar content. By making informed choices, you can effectively manage digestive symptoms or prepare for medical procedures while maintaining a structured nutritional plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, oatmeal is considered a high-fiber cereal because it is a whole grain. While some instant oatmeal may have slightly less fiber than steel-cut oats, it is generally avoided on a low-fiber diet.

For managing IBS symptoms, particularly during a flare-up, low-fiber options like Rice Krispies®, Corn Flakes, and plain puffed rice are often recommended to reduce intestinal irritation. Consultation with a healthcare professional is best.

Check the nutrition facts label on the cereal box. A product is considered low-fiber if it contains less than 2 grams of dietary fiber per serving. You should also look for refined grains, like rice or white cornmeal, in the ingredient list.

A low-fiber diet is typically a short-term therapeutic plan for specific medical conditions. Prolonged adherence can lead to nutrient deficiencies and may cause health problems like constipation. You should only follow a low-fiber diet long-term under strict medical supervision.

Many cereals marketed as 'healthy' contain whole grains, nuts, and seeds, which makes them high in fiber. These are the types of cereals to avoid on a low-fiber diet. You must read the label to be sure.

Yes, but you should choose low-fiber fruits and remove skins and seeds. Good choices include peeled peaches, pears (canned in juice), and ripe bananas. Avoid high-fiber fruits like berries, dried fruits, and figs.

The terms are often used interchangeably, but a low-residue diet is more restrictive. It not only limits fiber but also other foods that increase stool volume, such as certain dairy products and fats. The main goal for both is to reduce the bulk of stool.