Which cereals have the least fiber?

November 26, 2025 •

5 min read

For some medical conditions, a low-fiber diet containing less than 10-15 grams of fiber per day is necessary. For those needing to limit fiber intake, understanding which cereals have the least fiber is a crucial part of managing their diet, whether for a sensitive stomach, bowel preparation, or specific health issues.

Quick Summary

Several cold and hot cereals, primarily made from refined white grains, are very low in fiber. These include rice-based cereals like Rice Krispies and puffed rice, corn-based flakes, and cooked farina. They are often used for low-residue diets or for individuals with digestive sensitivities.

Key Points

Refined Grains are Low Fiber: Cereals like puffed rice, cornflakes, and Cream of Wheat are made from refined grains with the fibrous bran removed.
Common Low-Fiber Cereals: Popular options include Rice Krispies, Rice Chex, and Kellogg's Corn Flakes, which typically contain less than one gram of fiber per serving.
Good for Specific Diets: Low-fiber cereals are often recommended for individuals on a low-residue diet for conditions like IBD or for medical prep.
Check for Added Sugars: Many refined cereals compensate for flavor and texture by adding sugar, so it's essential to check the nutrition facts.
Fortification is Common: Some low-fiber cereals are fortified with vitamins and minerals to replace those lost during processing.
Not a Long-Term Solution: A strictly low-fiber diet is typically a short-term intervention and should be monitored by a doctor.
High vs. Low Fiber Comparison: A serving of low-fiber cereal (e.g., Corn Flakes) can have under 1g of fiber, while a high-fiber one (e.g., All-Bran) can have over 10g.

Understanding Low-Fiber Cereals

When seeking to reduce dietary fiber, focusing on cereals made from refined grains is the first step. The refining process strips away the outer bran layer of the grain, which is where most of the fiber is concentrated. As a result, the final product is softer and easier to digest for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or those preparing for medical procedures like a colonoscopy.

Popular Cold Cereals with the Least Fiber

Many common and readily available breakfast cereals are low in fiber. Most of these options are corn or rice-based, and their light, airy texture reflects the minimal fiber content. Some of the most popular choices include:

Corn Flakes: Most original cornflake varieties, such as Kellogg's Corn Flakes, have less than 1 gram of fiber per serving. They are a staple for those on low-residue diets.
Puffed Rice Cereal: Made from rice, which is naturally low in fiber, puffed rice cereals often contain less than 1 gram of fiber per serving. This makes them an excellent choice for a very restricted fiber diet.
Rice Chex: Like Rice Krispies, these are another rice-based option with a very low fiber count, making them suitable for low-fiber dietary needs.
Crispix: This cereal features a combination of rice and corn grains, both of which are refined and result in a low-fiber product.
Kix: Made from whole grain corn but processed to be a low-fiber cereal, Kix is another option often listed for low-residue diets.

Hot Cereals That Are Low in Fiber

For those who prefer a warm breakfast, several hot cereals are also refined to be low in fiber. These are typically smooth in texture and digest easily.

Cream of Wheat: This hot cereal is made from milled wheat that has had the bran and germ removed, leaving only the endosperm. The result is a smooth, porridge-like consistency with minimal fiber.
Cream of Rice: This is another hot cereal option, made from white rice, and is naturally low in fiber.
Instant Oatmeal (some varieties): While whole oats are high in fiber, instant oatmeal is often more processed. However, users should be mindful, as some instant oatmeals contain added whole grains or fruit, which can increase the fiber content. It is important to check the nutrition label for specific fiber grams per serving.

Comparison of Low vs. High Fiber Cereals

To highlight the significant difference in fiber content, here is a comparison between common low-fiber options and their high-fiber counterparts.


Cereal Type	Low-Fiber Example	Fiber per serving (approx.)	High-Fiber Example	Fiber per serving (approx.)
Rice-Based	Puffed Rice	<1g	Nature's Path Flax Plus Raisin Bran	7g+
Corn-Based	Corn Flakes	<1g	Kashi Go Rise (corn & multi-grain)	10g+
Wheat-Based	Cream of Wheat	~1g	Kellogg's All-Bran Buds	11g+
Oat-Based	Cheerios (Original)	~1g	Nature's Path Smart Bran	17g

Considerations for Choosing a Low-Fiber Cereal

While low-fiber cereals can be beneficial for specific dietary needs, it is important to remember they lack the nutritional benefits of whole grains. They may be low in other nutrients, and the refining process often results in added sugars.

Key considerations include:

Medical Necessity: Only follow a low-fiber diet if recommended by a healthcare professional for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flare-ups, diverticulitis, or before certain medical procedures.
Added Sugars: Many low-fiber, refined cereals contain high amounts of added sugar. Always check the nutrition label to monitor sugar intake.
Nutrient Fortification: To compensate for lost nutrients, many refined cereals are fortified with vitamins and minerals like iron and B vitamins.
Portion Control: Even low-fiber cereals can be calorie-dense, so adhering to serving sizes is important for weight management.
Low FODMAP considerations: Some low-fiber cereals like certain Corn Flakes and Rice Krispies are also low in FODMAPs, which can be important for individuals with IBS.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Use

For short-term dietary needs, such as a bowel prep, a low-fiber cereal is a practical tool. However, long-term restriction of fiber should be managed carefully under medical supervision. Fiber is vital for overall digestive health and has been linked to other health benefits, such as cholesterol reduction and improved fullness.

How to Read Labels for Fiber Content

Checking nutrition labels is the most accurate way to determine fiber content. A product is generally considered low-fiber if it contains less than 2 grams of fiber per serving. Additionally, checking the ingredients list can reveal the use of refined grains (like white rice flour or refined wheat) versus whole grains (like whole wheat or oats).

Conclusion

When identifying which cereals have the least fiber, the primary options are those made from refined rice and corn, such as puffed rice, cornflakes, and Cream of Rice. These cereals serve a specific purpose for individuals with sensitive digestive systems or who require a low-residue diet for medical reasons. While they offer a practical solution for short-term dietary needs, their nutritional profile is less robust than that of high-fiber, whole-grain options. Always consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice, especially for long-term diet management or before undergoing a medical procedure.

For further guidance on dietary fiber, consult resources like the Mayo Clinic's dietary fiber guidelines: Dietary fiber: Essential for a healthy diet.

Summary of Low-Fiber Cereal Options

Refined Grains are Key: Cereals with the least fiber are made from refined grains like white rice or refined corn, which have the fiber-rich bran removed.
Popular Cold Choices: Options include puffed rice, cornflakes, Rice Krispies, and Rice Chex, which all contain less than 1 gram of fiber per serving.
Low-Fiber Hot Cereals: Cream of Wheat and Cream of Rice are warm, refined grain options suitable for a low-residue diet.
Check for Fortification: Because refining removes nutrients, many low-fiber cereals are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
Purpose-Driven Diet: This type of cereal is best for short-term dietary restrictions, as recommended by a doctor, rather than for general long-term health.
Label Reading is Crucial: Always read the nutrition label and ingredient list to confirm the fiber content and identify any added sugars.
Medical Guidance is Recommended: A low-fiber diet should be implemented with guidance from a healthcare professional, especially for long-term health management.

Frequently Asked Questions

A low-residue diet is a specialized eating plan designed to reduce the amount of indigestible material, or residue, that passes through the gut. It is often prescribed for people with inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or before colonoscopies and other intestinal surgeries to minimize the bulk of stool.

Original Cheerios are considered a low-fiber cereal, often included in low-residue diet recommendations. However, other varieties like Honey Nut or Multigrain Cheerios might have slightly more fiber, so it is always important to check the specific product label.

While whole oats are high in fiber, some instant oatmeals are refined and can be lower in fiber than their whole-grain counterparts. Nevertheless, it is crucial to check the specific brand's nutrition label, as some instant oatmeals contain added fiber from other sources.

Cream of Wheat is a low-fiber cereal because it is made from milled wheat endosperm, which has had the fiber-rich outer bran and vitamin-rich germ stripped away. This refining process results in a smooth texture and minimal fiber content.

Most plain, original corn-based cereals like classic cornflakes are low in fiber and acceptable for low-residue diets. However, you should avoid any varieties that have added fruits, nuts, or whole grain ingredients, as these will increase the fiber content.

To determine if a cereal is low in fiber, check the nutrition facts panel on the packaging. Generally, a cereal with less than 2 grams of dietary fiber per serving is considered a low-fiber option. You should also check the ingredients list for refined grains and avoid whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

While necessary for some health conditions, low-fiber cereals lack the benefits of whole grains. They can often contain more added sugars and fewer nutrients, and they may not promote the same feeling of fullness or aid in maintaining digestive regularity as high-fiber options do.