Liquid diet

A clear or full liquid diet is often prescribed for gastrointestinal illness or before or after certain types of surgery involving the mouth or for the intestines.

Types of liquid diet

Clear liquid diet

A clear liquid diet consists of transparent liquid foods such as vegetable broth, bouillon, clear fruit juices, clear fruit ices, popsicles, clear gelatin desserts, and no carbonated drinks aside from lemon-lime or seltzer. The colors red and purple are strongly discouraged as they can be mistaken for blood during a colonoscopy.

Full liquid diet

A full or strained liquid diet consists of both clear and opaque liquid foods with a smooth consistency. It includes milk, milkshakes, ice cream, puddings, strained cream soups, fruit nectar with pulp, smooth cooked cereals such as porridge and cream of wheat, butter, and honey. Fruit juices (without pulp), coffee, gelatin, popsicles (without pulp), and water.