- Reference Number: HEY1385/2026
- Departments: Dietetics, Nutrition Support
- Last Updated: 30 June 2026
What is a low residue diet?
A low residue diet is made of foods that will leave a minimal amount of undigested material in the digestive tract.
Why do I need to follow a low residue diet?
A low residue diet may be used when the bowel needs temporary rest, to reduce bowel secretions or prevent bowel obstruction. It may also be recommended prior to a screening procedure to prepare the bowel.
Foods allowed and those to be avoided on a low residue diet.
| Food group | Foods to include | Foods to Avoid |
| Meats | · Well-cooked lean meats e.g. chicken, turkey, ham, beef, pork. | · Fatty meats and gristle. Processed meat products such as burgers, sausages, pastry dishes, breaded dishes |
| Fish | · White fish without skin, shellfish. | · Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines.
· Fried or breaded fish. |
| Dairy Products | · Milk, cheese, eggs, plain yoghurt, cream. | · Yoghurts containing fruit pieces, cereal, added fibre or nuts.
· Cheeses containing fruit or nuts. |
| Food group | Foods to include | Foods to Avoid |
| Bread and cereals | · White varieties of bread and baked goods such as chapattis, crumpets, scones.
· Plain cakes made with white flour e.g. Victoria Sandwich, Madeira. · Plain crackers, crispbreads and rice cakes. · Plain varieties of biscuits e.g. rich tea, morning coffee, custard creams, bourbon, ginger nuts, shortbread, chocolate biscuits (penguin, club, KitKat). · White rice, pasta, noodles, cous cous. · Cornflakes, special K, Rice Crispies, Coco pops, Sugar Puffs. |
· Wholemeal and granary bread and baked products, fruit scones, teacakes.
· Fruit cakes · Crackers made with wholemeal flour or with seeds e.g. Rye crisp breads. · Biscuits containing bran (e.g. digestives) or fruit (e.g. fruit shorties). · Wholemeal pasta, brown rice. · Wheat biscuits, Shredded wheat, Muesli, Granola, All Bran, Porridge. |
| Puddings | · Milk puddings, ice cream, jellies, meringue, plain sponges, custard. | · Puddings made with wholemeal flour or fruit. |
| Drinks | · Tea, coffee, milkshakes, milk, hot chocolate, fruit squashes, strained fruit juices. | · Pure fruit juice with bits, smoothies. |
| Other | · Oils, clear soups, jam with no bits, honey, shredless marmalade, boiled sweets, chocolate, toffee, crisps. | · Pickles, highly spiced foods chocolate or sweets containing fruit or nuts, nuts.
· Pulses e.g. chickpeas, lentils and beans |
What about fruit and vegetables?
Fruit and vegetable should be avoided on this diet. Potatoes can be included as long as the skin has been removed.
Do I need to take a multivitamin and mineral?
Due to the restrictions of this diet your dietitian or doctor may recommend a multivitamin tablet to meet your vitamin and mineral needs whilst on this diet.
How much fluid do I need?
is important that you have an adequate fluid intake while following a low residue diet. You should aim to have at least 6 to 8 cups/mugs/glasses of fluid daily unless told otherwise by a health professional. The guidance may be different if you are following this diet to reduce bowel losses and will be guided by your medical team and dietitian.
Reintroducing higher residue foods.
Your dietitian will advise you on reintroduction of higher residue foods when it is appropriate.
What if I have a reduced appetite or I am losing weight
If you have a poor appetite or you are unintentionally losing weight, you may find the following information helpful:
- Eat little and often – try to eat 5 to 6 snacks/meals per day
- Use full fat and ‘thick and creamy’ varieties of foods, e.g. spreads for bread, yoghurts, milk and full sugar foods and drinks
Enriching your food will help to increase your energy (calories) and protein intake when your appetite is poor.
All of the foods below are very good sources of energy (calories) and can be added to a variety of foods:
- Full fat milk
- Cream/evaporated milk
- Margarine/butter (full fat)
- Grated cheese
- Honey/syrup
- Sugar
Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Nutrition and Dietetics on Tel: 01482 674490 (Hull), Tel: 03033 303308 (Grimsby), Tel: 03033 302410 (Scunthorpe)
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