Foods You CAN Eat (Low-Residue Foods)

These foods are low in fiber and easy to digest.

Protein

• Lean beef, lamb, pork, veal, ham
  
  

• Chicken or turkey
  
  

• Fish or shellfish
  
  

• Boiled or poached eggs
  
  

• Tofu or soya
  
  

Carbohydrates

• White rice
  
  

• White pasta or noodles
  
  

• Cornflakes or crisped rice cereal
  
  

• White bread or toast
  
  

• Potatoes without skin
  
  

Dairy

• Milk
  
  

• Cream
  
  

• Cheese
  
  

• Cottage cheese
  
  

• Plain yoghurt
  
  

• Custard
  
  

• Vanilla ice cream
  
  

• Plant-based milk or yoghurt
  
  

Snacks and Sweets

• Rich tea biscuits
  
  

• Plain biscuits
  
  

• Rice crackers
  
  

• Plain sponge cake
  
  

• Boiled sweets
  
  

• Clear jelly (not red)
  
  

Drinks

• Water
  
  

• Fizzy drinks
  
  

• Fruit squash or cordial (not red/purple)
  
  

• Clear fruit juice without pulp
  
  

• Clear soups or stock
  
  

• Tea or coffee
  
  

• Herbal tea
  
  

Foods to AVOID (High-Fiber or Hard to Digest)

These foods leave residue in the bowel.

High-Fiber Foods

• Lentils and pulses
  
  

• Nuts or seeds
  
  

• Brown rice or brown pasta
  
  

• Bran cereals or porridge
  
  

• Wholemeal or seeded bread
  
  

Fruits and Vegetables

• Fresh fruit
  
  

• Dried fruit
  
  

• Canned fruit
  
  

• All vegetables
  
  

• Vegetable soups
  
  

Certain Starches

• Potatoes with skins
  
  

• Chips or fried potatoes
  
  

Other Foods

• Crisps
  
  

• Jam
  
  

• Gravy granules (may contain fiber)
  
  

Red or Purple Foods/Drinks

These can look like blood during colonoscopy.

Avoid:

• Red jelly
  
  

• Red cordial
  
  

• Blackcurrant juice
  
  

• Red fruit juice
  
  

Alcohol

• Usually avoided before the procedure.
  
  

Typical Colonoscopy Diet Timeline

Doctors usually recommend:

3–5 days before

• Low-fiber diet
  
  

1 day before

• Clear liquid diet only
  
  

Night before

• Bowel preparation (laxative drink)