Clear and full liquid diets

A clear liquid diet consists of transparent fluids or foods that become clear liquid at body temperature. A clear liquid diet provides nutrients in a form that requires minimal digestion and work for the gastrointestinal tract.

A full liquid diet generally consists of any liquid, regardless of composition. Because a full liquid diet allows for a greater variety of foods and fluids, it's more palatable and provides more nutrition than a clear liquid diet.

Doctors often prescribe a full liquid diet as a transition diet -- after you've been on clear liquids and before you start eating solid foods.


Clear liquid diet
Your doctor may recommend a clear liquid diet to:
decrease residue in your intestines before or after a test or surgery
begin oral feedings if you're undernourished or just had surgery
begin fluid replacement if you've lost fluid due to conditions such as diarrhea or vomiting
Examples of clear liquids
The following items are generally allowed on a clear liquid diet:

water or ice chips
clear broth
consommé or bouillon
electrolyte replacement drinks
clear fruit juices (such as apple, cranberry or grape)
carbonated beverages
frozen ice pops (no fruit added)
gelatin
plain tea
black coffee
honey, sugar or sugar substitutes
salt
Milk products, fruit juice with pulp and solid foods are not allowed on a clear liquid diet.

Depending on your particular situation, your doctor may add or omit certain fluids from this list. If you're not sure what you're allowed to eat, call your doctor's office for more information. Only use commercially prepared products if they're recommended by your doctor.

Because this type of diet doesn't supply all the nutrients your body needs, it should only be followed for short periods of time.


Full liquid diet
Your doctor may recommend a full liquid diet after dental surgery, surgery to the face or neck, or when:
chewing or swallowing is difficult
you're progressing from a clear liquid diet to solid foods
you're unable to digest solid foods
Examples of full liquids
Full liquids are items that are liquid or almost liquid at room temperature. In addition to the clear liquids listed above, the following items are generally allowed on a full liquid diet:

instant breakfast and "meal replacement" drinks
milk, chocolate milk, buttermilk, eggnog, hot chocolate and milkshakes
yogurt without seeds or whole fruit
custard and pudding
ice cream and sherbet
tomato and any fruit juice, as tolerated
refined cooked cereal and strained whole-grain cereals (such as Cream of Wheat and grits)
strained cream and vegetable soups
butter, margarine, cream and nondairy creamer
lemon wedges
for adults, hard candies (Children age 4 or younger should not be given hard candy due to the risk of choking. Older children require adult supervision.)
If you need to be on a full liquid diet for a long time, your doctor may recommend dietary supplements to make sure you get all the nutrients you need.