Clear Liquid Diet

A clear liquid diet helps maintain adequate hydration, provides some important electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, and gives some energy at a time when a full diet isn't possible or recommended.

The following foods are generally allowed in a clear liquid diet:

  • Water (plain, carbonated or flavored)

  • Fruit juices without pulp, such as apple or white grape juice

  • Fruit-flavored beverages, such as fruit punch or lemonade

  • Carbonated drinks, including dark sodas (cola and root beer)

  • Gelatin

  • Tea or coffee without milk or cream

  • Strained tomato or vegetable juice

  • Sports drinks

  • Clear, fat-free broth (bouillon or consomme)

  • Honey or sugar

  • Hard candy, such as lemon drops or peppermint rounds

  • Ice pops without milk, bits of fruit, seeds or nuts

Depending on your medical condition, your physician or dietitian may alter the above list. For certain tests, such as colon exams, your doctor may ask you to avoid liquids or gelatin with red coloring. Any foods not on the above list should be avoided.

A typical menu on the clear liquid diet may look like this.

Breakfast

  • 1 glass pulp-free fruit juice

  • 1 bowl gelatin

  • 1 cup of coffee or tea, without dairy products

  • Sugar or honey, if desired

Snack

  • 1 glass fruit juice (pulp-free)

  • 1 bowl gelatin

Lunch

  • 1 glass pulp-free fruit juice

  • 1 glass water

  • 1 cup broth

  • 1 bowl gelatin

Snack

  • 1 pulp-free ice pop

  • 1 cup coffee or tea, without dairy products, or a soft drink

  • Sugar or honey if desired

Dinner

  • 1 cup pulp-free juice or water

  • 1 cup broth

  • 1 bowl gelatin

  • 1 cup coffee or tea, without dairy products

  • Sugar or honey, if desired