What is a bland diet?
A bland diet is a type of eating plan that includes foods that are easy to digest and low in fiber, fat, and spices. The goal of a bland diet is to reduce irritation to the stomach and intestines and to provide nutrient-dense, easily digestible foods to promote healing. This type of diet may be recommended for people who have digestive issues such as stomach ulcers, or inflammation, or have recently had surgery.
The foods that are typically included in a bland diet include cooked white rice, cooked plain pasta, boiled or baked chicken or fish, steamed vegetables, and fruit such as ripe bananas or applesauce. Dairy products such as cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, and simple carbohydrates like crackers, rice cakes, and plain oatmeal may also be included.
It is important to note that a bland diet should be temporary and should not be followed for an extended period of time without consulting a healthcare professional.
30 Bland Diet Food List
Boiled chicken breast: A lean protein source that is easy to digest and can be flavored with herbs or spices to add taste.
Baked or steamed fish: A healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Tofu: A plant-based source of protein that can be used in a variety of dishes.
Boiled or scrambled eggs: A versatile protein source that can be eaten as is or used in a variety of dishes.
Cooked white rice: A simple, easily digestible carbohydrate that can be used as a base for other dishes.
Cooked plain pasta: A simple, easily digestible carbohydrate that can be used as a base for other dishes.
Steamed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and green beans): Nutritious options that provide vitamins and minerals and can be added to other dishes for added flavor and nutrition.
Boiled potatoes: A simple, easily digestible carbohydrate that can be used as a base for other dishes.
Applesauce: A bland, easy-to-digest fruit option that can be eaten as is or used in baking.
Pears: A bland, easy-to-digest fruit option that can be eaten as is or used in baking.
Peaches: A bland, easy-to-digest fruit option that can be eaten as is or used in baking.
Cottage cheese: A low-fat source of protein that can be eaten as is or used in a variety of dishes.
Greek yogurt: A source of protein and calcium that can be eaten as is or used in a variety of dishes.
Ice cream (vanilla or plain): A treat that can be enjoyed in small amounts on a bland diet.
Jell-O or Jell-O Pudding: A treat that can be enjoyed in small amounts on a bland diet.
Clear broth or bouillon: A flavorful liquid that can be used as a base for soups or gravies.
Cream of rice or cream of wheat cereal: A simple, easily digestible cereal that can be eaten as is or used in baking.
Ripe bananas: A bland, easy-to-digest fruit option that can be eaten as is or used in baking.
Melba toast: A simple, easily digestible cracker that can be eaten as is or used in a variety of dishes.
Saltine crackers: A simple, easily digestible cracker that can be eaten as is or used in a variety of dishes.
Graham crackers: A simple, easily digestible cracker that can be eaten as is or used in a variety of dishes.
Rice cakes: A simple, easily digestible option that can be eaten as is or used in a variety of dishes.
Unseasoned mashed potatoes: A simple, easily digestible option that can be eaten as is or used in a variety of dishes.
Baked or boiled chicken, turkey, or fish: A healthy source of protein that can be flavored with herbs or spices to add taste.
Blended soup: A simple, easily digestible option that can provide hydration and nutrition.
Unbuttered popcorn: A simple, easily digestible option that can be eaten as is or used in a variety of dishes.
Plain oatmeal: A simple, easily digestible option that can be eaten as is or used in a variety of dishes.
Unbuttered rice cakes: A simple, easily digestible option that can be eaten as is or used in a variety of dishes.
Unsweetened applesauce: A bland, easy-to-digest fruit option that can be eaten as is or used in baking.
Unsweetened pears: A bland, easy-to-digest fruit option that can be eaten as is or used in baking.