Check out the most popular snacks when managing Colitis
Finding safe snacks that don’t trigger colitis symptoms can be challenging, but there are many gut-friendly options. Plain rice cakes with nut butter (if tolerated) provide a gentle and satisfying snack. Bananas and applesauce are also popular choices, as they are easy to digest and soothing for the gut.
For those who can tolerate dairy, lactose-free yogurt or probiotic-rich options like kefir can support gut health. Hard-boiled eggs offer a protein-packed, non-irritating snack. Smooth nut butters, such as almond or peanut butter without added sugars or preservatives, are also well-tolerated by many people with colitis.
Soft, peeled fruits like ripe pears or peaches provide a gentle source of vitamins and fiber without causing irritation. Cooked vegetables, such as mashed sweet potatoes or pureed carrots, can be an easy snack for those in remission. Rice crackers and lean turkey slices can also be a good alternative to processed snack foods.
Hydration is key, so pairing snacks with herbal teas, coconut water, or electrolyte drinks can help maintain balance. Keeping a variety of safe snacks on hand can make it easier to manage symptoms and maintain good nutrition throughout the day.
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Plain Rice Cakes with Nut Butter or Hummus
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Rice cakes are a low-fiber, easy-to-digest snack that can be topped with smooth almond butter for healthy fats or hummus for a mild protein boost. Choosing plain rice cakes without artificial flavors or seasonings helps prevent digestive irritation.
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Banana with Smooth Nut Butter
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A soft, easily digestible banana provides quick energy and potassium, while smooth almond or peanut butter adds healthy fats and protein. Choosing a natural, unsweetened nut butter ensures there are no additives that could irritate the gut.
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Plain Yogurt (Lactose-Free or Non-Dairy)
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Yogurt with probiotics can help support gut health, but those with lactose intolerance should choose lactose-free or non-dairy versions. Opting for plain, unsweetened yogurt avoids artificial sweeteners and excess sugar, which could cause irritation.
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Coconut Yogurt with Soft Berries (in Moderation)
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Coconut yogurt provides probiotics and healthy fats, while soft berries like peeled, ripe blueberries or strawberries add natural sweetness and antioxidants. It’s best to consume berries in small amounts to ensure they don’t irritate the gut.
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Soft Scrambled Eggs on White Toast
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Lightly scrambled eggs are easy to digest and provide high-quality protein, while white toast helps add bulk without being too fibrous. This combination is gentle on the gut and makes for a nourishing snack.
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Oatmeal with Honey
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Well-cooked oatmeal is gentle on the digestive system and provides soluble fiber, which can help regulate bowel movements. A drizzle of honey adds natural sweetness without artificial additives, making it a soothing and nutritious snack.
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Homemade Rice Pudding (Dairy-Free Option Available)
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Made with white rice, water or lactose-free milk, and a touch of honey, rice pudding is a soothing, energy-boosting snack. It provides easily digestible carbohydrates and a mild flavor that’s gentle on the stomach.
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Boiled or Steamed Carrot Sticks
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Soft, cooked carrots are a mild and easily digestible snack that provides beta-carotene and essential vitamins. They can be lightly mashed or blended into a dip for added variety.
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Soft-Cooked White Rice with a Dash of Olive Oil
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White rice is an excellent source of easily digestible carbohydrates, and adding a small amount of olive oil provides healthy fats. This simple, soothing snack can help provide energy without irritating the gut.
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Plain Baked Chicken Bites
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Small, well-cooked pieces of skinless chicken provide a protein-rich snack without being heavy on the digestive system. Baking or steaming the chicken without excessive seasoning keeps it mild and gut-friendly.
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Chamomile or Peppermint Tea with a Plain Biscuit
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Herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint help soothe digestive discomfort, while a plain, low-fiber biscuit provides a light, easy-to-digest snack. Avoid biscuits with high sugar or artificial ingredients.
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Homemade Gelatin (Natural, No Artificial Additives)
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Gelatin supports gut lining health and provides a light, hydrating snack. Making it at home with natural ingredients ensures it’s free from artificial flavors and dyes that might cause irritation.
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Plain Crackers with Lactose-Free Cheese
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Plain, low-fiber crackers provide a simple carbohydrate source, while lactose-free cheese offers protein and calcium without triggering digestive issues. Avoid heavily processed cheeses and opt for mild, natural varieties.
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Baked or Steamed Zucchini Slices
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Zucchini is a mild vegetable that becomes even easier to digest when baked or steamed. It provides hydration, essential vitamins, and a soft texture that won’t aggravate the digestive system.
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Homemade Applesauce (No Sugar Added)
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Applesauce made from peeled and cooked apples is gentle on digestion and provides natural sweetness along with beneficial vitamins. Store-bought versions should be unsweetened to avoid added sugars that might trigger symptoms.
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Baked Sweet Potato Slices
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Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene and vitamin C, which support gut health and immune function. Baking them until soft makes them easy to digest while providing a naturally sweet and satisfying snack.
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Mashed Avocado on White Toast
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Avocado provides healthy monounsaturated fats and essential nutrients like potassium, while white toast is low in fiber and easy to digest. This combination makes for a simple yet nutritious snack that’s easy on the gut.
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Smoothies with Banana and Coconut Milk
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A homemade smoothie made with banana and coconut milk provides hydration, healthy fats, and natural sweetness without irritating the digestive system. Avoid adding high-fiber fruits like berries or raw greens, which may be harder to digest.
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Hard-Boiled Eggs
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Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like choline and B12. Hard-boiled eggs are easy to prepare, gentle on digestion, and provide long-lasting energy without irritating the gut.