Updated colonoscopy diet sheet - Dietary Regimen for Bowel Preparation (Colonoscopy)

Sep 27, 2026

Dietary regimen for colonoscopy bowel preparation: a low-residue diet combined with high clear-fluid intake, followed in addition to doctor-prescribed laxatives. Two days before the procedure, specific permitted foods and drinks include water-based beverages, clear fruit juices, clear soups, plain lean meats and fish, white bread or toast, rice and pasta, and smooth yogurt or fromage frais without fruit bits. The day before allows only clear fluids, consommé-style clear soup, jelly and ice lollies, and boiled sweets. No food from midnight, and water is permitted until one hour before.

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Dietary Regimen for Bowel Preparation (Colonoscopy)

Permitted foods and drinks (Two days prior)

Day prior to colonoscopy

Day of colonoscopy and pre-procedure instructions

Contact information

Dietary Regimen for Bowel Preparation (Colonoscopy) A low residue diet, together with a high clear fluid intake is recommended. These dietary guidelines should be followed in addition to the laxatives , taken as directed by the doctor. Two days prior to the colonoscopy you may eat/drink: Water, squash, lemonade, coke, Lucozade, fruit juice. Milk, tea or coffee with milk / sugar Cornflakes, Frosties , Rice Krispies, Special K, Coco Pops with milk/sugar. White bread/toast with a small amount of butter/margarine Jelly jam (no pips /seeds/ peel) honey, golden syrup, marmite Plain biscuits [e.g. rich](e.g. rich) tea, Marie Tinned / packet soup – oxtail, tomato, chicken, consommé, Bovril , Vegetable soups – sieved / strained. Plain lean meats and gravy e.g. turkey, chicken (no skin) Beef, lamb, pork, ham and bacon Low fat cheese e.g. cottage cheese, low fat cheddar Grilled / poached / baked fish, grilled fish fingers Tinned fish (drained oil) e.g. tuna, sardines, pilchards Boiled / mashed potato, boiled white rice, boiled white pasta, tinned spaghetti (not beans) Natural / fruit yoghurt / fromage frais – smooth, no fruit bits Milk pudding e.g. custard, rice, semolina, mousse, instant whips, jellies Ice cream, ice lollies Boiled sweets, jelly babies, fruit gums, pastilles and mints. AVOID: all fruit, vegetables (other than boiled/mashed potato) wholemeal bread, whole grain cereals/rice/pasta, whole-wheat biscuits. Fried and fatty foods e.g. cream, cheese, eggs, pastry, pies, chocolate, crisps and nuts Day prior to the colonoscopy: Only the following foods / drinks may be taken: Plenty of fluids especially water and squash Lemonade, coke Lucozade, fruit juice Tea or coffee with small amount of milk / sugar Consommé (clear soup) , Bovril , marmite Jelly, ice lollies (no ice cream) Boiled sweets, jelly babies, fruit gums, pastilles, mints. No food allowed from midnight On the day of the colonoscopy clean your teeth and rinse your mouth with a small amount of water. You can drink water until 1 hour before your procedure , this time will be given to you during your pre-assessment appointment. Please contact the paediatric team if you have any queries regarding this diet. University Hospital of Wales 02921 845331

FAQs

What is the recommended diet approach before a colonoscopy?

A low residue diet is recommended along with high clear fluid intake. Follow these dietary guidelines in addition to doctor-prescribed laxatives.

What foods and drinks are allowed two days before the colonoscopy?

Allowed items include water and similar clear drinks, fruit juice, certain breakfast cereals with milk/sugar, white bread/toast with small amounts of spread, jelly without seeds, plain lean meats and gravy, low fat cheese, grilled/poached/baked fish, and boiled/mixed white rice or pasta (not beans).

What are the restrictions the day before and on the day of the colonoscopy?

The day before, only specified clear drinks, clear soup (consommé/Bovril/marmite), jelly and ice lollies (no ice cream), and boiled sweets/jelly babies/fruit gums/pastilles/mints are allowed. No food after midnight; on the day of the procedure, water is permitted until one hour before, and you should rinse your mouth with a small amount of water.

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Maya Linwood