Clear liquids are any liquid that you can see through. They are also very easy to digest. You may be put on a clear liquid diet if you are recovering from irritation or infection of the stomach or digestive tract. This diet may also be used before surgery or special procedures such as a colonoscopy. You shouldn't be on this diet for more than 1 to 3 days. Below are some clear liquids you can have on this diet.
Adults and children older than 2 years
Adults should drink a total of 2 to 3 quarts of liquid per day. It may be easier to drink small frequent servings rather than a few large ones. Clear liquids can include:
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Clear fruit juices without pulp. Apple, white grape, and cranberry juice; clear fruit drinks.
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Beverages. Sports drinks, sodas (no cola or root beer), mineral water (plain or flavored), tea, black coffee, liquid gelatin (add twice the advised amount of water).
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Soups. Clear broth.
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Desserts. Plain gelatin, frozen fruit juice bars without pulp or fruit pieces.
Children younger than 2 years
Oral rehydration fluids are available at drugstores and most grocery stores. You don’t need a prescription.
Online Medical Reviewer: Brittany Poulson MDA RDN CD CDE
Online Medical Reviewer: Diane Horowitz MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Heather M Trevino BSN RNC
Date Last Reviewed: 03/01/2025
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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