Making Diverticulitis-Friendly Soup: Ingredients & Tips for Comfort and Healing

If you’re dealing with diverticulitis, you know how important it is to give your digestive system a break while still getting the nourishment your body needs. Soup can be one of the best foods during a flare-up and recovery — it’s warm, soothing, and easy to digest when made with the right ingredients.

In this guide, we’ll break down the building blocks for creating a diverticulitis-friendly soup that’s gentle on the stomach but still flavorful and satisfying.

Why Soup Is Helpful for Diverticulitis

When your digestive tract is inflamed, high-fiber and hard-to-digest foods can aggravate symptoms. Soup allows you to control the texture, fiber level, and seasoning, making it easy to tailor for each stage of recovery — from clear liquids to soft foods and maintenance.
(Reference: Mayo Clinic – Diverticulitis Diet)

Understanding the Dietary Needs for Diverticulitis

During Flare-Ups

• Focus on low-fiber, easy-to-digest liquids like broths and strained soups.

• Skip raw vegetables, seeds, skins, and spicy or greasy ingredients.

Related Resource: Diverticulitis Diet Guide on Calming Blends.

During Recovery

• Gradually reintroduce soft, well-cooked vegetables, lean proteins, and mild seasonings.

• Keep fiber moderate and avoid anything too coarse.

Maintenance Phase

• Include a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients for overall gut health.

• Moderate fiber is fine once symptoms have fully resolved.
  (Reference: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

The 5 Building Blocks of a Diverticulitis-Friendly Soup

1. The Base (Broth or Stock)

• Choose clear, low-fat chicken, turkey, vegetable, or bone broth.

• Avoid creamy or heavy-fat bases during flare-ups.

• Benefits: Hydration, electrolytes, gentle flavor.

Shop Tip: Calming Blends offers Diverticulitis Tea — a gentle, soothing drink you can enjoy alongside your soup.

2. Protein Choices

• Go for lean, easily digestible proteins: shredded chicken, turkey, white fish, or soft tofu.

• In liquid stages, protein can come from bone broth or strained soups.

• Shred or puree meats for easier digestion.

3. Vegetables

• Flare-up: Skip fibrous or seeded vegetables.

• Recovery: Try peeled, soft-cooked carrots, zucchini, yellow squash, or potatoes.

• Always remove skins and seeds during sensitive stages.
  (Reference: Cleveland Clinic – Diverticulitis Diet)

4. Carbohydrate Add-Ins

• Gentle carbs include white rice, small pasta, or peeled potatoes.

• Avoid whole grains and high-fiber beans during flare-ups.

• These add energy without irritating the gut.

5. Flavor & Seasoning

• Use mild herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil.

• Avoid strong spices, black pepper, or vinegar in early stages.

• Low-sodium broths can help prevent bloating.

Cooking Methods for Easy Digestion

• Simmer ingredients until very soft.

• Strain for liquid-only diets.

• Puree for a smooth texture during early recovery.

Example Diverticulitis Soup Combinations

Clear Liquid Stage:

• Chicken broth + strained carrot water + pinch of salt.

Soft Food Stage:

• Broth + shredded chicken + diced peeled carrots + white rice.

Maintenance Stage:

• Vegetable broth + zucchini + spinach (pureed) + chicken.

Tips for Storing and Reheating Soup

• Store in single-serving containers for convenience.

• Avoid reheating multiple times to preserve freshness.

• Freeze portions for quick meals during flare-ups.

Final Thoughts

A well-crafted soup can provide comfort, nutrition, and hydration during diverticulitis recovery. By focusing on gentle broths, lean proteins, soft vegetables, and mild seasonings, you can create a meal that’s both healing and satisfying.

For more digestive-friendly recipes, visit the Calming Blends Blog or explore our Diverticulitis Tea, designed to complement your recovery diet.

Download the Diverticulitis Soup Ingredient Cheat Sheet” PDF

Get 20+ Soup Recipes for Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis