Can I eat peanut butter with ulcerative colitis?
During a flare: Usually OKIn remission: Usually OK
Smooth peanut butter is specifically named as an easy-to-digest, energy-dense flare food because it has no whole nut pieces or skins to add insoluble fiber, unlike crunchy versions or whole nuts. Nut butters generally are listed among the recommended protein sources to focus on when protein needs rise during active disease.
During a flare
Smooth peanut butter (for example with rice crackers) is called out as a good energy- and protein-dense flare snack; crunchy peanut butter contains nut pieces that behave more like whole nuts and may be harder to tolerate.
In remission
Both smooth and crunchy peanut butter are generally fine in remission for most people; those who find whole nuts irritating may still prefer smooth.
Ways to make it gentler
- Choose smooth over crunchy during a flare
Safer swaps
smooth almond butter
Sources
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Nutrition Tips (Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis) — Gastrointestinal Society (badgut.org)
- What Should I Eat with Crohn's or Colitis? IBD Diet Guide — Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
Last checked 2026-08-12
