Can I eat potatoes with ulcerative colitis?
During a flare: Usually OKIn remission: Usually OK
Peeled, cooked potatoes are mostly soluble fiber and starch, which makes them one of the more consistently gentle vegetables on low-fiber and low-residue eating plans. The skin adds insoluble fiber that is harder to break down, and as a nightshade potatoes contain small amounts of solanine, though clinicians note there isn't solid evidence this is harmful.
During a flare
Peeled, boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes cooked until fork-tender are a common low-residue staple during a flare.
In remission
Skin-on potatoes and fried preparations (chips, fries) can usually be reintroduced gradually as tolerated.
Ways to make it gentler
- peel before cooking
- boil, bake, or mash until fork-tender
- go easy on fried preparations
Safer swaps
peeled sweet potato · white rice
Sources
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Role of fiber — American Gastroenterological Association
- Low-Fiber Diet: What It Is and Foods To Eat — Cleveland Clinic
- When Superfoods and Inflammatory Diseases Are a Recipe for Trouble — Cedars-Sinai
Last checked 2026-08-12
