Can I eat strawberries with ulcerative colitis?
During a flare: Usually avoidIn remission: Depends on you
The tiny seeds covering the outside of a strawberry are a source of insoluble fiber that isn't removed by peeling, and whole berries are commonly grouped with other seeded, skin-on fruit that's harder to digest during active inflammation.
During a flare
Whole raw strawberries are typically limited during a flare because of their seeds and fiber content; a smooth strawberry puree strained of seeds is gentler.
In remission
Many people reintroduce strawberries in remission and tolerate them fine; sensitivity to the seeds is individual, so add them back gradually.
Ways to make it gentler
- Puree and strain to remove seeds
- Cook down into a compote
Safer swaps
blueberries · banana
Sources
- A Nutritional Plan for Anyone Living With Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis — Cleveland Clinic
- Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Case-Control Study — PMC (NCBI)
Last checked 2026-08-12
