Can I eat white rice with ulcerative colitis?
During a flare: Usually OKIn remission: Usually OK
White rice is a refined starch with the bran and germ removed, so it carries very little insoluble fiber and is broken down quickly in the gut. That makes it one of the most consistently well-tolerated starches for people with ulcerative colitis, in contrast to higher-fiber whole grains.
During a flare
Plain, well-cooked white rice is commonly used as a base starch during flares because it is low-fiber and low-residue.
In remission
White rice is generally well tolerated in remission too; some people rotate in brown rice or other whole grains as symptoms stay stable.
Ways to make it gentler
- Cook until soft rather than al dente
- Pair with lean protein and cooked vegetables rather than raw ones
Sources
- The Ulcerative Colitis Diet: What To Eat and Avoid — Cleveland Clinic
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Role of fiber — American Gastroenterological Association
Last checked 2026-08-12
