What is the difference between a BRAT diet and a bland diet?

Author: Leatha Lueilwitz  |  Last update: Saturday, July 5, 2025

The bland diet is sometimes called the BRAT or BRATT diet. BRAT is an acronym that stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. If you're following a bland diet, you can incorporate these four foods into your meals, but there are many other options to choose from.

Why do doctors no longer recommend the BRAT diet?

The BRAT diet for diarrhea is one classic and often suggested diarrhea diet. It consists of: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT). This diet is no longer recommended by the American Academy of Pediaterics. The reason is, it's low in nutrients, fiber, fat and protein.

Are scrambled eggs on the BRAT diet?

Low-fiber starches: white bread/toast, white rice, saltine crackers, cream of wheat, instant oatmeal, noodles. Proteins: unseasoned skinless chicken/turkey, scrambled eggs, yogurt. Liquids: clear broth soups (chicken or vegetable), apple juice, water, Gatorade/Powerade, gelatin, weak and decaffeinated tea.

What has replaced the BRAT diet?

Alternatives to the BRAT Diet

8 Natural yogurt, kefir, miso soup, and fermented vegetables (e.g., sauerkraut) are great options. While recovering from stomach symptoms and re-introducing solid foods into your diet, it is essential to keep yourself well-hydrated.

What 4 foods to eat when you have diarrhea?

When a person experiences digestive issues such as diarrhea, doctors often recommend the BRAT diet, which includes :
  • bananas.
  • plain white rice.
  • applesauce.
  • bread or toast.

BRAT Diet: A Comprehensive Review of Its Effectiveness

Are scrambled eggs good for a bland diet?

A typical such diet includes, but is not limited to, low-fat dairy products, eggs, broth, pudding, fruit juices, cream of wheat, tofu, lean meat (skinless chicken, fish,...), bland vegetables (beet, bean, spinach, carrot,...), eggs, and tea. The diet also eliminates raw or uncooked foods.

What 12 foods stop diarrhea?

12 Foods to Stop Diarrhea and Soothe Your Digestive System
  • Bananas. Bananas are a cornerstone of the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast), commonly recommended for diarrhoea. ...
  • White Rice. ...
  • Applesauce. ...
  • Toast. ...
  • Boiled Potatoes. ...
  • Yogurt. ...
  • Chicken Broth. ...
  • Oatmeal.

Can I eat mashed potatoes on a bland diet?

Fruits & Vegetables: All fruit, juices, and vegetables as tolerated; baked (without skin), boiled, mashed, diced or creamed potatoes, yams. Avoid citrus fruits and gas-forming vegetables as tolerated, fried potatoes, hash brown potatoes.

Is peanut butter ok for a BRAT diet?

Eat BRAT diet foods

Soups: clear broth, such as chicken, vegetable or beef. Liquids: cranberry, apple and grape juice, tea (without caffeine), water. Snacks: canned peaches, pears, sweet potatoes, crackers, cream of wheat, eggs, gelatin, oatmeal, creamy peanut butter.

Is chicken noodle soup ok for a BRAT diet?

Both children and adults need to drink plenty of fluids while they're sick to prevent dehydration. Water is good, but adding broth, a sports drink, or a rehydration solution such as Pedialyte can help replace lost electrolytes. Broth or broth-based soups (chicken noodle, vegetable, etc.)

What kills the stomach virus?

There's often no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. Antibiotics aren't effective against viruses. Treatment first involves self-care measures, such as staying hydrated.

What is the best bread to eat if you have diverticulitis?

Brown, wholemeal, wholegrain, granary, multigrain, seeded breads and rolls. Oatcakes, wholegrain rice cakes, Ryvita®, crisp breads, wholegrain crackers, digestive biscuits, popcorn, Hob Nobs, flapjacks, fruit cake, malt loaf.

Is peanut butter good for diarrhea?

So yes, peanut butter is okay to eat when you have diarrhea—just start with a small amount of it. Here's why we recommend Peanut-Butter Banana Cinnamon Toast.

How many bananas can you eat to stop diarrhea?

Bananas are also a low residue food that helps deal with the weakness and dehydration. You can either have it as a fruit or add it to your yoghurt or smoothie. Add 1-2 bananas for 2 times a day to ease the stomach issue.

What is the best comfort food for an upset stomach?

Clear broth: Chicken or vegetable broth provides hydration and electrolytes. Toast: Skip the jam and butter, keep it plain. Cereal: Plain rice cereal or oat-based cereals are gentle on the stomach. Pedialyte or similar rehydration fluids: Important for replenishing electrolytes lost through vomiting or diarrhea.

Is peanut butter ok for a bland diet?

Good sources of protein on the bland diet include skinless roasted or baked chicken, eggs, low-fat milk and yogurt, and smooth peanut butter and other nut butters.

Is a baked potato considered bland food?

Foods you can eat on a bland diet include: Milk and other dairy products, low-fat or fat-free only. Cooked, canned, or frozen vegetables. Potatoes.

Can you put butter on toast for a BRAT diet?

Toast is another easily digested, low fiber food that will help to firm up your stool. For added nutrition, you should feel free to spread jam on your toast if you can stomach it. You will probably want to avoid butter and peanut butter, as they are high in fat, which is hard on your stomach.

What foods harden your stool?

Foods to Eat When You Have Diarrhea
  • Bread or Toast. Refined wheat in white bread can help bind stools. ...
  • White Potatoes. Plain white potatoes can help, although be sure they're boiled or steamed. ...
  • Bananas. ...
  • Applesauce. ...
  • Cereals. ...
  • Lean Protein. ...
  • Dairy. ...
  • Nuts and Seeds.

Are scrambled eggs good for diarrhea?

Certain foods can make diarrhea worse. These foods include dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and ice cream. Yes, in most individuals with diarrhea, eggs help slow down bowel movements and help the patient recover faster from diarrhea.

What stops diarrhea really fast?

How do you control diarrhea immediately?
  • take OTC medications, like loperamide (Imodium)
  • take antibiotics, if necessary.
  • stay hydrated.
  • eat bland foods.
  • avoid trigger or spicy foods.

Are pancakes ok on a bland diet?

Recommended: Enriched white, rye or fine whole grain bread, rolls and crackers. Plain muffins, biscuits. Pancakes, waffles, cornbread, soft tortillas.

Can I eat pizza on a bland diet?

When prescribed a bland diet, people often feel doomed to culinary purgatory. Gone are all their favorite foods and spices, like garlic, onions, hot pepper, curry, or pizza.

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