Can I eat pears with ulcerative colitis?
During a flare: CautionIn remission: Caution
Pear skin is high in insoluble fiber, and the fruit is naturally high in sorbitol and excess fructose, sugars that act as a natural laxative and are a commonly reported trigger for loose stools and gas.
During a flare
Peeled, cooked pear (or canned pear in juice) is a commonly recommended soft flare food; raw, unpeeled pear is usually limited.
In remission
Sorbitol content means some people notice a laxative effect even in remission; portion and ripeness can be adjusted to tolerance.
Ways to make it gentler
- Peel before eating
- Cook or can in juice for a gentler option
Safer swaps
canned-peaches · banana
Sources
- Dietary Advice for Ulcerative Colitis — NHS (Milton Keynes University Hospital)
- FODMAP food list — Monash University FODMAP
Last checked 2026-08-12
