Soft diet

A soft diet is recommended in many situations, including some types of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), surgery involving the mouth or gastrointestinal tract, and pain from newly adjusted braces.

In some situations, there are additional restrictions. For example, patients who need to avoid excessive reflux, such as those recovering from esophageal surgery for achalasia, are also instructed to stay away from foods that can aggravate reflux, which include ketchup and other tomato products, citrus fruits, chocolate, mint, spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine.

Many of the foods listed here can be adapted for a "full liquid" diet (not a "clear liquid" diet) by processing in a blender with an appropriate thinning liquid, such as a meat broth, fruit or vegetable juice, or milk.

Grains/starches

 * Pasta cooked soft
 * Rice cooked soft
 * Cooked cereals: oatmeal, porridge, Weetabix/Cream of Wheat
 * Macaroni & cheese
 * Mashed potatoes and gravy
 * Skinless baked potatoes with sour cream or cream cheese

Protein

 * Tofu
 * Cottage cheese
 * Yogurt
 * Scrambled eggs
 * Fish cooked soft
 * Meat loaf, meatballs, cottage pie, and other soft dishes with ground meat

Fruits and vegetables

 * Applesauce
 * Bananas
 * Peeled pears or peaches
 * Avocados
 * Creamed spinach
 * Many kinds of soup
 * Carrots, broccoli, or other vegetables cooked soft or processed in the blender

Desserts

 * Cheesecake
 * Pudding
 * Fruit smoothies
 * Milkshakes
 * Ice cream
 * Custard
 * Biscuits or cookies dipped in tea or milk
 * Yogurt