Soft Food Diets

When does my child need a soft food diet?

Children in treatment for serious illnesses or having surgery sometimes need a soft food diet.

Reasons can include:

• Mouth sores during cancer treatment
• Oral surgery
• Swallowing issues

Foods that are easy to chew and swallow will make eating easier for your child. These ideas might help:

• Cook foods until they are soft and tender.
• Cut foods into small pieces.
• Mix foods with sauces and gravies.
• Use a blender to puree food (make creamy).
• Use a straw to help with swallowing.
• Try several small meals during the day.

Foods on this list can be part of a soft food diet:

Beverages

• Cocoa
• Milk
• Fruit juices (except citrus)
• Water

Bread and cereal products

• Grits
• Oatmeal
• Soft bread
• Dry cereals soaked in milk
• Muffins
• Pasta with white sauce, cheese, or butter

Fruits

• Cooked or canned fruits
• Soft fruits

• Scrambled eggs
• Hard boiled eggs
• Soft meats
• Cottage cheese
• Sliced cheese
• Creamy peanut butter

Vegetables

• Green beans
• Green peas
• Cooked spinach
• Potatoes (mashed or baked)
• Squash
• Asparagus
• Beans

Other foods

• Soups (except tomato-based)
• Butter
• Mayonnaise
• Oils
• Cream gravy

• Gelatin
• Ice cream
• Pudding
• Soft cookies
• Yogurt
• Popsicles
• Cake without nuts

Call your child’s care team if you have questions about their dietary needs.