Pancreatitis Food Guide

Browse all 34 foods with traffic-light safety ratings for pancreatitis management.

Showing 34 foods

Chicken Breast

Safe

Fat: 3-4g

Skinless chicken breast is one of the safest protein sources for pancreatitis, containing only 3-4g of fat per 100g. It's easily digestible, high in lean protein, and won't stress the pancreas when baked, grilled, or boiled without added oils.

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Egg Whites

Safe

Fat: 0.2g

Egg whites are an excellent lean protein source with virtually no fat (0.2g per 100g), making them ideal for pancreatitis management. They're easily digestible and won't trigger pancreatic stress.

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Bananas

Safe

Fat: 0.3g

Bananas are virtually fat-free (0.3g per 100g) and provide easy-to-digest carbohydrates, potassium, and fiber. They're gentle on the digestive system and excellent for pancreatitis recovery.

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Greek Yogurt (Non-Fat)

Safe

Fat: 0g

Non-fat Greek yogurt contains 0g of fat while providing high-quality protein (10g per 100g) and probiotics for digestive health. Always choose plain, non-fat varieties without added sugars or fruit toppings.

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White Rice

Safe

Fat: 0.3g

Plain white rice is fat-free (0.3g per 100g) and provides easily digestible carbohydrates without stressing the pancreas. It's a staple safe food for pancreatitis management when cooked with water only.

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Broccoli

Safe

Fat: 0.4g

Broccoli is virtually fat-free (0.4g per 100g) and packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Steamed or boiled broccoli is gentle on the digestive system and supports overall health during pancreatitis management.

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Carrots

Safe

Fat: 0.2g

Carrots contain minimal fat (0.2g per 100g) and are rich in beta-carotene and fiber. Cooked carrots are especially easy to digest and safe for pancreatitis, whether steamed, boiled, or roasted without oil.

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Pasta (Plain)

Safe

Fat: 1.5g

Plain pasta is very low in fat (1.5g per 100g cooked) and provides safe carbohydrates for energy. Stick to marinara or tomato-based sauces without cream, oil, or cheese. Avoid Alfredo and pesto sauces.

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Potatoes (Baked/Boiled)

Safe

Fat: 0.1g

Plain baked or boiled potatoes are virtually fat-free (0.1g per 100g) and provide filling carbohydrates. Never add butter, sour cream, or cheese. Season with herbs, fat-free yogurt, or a small amount of salt.

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Skim Milk

Safe

Fat: 0.1g

Skim milk contains 0.1g of fat per 100ml while providing calcium and protein. It's an excellent dairy option for pancreatitis. Avoid whole milk (3.5g fat) and 2% milk (2g fat).

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Sweet Potato

Safe

Fat: 0.1g

Sweet potatoes are low in fat (0.1g per 100g) and rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Bake, boil, or steam without added butter or oil for a nutritious, pancreas-safe meal.

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Salmon

Caution

Fat: 13g

Salmon contains 13g of fat per 100g, including beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. While the fats are heart-healthy, portion control is essential. Limit to 3-4oz servings, and choose baked or grilled preparation without added oils.

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Oatmeal (Plain)

Safe

Fat: 1.4g

Plain oatmeal cooked with water or skim milk is low in fat (1.4g per 100g cooked, or about 3g per standard 1-cup serving) and provides soluble fiber that aids digestion. Avoid instant packets with added sugars or flavors. Top with bananas or blueberries instead of nuts.

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Brown Rice

Safe

Fat: 0.9g

Brown rice contains minimal fat (0.9g per 100g cooked, or about 2g per 1-cup serving) while providing more fiber and nutrients than white rice. Cook with water only, and avoid fried rice or rice cooked in butter or oil.

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Whole Wheat Bread

Safe

Fat: 2-3g

Whole wheat bread typically contains 2-3g of fat per slice and provides fiber and complex carbohydrates. Choose varieties without added oils or seeds. Avoid butter or margarine—use fat-free spreads instead.

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Apples

Safe

Fat: 0.2g

Apples are virtually fat-free (0.2g per 100g) and provide fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness. They're easy to digest and make an excellent snack for pancreatitis. Peel if experiencing digestive sensitivity.

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Blueberries

Safe

Fat: 0.3g

Blueberries contain minimal fat (0.3g per 100g) and are packed with antioxidants and vitamins. They're gentle on the digestive system and perfect for adding to oatmeal, yogurt, or eating as a snack.

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Tuna (Canned in Water)

Safe

Fat: 1g

Tuna canned in water is a lean protein source with only 1g of fat per 100g. It's convenient, affordable, and safe for pancreatitis. Never choose tuna in oil—the fat content is 10-15x higher.

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Green Beans

Safe

Fat: 0.2g

Green beans are virtually fat-free (0.2g per 100g) and provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Steam, boil, or roast without oil for a safe, nutritious side dish that won't stress your pancreas.

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Turkey Breast

Safe

Fat: 1-2g

Skinless turkey breast contains only 1-2g of fat per 100g, making it one of the leanest protein sources available. Choose baked, grilled, or roasted preparation without skin or added fats.

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White Fish (Cod/Tilapia)

Safe

Fat: 1-3g

White fish like cod, tilapia, and haddock contain only 1-3g of fat per 100g, making them excellent lean protein sources. Bake, grill, or steam without breading or added oils for a pancreas-safe meal.

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Avocado

Caution

Fat: 15g

Avocados contain healthy fats but are high in overall fat content (15g per 100g). While the fats are beneficial, portion control is critical. Limit to 1/4 avocado per serving and monitor your tolerance.

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Pizza

Avoid

Fat: 10-15g

Traditional pizza is extremely high in fat from cheese and processed meats, often containing 10-15g of fat per slice. The combination of refined carbs, saturated fats, and processed ingredients can trigger severe pancreatitis flare-ups.

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Cucumber

Safe

Fat: 0.1g

Cucumbers are nearly fat-free (0.1g per 100g) and composed of 95% water, making them an excellent low-risk food for pancreatitis. They provide hydration, fiber, and essential vitamins without stressing the pancreas.

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Homemade Flatbread

Safe

Fat: 3g

Homemade flatbread made with whole wheat flour, water, and minimal oil (or oil-free) is a safe pizza alternative. You control the ingredients, keeping fat content under 3g per serving. Top with low-fat ingredients like grilled vegetables and fat-free mozzarella.

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Salmon Fillet

Caution

Fat: 13g

Salmon is rich in Omega-3s but contains roughly 13g of fat per 100g, which is on the borderline for many patients. It is safer to bake or poach rather than pan-fry, and some patients may need to start with white fish before reintroducing fatty fish.

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Pizza (Takeout)

Avoid

Fat: 10g

A standard slice of pepperoni pizza contains over 10g of fat (approx. 12-15g per 100g), primarily from high-fat cheese and greasy meats. The combination of saturated fats and refined carbs requires significant pancreatic enzyme activity, posing a high risk for flare-ups.

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Peanut Butter

Avoid

Fat: 50g

Peanut butter is extremely dense in fat, containing about 50g of fat per 100g. Even a single tablespoon contains 8g of fat, which is often too high for a recovering pancreas to handle without pain.

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Ribeye Steak

Avoid

Fat: 20g

Ribeye is one of the fattiest cuts of beef, containing over 20g of fat per 100g due to heavy marbling. Red meat takes longer to digest and requires substantial enzyme release, making this a major trigger food.

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Olive Oil

Caution

Fat: 100g

Olive oil is 100g of fat per 100g (pure fat). While healthy, it stimulates the pancreas immediately. Use strictly in moderation (max 1 teaspoon) or as a finishing drizzle rather than for frying.

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French Fries

Avoid

Fat: 15-17g

Restaurant french fries act like a sponge for oil, often containing 15-17g of fat per 100g. The deep-frying process makes the fat difficult to digest, leading to severe abdominal cramping and potential attacks.

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Shrimp

Safe

Fat: 1g

Shrimp is naturally very lean, with less than 1g of fat per 100g. It cooks quickly and is easy to digest, making it a safe seafood option if it is steamed or boiled rather than sautéed in butter.

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Cheddar Cheese

Avoid

Fat: 33g

Cheddar cheese is very high in saturated fat, with roughly 33g of fat per 100g. Dairy fats are particularly hard for a compromised pancreas to break down, and even small amounts can cause issues.

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Beer / Alcohol

Avoid

Fat: 0g

Alcohol is a direct toxin to pancreatic cells and causes the Sphincter of Oddi to spasm, blocking enzymes. It has 0g fat but is the leading cause of pancreatitis recurrence and must be strictly avoided.

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