• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Burnt Apple
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » review

    High Protein Clear Liquid Diet Ideas for Colonoscopy or Surgery

    Published: May 5, 2019 · Modified: Jan 14, 2024 by burntapple · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

    Natural and organic high protein clear liquid diet ideas are perfect for colonscopy and surgery procedures. See our full list of natural and organic clear liquid diet options here.

    high protein natural and organic clear liquid diet options

    Importance of Protein on a Clear Liquid Diet

    If you are looking at having to do a clear liquid diet, these high protein clear liquid diet ideas are fantastic ways to get some protein in. when I had my colonoscopy I focused a lot on getting protein. I was already so sick that it felt nice not to have to eat anything, but my energy was non existent once I was put on a clear liquid diet. It is really hard on a clear liquid diet to feel like you are up and down energy wise. Most clear liquid diets don't have a lot of calories and have a lot of sugar. So you just feel like you are crashing all day long.

    What Can You Have On a Clear Liquid Diet?

    Prior to doing your cleanse the night before your colonoscopy or having nothing by mouth if it's surgery, your doctor may recommend a clear liquid diet.

    Definition. A clear liquid diet consists of clear liquids — such as water, broth and plain gelatin — that are easily digested and leave no undigested residue in your intestinal tract. 

    This includes sports drinks, soda, jello, popsicles, broth, juice, water, tea and coffee.

    What this doesn't include? Protein. Or nutrients your body needs.

    In addition a lot of these foods have a lot of dyes and artificial ingredients and flavors. Not the healthiest. Most colonoscopy prep instructions ask you to refrain from consuming any red, purple or blue dyes in your clear liquid diet. So this can be very problematic if you have food allergies or are unable to consume certain products because of their ingredients. And if you're diabetic? Clear liquid diets as a diabetic can be a nightmare!

    What Kind of Protein Can You Have On a Clear Liquid Diet?

    This was tough to research but I was able to find some information on some websites that gave some good information. Most likely since whatever you consume will need to be see through and liquid, the kind of protein you are going to consume is going to be a protein powder that is able to easily break down in whatever you are going to drink or eat. The two most common protein sources I found for clear liquid diet ideas were whey derived and collagen derived.

    Here are some great examples of things you CAN have that will give you some extra protein on a clear liquid diet:

    PROTEIN STICKS

    Vital Proteins offers a HUGE variety of protein options for a clear liquid diet. We LOVE their protein sticks. Since my son is only going to be on a clear liquid diet for a day, the protein sticks are perfect to mix into his jello, broth and juice. They cost around $1 a stick at our local health food store. Much less expensive than buying a whole container of protein.

    PROTEIN SHOTS

    These clear liquid protein shots are perfect for having on hand. They easily fit into your pocket and can be a great supplement. Vital Proteins is the winner here again with $1 shots available at checkout.

    PROTEIN WATER/PROTEIN SPORTS DRINKS

    I found some really cool flavored clear liquid drink bottles on bariatric sites, but became disappointed when I saw many of them included artificial flavors. I found that Isopure has a flavored protein drink that includes 20 grams of protein in each 16 oz drink! Plus it includes lot's of nutrients your body needs.

    HIGH PROTEIN JELLO

    Yeah, you can make your jello high protein too. Grab one packet of Simply Delish jello. Prepare the jello as directed on the package, and at the end mix in one scoop of unflavored protein powder prior to placing it in the fridge.

    To make your own jello at home

    In an 8×8 inch pan, pour ½ cup of juice. Sprinkle 2 ½ teaspoons of gelatin over the top. Allow it to sit. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups of juice with around 3 tablespoons of honey or 2 tablespoons sugar. Heat just to boiling, stirring several times. Remove from heat and pour the hot water slowly into the gelatin and juice mixture. Use a whisk, stir until gelatin is dissolved. Add one scoop protein powder and stir. Refrigerate several hours to set.

    Note: Try to avoid pineapple juice. It doesn’t set up properly.

    HIGH PROTEIN POPSICLES

    You can make high protein popsicles for a clear liquid diet. I usually will mix up the jello mixture above and pour it into popsicle molds and freeze. You can also mix together some fruit juice (white grape, apple or other see through juices) and a protein stick and then place in a popsicle mold and freeze.

    HIGH PROTEIN HARD CANDY/GUM

    Some doctors will allow you to suck on hard candy the day before your surgery or chew gum. (As long as you don't swallow the gum).

    I haven't been able to find any high protein lollipops or hard candy but high protein gum has increased in popularity. I guess if you are worried about calories at this point (you probably will wonder why you worried so much about calories after you do your colon cleanse) gum is a great option to keep you feeling fuller. This protein gum has five grams of protein, no sugar, no carbs and no fat.

    Note: Gum and hard candy are usually NOT allowed once you are ordered to eat nothing by mouth prior to your procedure or surgery.

    HIGH PROTEIN BROTH

    High protein broth is very popular. The best bet for the most nutrient friendly is to make your own bone marrow broth, but you can also easily purchase all natural high protein broths now too. BariLife offers a high protein chicken broth that contains 15 grams of protein in a cup of soup--that's 10-12 grams more than regular chicken broth!

    HIGH PROTEIN SODA

    Fizzique offers a high protein all natural soda that tastes amazing! Each soda can contains 20 grams of protein, 80 calories and nothing unnatural. It comes in great flavors too like grapefruit and lemon lime.

    HIGH PROTEIN COFFEE/TEA

    No, this is where I draw the line. You already have to give up your creamer for the day. The morning is really going to be rough since you can't stop at Starbucks on your way in. No protein powder in coffee. You can consult Google and see if I'm right but the majority of people did not recommend putting protein powder in your coffee. And the majority of high protein coffee you can buy isn't highly received or contains creamer or milk.

    High protein teas though, there are on the market. Boba Tea Protein contains as much protein as an egg and as much fiber as an apple.

    Do you have some other products that you recommend? Leave a comment and we will add them to the list!

    RECOMMENDED ARTICLES:

    Natural and Organic Clear Liquid Diet Colonoscopy Options

    Allergy Friendly Sick Day Foods (Perfect for After Your Colonoscopy or Surgery)

    Images Courtesy BurntApple.com, Medical News Today, TodayIFoundOut.com,

    « 10 Best Food When Sick and You Have Food Allergies
    Creme Brulee French Toast Casserole »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Lauryn Werschem

      November 16, 2020 at 9:50 pm

      Can u have protiene shakes on clear liquid phase

      Reply
      • burntapple

        November 17, 2020 at 8:10 pm

        Like the article states, my doctor approved it but it was because I had been so sick. I could only take it up to a certain amount of time before I had to move to a clear liquid diet. I would consult with your doctor and ask them if they are okay with it. I found a lot depended on the doctor.

        Reply
    2. Carol Bade

      June 07, 2022 at 9:00 am

      Can’t thank you enough for this article as I move forward to a endoscopy and colonoscopy prep tomorrow. I really really appreciate find in this.

      Reply
      • burntapple

        June 08, 2022 at 3:28 pm

        I'm so glad it helped you! I hope your colonoscopy went well!

        Reply
        • Tony Cabler

          September 19, 2022 at 8:49 am

          Thank you for such great content is a small package. Great info!
          I've been on a liquid diet for 3 days and couldn't figure out how to get some much needed protein for a little energy. Now I know.

        • burntapple

          September 19, 2022 at 9:16 pm

          I'm sorry to hear you are on a liquid diet and hope you get feeling better soon! I'm glad I was able to help you out! Hang in there and keep me posted if you find any other products that helped! --Traci

    3. Sarah Emmons

      November 18, 2022 at 1:54 pm

      What about orgain vegan protein powders? Because I love to dio my popsicles in them and eat them that way. It doesn't seem much different from mixing it with water. Right?

      Reply
      • burntapple

        November 18, 2022 at 7:32 pm

        I don't think they would be considered clear liquid if I remember. I would double check with your doctor or nurse. Let me know what they say!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    traci burntapple website featuring recipes with five ingredients or less

    Hi, I'm Traci! Cooking hasn't always come easy. I'm the burnt pancake on one side and perfect on the other pancake person that serves it to you with the pretty side up. I've learned to cook and make it look easy to my family and others. I'm now helping you save time & money with easy simple recipes with five ingredients or less!

    More about me →

    Popular

    • A vibrant image of two swordfish tacos on yellow corn tortillas, generously filled with grilled swordfish, black beans, corn salsa, shredded cheese, and fresh pico de gallo. They are served on a white paper plate, accompanied by a side of Mexican rice and a small bed of fresh green lettuce.
      5 Ingredient Swordfish Tacos
    • A top-down view of a single, shiny Cheddar's honey butter croissant on a round, white plate featuring black abstract floral and geometric designs. A partial croissant on a wooden board and a grey cloth napkin are visible at the edges, with white orchid flowers in the upper left corner.
      Copycat Cheddars Honey Butter Croissants
    • A mason jar filled with a Sonic-style Dirty Dr Pepper sits on a rustic white wooden surface. The drink is dark brown, filled with ice, and has visible carbonation bubbles on top. A fresh lime wedge is perched on the rim of the jar, while two additional limes, one whole and one sliced in half, rest nearby on the table. The background features a weathered wood texture, adding to the casual, homemade aesthetic.
      Copycat Sonic Dirty Dr Pepper
    • Top-down view of a white plate with a folded scrambled egg and avocado with salsa. The omelet is topped with slices of bright green avocado and a spoonful of chunky red salsa. A silver fork lies across the omelet. To the left of the plate is a folded white cloth napkin. In the upper right corner, a wooden cutting board holds half of a sliced avocado, a small pile of orange powder (possibly paprika), and a small pile of black peppercorns. A white bowl of red salsa is also on the cutting board. The scene is set on a light-colored marble countertop.
      Scrambled Eggs and Avocado with Salsa

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Burnt Apple