What is the best thing to drink when you have no appetite?

December 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Health and Wellbeing Queensland, prioritizing fluid intake and maximizing energy from what you can consume is essential when dealing with a poor appetite. So, what is the best thing to drink when you have no appetite? The answer depends on your specific needs, but focus on easy-to-digest fluids that provide hydration and a nutritional boost, such as smoothies, fortified milks, or nourishing broths.

Quick Summary

When your appetite is low, nutrient-dense fluids offer vital hydration and nourishment. Ideal options include homemade smoothies, fortified milk, or electrolyte-rich broths. These easy-to-digest drinks help maintain energy levels and prevent dehydration, supporting your body's needs while recovering from illness or stress.

Key Points

Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated with liquids like water, broths, and electrolyte drinks is the most important thing to do when you have no appetite, especially during illness.
Prioritize Nutrient-Dense Fluids: Opt for drinks that offer more than just hydration. Nutrient-rich options like smoothies, fortified milk, and bone broth provide essential calories, protein, and vitamins.
Sip Small Amounts Frequently: Instead of trying to force down large quantities, take small, regular sips of fluid throughout the day to avoid overwhelming your stomach and maintain consistent nutrient intake.
Customize Your Drinks: Smoothies can be tailored to include specific nutrients you need, such as extra protein from powders or healthy fats from avocado, making them a powerful tool for nourishment.
Know What to Avoid: When your appetite is low, avoid drinks high in excessive sugar and caffeine, which can lead to energy crashes and further dehydration.
Consider Soothing Options: Warm broths, ginger tea, and lemon tea can be particularly comforting and easy to tolerate, especially if you also have a sore throat or nausea.

Prioritizing Hydration and Nutrition

When you lack an appetite, the most important goal is to prevent dehydration and nutrient deficiencies. Your body still requires energy, vitamins, and minerals to function, especially if you are feeling unwell. While plain water is essential for hydration, incorporating other nourishing beverages can make a significant difference in your recovery. By choosing nutrient-dense liquids, you can provide your body with the fuel it needs without the effort of consuming solid food.

Excellent Choices for Poor Appetite

Here are some of the most effective drinks when you're not feeling hungry:

Smoothies

Smoothies are highly customizable and an excellent way to pack a variety of nutrients into a single, easy-to-consume beverage. You can combine fruits, vegetables, and protein sources to create a complete meal replacement. For maximum nutritional value, consider adding:

Protein: Use Greek yogurt, a scoop of protein powder, or nut butter to increase protein content.
Healthy Fats: Add avocado or nut butter for extra calories and healthy fats.
Vitamins and Minerals: Include a handful of spinach or kale to boost vitamin and mineral intake without affecting the flavor significantly.
Fiber: Incorporate ground flaxseeds or chia seeds for added fiber.

Fortified Milk

For those who tolerate dairy, fortified milk is a calorie and protein-rich option. You can make it by mixing skimmed milk powder or full-cream milk powder with regular milk. This simple trick significantly increases the nutritional value. Fortified milk can be consumed on its own, added to hot chocolate, or used in other recipes. For non-dairy options, similar fortifications can be made using fortified soy or oat milk.

Broths

For a savory, soothing option, broths are a fantastic choice, especially if you're dealing with illness like the flu. Chicken, beef, or vegetable broth can provide warmth and hydration, while also replacing lost electrolytes and providing some nutrients. Bone broth, in particular, is noted for its high mineral content and soothing properties.

Electrolyte-Containing Beverages

If you're experiencing fluid loss from sweating or illness, an electrolyte drink can help restore your body's balance. While plain water is good, low-sugar sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions are even better for replacing electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Be sure to choose options with minimal added sugar.

Herbal Teas

Certain herbal teas can be particularly soothing for an upset stomach and provide hydration. Ginger tea is well-known for its ability to help with nausea. Lemon tea with honey can also be calming. Herbal teas are a good, low-calorie option for those who simply want a warm, flavorful liquid to sip on.

Comparison of Best Drinks for Low Appetite


Drink Type	Benefits	Best For	Considerations
Smoothie	High in calories, protein, and vitamins; fully customizable.	Maximizing nutrition in a small serving.	Requires preparation; potential for too much sugar if using sweetened fruits.
Fortified Milk	High in protein and calories; easy to prepare.	Boosting nutrient intake without large volumes.	Not suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
Broth/Bone Broth	Soothing, hydrating, and provides electrolytes.	Illness, sore throats, or stomach discomfort.	Can be high in sodium; may lack calories for meal replacement.
Electrolyte Drink	Replaces lost electrolytes quickly.	Dehydration due to illness, vomiting, or sweating.	Check for added sugars; should not replace all fluid intake.
Herbal Tea	Hydrating and soothing for an upset stomach.	Nausea or for a warm, comforting beverage.	Minimal nutritional content; not a meal replacement.
Juice (100%)	Source of vitamins and calories.	A simple way to get quick energy and Vitamin C.	Best to look for no added sugar varieties to avoid a sugar crash.

How to Incorporate These Drinks

Sip, Don't Gulp: When you have no appetite, consuming too much at once can be overwhelming. Take small, frequent sips throughout the day to ensure steady hydration and calorie intake.
Prioritize Hydration After Meals: To avoid filling up on fluids before consuming nutrients, focus on drinking water and other liquids between meals, rather than with them.
Drink on a Schedule: Rather than waiting for hunger cues, which may not come, try drinking something small every 2-3 hours. This ensures consistent nourishment.

Conclusion

When you have no appetite, the best course of action is to focus on nourishing, easy-to-digest drinks to stay hydrated and provide essential nutrients to your body. Nutrient-dense smoothies are an excellent, customizable choice for a quick meal replacement. Fortified milk offers a simple way to increase calorie and protein intake. Warm broths and herbal teas are soothing for illness, while electrolyte beverages are crucial for rehydration during significant fluid loss. By incorporating these strategies, you can continue to nourish your body and support your recovery, even when solid food is unappealing. Remember to take small, frequent sips and prioritize your fluid intake throughout the day. For persistent issues with appetite loss, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.

Visit the official Mayo Clinic resource for more information on managing low appetite during illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a quick energy boost, a fruit smoothie with a protein source like yogurt or a scoop of protein powder is ideal. Natural fruit juice (100% with no added sugar) is also a good option for a simple calorie and vitamin C hit.

If you are struggling to keep fluids down due to vomiting, sipping on an oral rehydration solution or an electrolyte drink is the best option. These are specifically formulated to replace fluids and lost minerals, and should be taken in very small, frequent sips.

Yes, regular full-fat milk is a good source of calories and protein. For an even bigger nutritional boost, you can make fortified milk by mixing milk powder with regular milk. However, if you are lactose intolerant, a fortified dairy-free alternative is a better choice.

Yes, bone broth is highly beneficial. It is hydrating, warm, and easy to digest. It provides electrolytes and minerals, which can be very soothing for the digestive system and helpful during illness.

Adding protein powder to smoothies or milkshakes is a very effective way to increase your protein intake without consuming solid food. This is especially helpful if you're ill or recovering and need extra protein for repair and energy.

Rather than waiting for hunger cues, which may be absent, it's beneficial to consume a small amount of a nourishing drink every 2-3 hours. This helps to maintain your nutrient and energy levels consistently throughout the day.

You should avoid drinks that are low in nutritional value, such as plain sodas, and be wary of excessive caffeine and alcohol. These can contribute to dehydration and offer little to no nutritional benefit.