What is the best thing to eat during chemo? Your guide to navigating treatment side effects with diet.

December 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Cancer Society, good nutrition is critical for cancer patients to maintain strength and better tolerate treatment. Discover what is the best thing to eat during chemo by focusing on nutrient-dense foods and tailored dietary strategies to manage common side effects.

Quick Summary

Optimal nutrition during chemotherapy involves eating small, frequent meals and selecting bland, high-protein foods to manage side effects like nausea, fatigue, and appetite loss. Food safety is also crucial to prevent illness.

Key Points

Eat Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of large meals, opt for 5-6 smaller, blander meals throughout the day to combat nausea and appetite loss.
Focus on High-Calorie, High-Protein Foods: When appetite is low, choose nutrient-dense items like eggs, avocados, and protein-rich smoothies to maintain strength and weight.
Choose Soft and Bland Foods for Mouth Sores: If you have a sore mouth, eat soft, moist, and cool foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soups, and avoid spicy or acidic items.
Manage Nausea with Cooler Foods and Ginger: Foods and drinks at room temperature or colder, along with ginger tea or candies, can help reduce nausea associated with treatment.
Practice Strict Food Safety: Due to a compromised immune system, avoid raw or undercooked meats, unpasteurized products, and communal food sources to prevent illness.
Stay Hydrated Between Meals: Sip clear liquids like water, broth, or herbal teas throughout the day, rather than with meals, to avoid feeling full and becoming nauseated.

Managing Common Chemo Side Effects with Diet

Chemotherapy can cause a range of side effects that make eating challenging. Addressing these issues with targeted dietary choices is essential for maintaining strength and energy. While a standard "healthy diet" often prioritizes low-fat foods, chemotherapy may require a diet higher in calories and protein to prevent weight loss and muscle wasting.

Combating Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea is one of the most common and distressing side effects of chemotherapy. Dietary adjustments can make a significant difference.

Eat small, frequent meals: Having an empty stomach can worsen nausea. Instead of three large meals, try eating five or six smaller, blander meals throughout the day.
Choose bland, low-fat foods: Foods that are easy to digest, such as crackers, toast, rice, and plain pasta, are often well-tolerated. Avoid greasy, fried, and overly sweet foods.
Opt for cool or room-temperature foods: Hot foods tend to have stronger odors, which can trigger nausea. Cold foods like yogurt, ice cream, popsicles, and chicken salad sandwiches often work better.
Sip liquids between meals: Drinking too much with a meal can make you feel full and trigger nausea. Try sipping clear liquids like ginger ale (without fizz), apple juice, or broth throughout the day. Ginger and peppermint tea are also helpful.
Avoid cooking smells: Stay away from the kitchen during cooking times if the smell of food is nauseating. Ask for help with meal preparation if possible.

Fighting Fatigue and Appetite Loss

Chemotherapy-related fatigue and a reduced appetite can lead to weight and muscle loss, making it harder to tolerate treatment. The focus here is on maximizing nutrient and calorie intake.

Prioritize high-calorie, high-protein foods: If your appetite is low, choose foods that pack a nutritional punch in smaller portions. Examples include eggs, nuts, avocados, and dairy products like cheese and yogurt.
Keep easy-to-prepare snacks handy: Stock your pantry with convenient, nutritious snacks like peanut butter and crackers, dried fruit, granola bars, and cheese sticks.
Try nutrient-rich smoothies: A homemade smoothie is a customizable way to get protein, healthy fats, and fruits in a single, easy-to-consume drink. Blend fruits, leafy greens, a protein source (yogurt or protein powder), and healthy fat (avocado or nut butter).
Eat whenever you feel best: Don't force yourself to eat on a set schedule. If you have a better appetite in the morning, make that your biggest meal.

Soothing Mouth Sores and Dry Mouth

Mouth sores and dry mouth can make chewing and swallowing painful. The key is to choose soft, moist, and gentle foods.

Eat soft, bland foods: Mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, well-cooked pasta, oatmeal, and yogurt are all good options.
Moisten foods: Use sauces, gravies, broth, or olive oil to add moisture to dry foods. For added calories, use full-fat milk or cream.
Consume cold and frozen foods: Ice cream, sherbet, popsicles, and frozen yogurt can be soothing. Sucking on ice chips can also numb the mouth.
Avoid irritants: Stay away from spicy, salty, and acidic foods, as well as rough-textured items like crackers, chips, and raw vegetables.

Dietary Recommendations at a Glance


Side Effect	Best Foods to Eat	Foods to Avoid
Nausea	Bland, low-fat foods (toast, crackers, rice), clear liquids (broth, ginger ale), cool or cold foods	Greasy, fried, fatty foods; strong-smelling foods; overly sweet foods
Loss of Appetite / Fatigue	High-protein/high-calorie items (avocado, nuts, eggs, dairy), small frequent meals, nutrient-dense smoothies	Low-calorie foods that fill you up (lettuce, diet soda); skipping meals; eating too fast
Mouth Sores / Dry Mouth	Soft, moist foods (mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt), cool/frozen foods (ice cream, popsicles), sauces/gravies to moisten food	Spicy, acidic, or salty foods; crunchy or rough textures (chips, toast); hot foods; alcohol
Diarrhea	BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), low-fiber foods (white bread), fluids with electrolytes (sports drinks, broth)	High-fiber foods; greasy/fried foods; dairy products (if lactose intolerant); sugary drinks
Constipation	High-fiber foods (whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans), adequate fluids (water, prune juice), hot beverages	Insufficient fiber intake; dehydration; high-caffeine drinks
Taste / Smell Changes	Bland foods (oatmeal, broth); tart foods (if no mouth sores); use plastic utensils; use herbs and spices; eat marinated meats	Red meat (if metallic taste occurs); strong-smelling foods; favorite foods (can develop aversion)

Essential Food Safety Practices During Treatment

Chemotherapy can weaken the immune system, making food safety more critical than ever.

Avoid raw or undercooked items: This includes meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, sprouts, and unpasteurized dairy products.
Handle food properly: Keep raw meats separate from produce, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and cook foods to the correct internal temperature.
Be cautious with public food sources: Avoid communal buffets, salad bars, and bulk bins where items can be contaminated.
Prioritize freshness: Check expiration dates and consume leftovers within a few days.

Conclusion: Prioritize Comfort and Nutrients

During chemotherapy, the best thing to eat is whatever your body can tolerate while still providing essential nutrients. Focus on managing specific side effects, eating small and frequent meals, and maintaining vigilant food safety. Don't be afraid to adjust your diet from day to day and listen to your body's signals. Always consult your oncology care team or a registered dietitian for personalized advice tailored to your specific needs and treatment plan. Finding a sustainable way to eat during this challenging time will help you maintain your strength and improve your overall quality of life.

For more in-depth nutritional guidance, refer to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you experience a metallic taste, try using plastic or bamboo utensils instead of metal silverware. Eating tart or slightly sweet foods, or adding herbs and spices like rosemary or mint, can also help mask the flavor. Avoid red meat if it tastes unpleasant and try poultry or beans instead.

It is important to eat something, even if you don't feel like it. Skipping meals can worsen nausea and fatigue. Instead, focus on eating small, frequent, and nutrient-dense snacks every few hours to keep your strength up. Drink nourishing shakes or smoothies if solid food is difficult.

Spicy and highly seasoned foods are generally not recommended during chemotherapy, especially if you are experiencing nausea, mouth sores, or digestive issues. These can irritate your digestive tract. Opt for blander foods and add flavor with herbs instead.

Nutritional supplements can be an excellent way to get extra calories and protein when your appetite is low. However, it is crucial to discuss any supplements with your oncology team or a registered dietitian before starting, as some ingredients may interfere with your treatment.

The BRAT diet—Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast—consists of bland, low-fiber foods that can help manage diarrhea. These foods are easy to digest and can provide energy without irritating the digestive system.

To increase calories in a smaller volume, try adding nutrient-dense ingredients to your food. This can include adding olive oil or avocado to dishes, using cream or whole milk instead of water, and incorporating cheese, nut butters, or powdered milk into meals and shakes.

Due to a weakened immune system, it's vital to avoid foods with a higher risk of foodborne illness. This includes raw or undercooked meat, poultry, fish, and eggs, unpasteurized dairy and juices, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and items from bulk bins or buffets.