What Nutrition Drinks Are Good for Chemo Patients?

January 7, 2026 •

5 min read

According to the National Cancer Institute, chemotherapy can cause side effects that interfere with appetite and the ability to absorb nutrients, leading to weight loss and malnutrition. Specialized nutrition drinks offer a convenient way for patients to get the high-protein, high-calorie support they need to maintain strength and manage treatment side effects.

Quick Summary

Specialized nutrition drinks can help manage chemotherapy side effects like appetite loss, nausea, and taste changes. Options include commercial supplements like Ensure and Boost, as well as easy-to-digest homemade smoothies packed with protein, calories, and key nutrients.

Key Points

Combat Weight Loss and Malnutrition: Chemotherapy side effects can cause a decline in appetite and weight. High-calorie and high-protein nutrition drinks help provide concentrated nutrients to prevent muscle wasting and support overall health.
Choose Commercial Supplements: Brands like Ensure, Boost, and Kate Farms offer ready-to-drink options tailored for different needs, including high-calorie, high-protein, and plant-based formulations.
Create Customized Homemade Drinks: Homemade shakes using ingredients like full-fat Greek yogurt, nut butters, and avocado allow for maximum customization to address specific taste changes and sensitivities.
Address Specific Side Effects: Certain drinks are better for different symptoms; for instance, cool, bland juices or specialized drinks like Boost Soothe are best for nausea and mouth sores, while energy-dense shakes help with appetite loss.
Consult a Healthcare Professional: It is crucial to work with an oncologist or registered dietitian to find the right nutrition plan and drinks for your specific situation.
Focus on Protein and Calories: During cancer treatment, the body often needs more protein and calories than usual to heal and maintain strength. Prioritize nutrient-dense liquids to meet these increased needs.
Prioritize Food Safety: Due to a potentially weakened immune system, practicing strict food safety is essential. Avoid unpasteurized products, raw foods, and expired items.

Why Are Nutrition Drinks Important During Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy and radiation can lead to many eating problems, including nausea, taste alterations, sore mouth, and appetite loss. Maintaining proper nutrition is vital during this period to help the body heal, rebuild muscle, and fight infection. Nutrition drinks are an excellent tool for cancer patients who struggle to consume solid foods, providing concentrated energy, protein, and nutrients in a liquid form.

Benefits of Liquid Nutrition for Chemo Patients

Prevents Weight Loss and Muscle Wasting: Chemotherapy can cause cancer cachexia, a wasting syndrome characterized by weakness and loss of fat and muscle. High-calorie and high-protein drinks help combat this by providing dense nutrition that is easy to consume.
Manages Side Effects: Many drinks are formulated to alleviate specific side effects. For instance, cold, bland drinks are often easier to tolerate for those with mouth sores or nausea, while others have ingredients to soothe taste changes.
Hydrates and Restores Electrolytes: Frequent vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Nutritional beverages, including sports drinks and broths, help replenish fluids and lost electrolytes.
Boosts Energy Levels: A steady intake of calories and nutrients, even in small sips throughout the day, provides sustained energy to fight fatigue.

Commercial Nutrition Drinks for Chemo Patients

Several well-known brands offer targeted formulas to address specific challenges faced by cancer patients. It is always best to consult with a dietitian to choose the right one for your individual needs.

Ensure and Boost: These are two of the most recognized names in oral nutritional supplements. They come in various formulations designed for different needs, including high-calorie versions (Ensure Plus, Boost VHC), high-protein versions (Ensure Max Protein), and plant-based options.
Boost Soothe: Specifically designed for cancer patients experiencing taste changes or oral discomfort, this clear protein drink provides a refreshing, cooling sensation. It is formulated without ingredients known for causing a metallic aftertaste.
Kate Farms: This is a plant-based, organic, and lactose-free option that is calorie-dense and provides fiber. It's a good choice for those with lactose sensitivities or who prefer a vegan diet.
ProSure: An Abbott Nutrition product specifically formulated to combat cancer-induced weight loss. It is energy-dense, high in protein, and enriched with EPA.

Homemade & DIY Nutrition Drink Options

For those who prefer a more natural approach or need to accommodate specific sensitivities, homemade shakes and smoothies are an excellent alternative. They allow for complete control over ingredients, addressing taste changes, allergies, and nutritional goals.

High-Calorie Milkshakes: A simple recipe can include whole milk, ice cream, skim milk powder, and a dash of cream for a high-calorie boost.
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie: Blending a frozen banana with peanut butter, soy or almond milk, and a scoop of protein powder provides an easy-to-digest mix of protein, healthy fats, and calories.
Anti-Nausea Ginger Smoothie: A blend of banana, pineapple, Greek yogurt, ginger, and turmeric can help soothe nausea and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
Protein-Fortified Fruit Juice: Mixing whey or plant-based protein powder into fruit juice (like apple or grape) is a great option for those with dairy intolerance or those who struggle with milk-based drinks.

Comparison of Commercial vs. Homemade Drinks


Feature	Commercial Nutrition Drinks	Homemade Nutrition Drinks
Convenience	Ready-to-drink options or easy-to-mix powders, requiring minimal preparation.	Requires shopping for multiple ingredients and daily blending, but allows for fresh, whole foods.
Cost	Can be more expensive over time, especially for high-calorie or specialized formulas.	Generally more cost-effective as you buy bulk ingredients.
Customization	Limited to available flavors and formulations. Some brands offer more options.	Fully customizable for specific taste preferences, dietary restrictions (e.g., vegan), and symptom management.
Nutritional Profile	Standardized to provide a specific balance of protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals.	Can be easily fortified with nutrient-dense additions like nuts, seeds, yogurt, and oils to increase protein and calories.
Taste Considerations	Specialized products like Boost Soothe are designed to minimize metallic aftertaste from chemotherapy.	Flavors can be adjusted to be more or less intense, and fresh ingredients can help with taste changes.
Gut Health	Some products contain added fiber or prebiotics.	Greek yogurt, kefir, and ground flax or chia seeds can add natural probiotics and fiber.

Choosing a Drink Based on Specific Side Effects

Matching the drink to the specific side effect can maximize its benefit.

For Nausea and Taste Changes

Choose clear, cool, and bland beverages like Boost Soothe or apple and grape juice.
Herbal teas, especially ginger or peppermint, can help calm the stomach.
Use plastic cutlery when drinking to minimize any metallic tastes.

For Weight Loss and Poor Appetite

Opt for high-calorie, high-protein supplements like Ensure Plus or Boost Very High Calorie.
Add calorie-boosting ingredients to homemade shakes, such as avocados, full-fat Greek yogurt, nut butters, or powdered milk.
Sip frequently throughout the day instead of trying to finish large amounts at once.

For Mouth Sores or Swallowing Difficulties

Select smooth, non-acidic, and bland drinks.
Milkshakes, liquid yogurt, and creamy soups are good options.
Avoid citrus juices and carbonated drinks that can irritate sores.

Final Recommendations and Important Considerations

While nutrition drinks are a valuable tool, they are best used under medical supervision. The best approach is to work with an oncology dietitian who can assess your individual nutritional needs, monitor weight, and manage specific side effects. They can help determine whether a commercial product, a homemade recipe, or a combination of both is most appropriate for you.

It is also important to prioritize food safety, especially for those with weakened immune systems due to chemotherapy. Always check expiration dates and follow safe handling procedures for all food and drinks. Listen to your body and adjust as needed, as what is tolerable one day may not be the next.

Boost Your Nutrition with the Right Drinks During Cancer Treatment is a resource offering further information on meal replacement shakes for cancer patients.

Conclusion

Navigating nutrition during chemotherapy is challenging, but the right drinks can make a significant difference in managing symptoms, maintaining weight, and supporting recovery. A variety of commercial and homemade options are available, each offering unique benefits for different side effects. By collaborating with a healthcare team and focusing on high-protein and high-calorie choices, patients can effectively supplement their nutrition and maintain their strength throughout their treatment journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

While some protein shakes can be beneficial, it is best to consult a healthcare professional. Many commercial shakes are formulated to meet specific nutritional needs during cancer treatment, providing a more balanced profile of vitamins, minerals, calories, and easily digestible protein than standard fitness supplements.

Yes, plant-based options like Kate Farms or homemade smoothies with soy milk, plant-based protein powder, and nut butters are excellent for patients with lactose intolerance or those who prefer vegan options. They can provide ample calories and protein necessary for maintaining strength.

If you experience a metallic taste, try using plastic or silicone utensils instead of metal silverware. Drink beverages that are sweet or sour, such as lemonade or cherry juice. Nestle's Boost Soothe is a clear protein drink specifically designed to minimize this metallic aftertaste.

You can add calorie-dense ingredients such as nut butters (peanut, almond), full-fat Greek yogurt, avocado, coconut oil, and powdered milk to boost the caloric content of your shakes and smoothies. This helps prevent weight loss and provides extra energy.

For nausea, opt for cool, clear, and bland liquids. Sipping small amounts throughout the day can be easier on the stomach than large quantities at once. Herbal teas like ginger or peppermint and commercial products like Boost Soothe are often well-tolerated.

Yes, nutritionally complete meal replacement shakes can serve as a substitute for solid meals, especially when appetite is low or eating is difficult. They provide a balanced blend of protein, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals in a convenient, easy-to-digest format.

Yes, making homemade drinks is safe, provided you follow proper food safety guidelines. This includes using pasteurized products (e.g., milk), washing all produce thoroughly, and ensuring all ingredients are fresh to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.