What to drink when no appetite? A nutritional guide

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Overcoming poor appetite can be a challenge during illness, stress, or other conditions, but prioritizing fluids is vital to avoid dehydration and nutrient loss. In these situations, knowing what to drink when no appetite is present can be the key to staying nourished and aiding recovery.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the most nutritious and easy-to-digest drink options for individuals with low appetite. Learn about high-calorie smoothies, protein-rich beverages, nourishing soups, and fortified milks to maintain proper nutrition and hydration.

Key Points

High-calorie drinks are key: Opt for milkshakes, smoothies, and fortified milk to maximize calorie and protein intake when solid food is difficult to consume.
Sip, don't gulp: Liquids can cause a feeling of fullness. Drink small amounts frequently throughout the day, or between meals, rather than large quantities at once.
Prioritize savory options: If sweet drinks are unappealing, nourishing soups, broths, and savory protein drinks are excellent alternatives for hydration and nutrients.
Utilize oral nutrition supplements: For maximum convenience and consistent nutrition, consider ready-to-drink commercial supplements like Ensure or Boost.
Enhance flavor for appeal: If plain water or bland liquids are unappetizing, add fresh fruit, mint, or lemon to infuse flavor and encourage more drinking.
Choose fortified options: When selecting dairy or plant-based alternatives, choose full-fat or fortified varieties to ensure higher calorie and nutrient density.

A loss of appetite can stem from many causes, including viral illnesses, side effects of medication, or emotional distress. While it may feel like a temporary inconvenience, consistently failing to meet your body's nutritional needs can lead to lethargy, delayed recovery, and unintended weight loss. Fortunately, a variety of liquid and semi-liquid options can provide the necessary energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals when solid food is unappealing. Focus on nutrient-dense beverages rather than empty-calorie options like plain water or black coffee, which can fill you up without providing sustenance.

High-Calorie, Nutrient-Dense Shakes and Smoothies

Homemade smoothies and milkshakes are among the most effective ways to consume a concentrated dose of calories and protein with minimal effort. You can pack these drinks with a wide range of ingredients to meet specific nutritional goals. For maximum benefit, always opt for full-fat dairy products or high-calorie plant-based alternatives. The key is to make each sip count.

Here are some ideas for creating a nourishing shake:

Fortified Milk: Blend full-fat milk with a few tablespoons of skimmed milk powder to boost protein and calories. Use it as a base for other drinks.
Fruit Smoothie: Combine fruit (fresh or frozen), full-fat yogurt (especially Greek yogurt for extra protein), and a splash of milk or fruit juice. Adding a tablespoon of nut butter or a handful of oats can increase the calorie content significantly.
Protein Shake: Add a scoop of your preferred protein powder to any shake or smoothie to meet daily protein needs crucial for recovery and muscle maintenance.
Iced Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Use fortified milk as a base for these comforting beverages. A scoop of ice cream can also add calories and make the drink more palatable if you prefer cold options.

Savory Soups and Broths

For those who prefer savory flavors, soups and broths are excellent for hydration and can be made nutrient-rich. They are often easier to digest and less overwhelming than solid meals. Opt for creamier, thicker soups over thin, clear broths for a higher calorie count.

Cream of Vegetable Soup: Puree vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or asparagus with full-fat milk or cream. A sprinkle of grated cheese or a tablespoon of olive oil can add extra calories and flavor.
Lentil or Split Pea Soup: These legumes add fiber and plant-based protein. Blend until smooth for an easy-to-drink option.
Nutritious Broth: While simple broths offer hydration and electrolytes, fortified versions can offer more. You can enrich a chicken or vegetable broth by adding a scoop of protein powder, blending in some cooked rice, or swirling in an egg for extra nutrients.

Oral Nutrition Supplements (ONS)

When preparing drinks is too much effort, or you need a reliable source of nutrients, commercially available oral nutrition supplements are a convenient solution. These products, such as Ensure and Boost, are specifically formulated to provide balanced nutrition in a liquid form.

Comparing Hydrating Drink Options


Drink Type	Key Nutrients	Pros	Cons
High-Calorie Smoothies	Protein, Carbohydrates, Healthy Fats, Vitamins	Customizable, uses whole foods, easy to digest, can be high in calories	Requires preparation, may not appeal to those with flavor sensitivities
Fortified Milk/Milkshakes	Protein, Calcium, Vitamins	Readily available, comforting, versatile for hot or cold drinks	Not suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals unless using lactose-free options
Nourishing Soups	Vitamins, Minerals, Fiber (if blended), Protein	Hydrating, savory option, warm broth can be soothing for illness	Lower calorie density than shakes unless fortified, some preparation required
Oral Nutrition Supplements	Balanced Protein, Carbohydrates, Vitamins, Minerals	Convenient, portion-controlled, consistent nutritional content, requires no preparation	Can be expensive, flavors may not appeal to everyone, artificial ingredients
Electrolyte Drinks	Sodium, Potassium, Chloride	Replenishes lost minerals, crucial for serious illness or dehydration	Often high in sugar if not a low-sugar version, typically low in other nutrients

Practical Tips for Staying Nourished

Drink Between Meals: If liquids make you feel full, consume them at least 30 minutes before or after attempting solid food.
Keep it Cold: For many people with a low appetite, cold or room-temperature drinks are more palatable than hot ones.
Enhance Water Flavor: Plain water is essential but can be boring. Infuse it with fresh fruit, mint, or cucumber to make it more appealing.
Utilize Ice Blocks and Custard: For a different texture and temperature, ice blocks or nutrient-dense custards can be a good source of fluid and calories.
Eat Small and Often: Instead of three large meals, consume smaller, nutrient-dense drinks and snacks throughout the day, every couple of hours.

Conclusion

When your appetite is low, prioritizing nutrient-dense liquids is the most effective strategy for preventing dehydration and nutritional deficiencies. From customizable, high-calorie smoothies and nourishing fortified milks to savory soups and convenient oral supplements, there are multiple ways to keep your body fueled and supported during recovery. If your poor appetite persists for more than a few days or leads to significant weight loss, it is vital to consult a healthcare professional for guidance. Embracing these liquid nutritional options ensures your body gets the energy it needs to bounce back stronger. You can find more tips on managing a poor appetite from trusted sources like the Mayo Clinic.

Additional Drink Ideas

Mango Lassi: A refreshing and high-calorie yogurt drink.
Chocolate Banana Smoothie: Blend milk, banana, chocolate spread, and a spoonful of nut butter for a tasty, energy-boosting treat.
Fortified Hot Chocolate: Make with full-fat milk and added milk powder for extra calories and protein.
Coconut Water: A natural source of electrolytes, especially good for hydration.
Creamy Rice Pudding: While a solid food, a runny rice pudding can be easily consumed and fortified with cream or milk powder.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a quick energy boost, a high-calorie smoothie made with ingredients like banana, full-fat yogurt, and nut butter is highly effective. Commercial nutritional shakes like Ensure also offer a balanced and convenient option.

While clear broths are excellent for hydration and replacing electrolytes, they typically lack significant calories and protein. For sustained energy, choose creamier, fortified soups or supplement them with other nutrient-dense liquids.

This depends on personal preference, as both can be soothing. However, many people find cold or room-temperature beverages, such as iced coffee or fruit smoothies, to be more palatable and less likely to trigger nausea than hot drinks when their appetite is low.

You can increase the calorie density of a shake by adding ingredients such as nut butters, full-fat Greek yogurt, seeds (like chia or flax), a scoop of protein powder, or extra milk powder.

For those avoiding dairy, good options include smoothies made with fortified plant-based milk (like soy or oat), coconut water for electrolytes, and creamy soups blended with coconut milk or cashews.

If a low appetite persists for more than a few days, leads to significant or unintentional weight loss, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, you should consult a doctor or registered dietitian for advice.

While water is essential for hydration, relying solely on it is not recommended during prolonged periods of low appetite. It provides no energy or nutrients, and you risk becoming lethargic and malnourished. It's better to consume nutrient-rich fluids alongside water.