What to Give People with No Appetite for Nutritious Support

October 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study published on the National Library of Medicine, between 15-30% of community-dwelling elderly people experience appetite loss, a condition that can lead to malnutrition and further health issues. Addressing what to give people with no appetite requires focusing on nutrient-dense, palatable foods that are easy to eat and digest.

Quick Summary

This guide covers strategies for feeding individuals with low appetite, focusing on nutrient-dense shakes, fortified foods, and easily digestible meal options. Learn how to make small, frequent meals more appealing and packed with essential calories and protein. Practical tips on creating a positive mealtime atmosphere and food preparation techniques are also included.

Key Points

Start with Nutritious Drinks: Offer high-calorie shakes, smoothies with added protein, or fortified milk when solid food is unappealing.
Serve Small, Frequent Meals: Present small portions more often throughout the day to make eating less intimidating than three large meals.
Focus on Soft, Easy-to-Digest Foods: Opt for gentle-on-the-stomach options like scrambled eggs, soups, and yogurt that require minimal chewing.
Fortify Foods for Extra Calories: Add butter, olive oil, cream, or cheese to boost the nutritional content of meals and snacks without increasing their size.
Enhance Mealtime Experience: Improve flavor with aromatic herbs and spices, serve food attractively, and make mealtimes social or relaxing.
Involve a Healthcare Professional: Consult a doctor or dietitian if appetite loss is prolonged or causes weight loss to address potential medical causes and create a tailored plan.

Appetite loss can be a challenging symptom of many conditions, from illness and medical treatments to anxiety, depression, and age-related changes. The primary goal is to provide maximum nutrition in the smallest, most manageable portions possible. Forcing large meals is often counterproductive and can cause stress for both the individual and the caregiver. The following guide outlines practical and compassionate ways to offer nourishment when hunger is low.

Nutrient-Dense Shakes and Smoothies

When a person struggles with solids, liquid nourishment can be a lifeline. Homemade or commercial shakes and smoothies offer a high concentration of calories, protein, and vitamins in a pleasant, easy-to-consume format.

Fortified Milk: Create a nutrient-packed milk by whisking a few tablespoons of skim milk powder into whole milk. This can be used in cereal, shakes, or standalone beverages.
High-Calorie Smoothies: Blend full-fat yogurt, nut butter, and fruit like bananas or mangoes for a calorie-dense drink. For extra fortification, add protein powder, ground flaxseeds, or nutritional supplement powders.
Commercial Supplements: Ready-to-drink meal replacements such as Kate Farms Nutrition Shake or Ensure can provide a quick, balanced source of calories and protein, especially when energy for preparation is low.

Easy-to-Eat Soft Foods

Soft, moist foods are often more appealing and less intimidating than large, tough meals. They require less chewing and can be prepared in small, frequent servings throughout the day.

Eggs: Scrambled or poached eggs are an excellent source of protein and can be easily fortified with cheese or a dollop of cream.
Soups and Broths: Creamy soups, like a potato and leek or a cream of mushroom, can be thickened with added milk, cream, or cheese for extra calories. Bone broth is another nutrient-rich option.
Dairy-based Foods: Full-fat Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, rice pudding, and custard are gentle on the stomach and provide valuable protein and calories.

High-Calorie Snacks and Fortification

Frequent snacking can be more manageable for those with poor appetite. By fortifying even small snacks, you can significantly increase nutrient and calorie intake.

Fortified Snacks: Serve toast or crackers with high-calorie toppings like avocado, peanut butter, or cream cheese. A handful of nuts and dried fruit also offers a good energy boost.
Finger Foods: For individuals who struggle with utensils, offering bite-sized, nutrient-dense finger foods can be effective. Examples include cheese cubes, cocktail sausages, or soft fruit slices.
Add Extra Fats and Sugars: Simple additions can make a big difference. Add butter to potatoes, cheese to omelets, or honey and cream to porridge. For those with diabetes, focus on healthy fats and protein rather than extra sugar.

Meal Presentation and Atmosphere

Making mealtimes a positive experience can encourage better eating habits. Small changes in how food is presented can make it more appealing.

Aromatics: Using fragrant herbs and spices like ginger, coriander, and cinnamon can stimulate the senses and potentially boost appetite. Serving warm, aromatic dishes can also help.
Colorful Plates: Arrange food with a variety of colors and textures to make the meal visually stimulating.
Social Mealtimes: Eating with company can make meals more enjoyable and lead to greater food intake. If this isn't possible, pairing a meal with a favorite TV show or music can provide a pleasant distraction.

Nutritional Strategy Comparison


Strategy	Pros	Cons
High-Calorie Shakes	Easy to consume; highly nutrient-dense; customizable with flavors; requires minimal effort to eat.	Can cause flavor fatigue; homemade options require preparation; commercial shakes can be expensive.
Soft Foods	Easy to chew and swallow; soothing for mouth sores or discomfort; can be made from a variety of ingredients.	May lack texture and variety over time; can sometimes feel less like a "real" meal than solids.
Frequent Snacking	Less intimidating than large meals; keeps nutrients and calories flowing throughout the day; takes advantage of fleeting hunger.	Requires consistent reminders; may feel like constant eating rather than planned meals.
Food Fortification	Increases calorie and nutrient density without increasing portion size; can be easily added to existing foods.	Requires careful planning; some added fats and sugars may be unsuitable for certain medical conditions.

Conclusion

Supporting someone with no appetite is a process that requires patience, understanding, and creativity. The best approach often involves a combination of strategies, prioritizing nutrient and calorie-dense foods delivered in small, palatable portions. Regularly monitoring food and fluid intake and responding to an individual's changing preferences is key. For those dealing with persistent appetite loss, speaking with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian is recommended to rule out underlying issues and create a specialized nutritional plan. Focusing on compassionate, low-pressure mealtimes and offering appealing, fortified options can make a significant difference in maintaining health and well-being.

How to Discuss Appetite Loss with a Healthcare Professional

It is crucial to involve a doctor or dietitian when appetite issues persist, particularly if unintentional weight loss occurs. A healthcare provider can help identify causes such as medication side effects, psychological factors, or underlying illness. They can also recommend appropriate nutritional supplements or medical interventions if necessary, ensuring a safe and effective care plan.

Consider Professional Support

When caring for someone with persistent appetite issues, professional home care can be an invaluable resource. Caregivers can assist with meal planning, preparation, and providing encouragement during meals, ensuring a consistent and nutritious routine. A positive, supportive environment is crucial for both the individual and their caregivers. For professional homecare support, consider exploring options from organizations like Home Instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Soft and moist foods like yogurt, scrambled eggs, creamy soups, mashed potatoes, and smoothies are easiest to eat. They require less chewing and are gentler on the digestive system.

You can increase calories by fortifying foods. Add full-fat dairy products like cheese and cream, generously use butter or oils, and mix skim milk powder into regular milk or sauces.

Yes, nutritional supplement shakes like Ensure or Boost are a convenient way to provide a balanced source of calories, protein, and vitamins when appetite is low. They are easy to drink and require no preparation.

A pleasant and social mealtime can significantly improve a person's enjoyment of food and stimulate appetite. Eating with company, playing favorite music, or presenting food attractively can all help.

Avoid conflict or pressure, as this can make the situation worse. Instead, offer small, frequent, highly appealing meals or snacks. Take advantage of moments when they feel more hungry, and consult a healthcare team for guidance.

Yes, some aromatic spices and herbs, such as ginger, fennel, and coriander, can stimulate digestive enzymes and reduce bloating, which may lead to an increased interest in food.

The priority is often calorie intake and preventing weight loss. While not ideal long-term, offering appealing high-calorie options like ice cream, milkshakes, or full-fat desserts can be acceptable in the short term, especially if appetite is very poor.