What's the best food to eat while on chemo?

October 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Cancer Institute, over 70% of chemotherapy patients report treatment side effects that impact their eating and drinking habits. Learning what's the best food to eat while on chemo is crucial for managing these symptoms, maintaining strength, and supporting recovery.

Quick Summary

Nutrition during chemotherapy is vital for managing side effects, maintaining strength, and supporting recovery. Strategies include eating small, frequent meals, staying hydrated, and choosing bland, high-protein foods to combat nausea and appetite changes. Food safety is also paramount due to a weakened immune system, requiring careful preparation and storage. Adjusting your diet based on specific symptoms like taste changes, diarrhea, or mouth sores can make a significant difference in comfort and nutritional intake.

Key Points

Small, Frequent Meals: Eating small, frequent portions throughout the day helps manage nausea and maintain steady energy levels.
Bland and Easy to Digest Foods: Opt for bland, low-fat foods like toast, crackers, and rice, especially during and immediately after chemo infusions.
Fluid Intake: Sip on clear liquids like broth, water, and ginger ale throughout the day to prevent dehydration.
Manage Taste Changes: If food tastes metallic, try using plastic cutlery and marinating protein with fruit juices or herbs.
Focus on Food Safety: Due to a weakened immune system, avoid raw or undercooked foods and ensure all fresh produce is thoroughly washed.
Protein and Calorie-Rich Foods: Incorporate high-protein and high-calorie foods like eggs, yogurt, nuts, and avocados to maintain strength.

Navigating Chemotherapy's Impact on Your Diet

Chemotherapy can cause a range of side effects that make eating and maintaining nutrition difficult. These include nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, taste changes, and fatigue. The right food choices can significantly improve your quality of life during treatment. It's not about finding one "best" food, but rather tailoring your diet to manage specific symptoms and keep your strength up. Working with a dietitian specializing in oncology is highly recommended for personalized guidance.

Combating Nausea and Appetite Loss

Nausea and a lack of appetite are two of the most common complaints during chemo. To manage these, consider the following strategies:

Eat small, frequent meals: Instead of three large meals, aim for five or six smaller ones throughout the day. An empty stomach can worsen nausea.
Choose bland, low-fat foods: Opt for simple, easily digestible items like crackers, plain toast, rice, and cooked cereals. Avoid greasy, fried, or spicy foods, which can be difficult to tolerate.
Eat cool or room-temperature foods: Foods with strong odors can trigger nausea. Cooler foods generally have less aroma. Try yogurt, popsicles, gelatin, and cold sandwiches.
Hydrate frequently: Sip on clear liquids throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Ginger ale (flat), broth, and sports drinks can help.
Use ginger: Studies show ginger can help alleviate nausea symptoms. Try ginger tea or ginger chews.

What to Eat When You Experience Taste Changes

Chemo can make food taste bitter, metallic, or simply bland. This can be frustrating, but several tactics can help:

Avoid red meat: If red meat tastes metallic, switch to other protein sources like chicken, eggs, fish, beans, or tofu.
Enhance flavors: Experiment with marinades, herbs, and spices to add more flavor. Lemon juice, garlic, onion, and various herbs can make food more appealing.
Use non-metallic utensils: If you have a metallic taste, try using plastic or bamboo cutlery to reduce the sensation.
Maintain good oral hygiene: Brushing your teeth and tongue before and after meals can help clear unpleasant tastes.

Dealing with Mouth Sores and Swallowing Difficulties

Mouth sores (mucositis) and a sore throat can make eating painful. Stick to soft, moist foods that are easy to swallow:

Soft and pureed foods: Mashed potatoes, smoothies, milkshakes, custards, and well-cooked cereals are gentle on the mouth.
Cool foods: Ice cream, popsicles, and sherbet can be soothing.
Avoid irritating foods: Stay away from spicy, salty, acidic, and coarse-textured foods like chips or dry toast.

Comparison Table: Foods to Choose and Avoid for Common Chemo Side Effects


Side Effect	Foods to Choose	Foods to Avoid
Nausea	Dry toast, crackers, pretzels, rice, ginger tea, cold foods, broth	Greasy, spicy, fried, or strong-smelling foods
Taste Changes	Poultry, eggs, fish, tofu, marinated foods, herbs, spices	Red meat (if metallic), foods with a bitter or overly salty taste
Mouth Sores	Smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes, well-cooked pasta, custards, ice cream	Spicy, acidic, very hot/cold, and crunchy foods like chips or nuts
Fatigue	Whole grains, high-protein foods, fruits, vegetables, nuts, avocados	Empty calories, sugary drinks, alcohol, excess caffeine

The Importance of Food Safety

Chemotherapy often weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Following strict food safety guidelines is critical:

Cook thoroughly: Ensure all meat, poultry, fish, and eggs are cooked to a safe temperature.
Wash produce: Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly, or choose cooked options.
Avoid raw foods: Stay away from raw fish (sushi), raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy products, and food from communal buffets.
Refrigerate leftovers promptly: Do not leave perishable foods at room temperature for more than two hours.

Conclusion

Maintaining proper nutrition while on chemo is a dynamic process that depends heavily on the specific side effects you experience. By focusing on small, frequent meals, staying hydrated, and choosing foods that are easy on your stomach and appealing to your changing senses, you can better manage symptoms and support your body's healing process. Remember to always prioritize food safety and work with your healthcare team to develop a personalized nutrition plan. Making these adjustments can provide comfort and strength during a challenging time, helping you focus on recovery.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice. Always consult your oncology team or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary guidance during chemotherapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

To increase your appetite, try eating small, frequent meals instead of large ones. Focus on high-calorie, high-protein snacks like nuts, yogurt, or protein shakes. Eating in a pleasant environment and doing gentle exercise, like a short walk, can also help stimulate hunger.

For nausea, opt for bland, low-fat foods like crackers, toast, rice, or chicken noodle soup. Cool foods such as yogurt, popsicles, and gelatin often have less aroma and are easier to tolerate. Ginger tea and ginger chews can also help calm the stomach.

During chemotherapy, your immune system can be weakened, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. While some raw produce may be safe, it's best to thoroughly wash all fresh fruits and vegetables. You may also be advised to eat cooked options or peeled fruits, depending on your immune status.

If you experience a metallic taste, try using plastic or bamboo utensils instead of metal. Marinate meats in fruit juices or sauces, and season foods with herbs and spices. Using mints or sugar-free candies can also help mask the unpleasant taste.

Hydration is key. Good options include water, broth, flat ginger ale, and sports drinks for electrolytes. If you have mouth sores, avoid acidic juices like orange or grapefruit. Popsicles and sherbet can also contribute to fluid intake.

If you experience diarrhea, focus on the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast). Sip on clear broth or electrolyte-enhanced water to stay hydrated. Avoid greasy, spicy, or high-fiber foods until symptoms improve.

Choose soft, moist, and cool foods like smoothies, mashed potatoes, custards, and well-cooked cereals. Avoid irritating foods such as acidic, salty, spicy, or very hot items. Using a straw for liquids can also help.