Is your resident experiencing loss of taste or taste changes?

Loss of taste may result in difficulty eating which can lead to weight loss,

malnutrition, social isolation and depression.

Here is some advice to help those with sensory changes:

If foods taste salty, avoid foods such as packet soups, gravy, sauces, bacon, tinned meats, crisps and nuts. Instead add a pinch of sugar to sauces and soups

If foods taste very sweet, choose lower sugar foods and add a pinch of salt to drinks and puddings

If foods taste metallic, marinade or season foods using lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic, soy sauce, curry powder or herbs. Avoid tea, coffee, chocolate and foods containing saccharin (artificial sweetener)

For those who experience bland tasting foods use extra flavourings such as salt, pepper, pickles, mustard, herbs and spices. Curries, mature cheese and smoked fish may also help provide extra flavour

Offer cold drinks which tend to taste better than hot drinks such as tea and coffee, which can taste unpleasant. Fizzy drinks such as lemonade, flavoured mineral water can be very refreshing

Offer peppermint tea can be very refreshing and help hide taste changes

Offer boiled sweets to help eliminate unpleasant tastes

For more information please contact 01707 364345

Please consider those with Diabetes and their blood sugar control when implementing aspects of this advice. Your clinical judgement can override this advice at any time.