Foods That Are Easy to Swallow When You Have Cancer — and a Few Additional Tips
Key takeaways:
Many people living with cancer have difficulty swallowing. This can be related to the cancer itself or the side effects of cancer treatment.
Getting nutrition is particularly important when you have a chronic condition like cancer. There are plenty of easy-to-swallow foods that can provide the nutrients your body needs.
In addition to choosing helpful foods, there are tips to preparing and cooking your food that can make it easier to swallow.
Table of contents
Different types of cancer and cancer treatments can make it difficult or painful to swallow foods. And when you add in the natural dips in energy levels and appetite, cooking nutritious meals for yourself feels extra challenging. But choosing the right foods — and preparing them in a simple way — can make a huge difference. We’ll give you some foods and tips that can help make sure you’re getting adequate nutrition for your body.
Reasons someone with cancer may have trouble swallowing
Research shows that over half of all people with cancer have difficulty swallowing. The medical term for this is dysphagia. And it can often be accompanied by changes in taste or smell, too.
Nearly every type of cancer is associated with dysphagia. Sometimes, it’s because of the location of the cancer itself. For example, people with head and neck cancers report it most often.
But regardless of the type of cancer you have, the treatment itself often leads to trouble swallowing:
Chemotherapy can cause ulcers, bleeding, and nerve damage in the mouth.
Radiation therapy can cause tooth decay or scarring in the mouth.
Both types of treatment can cause dry mouth, changes in taste, as well as general pain.
But nutrition is especially important for someone living with cancer. Cancer — and cancer treatment — can be taxing on the body’s everyday processes. Getting enough calories and nutrients will provide your body with the energy and strength it needs to heal.
Eating when you don’t have an appetite: People with cancer often experience a loss of appetite. If this is the case for you, try these foods and tips to help.
The best protein drinks: It’s important to keep up your protein intake when you’re eating less than normal. These drinks may be a great option to help you get enough.
Eating while on chemotherapy: One woman who has been through it shares how she changed her diet to help with the side effects of chemotherapy.
Soft and easy-to-swallow foods for people with cancer
Soft and easy-to-swallow foods can make a world of difference for people with cancer who are struggling with eating. So we’ll talk through different types of foods and examples that can help.
Soft and pureed proteins
Protein offers amino acids that support your muscles, hormones, brain function, and even immune system. Protein is an important nutrient for your body to get every day.
Many people think of proteins as chewy, hard-to-eat foods like steak. But many high-protein foods are naturally soft, or can be prepared in a soft way:
Eggs can be scrambled or cooked into a soft omelet for easy-to-swallow protein.
Chicken and turkey can be pureed into a soft consistency. You can even use gravy to add flavor and soften the poultry more.
Many types of fish have a lighter texture than other types of animal protein. Tuna fish salad is an easy go-to option. And most fish roasted in the oven will be relatively easy to swallow.
Don’t forget about your plant-based protein options. Tofu is a naturally soft protein, and can be prepared in a wide variety of ways. You can add it to soups, roast it in the oven, and even scramble it like an egg. Try a preparation that sounds appealing to you.
Additional foods below can also be a helpful source of protein — like dairy and grains.
Soups and broths
Soups and broths are a common first choice when it comes to foods that are easier to swallow. But keep in mind this may not be the best choice for everyone. Thin liquids can actually be harder to swallow compared to thicker liquids.
If you are unsure what texture liquid is best for you, talk with your healthcare team. There’s a special assessment they can do to determine the best consistency for your unique needs. You can also experiment with different soups and textures. Some nutrient-dense options include:
Bone broth: This is a type of soup that’s high in collagen. Collagen provides protein and creates a hearty base in a soup.
Lentils and beans: Lentils and beans contain fiber that helps your digestive system. Lentils and beans are often mashed into soups to create a thicker texture.
Soup with grains: You can try soups with grains like rice, risotto, or pasta. Smaller grains may be easier to swallow than large noodles.
Soups and broths can also help your hydration because they are mostly liquid. Just keep in mind that some canned soups are high in sodium. This can be good or bad depending on your nutritional needs and other medical conditions.
Dairy products
Smoother, easy-to-swallow dairy products provide helpful protein and fat. Dietary fat helps support the structure and health of your cells. It’s also important for digestion, and you need it to absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K. So during cancer treatment, dietary fat will help you absorb key nutrients and give you extra calories.
Examples of soft dairy products include:
Yogurt, particularly Greek yogurt, is a healthful option. Greek yogurt is thicker, creamier, and has more protein than other types of yogurt.
Cottage cheese provides a good dose of protein, calcium, and phosphorus.
Other soft cheeses like ricotta, cream cheese, and mascarpone can be added to many foods.
Ice cream, puddings, and custards can help you consume more calories in a smaller volume. This is particularly helpful if you also have low appetite.
Kefir is a probiotic-rich drink similar to a smoothie in texture. Like yogurt, it’s high in protein.
Note that probiotics — found in yogurt, kefir, and other fermented products — may not be recommended during your treatment. It’s best to ask your healthcare team if they are safe for you.
Vegetables
It probably comes as no surprise that vegetables provide a wide variety of micronutrients, like vitamins and minerals. They also provide fiber, which is good for your digestion, blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and more. Fiber can also help your bowel movements, which may be affected during treatment.
Some vegetables are particularly loaded with helpful nutrients and antioxidants — which help fight cancer. But in truth, any vegetable has benefits. Here are some tips that transform vegetables into easy-to-swallow foods:
Some vegetables can be easily pureed or mashed to make swallowing easier. Potatoes, cauliflower, peas, carrots, and broccoli are popular choices for this.
Roast or steam vegetables to make them soft. You can then use a food processor, hand masher, or even blender to create the desired smooth texture.
Adding oil or butter to pureed or mashed vegetables increases dietary fat and total calories, and makes them more appetizing to many people.
Green leafy vegetables — like spinach or kale — can be added to smoothies without changing the taste.
Spices — like cinnamon, ginger, garlic, nutmeg, turmeric, and even chili pepper — can all help brighten the taste of vegetables. And come with health benefits of their own.
Grains
Grain products are carbohydrate foods that include pasta, rice, bread, and crackers, among others. Research shows that whole grains, which contain all parts of the grain plant, may reduce the risk of certain conditions and help your digestion.
Many grains are inherently soft, but some can even be softened further to be easier to swallow. These include:
Oatmeal, which can be prepared in many ways. You can add different types of protein. You can also add butter or oil for fat and calories.
Cream of wheat or porridge
Pasta, especially smaller shapes like pastina
Rice, which is an easy addition to most meals
Risotto takes a little more effort to prepare. But it incorporates additional calories and nutrients if you have the appetite for it.
Pre-prepared foods
Pre-prepared foods can be a great and convenient way to get enough calories and nutrients. Some products are designed for people with dysphagia, so that they are easier to consume. Many have been created by companies that specialize in easy-to-swallow foods.
Many healthcare teams have nutritionists and dietitians that can recommend specialized pre-prepared foods, such as:
High-calorie protein drinks or meal replacement shakes
Pudding and gelatins
Ice cream
Smoothies
Soups
Additional tips for cooking and eating when you have cancer
When it comes to preparing easy-to-swallow foods, it’s not just the food item that matters. Here are some tips to make cooking more manageable:
Use tools to make preparation easier. Blenders and food processors can help smooth the consistency of food, making them easier to swallow. Other tools, like steamers and rice cookers, can shorten the time it takes to make foods softer.
Use prepared ingredients. Opt for precut frozen vegetables or fully cooked meats. These can minimize your time and energy used for cooking.
Sit while cooking. If needed, use a stool or chair to sit while cooking. This can help preserve your energy.
Ask for help. If possible, lean on friends and family to support you in cooking and cleaning.
Try meal delivery services. Meal delivery services often have recipes with few ingredients, and ingredients may come semiprepared. This makes it easier to prepare a nutritious meal at home.
And if you’re trying to eat with a low appetite, here are some tips to try:
Eat small and frequent meals throughout the day. Eating three larger meals can feel daunting, especially if you aren’t hungry. Break up your meals and snacks into more manageable portion sizes throughout the day.
Make your food look good. Visually appetizing and good smelling food can help you feel more excited about eating, even when your appetite is low.
Eat more when you’re hungry. If you feel hungry, embrace it, and eat a larger portion size so you can get extra nutrition.
Hydrate in between your meals and snacks, not during. Liquids, as well as gas bubbles from carbonation or using a straw, can fill up your stomach. This might make you feel full more quickly. Drink water or other beverages in between meals and snacks instead.
Eat more tolerable foods. Some foods are easier to eat when you have no appetite. Have these ready to go so you can feel confident in your food choices.
Frequently asked questions
There are many different things that can make it difficult or painful to swallow. And cancer is rather low on the list when it comes to the most common causes. But if you’ve noticed it’s hard or painful to swallow food or liquids, get it checked out. Especially if it doesn’t feel like a normal sore throat to you, or if it has been going on for more than a week.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to stimulate the appetite of someone with cancer. You may find that walking, stretching, or gentle exercising can help stimulate your appetite. The texture, temperature, and visual appeal of food can also support your willingness to eat. Alternatively, there are medications you can take to help stimulate your appetite.
If you have difficulty swallowing, you should avoid certain foods. Foods that are sticky, crumbly, tough, or hard might be more difficult than softer foods. Examples include tough cuts of meat, nuts and seeds, nut butters, and crackers. Some people may have difficulty swallowing carbonated beverages, like soda. Take note of which foods you feel safest consuming.
The bottom line
When you have cancer, it can be hard to swallow food. This can make it difficult to eat healthful foods that support healing and energy levels. Some foods, like pureed vegetables and soft proteins, can support your body more easily. Experiment with different soft and easy-to-swallow foods to add to your diet. If you struggle with low appetite, lifestyle strategies and medications can help.
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References
Barbon, C. E. A., et al. (2018). Thickened liquids for dysphagia management: A current review of the measurement of liquid flow. Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports.
Espinosa-Salas, S., et al. (2023). Nutrition: Macronutrient intake, imbalances, and interventions. StatPearls.
Field, C. J., et al. (2019). Dietary fats. Advances in Nutrition.
McRae, M. P. (2016). Health benefits of dietary whole grains: An umbrella review of meta-analyses. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine.
MyPlate. (n.d.). Grains. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
National Cancer Institute. (2024). Oral complications of cancer therapies (PDQ)–patient version. National Institutes of Health.
Okuni, I., et al. (2021). Molecular and neural mechanism of dysphagia due to cancer. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Patterson, J. M., et al. (2023). Dysphagia advances in head and neck cancer. Current Otorhinolaryngology Reports.
