Taste changes and cancer

They may no longer enjoy certain foods, find that all foods taste the same, or notice a metallic taste in their mouth. Occasionally, they can’t taste anything at all.

If your taste changes, here are some tips for making your food more enjoyable:

• Eat foods that you enjoy and ignore those that don’t appeal to you, but try them again after a few weeks as your sense of taste may change again.
• Use seasonings, spices and herbs like pepper, cumin or rosemary to flavour your cooking. However, if your mouth is sore you may find that some spices and seasonings make it worse.
• Try marinating meat in fruit juices or wine, or cook it in strong sauces like curry or sweet and sour.
• Cold meats may taste better served with pickle or chutney.
• Sharp-tasting foods like fresh fruit, fruit juices and bitter boiled sweets can be refreshing and leave a pleasant taste in the mouth.
• If you go off the taste of tea or coffee, try lemon tea or green tea instead, or perhaps an ice-cold fizzy drink like lemonade.
• Some people find that cold foods taste better than hot foods. If your sense of taste or smell has changed it can sometimes help to serve food at room temperature.
• Serve fish, chicken and egg dishes with sauces.
• Use plastic cutlery if you notice a metallic taste in your mouth.

You may find it helpful to read our recipes section|. It has information and tips on meals that are easy to prepare, tasty and nutritious.