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Appetite and Taste Changes During Chemotherapy

Treatment for cancer, as well as the cancer itself, can affect your sense of taste or smell. You may find that many foods seem to have less taste. Other foods, especially meat or other high-protein foods, may taste bitter or metallic. Problems with your teeth and gums can also affect the way foods taste. For most people, changes in taste and smell go away when treatment is finished. But for some people it may last a long time.

Whether you have appetite or taste changes from chemotherapy (chemo) depends on the type of chemo you have and the amount given. It's important to know that these changes can happen and understand how to manage them. This can help reduce them, so you can manage your nutrition and have the best possible experience while getting chemo.

What can I do if I have changes in my appetite or taste?

Consider the following ways to help reduce your changes in appetite and taste from chemo:

  • Discuss any side effects with your health care team. They may have advice or medicines they can prescribe.

  • Talk with a registered dietitian about ways to get enough protein and calories.

  • See your dentist to be sure you don't have any dental problems that may affect the taste or smell of food.

  • If red meat tastes or smells strange to you, try poultry, eggs, dairy products, or mild-tasting fish instead.

  • Marinate meat, poultry, or fish in sweet fruit juices, salad dressings like Italian dressing, or other sauces like sweet-and-sour sauce.

  • Use small amounts of flavorful seasonings, such as basil, oregano, or rosemary.

  • Try tart foods, such as oranges, lemons, or limes, unless you have mouth or throat sores.

  • Stay away from cooking smells.

  • Serve foods cold or at room temperature.

  • Use bacon, ham, or onion to add flavor to vegetables.

  • Add sweetener or sugar to foods if they are salty, bitter, or acid tasting.

  • Use plastic utensils if you experience a metallic taste. Cook in glass pots and pans instead of metal ones.

  • Try fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables instead of canned.

  • Eat foods you like any time of the day. Keep snacks nearby.

  • Drink most of your liquids between meals. This will help to keep you from feeling full too early while eating.

  • Choose liquids that add nutrients and calories throughout the day. Try drinking through a straw.

  • Keep high-calorie, high-protein foods available and snack on them during the day.

  • Eat small meals 5 to 6 times a day, rather than 3 large meals a day.

  • If you have mouth sores, diarrhea, constipation, uncontrolled pain, or nausea, let your provider know so the problems can be treated.

  • Keep your mouth clean and brush your teeth.

  • Try sugar-free gum, mints, or hard candy.

Remember, each person's medical history and diagnosis is different. Each person reacts to treatment differently. Side effects may be severe, mild, or absent. Discuss with your cancer care team what the possible side effects of treatment are before you start treatment.

Online Medical Reviewer: Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer: Susan K. Dempsey-Walls RN
Date Last Reviewed: 3/1/2025
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