Top High-Calorie Drinks for Cancer Patients in 2025: Benefits, Types, and Prices

For cancer patients facing appetite challenges, high-calorie drinks provide a vital source of energy and nutrients, especially when solid foods seem unappealing.

Cancer significantly increases the body's energy demands while often causing appetite loss, digestive discomfort, and dehydration. These factors contribute to weight loss and malnutrition, which affect 20% to 70% of individuals with cancer.

Severe malnutrition can lead to cachexia, a muscle-wasting syndrome caused by reduced calorie intake, digestive changes, and inflammation linked to cancer.

Given these risks, healthcare professionals frequently recommend high-calorie beverages as an accessible way to supplement energy and essential nutrients.

Why Are High-Calorie Drinks Essential for Cancer Patients?

High-calorie drinks are particularly beneficial for cancer patients needing to sustain their weight and fulfill nutritional requirements.

However, not all cancer types cause weight loss, so personalized dietary advice from your healthcare provider is crucial.

Registered dietitian Nichole Andrews from Kennewick, Washington, highlights that these drinks help counteract the increased metabolism many cancer patients experience.

By providing concentrated calories and nutrients, they support healthy cells, organ function, and energy levels without the burden of consuming multiple meals.

Moreover, liquid nutrition is often easier to tolerate during periods of nausea or digestive upset.

Best High-Calorie Drinks for Cancer Patients in 2024

There is no one-size-fits-all product; patients should try various options to find palatable and digestible choices.

Andrews recommends trusted commercial products such as:

• Boost VHC by Nestle
• Ensure Plus
• Kate Farms High Calorie

Holistic health coach Taylor Foster also endorses Kate Farms for its rich vitamin, mineral, and phytonutrient content, which may help protect cells and inhibit cancer growth.

Patients can also create homemade high-calorie shakes using ingredients like plant-based ice cream or yogurt, full-fat oat milk, protein powder, and fruits, as suggested by Dr. Dana Hunnes, a senior clinical dietitian at UCLA Medical Center.

Optimal Protein Drinks for Cancer Patients

Protein is critical for tissue repair and preventing muscle loss in cancer care.

However, focusing solely on protein without adequate calories can be ineffective. Hunnes stresses prioritizing calorie intake first.

Foster advises choosing non-dairy proteins such as pea protein, which is easier to digest than whey and less likely to cause intolerance.

Look for pea protein powders low in added sugars and free from artificial additives to minimize inflammation and digestive issues.

Enhancing Calorie Content in Homemade Shakes

Homemade shakes allow customization in flavor, texture, and calorie density.

The American Cancer Society suggests adding calorie-rich ingredients like dairy ice cream or nut butters.

For plant-based calorie boosts, Foster recommends:

• Avocado
• Nut butters
• MCT oil
• Chia seeds
• Full-fat coconut milk
• Unsweetened shredded coconut

Foster’s Recommended High-Calorie Shake Recipe

Try this nutrient-dense blend to maximize calories and nutrients:

• 4 oz canned coconut milk
• 4 oz filtered water
• 1/2 banana
• 1/4 avocado
• 1 tbsp MCT oil
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 4 frozen peach slices
• 1 handful frozen blueberries
• 4 frozen strawberries
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1-2 tbsp sunflower or almond butter
• 1 handful frozen zucchini chunks
• 1 handful dark leafy greens
• 1 serving of preferred protein powder

Are Meal Replacement Drinks Suitable for Cancer Patients?

Meal replacements offer balanced nutrition and can be essential when patients struggle to eat solid food due to treatment effects or stress.

While useful, experts recommend using these drinks as supplements rather than complete meal substitutes to ensure adequate calorie intake.

Multiple servings may be necessary to meet daily nutritional needs if solid food consumption is limited.

Summary

Cancer increases energy requirements while often reducing appetite and food tolerance, leading to weight loss and malnutrition.

High-calorie drinks provide a gentle, convenient method to deliver essential calories and nutrients, helping patients maintain strength and support recovery.

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