Blended diet is an option in enteral tube feeding. This leaflet explains what blended diet is and what to think about before deciding to use it.
What is blended diet?
Blended diet means ordinary food and drink, blended smooth enough to go through a feeding tube.
It can be all of the food and drink a person has. Or it can be used alongside a ready-made tube feed. Many people use both. The balance can change from week to week, and that is fine.
Why do people choose it?
The most common reason is comfort. Some people find they have less reflux, retching and vomiting using blended foods. Some have better bowel habits too. Not everyone improves. We cannot yet tell in advance who will.
Families also talk about other benefits such as brighter skin, better sleep, more energy, and being able to share the same meals as everyone else.
Even a small amount of blended food and drink can help with symptoms or there may be special occasions where you would like to share the same food as your family.
Is it safe?
Yes, when food is prepared and stored properly.
Studies have compared people on blended diet with people on a ready-made tube feed. They found no increase in infections, blocked tubes or hospital visits.
Your feeding tube does not necessarily need to change. Some tubes suit blended diet better than others. Your team will talk this through with you.
What does it involve?
Blended diet takes time and work. You or the person preparing the food for you will need to plan, shop, cook, blend and store food. The cost of food ingredients and a blender is not covered by the NHS.
No one has to do it. And no one should feel bad for deciding it is not for them, or for trying it and deciding to stop.
How do people start?
- Start when you are well, at home, with a small amount. Build up slowly.
- Change one feed at a time. Then you can tell what is being tolerated.
- Your dietitian will be able to support you with a plan to start.
How do I keep it balanced?
Use the same foods you would put on a plate. Something with protein, such as meat, fish, eggs, beans or lentils. A starchy food, such as potato, rice or pasta. Fruit and vegetables. And some fat or oil, such as olive oil or butter. Add milk, tube feed or water until the blend is runny enough to pass through the tube easily.
Variety across the week matters more than any single meal. Your dietitian will advise if you are choosing the right mix of foods.
What about water?
Blends are mostly water, and water flushes count toward intake. Look out for signs of thirst: darker urine, fewer wet nappies or pads, dry lips.
Give extra water in hot weather or when you are unwell.
Your dietitian will advise you on how much fluid is needed per day.
How do I keep food safe?
- Wash your hands.
- Keep raw and cooked food apart.
- Cook food fully, as if you were going to eat it, before blending.
- Cool a blend and put it in the fridge within 2 hours. Use it within 2 days or freeze it.
- A blend does not need reheating to be safe. It can be given cold. There is one exception. If the person is more likely to become ill from food, a baby or young child, someone pregnant, an older person, or someone whose immune system is weakened, and the blend contains chilled ready-to-eat food such as soft cheese, pâté or sliced cooked meat, heat it until it is steaming hot all the way through, then let it cool before giving it.
- You can warm it for comfort by standing the sealed pot in warm water.
- Keep a blend out of the fridge for no more than 2 hours in total. That includes the time it takes to give it.
- Blends with rice need extra care. Cool them within 1 hour and use within 1 day.
What about school, respite or hospital?
Many settings now support blended diet.
Your team can write a plan for them and help with training.
It helps to agree a back-up for days when a blend cannot be given, such as your usual tube feed or a shop-bought pouch.
Who can I contact?
Dietitian:
Nurse: