Changes of Taste or Smell

Your sense of taste or smell may change during your treatment.

Some foods may have a bitter or metallic taste, especially meat or other high-protein foods. Many foods will have less taste.

There is no "foolproof" way to improve the flavor or smell of food, because each person is affected differently by illness and treatments. However, the National Cancer Institute offers a list of ideas that may help.

Tips to help make food taste better

  • Use plastic utensils. Avoid metal utensils and silverware.
  • Choose and prepare foods that look and smell good to you.
  • If red meat (such as beef) tastes or smells strange, switch to chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, or dairy products that do not have a strong smell.
  • Help the flavor of meat, chicken, or fish by marinating it in sweet fruit juices, Italian dressing, or sweet-and-sour sauce.
  • Try using small amounts of flavorful seasonings such as basil, oregano, or rosemary.
  • Try tart foods such as oranges or lemonade that may have more taste. A tart lemon custard might taste good and will also provide needed protein and calories. (Do not try this if you have a sore mouth or throat.)
  • Serve foods at room temperature.
  • Try using bacon, ham, or onion to add flavor to vegetables.
  • Stop eating foods that cause an unpleasant taste.
  • Visit your dentist to rule out dental problems that may affect the taste or smell of food.
  • Ask your dentist about special mouthwashes and good mouth care.