Best Nutritional Drinks for the Elderly

As we age, maintaining adequate nutrition becomes increasingly challenging. Reduced appetite, difficulty swallowing, dental problems, and chronic illness can all contribute to unintentional weight loss and malnutrition in older adults. Nutritional drinks offer a convenient way to boost calorie and protein intake when eating enough food is difficult.

At NutriSip, we supply the full range of nutritional supplements suitable for elderly patients, including Fortisip, Ensure, Fresubin, and Complan — with fast delivery across the UK.

Why Do Older Adults Need Nutritional Supplements?

Malnutrition affects an estimated 1 in 10 older adults in the UK, and many more are at risk. Common contributing factors include reduced appetite due to medication side effects, difficulty chewing or swallowing, depression or social isolation reducing motivation to eat, chronic conditions such as COPD, heart failure, or cancer, and recovery from falls, fractures, or hospital stays.

Nutritional drinks provide a concentrated source of calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals in a small, easy-to-consume volume.

Recommended Products for Elderly Patients

Fortisip Compact Protein

A small 125ml bottle delivering 300 kcal and 18g protein. Its compact size makes it manageable for patients who find larger volumes difficult. Available in multiple flavours.

Ensure Plus Advance

Provides 330 kcal and 20g protein in 220ml, with added HMB to help preserve muscle mass — particularly important for elderly patients at risk of sarcopenia.

Fresubin 2 kcal Drink

A higher calorie option at 400 kcal per 200ml bottle. Useful for patients with very poor appetite who need maximum nutrition in minimum volume.

Complan Shake

A powdered supplement that can be mixed with milk or water. Provides flexibility in preparation and can be added to porridge, custard, or other foods for fortification.

Fortisip Compact Fibre

Similar to Fortisip Compact Protein but with added fibre to support digestive health — an important consideration for elderly patients who may experience constipation.

Tips for Encouraging Supplement Intake

Serve at the right temperature: Most supplements taste best chilled. Try keeping them in the fridge and serving with a straw.

Timing matters: Offer supplements between meals or with medication rounds rather than at mealtimes, where they may suppress appetite for food.

Try different formats: If bottles are difficult to manage, consider powdered options mixed into food, or ask about dessert-style supplements like Forticreme.

Rotate flavours regularly: Taste fatigue is common. Switching between vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, and other options helps maintain acceptance.

Make it social: Having a supplement alongside a cup of tea or during a visit can make it feel less clinical.

When to Seek Professional Advice

If you or a family member is losing weight unintentionally, struggling to eat, or has been advised to take nutritional supplements, speak to your GP or ask for a referral to a dietitian. They can assess nutritional needs and recommend the most appropriate products.

Need help choosing the right supplement? Our GPhC-registered pharmacists are available Monday–Friday 9am–5pm on 01623 572757 or at sales@nutri-sip.com.

Medical disclaimer: Nutritional supplements should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. If you are concerned about weight loss or malnutrition, please consult your GP. This article is for general information only.