Dysphagia is the clinical term for someone experiencing swallowing difficulties and is often related to conditions such as dementia and strokes.
The Purée Petite range of energy-dense meals is an extension of Apetito’s texture-modified range and was developed by the company’s in-house dietitian, nutritionist and team of chefs.
The meals meet the National Texture Descriptors and are 40% smaller than its existing range of Category C meals.
This development is a direct result of feedback from healthcare caterers who have highlighted that some patients need meals with high levels of nutrition in smaller portions to reflect smaller or decreased appetites.
Lee Sheppard, director of public policy and external affairs, said: “Everyone deserves the right to dine with dignity and dysphagia has removed that for many thousands of people.
“Hospital caterers have a unique challenge on their hands in the delivery of safe, nutritious and appealing food to dysphagic patients in the face of tight resources. It’s no wonder that malnutrition remains a huge issue for the NHS.
“I’m incredibly proud of how we can make a real difference to people’s lives with these meals – food that looks and tastes like you would hope, delivers high nutritional value and is reassuringly safe.”
Each option within the range provides more than 500 calories and 15g-20g protein. The range has the capacity to suit individual tastes and preferences, as well as accounting for special dietary requirements such as gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan.