If your appetite is small, if you have a low weight or if you have been losing weight, your nutritional intake can be increased by having nourishing drinks. Nutrition in the form of a liquid drink can contribute towards your daily needs with different drinks containing essential energy, protein, fat or vitamins and minerals.
But should I drink milkshakes or smoothies?
There are many negative messages in society about people having fruit juice, smoothies or milkshakes. Milk provides an essential source or protein and calcium. Fruit juices/smoothies still contain essential vitamins like the whole fruit versions. The benefit of having a portion in liquid form is that they are easier to digest, you can have multiple fruits in a drink, and they are often easy to transport/consume outside of the home.
It is best to take these in between meals, alongside a high energy and high protein diet.
Use the drinks builder below to help you create tasty and nutritious drinks. Use full fat and/or full sugar versions where possible and only use options that are suitable for any allergies, intolerances, health conditions or preferences you have.
Choose a Base
- Full fat or semi skimmed cow’s milk
(use lactose free if allergies), hot or cold
or
- Plant-based milk alternative
(sweetened or “Barista” soya milk or oat milk are usually the most nutritious, but others such as almond milk, coconut milk etc can be used), hot or cold
or
- Fruit juice/smoothie
(Options include ones with added added vitamins such as Kubus 100% vitamin juice, Naturis from Lidl or Tropicana® Multivitamins)
Add Flavouring
- Milkshake powder (Aldi Cowbelle / Asda milkshake mix / Lidl Goody Cao / Nesquik®)
- Horlicks®, Ovaltine® or other malted milk powder
- Hot chocolate or Cocoa powder
- Coffee or chai latte powder
- Full sugar syrup flavours
- Fruit drinks can have additional favours added such as yoghurt/milk, oats, peanut butter