Taste Changes During Cancer Treatment

Key points about taste changes during cancer treatment

• some cancer treatment medicines can cause taste changes
• this might mean your child doesn't like some of their previous favourite foods
• they might enjoy foods they didn't like before

How cancer treatment affects taste

Taste changes are common and can vary from day to day. 

Your child might:

• say food tastes 'different' than usual
• stop liking some of their favourite foods
• start enjoying foods they didn't like before
• prefer salty or strong-flavoured foods
• go through short-lived food fads where only a few foods appeal

These changes can be frustrating, but they’re usually temporary and will improve after treatment finishes.

Helping your child enjoy food

Here are some gentle ways to support your child through taste changes.

Reassure them

Let your child know that taste changes are normal during treatment and things will return to normal later.

Try new foods

This can be a good time to explore different flavours and textures – they might discover new favourites!

Keep variety available

Offer a range of foods, including some familiar ones, so your child has options.

Use flavour boosters

Herbs, spices, sauces, pickles and onions can help make food more appealing.

Marinate meats

Try fruit juices, salad dressings, sweet and sour sauces, soy sauce or barbecue sauce to mask metallic tastes.

Swap out red meat

If red meat tastes metallic, offer chicken, fish or eggs instead.

Use plastic utensils

These may help reduce bitter or metal tastes from metal cutlery.