Creed Foodservice has released a new guide designed to help care homes support the nutrition, hydration, and wellbeing of residents. The resource is available on Creed’s Asset Hub – a collection of sector-specific tools, menu plans and guidance booklets – and is being launched in time for UK Nutrition and Hydration Week.
With over 1 million older people in England estimated to be malnourished or at risk of malnutrition1, the guide provides practical advice and a range of dish ideas from Creed’s team of chef and sector experts to boost nutrient intake, promote hydration, and make mealtimes for residents more enjoyable. The collection of tips and tricks to fortify meals with additional calories and nutrients, means kitchens don’t need to overhaul entire menus, but instead cleverly enhance what they already offer by introducing a few new ingredients and recipes.
The guide highlights the benefits of:
· Healing herbs and spices – Ingredients like turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, and rosemary provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, supporting brain, heart, and immune health.
· Fortified ingredients – Creams, milk powders, gravies, and drinks enriched with vitamins and minerals help residents at risk of malnutrition get essential nutrients without compromising taste.
· Hydration through food – Seasonal fruits and vegetables, water-dense juices, and creative beverage recipes including iced teas make staying hydrated easier and more enjoyable.
· Celebrating food and drink – Social dining experiences such as afternoon teas, themed nights, and garden events where residents can choose their own food can increase calorie intake by up to 48% 2, and even just talking about food can help with stimulating appetite.
· Practical cooking tips – Simple changes to preparation, such as finger foods or nutrient-rich add-ins, help ensure residents get the most from every meal, whilst simple kitchen swaps allow kitchen teams to help deliver quality.
Creed’s Development Chef, Joe Oliver said, “Whilst ingredients and recipes that provide plenty of vitamins and minerals to residents are incredibly important, supporting residents’ nutrition is about far more than just the food on a plate. So much of it is about the enjoyment of food and social connection too.”
He continued, “Our guide offers a whole host of ideas and recipes to help care teams create meals for residents that are both nutritious and appealing, while encouraging long-term health and wellbeing.”
The guide also features a selection of nutrient-rich juice recipes created by Oliver and Creed’s team of foodservice development chefs, designed to combine hydration, nutrients, and flavour. Favourites include ‘Hulk Juice’ which includes kale, apple, lemon and ginger, as well as a ‘Crimson Cooler Juice’ featuring beetroot, coconut water and oranges.
Creed continues to support the care sector on issues like nutrition and hydration, amongst other challenges, and works with a range of partners, including OHK – dysphagia management specialists.
To download a copy of the guide visit Creed’s Asset Hub: https://about.creedfoodservice.co.uk/recipe-asset-hub/
