How to cope with trouble chewing & swallowing

Difficulty chewing and swallowing can occur due to the location of the cancer or radiation therapy that targets the throat, oesophagus or lungs. Some chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments can also irritate the oesophagus, making swallowing painful. The following ideas can help you eat when chewing and swallowing are difficult ^1,2.

Choose Soft and Moist Foods

• Soft, moist foods are easier to chew and swallow. Avoid foods that are coarse, dry or rough ^1,3. Choose tender meats, soft vegetables and starches. Casseroles, soups and stews with tender meats are good options ¹.
• Purée food if needed. Use a blender or food processor to create a smooth texture. Add milk or broth when blending meats ^1,3.
• Try breakfast cereals like oatmeal or cooked porridge mixed with milk ³.
• Focus on protein-rich foods that are easier to eat, such as scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, rice pudding, fish and creamy pasta dishes ^1,3.
• Add extra sauces, dressings and gravies to moisten foods and make them easier to swallow ¹.
• Use high-protein, high-calorie drinks like milkshakes, oral nutrition supplements and smoothies made with non-acidic fruit to replace missed nutrition from solid foods ^1,3.
• Drink plenty of fluids to help maintain saliva for chewing and swallowing ¹.

Avoid Foods That May Hurt a Sore Throat ^1,2

• Tart and acidic foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes and pineapple.
• Carbonated drinks.
• Salty foods.
• Rough foods like dry toast, crackers, chips, pretzels, nuts and raw fruit and vegetables.
• Spicy seasonings and condiments such as pepper, chilli powder, salsa, ketchup, horseradish and pickles.
• Alcoholic drinks.

Food Choices for Painful Swallowing ^1,3

Protein Foods

• Scrambled eggs, quiche or soufflé.
• Tender meat, chicken or fish that is puréed, chopped or minced.
• Egg, chicken or tuna salad, or hummus.
• Casseroles with creamy sauces and tender meats.
• Milkshakes, smoothies or oral nutrition supplements.
• Custard, ricotta, cottage cheese, rice pudding, yoghurt or soft cheeses.
• Cream soups.

Starches

• Mashed potatoes, soft peas and sweet potatoes.
• Cooked cereals, pancakes and French toast.
• Pasta and rice in gravy or sauce.
• Cold cereals soaked in milk.

Fruits and Vegetables

• Cooked or puréed non-acidic fruits and vegetables.
• Ripe banana, watermelon, avocado and frozen fruits.
   

References:

1. Cancer Council NSW. Eating when chewing and swallowing are difficult [Internet]. Sydney: Cancer Council NSW; 2025 [cited 2025 Nov 18]. Available from: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/living-well/nutrition-and-cancer/swallowing-difficulties/
2. eviQ. Managing swallowing difficulties during cancer treatment – Information for patients [Internet]. Sydney: Cancer Institute NSW; 2023 [cited 2025 Nov 18]. Available from: https://www.eviq.org.au/patients-and-carers/side-effects/swallowing-difficulties
3. Queensland Health. Nutrition tips for swallowing problems [Internet]. Brisbane: Queensland Health; 2018 [cited 2025 Nov 18]. Available from: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0026/154394/oncol_swallowing.pdf