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The symptom flyers are not a substitute for consultation with your treatment team. If you are unsure or have any questions, please contact your treatment team. 

Changes in taste

Good to know

Changes in taste can affect your appetite. Food or drinks may taste different: bitter or metallic, stronger (saltier or sweeter) or weaker (less taste).

Changes in taste can have different causes:

  • Tumour in the head or neck area
  • Radiotherapy in the head or neck area
  • Cancer therapy or other medication
  • Mouth sores or dry mouth (oral mucosa)

Taste usually gets better a few weeks after treatment ends.

Tell your treatment team if these changes make it hard to eat or lower your quality of life.

You feel…
Or you notice...
What you can do yourself...
You feel…
Or you notice...
  • You notice changes in taste but you do not need to change your diet.
  • You keep eating your normal amount of food.
What you can do yourself...
  • If strong smells bother you, choose cold food or food at room temperature. Use a straw for your drinks.
  • Drink often. You can use sugar-free lozenges or xylitol chewing gum to keep your mouth moist.
  • Keep your mouth clean as described in the flyer "Inflamed oral mucosa (oral mucositis)".
  • Avoid alcohol and tobacco. If you smoke, rinse your mouth after. Do not use mouthwashes with alcohol.
You feel…
Or you notice...
  • You changed your diet because of taste changes.
  • Your weight is stable or you eat enough calories.
What you can do yourself...

If food tastes metallic

  • avoid artificial sweeteners; marinate red meat or eat other protein such as chicken, fish, pulses, eggs, tofu, soya or quorn; choose fresh fruit and vegetables instead of food in metal cans or canned drinks; use plastic or glass glasses and cutlery instead of metal.

If food tastes too salty

  • avoid salty, processed food and add a little sugar or lemon juice.

If food tastes too sweet

  • add a little salt or lemon juice.

If food tastes no flavour

  • choose strong flavour (onions, garlic, cheese, bacon) and use spices and herbs.
You feel…
Or you notice...
  • Sudden loss of taste
  • You choke or cough frequently when eating
  • You are eating less than usual or have lost weight
  • You are disgusted by food
  • You have pain when swallowing or your tongue is sore, cracked or has a white coating that does not go away after brushing
What you can do yourself...
  • Contact your treatment team

Tipps

Nutritional counselling

If food tastes different and it is hard to eat, talk to a nutrition specialist. They can give you simple tips to help you eat well and avoid losing weight or becoming weak.

Further information on this topic

See other Symptom Navi Flyers

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