Eating well with dementia – finger foods

Problems with eating are common in dementia. People with dementia may find it hard to use cutlery, chew or swallow. Finger foods are often a great option as they can be eaten easily by hand.

Below are some popular finger food options.

Grain (cereal) foods

• Toasting fingers with a spread or dip (for example, peanut butter or hommus).
• Crumpets or small rolls.
• Sandwiches with fillings that will not fall out. Try mixing fillings with mayonnaise, soft cheese or other spreads to help them stick to the bread.
• Pikelets, pancakes, scones or banana bread.

Vegetables

• Chunky potato wedges, potato fritters or whole baby potatoes.
• Pieces of cooked, steamed or baked vegetables such as, sweet potato, carrot, broccoli or cauliflower.
• Pikelets or patties made with grated or cooked vegetables.

Fruit

• Fresh fruit such as melons, kiwi fruit or banana cut into finger sized pieces.
• Small fruit such as strawberries or apricots cut in half.
• Small fruit-based muffins, pikelets or pancakes made with soft fruit such as berries or banana.

Dairy food

• Frozen yoghurt in a cone.
• Cheese slices or cubes.
• Mini cheesecake or tarts.
• Cheese or yoghurt-based dips with crackers, toast fingers or soft vegetables sticks.

Lean meat and meat alternatives

• Strips of meat or chicken served with dipping sauces.
• Meatballs or patties.
• Hardboiled eggs.
• Slices of quiche or frittata.

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