Why Do Dementia Patients Crave Sweets?

If you’ve been caring for someone living with dementia, you may have noticed a surprising shift in their eating habits: a stronger preference for sweet foods. Maybe they’re skipping their main meals but lighting up at the sight of dessert. You’re not imagining it — this is a common and well-documented change in dementia care.

Why does this happen, and how can we make sure our loved ones still get the nutrition they need?

🍬 Why the Sweet Tooth?

Studies have shown that individuals with dementia, including Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia, often develop an increased craving for sweet foods. There are a few reasons for this:

• Changes in the brain: Dementia affects the brain’s reward and taste-processing centres, making people more drawn to sugary foods — sometimes even replacing their desire for savoury ones.

• Weakened taste buds: As we age (especially with dementia), the ability to taste bitter, sour, or salty foods declines. But sweetness? That usually sticks around the longest.

• Medication side effects: Some medications can alter taste perception, making bland foods even less appealing and sweet flavours more comforting.

🧠 Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, PMC5806165, HMP Global Learning Network

How GentleFoods® Supports Sweet Preferences — the Healthy Way

At GentleFoods®, we understand how hard it can be to balance taste, texture, and nutrition — especially when mealtimes become a struggle. That’s why we offer sweet, nourishing options designed to appeal to changing taste buds without compromising on health.

Here’s how we help:

🥣 Traditional Sweet Soups

Comforting. Familiar. Nutritious.

• Red Bean Soup — rich in iron and fibre, a local favourite with a naturally sweet, earthy taste

• Green Bean Soup — cooling and gentle on the stomach, with antioxidant benefits

• Pulut Hitam (Black Glutinous Rice) — sweet, rich, and high in energy, made soft for easy swallowing

These soups are not just nostalgic — they’re smooth, safe, and suitable for individuals with swallowing difficulties.

🍨 High-Protein Desserts

Because sweet cravings don’t have to mean empty calories.

• Tiramisu (8g protein) — soft, creamy layers with a deliciously mild coffee flavour

• Ice Cream (8g protein) — not just a treat, but a source of high-quality protein to support strength and recovery

💡 Perfect for in-between meals, or when main meals are refused — these help maintain energy levels, protein intake, and most importantly, appetite.

🧡 Final Thoughts for Caregivers

You’re doing an amazing job, and we know how tough it can get — especially when food gets refused or rejected. The good news? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to compromise between flavour and nutrition.

At GentleFoods®, we bring both to the table — with soft, IDDSI-friendly foods that respect your loved one’s needs and cultural tastes. From traditional sweet soups to high-protein desserts, we’re here to help bring joy back to mealtimes.