Recipes based on protein rich staples or ingredients higher in protein simplify the creation of nourishing menus for the elderly.
Making every bite count
Appetites are often small in the over 70’s so it’s important to make every bite count. Replace low protein, low kilojoule foods or fortify them with higher protein ingredients so they can make a more valuable contribution to your residents daily nutrition needs.
What does it look like?
The days menu below provides around 80g of protein over three meals, timing valuable amounts of protein at all meals across the day. It’s important to note that a hot, protein-rich breakfast is pivotal to achieving the day’s protein goal.
BREAKFAST (27g)
Eggs (2) on toast
Glass milk
LUNCH (26g)
Meat based soup
Cheese sandwich
Milk based dessert
DINNER (27g)
Meat based main (65g meat)
Mashed potato
Vegetables Milk based dessert
What’s in a name?
Protein content claims on packaged foods and ingredients can be used to guide higher protein options on your menus. Food standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) regulate how the protein content of foods or ingredients can be described based upon how much protein they contain.
| Claim | Protein per serve |
| Contains protein, Source of protein | At least 5g |
| Good source of protein. High in protein | At least 10g |
| Protein increased, Increased in protein, Higher in protein | At least 5g of protein and 25% or more protein than the reference food |
REFERENCES
- FSANZ. Australia and New Zealand Food Standards Code Standard 1.2.7 Nutrition, Health and Related Claims. March 2016
