Login
Oral Nutritional Supplements: Who Needs Them and How to Choose
When someone isn't eating enough because of illness, recovery from surgery, low appetite or ageing, oral nutritional supplements (ONS) can help close the gap. They're nutrient-dense drinks, puddings and powders that deliver energy, protein, vitamins and minerals in a small volume.
Key takeaways
- Supplements top up a diet; they don't replace food unless a clinician says so.
- High-energy and high-protein products suit different goals.
- Sip between meals so supplements don't spoil the appetite.
- A dietitian or GP should guide use, especially for medical-grade products.
Who might need a supplement?
- People with unplanned weight loss or a poor appetite
- Older adults at risk of malnutrition, at home or in aged care
- People recovering from surgery, illness or wounds
- People with conditions that raise energy needs or make eating difficult
Signs to watch for include clothes or rings becoming loose, meals left unfinished, low energy, and wounds that are slow to heal.
Food first
Dietitians usually start with a "food first" approach: smaller, more frequent meals, nourishing snacks and fortifying everyday foods (for example, adding milk powder, cheese, butter or oil). Supplements are added when food alone isn't enough.
Types of supplements
| Type | Typical use |
|---|---|
| High-energy drinks | Weight loss, low appetite, high energy needs |
| High-protein drinks | Muscle loss, wound healing, recovery from illness |
| Compact (small-volume) drinks | People who can only manage small amounts |
| Puddings and thickened options | People who prefer spoonable textures or have swallowing difficulties (as advised by a speech pathologist) |
| Powders | Mixing into milk or food to fortify meals |
Getting the most from them
- Sip slowly between meals rather than with meals, so they add to food rather than replacing it.
- Serve chilled: most people find them tastier cold.
- Rotate flavours to avoid taste fatigue.
- Once opened, cover, refrigerate and use within the time on the label.
- Track intake and weight so the plan can be adjusted.
Medical-grade products
Many supplement drinks are classed as Food for Special Medical Purposes and are intended to be used under medical supervision. People with diabetes, kidney disease or swallowing difficulties should get specific advice before using them.
Shop nutrition supplements
Supplement drinks for home and aged care, delivered Australia-wide.
Resource 2.0 Mocha →Health & personal care →Frequently asked questions
What is an oral nutritional supplement?
An oral nutritional supplement is a nutrient-dense drink, pudding or powder that provides energy, protein, vitamins and minerals in a small volume, used when someone can't meet their needs from food alone.
When is the best time to drink a supplement?
Usually between meals, sipped slowly over 20–30 minutes, so it adds to food intake rather than replacing a meal.
Are supplement drinks suitable for people with diabetes?
Some are, but many are high in sugar. People with diabetes should ask their GP or dietitian which product suits them.
How long can an opened supplement drink be kept?
Check the label. Most opened drinks should be covered, refrigerated and used within about 24 hours.
Related guides
- Walking Sticks, Frames or Rollators? Choosing the Right Walking Aid
- Protecting Skin in Continence Care: A Practical Routine for Carers
- Caring for a Loved One at Home: A Practical Supplies Checklist for New Carers
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: October 2026 by the Innovation Project team.
This article is general information only and isn't a substitute for advice from a doctor, nurse or other health professional who knows your situation.