Finger food can help increase food intake and encourage independence in eating. Safety, ease of handling and nutrition need to be taken into account.
- Baked, rather than deep-fried finger food is less sticky and easier to hold.
- All food groups and nutrients should be covered in each meal.
- A variety of tastes and aromas works best.
- Bite-size sausage and grapes are the foods most often swallowed the wrong way.
Finger food variety is limited only by your imagination!
- Vegetables: cooked al dente, for example, broccoli pieces, carrot sticks, green beans and baby corn.
- Meat, fruit or vegetables: cooked separately or combined, for example, quiches, terrines and meatloaf.
- Desserts: for example, carrot cake, tarts and firm custards.
- Messy foods: rolled in crushed nuts or breadcrumbs for easier handling.
- Wraps: for example, filo pastry, pancake, spring roll, rice paper or wonton wraps.