Department of Health

Eating - finger food

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.

Reviewed 18 February 2016

Health.vic

Changes you can make

Strategies, checklists and tools

Was this page helpful?