Research project

The target users are elderly patients at hospitals participating in the project. The final product is a new energy dense and nutrient rich in-between flexible meal concept e.g. identified food manufacturer/SME producers, fruit drink (Probi), oat based-drink (Aventure), ice-cream (Alvesta Glass), bread (ViscoSens, Concoct Fabrique) . Hospitals are interested in these in-between meals product due to the patient's poor appetite and need to eat extra small energy dense and nutrient rich meals. This interest in this area is expressed in the pre-study Vinnova UDI by Region Kronoberg but also Region Skåne and Herlev hospital in Greater Copenhagen. Current products in the market are not adapted in nutritional profile and preferences of the target group. The elderly patients also prefer traditional and natural flavors and taste profile. The hospital of Växjö in Region Kronoberg has an interest in this project to collaborate with local SME Food companies to acquire the taste and food heritage of the region. The hospital also wants these new product formulations to become a part of their procurement process. The expected outcome is a range of new energy dense and nutrient rich in-between meal products that are listed for procurement, ready-to-buy, at hospitals in Region Kronoberg. When the products are listed for procurement they will be paid for within the regular hospital budget. The products will be ordered through the regular foodmenu system and delivered either at the regular meal delivery or as an extra delivery through the foodresponsible at the ward. The important difference is that these new products in this project have been adapted to the needs and desire of the elderly patients with assistance of the hospital dietician.

Members from Kristianstad University: Karin Wendin, Maria Biörklund Helgesson, Per Magnusson
Participating Partners: En god granne, Creative Future Food Business, Aventure AB
Contributing partners: Ystad Kommun
Funding: IncluSilver
Project time: 18 months