icesupp – Nourishing Supplements In Frozen Format
A family business has launched the UK’s first frozen nutritional supplement, ideal for care home residents who may be struggling to eat or drink.
icesupp are 100% plant-based frozen supplements, enriched with key vitamins, minerals, protein and calories, delivered in ice lolly formats to provide an easy-to-consume source of nutrition.
Amy Smith and her partner Robert Upton got the idea when they realised the lack of options for Amy’s father Ray as he struggled to build and maintain his weight during bowel cancer treatment. Managing a conventional diet was very difficult, and the nutritional supplements available on prescription were unpalatable – too thick and sickly. However, Ray did discover that ice lollies were soothing and easier to consume.
“We were frustrated that the ice lollies Dad was having were just filled with sugar and water, and didn’t provide the nutrition and quality calories that he needed to keep his weight and strength up,” says Amy.
“The idea for icesupp was born – and it became our mission to create something that would combine the nutritional elements of a supplement shake with the more palatable form of a soothing iced refreshment.”
BAPEN’s Malnutrition and Nutritional Care Survey (2023) highlighted that nearly well over half (48%) of adults screened across UK health and care settings were at risk of disease-related malnutrition. This was particularly high amongst individuals with cancer, gastrointestinal conditions respiratory conditions, frailty and neurological diseases – so this is a very real issue for carers and families across the UK.
Following two funding rounds, Amy and Rob worked Reading University’s Food Science Department and a team of specialist advisors including top dietitians, an oncologist and a GP to create their unique, first-to-market products, which come in two flavours – Mango & Passionfruit and Mixed Berries.
100% plant-based, each 86ml supplement pouch contains 5g of protein, 2.5g of fibre and 150 calories – helping those who are struggling to eat to build strength and energy. A box of 12 products costs £23.75 from icesupp or Amazon. The products are shipped in ambient liquid form to be conveniently frozen then deliver the soothing sorbet-like iced consistency.
Nick Dutton, of Primrose Bank Care Home, says:
“Helping those we care for to maintain and increase their nutritional intake is no easy task, made even more challenging when coupled with other dietary requirements, palliative care needs and the general challenges the care sector faces.
“When we came across icesuspp we were interested straight away. Having seen our own relatives struggling to eat well during palliative care and facing malnutrition and knowing the difficulties faced with different nutritional supplements and changing taste, we knew that a different way to deliver nutrients and flavour was a great idea.
“icesupps taste really good and we have had brilliant feedback from everyone in the home, residents, families and staff alike. We love that they are easy to store and also easy to eat without needing lots of preparation to make them enjoyable like some ONS.
“It’s great to have another tool for our team to use to improve our residents’ lives.”
Amy concludes: “We have created an iced supplement that soothes and nourishes, helping to provide a moment of refreshing relief for those in need. Our goal is to help families like ours, who have experienced the devastating effects of dramatic weight loss and malnutrition, which can impact anyone, however those that are particularly at risk include those with an illness like our Dad such as cancer, and those aged over the age of 65, especially if they are in a care home or have been recently admitted to hospital.”
Dietitian Corrine Toyn says:
“Malnutrition can be caused by range of factors. In the case of Ray, it was the side effects of the illness and his treatment, which is very common – but we know it is a real issue in care homes, along with dehydration. Oral nutrition supplements have been part of the solution to malnutrition for a while, as long as patients find them palatable and are compliant, but the majority of the ‘ready to drink’ supplements are highly concentrated, with a thick consistency that can be difficult to consume. Improving the flavour, mouth-feel and variety is vital to prevent patients’ taste fatigue, provide choice, and ultimately improve their quality of life. icesupp is such a brilliant idea, created with love and expertise, to respond to a real problem. It’s been incredible to see the reviews from customers, saying that icesupp tastes great and is easy to consume.”
For further information, email info@icesupp.com or visit the website at www.icesupp.com
Heathcare professionals can access the sample service at www.icesupp.com/pages/the-healthcare-professionals-hub
