Whole Food Blends for Enteral Feeding
Whole food blends for enteral feeding use whole fruit, vegetables and protein, blended to the right consistency for a feeding tube, instead of a manufactured formula. Blended by Sarah is Australia's only whole food range for the tube-fed community, made from whole ingredients with no additives, preservatives or artificial sugars. Always work with your dietitian or medical team when considering or starting whole food tube feeding.
What is a whole food blend?
A whole food blend is a meal made from whole ingredients, such as fruit, vegetables, proteins and healthy fats, blended to a consistency suited to a feeding tube. It's different to a standard enteral formula, which is manufactured from processed nutrients rather than whole ingredients.
Whole food blends are suited to bolus feeding through a nasogastric (NG) or gastrostomy (G) tube, and some blends can also run through a feeding pump.
Commercial vs home-prepared blends
Commercial whole food blends are ready-to-use, shelf-stable pouches made from whole foods. Blended by Sarah's blends are Brisbane-made, developed with dietitians, and meet IDDSI-appropriate consistency for tube feeding.
Home-prepared blends are made at home using fresh, cooked ingredients and a high-power blender. This gives families full control over ingredients but requires careful recipe planning, food safety practices, and dietitian guidance.
Many families use a mix of both, commercial pouches for convenience, travel and busy days, and home-prepared blends when time allows.
Why families choose whole food over formula
For many tube-fed children and adults, whole food blends mean:
- Eating the same kinds of meals as the rest of the family
- Choice and dignity over what goes into their own body
- No additives, preservatives or artificial sugars
- Being able to sit at the table and share in meals and celebrations
Blended by Sarah's whole food range
Six whole food blends are available, each made from whole fruit, vegetables and protein with no additives, preservatives or artificial sugars, developed by chef Phillip Torres in consultation with dietitians.
Ready to get started?
If you're weighing up whether whole food tube feeding is right for you or your child, or you're ready to look at equipment, consistency, transitioning, and how to make your own blends, our full FAQ covers this in depth.