A Guide to Blenderized Tube Feedings

So You Want to Blend for the Tube? Let’s Do This!

Starting a blended diet can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff with equal parts excitement and terror. But here at Whole Story Meals, we’ve walked alongside hundreds of families, caregivers, and tube-fed folks who made the leap... and never looked back. And we've done it ourselves!

Real, whole food can bring big changes: more energy, better tolerance, a sense of normalcy...and yes, joy. Getting started doesn’t have to be complicated. You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back.

Here are 5 ways to make your blending journey smoother from day one:

1. A Good Blender Is Your Best Friend. Not all blenders are created equal. This isn’t the time for a budget option. You need a machine that can turn whole food into a smooth, tube-safe blend. People have the best experience with either a Vitamix and Blendtec.

Hot tip: Blendtec offers a medical discount that can get you a refurbished blender, usually for $100. Contact Blendtec for more information.

2. Track Your Nutrition with the Blended Tube Feeding Recipe Builder. Worried about hitting calorie or protein goals? Don’t guess. Track it. The low cost app is a favorite among tube-feeding families because it’s easy to use and gives you a full nutrient breakdown: calories, macros, and more. And as icing on the cake, it tells you the volume of your blend. This app was made by the mother of a child with a feeding tube who saw a need and filled it. Find the app here. 

3. Keep It Simple. You don’t need a culinary degree or perfect math to start blending. If there are no allergies or medical restrictions, start with what you’d typically eat by mouth. Toss it in the blender, add liquid, and estimate portions as needed. Perfection is not required.

4. Find Your People. Trying something new is easier with support. If your current care team isn’t on board with blending, it’s okay to advocate or look for a provider who is. You deserve a medical team that supports your goals. If you need help advocating, download our free Advocacy Handout here.

There are also fantastic online communities filled with people sharing recipes, troubleshooting tips, and cheering each other on. In fact, we have a Facebook community filled with families who share the common goal of using real, whole food for tube feeding nutrition. Join our Facebook community here!

5. Download Our “Blending with Whole Story Meals” Guide. Need help getting started or just want to mix things up? Our e-book, Blending with Whole Story Meals, is full of high-calorie, low-volume recipes made with real, whole food that are top-8-allergen-free. Each recipe includes a full nutrient breakdown, customizable substitutions, and ways to tailor blends for different needs. Download our book here!

The hardest part is getting started. The second-hardest part? Realizing you waited this long to try. Now grab that blender. You’re ready!