Innovative high protein ice cream supports older patients
Posted on: 26 Apr 2026
Charitable funding means older patients are enjoying essential nutrition in the form of an award-winning ice cream.
The challenge
Malnutrition is a major cause and consequence of ill health among older people, with the NHS estimating an annual cost of around £20 billion. Although hospital meals are nutritious, many older patients struggle to eat during hospital stays, and traditional high-protein drinks are often unappealing. This means patients can quickly become malnourished, leading to muscle weakness, slower recovery, and longer hospital stays.
What the grant funded
Thanks to charitable donations, Nottingham Hospitals Charity provided £4,800 to purchase six mini freezers to store four flavours of a clinically developed high-protein ice cream, N-ICE Cream®.
Six mini freezer mean the ice cream can be stored on the wards, solvint the logistical challenge of keeping products frozen and having them on hand for patients who need them.
This innovative product – created by a team led by Professor Opinder Sahota at Nottingham University Hospitals – delivers essential nutrition in a format that older patients find enjoyable and easy to consume.
Measurable outcomes
N-ICE Cream® has transitioned from a research study into a routinely offered nutritional supplement on wards.
Older patients now have a palatable, high-protein option that improves nutritional intake.
The product has earned five external innovation awards within 18 months, recognising its impact in healthcare.
Wards can safely and consistently store ice cream thanks to the new mini freezers.
Professor Opinder Sahota, consultant in ortho-geriatric medicine, said:
“We are delighted to be able to make N-ICE Cream® widely available at last to some of the most vulnerable patients who are treated at our hospitals and help these patients avoid malnutrition. Despite hospital meals being nutritious, many older patients struggle to eat them and often find traditional high-protein drinks unpalatable.”
He added:
“This product has been specifically developed as a nutritious, muscle-targeted high-protein ice cream designed to address the serious problem of malnutrition and muscle weakness among older people.”
Nigel Gregory, chief executive of Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said:
“We know that nutrition can be a challenge when caring for older patients, and we were very interested to learn about this innovative product developed here at Nottingham’s hospitals. Thanks to our donors, we’re pleased to fund supplies of N-ICE Cream® and the mini freezers that make it possible.”
Patient and service impact
The ice cream offers a cooling and clinically effective way for older patients to boost their nutrition - especially helpful during warmer months. By supporting better protein intake, N-ICE Cream® helps prevent muscle loss, speeds up recovery and contributes to improved overall health.
What may appear to be a simple treat is, in fact, a vital intervention that is already benefiting some of the most vulnerable patients at Nottingham’s hospitals.
High-protein ice cream is supporting older patients
Specially developed ice cream is ensuring that older patients are getting essential nutrition during their stay on Nottingham hospitals
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