LINDT LES GRANDES MILK HAZELNUT

LINDT LES GRANDES MILK HAZELNUT

PRIMARY CLINICAL & DIAGNOSTIC USES

1. High-Density Calorie Supplement for Patients with Unintentional Weight Loss or Cachexia

• Primary Use: Provides an energy-dense milk chocolate bar (approximately 585 kcal per 100 g) containing 34% whole roasted hazelnuts and caramelised hazelnut pieces, designed to supplement oral intake in patients with cancer cachexia, advanced COPD, heart failure, or dementia-related anorexia who require calorie-dense, low-volume nutrition.

• How it helps: For the dietitian, geriatrician, and palliative care physician, each 30 g serving (2 squares) provides approximately 175 kcal, 13 g fat (including heart‑healthy monounsaturated fats from hazelnuts), 12 g sugar, 3 g protein, and 1.5 g fibre. The creamy milk chocolate (35% cocoa solids) with whole roasted hazelnuts is highly palatable and requires minimal chewing. For the patient, a few squares help maintain weight without feeling overly full, turning a nutritional need into an enjoyable treat.

2. Plant Protein and Dietary Fibre for Malnourished or Frail Elderly Patients

• Primary Use: The hazelnut component contributes plant-based protein (approximately 2.8 g per serving) and dietary fibre (approximately 1.5 g per serving), complementing the energy density of milk chocolate, making this product suitable for frail elderly patients with sarcopenia, poor appetite, or those requiring increased protein and fibre intake without large food volumes.

• How it helps: For the geriatrician and dietitian, hazelnuts provide approximately 8 g of protein per 100 g, plus fibre, vitamin E (antioxidant), and magnesium. A 30 g serving provides a meaningful contribution to daily protein and fibre goals, supporting muscle maintenance and digestive regularity. For the patient, a small, enjoyable treat can support strength and comfort.

3. Mood Enhancement and Sensory Stimulation in Palliative Care, Dementia, and Depression

• Primary Use: Used as a small, comforting treat to elevate mood, provide multi-textural sensory stimulation (smooth milk chocolate, crunchy whole hazelnuts, crisp caramelised pieces), and evoke positive memories in patients receiving palliative care, those with mild to moderate depression, or individuals with dementia.

• How it helps: For the palliative care physician, hospice nurse, and occupational therapist, the combination of creamy sweet chocolate and crunchy nuts engages multiple senses, improves alertness, and can trigger positive autobiographical memories. Milk chocolate triggers endorphin and serotonin release more readily than dark chocolate due to its higher sugar and fat content. The act of chewing hazelnuts provides proprioceptive and oral motor stimulation. For the patient, a small piece can bring a moment of joy and connection during a difficult illness trajectory.

4. Masking of Unpleasant Tastes (Dysgeusia) in Chemotherapy and Renal Patients

• Primary Use: The sweet, creamy milk chocolate combined with rich hazelnut flavour effectively masks metallic, bitter, or ammonia‑like tastes reported by patients undergoing chemotherapy, haemodialysis, or those with advanced liver disease, thereby encouraging oral intake when other foods are refused.

• How it helps: For the oncology dietitian and nephrologist, the strong, pleasant nutty flavour of hazelnut can overpower distorted taste perceptions better than plain chocolate. One or two squares consumed slowly before a meal can help reset the palate. The sweetness of milk chocolate is often better tolerated than the bitterness of dark chocolate by patients with severe taste changes. For the patient, this can reduce meal‑related aversion and support nutritional intake during treatment.

SECONDARY USES

1. Small, portion‑controlled treat for patients with diabetes (in moderation): A 30 g serving (2 squares) contains 12 g sugar. The fibre and fat from hazelnuts help slow gastric emptying and attenuate the glycaemic response compared to plain milk chocolate. Can be incorporated into a diabetic meal plan as an occasional treat, with careful carbohydrate counting.

2. Source of magnesium for patients with muscle cramps or mild deficiency: Hazelnuts are rich in magnesium (approximately 160 mg per 100 g). A 30 g serving provides a small contribution to daily requirements, potentially helping reduce nocturnal leg cramps.

3. Non‑medical comfort for needle phobia or distressing procedures: Offering a square of LES GRANDES Milk Hazelnut as a reward or distraction during venepuncture, cannulation, or vaccinations can reduce anxiety, with the sweet flavour and crunchy texture providing sensory focus.

4. Long shelf‑life, portable snack for homebound or low‑resource patients: Individually packaged 150 g bars have a shelf life of approximately 364 days, making them a practical non‑perishable energy reserve for patients with limited access to fresh snacks.

5. Reward to improve adherence to oral nutritional supplements (ONS): For patients who refuse or struggle to consume prescribed oral nutritional supplements, a small piece offered as positive reinforcement can improve long‑term adherence.

6. Alternative for patients who find dark chocolate too bitter: With 35% cocoa solids and added milk, this bar is sweet, creamy, and mild – suitable for patients, particularly children or older adults, who dislike the bitterness of dark chocolate.