88% of care providers find it difficult to ensure all residents receive the correct nutrition, and only 17% report having personalised nutrition plans in place for all residents – a significant drop from around 50% in 2023.

That is according to a brand-new collaborative research report between apetito, leading care homes meal provider, and Care England, the largest representative body for independent providers of adult social care in England.

Building on its previous research in 2023, the new report, Nourishing Lives: Shaping the Future of Mealtimes in Care, delves into some of the key challenges facing the sector today and how the landscape has, and hasn’t, shifted in recent years.

Based on 2025/26 survey results from care providers across the UK, the report examines how current pressures are shaping and impacting on care catering, specifically focusing on food and nutrition, specialist diets, the dining environment, cost and labour, and – a new area for this report – sustainability and food waste.

The insights have shone a light on how it’s becoming increasingly difficult for providers to deliver truly personalised mealtime care due to rising dietary complexity and ongoing workforce challenges.

Whilst progress is shown in areas, the report also reveals that many foundational challenges remain unchanged or have even gone backwards since data gathered in 2023. With costs continuing to climb and labour pressures persisting, the sector is at a critical point where new approaches may be needed to maintain high‑quality, individualised care.

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England spoke on the launch of this sector report, saying:

“Mealtimes are now rightly recognised as central to high-quality care, shaping people’s health, dignity and daily experience. What this report shows is not a lack of commitment from providers, but a system that is making delivery increasingly complex. That creates both risk and opportunity.

“There is real progress to build on. Providers are more focused than ever on nutrition, the dining environment and resident experience, and many are already adopting innovative approaches to improve safety, consistency and sustainability. Where this is working well, we are seeing better outcomes for residents and stronger assurance for regulators.

“But the findings also highlight clear opportunities for improvement, particularly around personalisation, workforce capability and translating ambition on sustainability into day-to-day practice. With the right support, clearer guidance and alignment across commissioners, regulators and policymakers, the sector can take the next step forward.

“If we get this right, the prize is significant: more consistent, personalised and enjoyable mealtimes for residents, and a stronger, more resilient care system overall.”

Speaking on behalf of apetito, James Leigh, General Manager of Care Homes said:

“This report provides a timely and evidence‑based view of the pressures facing care catering today. Its insights shine a light on where progress has been made and, crucially, where significant challenges remain — particularly around personalisation and the rising complexity of residents’ needs. We hope these findings support care providers in making informed decisions and spark meaningful conversations about how the sector can move forward together.”

To download the brand-new report from apetito and Care England, click here.