When everything you eat tastes faintly of coins, your cutlery is a reasonable place to start. Reusable plastic utensils are often suggested for this problem. You can also try glass plates and cups at the table, plus glass bakeware in place of metal pans on the stove.

A baking soda and saltwater rinse, used just before you eat, may help clear away residue that can affect how food tastes. Stir a teaspoon of each into 4 cups of water, then swish and spit rather than swallow. Brushing your teeth regularly may also help reduce bad tastes. If you also have sores or dryness, ask your care team which rinses are safe for you. In general, you should avoid mouthwashes or rinses that contain alcohol or sugar.

Heat releases aromas into the air, and smell plays a big role in how you experience flavor. If strong food smells bother you, try letting a dish cool to room temperature or eating it chilled. You can also reduce cooking odors by using a kitchen fan or cooking outdoors.

If food tastes bland, acidic flavors may help. Citrus, vinegar, and pickled foods can help cut through a muted sense of taste. Adding herbs, spices, or a little sweetness can also boost flavor without adding extra salt.

One caveat: Acidic or tart foods can hurt if you have mouth sores. If your mouth is sore or irritated, try this tip another time.

Red meat may taste especially unpleasant or bitter during chemotherapy. Try other protein sources instead, such as fish, poultry, eggs, dairy, beans, nut butters, tofu, seeds, or nuts. Still want a steak? Marinating first can help mask the taste. Fruit juice, bottled dressing, or barbecue sauce can all help.

Sugar-free mints, chewing gum, or a piece of ice held in your mouth can cover an unpleasant aftertaste. Mint, lemon, and orange are among the flavors you can try. If water itself tastes unpleasant, drinking through a straw may make it easier to tolerate. 

If chemotherapy makes you feel nauseated or causes vomiting, you may start to link certain foods with feeling sick. In that case, your care team may suggest avoiding food for one to two hours before treatment and about three hours afterward to help prevent food aversions.

If nausea is also affecting you, talk with your care team about ways to manage it.

A food that tastes fine during one cycle may not taste as good during the next, so keeping a running list can help. Try keeping a food diary to track what works and what doesn't, then share it with your oncology team. Keep in mind that taste changes are different for everyone. Most people find what works for them through trial and error.