Harg

PROVIDING LONG STAY RESIDENCIES WITH A RANGE OF NUTRITIOUS FOOD PRODUCTS WITH MUTIPLE BENEFITS FOR PATIENTS AND CARE GIVERS 

Societal Challenge & Market

Dysphagia affects over 13 million people in Europe, predominantly the elderly. The condition causes malnutrition, reduced life expectancy, and increased care costs. Current management relies primarily on blended foods, which offer poor nutritional value, inconsistent texture, and a high risk of aspiration. Patients in nursing homes and hospices are left without a reliable, dignified dietary solution.

Solution

Harg (Healthy Aging Research Group) offers more than 50 varieties of dehydrated, enriched foods designed for automated preparation via a specialized vending machine. The powder-based meals are mixed with vapor and air to create easy-to-consume portions that meet the full nutritional needs of dysphagia patients — without additional supplements. Served in nursing homes and hospices across Italy, Harg’s meals reduce malnutrition risk, support better symptom management, and restore a measure of dignity and quality of life for some of Europe’s most vulnerable patients. The health benefits have been validated in clinical studies.