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Ramadan food ideas: our guide to Suhoor, Iftar & other essentials

Selection of nuts and snacks on orange background
From fasting to feasting, we’ll help you stock up. Find nutritious extras to add to your Suhoor or crowd-pleasing staples for the ultimate get-together

Our top picks

Source of iron

Holland & Barrett Mixed Nut Pieces 400g
4.51

Holland & Barrett

Holland & Barrett Mixed Nut Pieces 400g

3 for 2 Mix & Match

€10.99

One per day

Holland & Barrett Gentle Iron Bisglycinate 20mg 90 Capsules
4.68

Holland & Barrett

Holland & Barrett Gentle Iron Bisglycinate 20mg 90 Capsules

Buy 1 Get 1 Free

€12.34

With B12

Holland & Barrett Hydration + Energy Support Pineapple Guava 14 Sachets
4.64

Holland & Barrett

Holland & Barrett Hydration + Energy Support Pineapple Guava 14 Sachets

3 for 2 Mix & Match

€12.00

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Whether you're keeping things simple or preparing a feast, your Ramadan meals should be something to look forward to. Being ‘healthy’ shouldn't rule your Suhoor or Iftar – you should enjoy it your way. However, packing in the right nutrients can help you maintain a balanced diet through Ramadan.

So, it’s all about the extras that add nutrition to your meals. From sprinkles of fibre to refreshing drinks, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite products that offer support when you need it most. If you follow a Halal diet, just be sure to check all products individually for suitability.

Holland & Barrett Chia Seeds 400g

Source of iron

Holland & Barrett

€7.49

€18.73/1 kg

Chias to fibre and protein

It couldn’t be easier to shake this extra source of fibre, protein and iron onto almost anything – everyone needs fibre, and it’s thought that 90% of us don’t get enough.1,2 Chia seeds are also a source of iron, important for normal cognitive function and helping to reduce tiredness and fatigue.3,4

Need some recipe inspiration? Sprinkle chia seeds over yoghurt, porridge, eggs or pancakes or mix into smoothies and bakes. Or whip up a chia pudding with your favourite fruits for even more fibre.

 
Holland & Barrett Mixed Nut Pieces 400g

Source of iron

Holland & Barrett

€10.99

€27.48/1 kg

For energy support

Nuts naturally contain fat – and that's not a bad thing, particularly as it helps the body to absorb certain vitamins.5 Our mix of walnuts, cashews and Brazil nuts is naturally high in magnesium, manganese and vitamin B1, all of which contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism. They offer an average of 18.8g fat, 4.3g protein and 1.7g fibre per 30g serving. The best thing about nuts? They’re super versatile and great for snacking as well as in granola, curries, desserts, homemade nut butter and more.

 
Applied Nutrition Critical Whey Protein Powder Chocolate 450 g

24g protein

Applied Nutrition

€24.00

€53.33/1 kg

For muscle support

If you’re hitting the gym during Ramadan, making sure you’re getting enough protein is very important. We need protein as it contributes to normal muscle and bone maintenance and, according to the British Nutrition Foundation, most people should have about 0.75g protein per kg of their body weight per day.6,7,8 While we recommend trying to get protein through your diet, we know this isn’t always possible and sometimes a shake is great for topping up. Applied Nutrition’s chocolate-flavoured protein powder delivers 24g protein per serving and takes just seconds to whizz into a shake. Not a chocolate fan? Don’t worry, it comes in coffee, banana, strawberry and vanilla flavours too.

 
Holland & Barrett Hydration + Energy Support Pineapple Guava 14 Sachets

With B12

Holland & Barrett

€12.00

€0.86/1 Sachet

A tropical twist on hydration

Hydration’s just as important as what you eat when you break a fast – after all, the body’s made up of about 60% water.9 While water is a great choice for everyday hydration, sometimes you might fancy something a little different. These electrolyte sachets combine hydration and energy support for a two-in-one way to stay refreshed during Suhoor and Iftar. Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance, while vitamin B12 helps reduce tiredness and fatigue.10,11,12 There’s no caffeine and no added sodium – just a tropical-tasting Pineapple & Guava flavour.

 
Holland & Barrett Crunchy Banana Chips 420g

Source of fibre

Holland & Barrett

€7.09

€16.88/1 kg

Craving something sweet?

These banana chips offer some tasty sweetness and are a source of fibre. Snack straight from the bag, sprinkle into granola, trail mix or porridge or add into this delicious triple berry immunity bowl.

 
Holland & Barrett Manuka Honey MGO 70+ Squeezy 350g

Sweet and squeezy

Holland & Barrett

€32.50

€16.25

€46.43/1 kg

Perfect for drizzling

OK, you might not need a fancy honey. But this squeezy Manuka is made by bees that visit the Manuka bush, only found in Australia and New Zealand. MGO is a naturally occurring compound in Manuka honey, with the number indicating its concentration.15 We’ve picked an MGO rating of 70+ for a more everyday honey, but our range goes up to MGO 1200+. Squeeze over oats, pancakes, yoghurt or drizzle on toast for an extra hit of sweetness. We’d recommend our gluten-free protein pancakes with nut butter for protein, fibre and a seriously tasty start to the day.

 
Holland & Barrett Gentle Iron Bisglycinate 20mg 90 Capsules

One per day

Holland & Barrett

€12.34

€0.14/1 Capsule

Gentle, vegan iron support

Iron plays a part in carrying oxygen around the body, helping to reduce fatigue and supporting normal cognitive function – so it’s pretty important.16 You can find iron in food, but some people (including those following vegetarian or vegan diets or those with heavy periods) may find it more challenging to get enough through their diet. These vegan iron capsules are ‘gentle’, meaning they’re kind to your stomach, and provide 20mg iron per daily serving.

 

Ramadan nutrition FAQs

What foods are good to eat for Suhoor?

Balance is key, but it’s a good idea to include nutrients that support energy and help you stay satisfied. Some of these could include:

  • protein: lean meats, fish, tofu, beans, nuts and dairy foods all provide protein 17

  • fibre: found in fruit and veg, whole grains, beans, lentils, chickpeas, nuts and seeds 18

  • healthy fats: like those in oily fish, avocado, olive oil and some nuts 19

  • iron: leafy greens, eggs, red meat, edamame beans, chickpeas and dried fruit provide iron 20

  • B vitamins: found in meat and fish, dairy products, fruit and veg, nuts and some fortified cereals 21

 

What foods are good to break your fast with?

It’s a good idea to break your fast with something light yet nutrient-dense. As well as traditional dates, the NHS recommends soup as a good option.14 Try to avoid overeating or eating lots of high-sugar foods immediately at Iftar, and instead aim for a balanced meal with lean protein, vegetables and wholegrains.14

 

How can you stay hydrated during Ramadan?

Plan your hydration wisely between Iftar and Suhoor – try to drink six to eight cups of fluids (water is best, but tea, coffee and juice also count), as well as water-rich foods like fruit and veg.22 If you can, spread your intake throughout your non-fasting hours rather than drinking large amounts at once.23 You might also want to include electrolytes or a hydration drink for a refreshing alternative.

 

Do you need supplements during Ramadan?

You don’t necessarily need supplements during Ramadan. Your nutrition should come from your diet wherever possible, and so eating a balanced diet during sundown hours is the ideal way to stay on top of things. However, you might benefit from a supplement if it’s particularly hard to get certain nutrients, for example, if you’re vegetarian or vegan, you have dietary restrictions or you have heavy periods. Your GP can give you advice on whether specific supplements are suitable for you.

 

The final say

Ready to stock up? We’ve got the tasty and nutritious snacks to help you through your fast. Check out our guide to foods and supplements to support you during Ramadan, with advice from our store colleagues, if you’re after more ideas too. One more thing: if you’ve got a crowd around for Suhoor – make these peanut butter date bites to break your fast and you’ll be the favourite dinner party host. And finally, Ramadan Mubarak to all who observe it!

Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Working with experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.

Sources

1 Nutritics.com. Cited 2026 Nov 2. Available from: https://www.nutritics.com/en/

2 GOV.UK. NDNS: results from years 9 to 11 (combined) – statistical summary. GOV.UK [reviewed 2020 Dec 11; cited 2026 Nov 2]. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/ndns-results-from-years-9-to-11-2016-to-2017-and-2018-to-2019/ndns-results-from-years-9-to-11-combined-statistical-summary

3 European Commission. Food and Feed Information [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2026 Nov 2]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6390

4 European Commission. Food and Feed Information [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2026 Nov 2]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6395

5 https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/sugar-salt-and-fat/fats-explained

6 European Commission. Food and Feed Information [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2026 Nov 2]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6447

7 European Commission. Food and Feed Information [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2026 Nov 2]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6448

8 British Nutrition Foundation. Sport and exercise [Internet]. British Nutrition Foundation [cited 2026 Nov 2]. Available from: https://www.nutrition.org.uk/creating-a-healthy-diet/sport-and-exercise/

9 NHS South Tees. Hydration [Internet]. NHS South Tees [reviewed 2024 Aug 30; cited 2026 Nov 2]. Available from: https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/patients-visitors/ipc/ipc-advice-for-carers/catheters-and-staying-hydrated/

10 European Commission. Food and Feed Information [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2026 Nov 2]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6402

11 NHS. Electrolyte test [Internet]. NHS [reviewed 2022 Mar 15; cited 2026 Nov 2]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/electrolyte-test/

12 European Commission. Food and Feed Information [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2026 Nov 2]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/food/food-feed-portal/screen/health-claims/eu-register/details/POL-HC-6488

13 NHS. Starchy foods and carbohydrates [Internet]. NHS [reviewed 2023 Mar 15; cited 2026 Nov 2]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-types/starchy-foods-and-carbohydrates/

14 NHS Clement Road Surgery. Staying Healthy During Ramadan 2026 [Internet]. NHS [reviewed 2026 Feb 18; cited 2026 Nov 2]. Available from: https://www.clementroadsurgery.nhs.uk/2026/02/18/staying-healthy-during-ramadan-2026/

15 Johnston M, McBride M, Dahiya D, Owusu-Apenten R, Nigam PS. Antibacterial activity of Manuka honey and its components: An overview. AIMS Microbiol [Internet]. 2018 Nov 27 [cited 2026 Nov 2]; 4(4): 655-64. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6613335/

16 National Institutes of Health (NIH). Iron – Fact Sheet for Consumers [Internet]. NIH [reviewed 2023 Aug 17; cited 2026 Nov 2]. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-Consumer/

17 British Nutrition Foundation (BNF). Protein in the diet [Internet]. BNF [reviewed 2021; cited 2026 Nov 2]. Available from: https://www.nutrition.org.uk/media/yh2botxi/protein-in-the-diet_resource.pdf

18 British Nutrition Foundation (BNF). Fibre [Internet]. BNF [cited 2026 Nov 2]. Available from: https://www.nutrition.org.uk/nutritional-information/fibre/

19 NHS. Fat: the facts [Internet]. NHS [reviewed 2023 Apr 14; cited 2026 Nov 2]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-types/different-fats-nutrition/

20 NHS Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH). Iron (good sources of) [Internet]. MKUH [cited 2026 Nov 2]. Available from: https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/patient-information-leaflet/good-sources-of-iron

21 NHS. B vitamins and folic acid [Internet]. NHS [reviewed 2020 Aug 3; cited 2026 Nov 2]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-b/

22 Salford & Trafford Age UK. Ramadan [Internet]. Salford & Trafford Age UK [cited 2026 Nov 2]. Available from: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/salfordandtrafford/about-us/improving-nutrition-and-hydration/ramadan/

23 The Association of UK Dietitians (BDA). Ramadan and diet [Internet]. BDA [reviewed 2022 Apr 1; cited 2026 Nov 2]. Available from: https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/ramadan-and-diet.html

 
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