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Love Thy Pancreas

  • February 2026
  • Jordan Tully

A Valentine’s Day guide to pancreas-friendly treats for patients with pancreatic cancer or pancreatic disease

Valentine’s Day is about showing love, so this month we’re sending extra love to the organ that works hard behind the scenes – the pancreas. If you’re living with pancreatic cancer or disease, rich and sugary Valentine’s Day treats can trigger symptoms (like blood sugar spikes, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, or pain). The good news: with a few simple, mindful swaps, you can still enjoy something sweet and festive!

Always check with your oncology team, GI team, or dietitian for individualized nutrition guidance—especially if you have diabetes, are losing weight, or notice new or worsening symptoms.

Showing your pancreas some love

  • Choose dark chocolate (around 70% cocoa or higher) when possible; it’s typically lower in added sugar and higher in flavonoids than milk or white chocolate.
  • Pair sweets with protein or fiber (nuts, nut butter, Greek yogurt, or berries) to help steady blood sugar and improve fullness.
  • If high-fat foods trigger symptoms, choose lower-fat versions or enjoy a smaller amount. If you take pancreatic enzymes, take them exactly as prescribed with meals/snacks that contain fat.
  • Skip alcohol unless your care team says it’s safe. Alcohol can irritate the pancreas and is often discouraged with pancreatic disease.
  • If nausea is an issue, keep treats lightly sweet, room temperature or chilled, and sip ginger or peppermint tea along with your treats.

Recipe spotlight: Real Food Chocolate Truffles

Adapted by the National Foundation for Cancer Research, this no‑bake truffle recipe uses dates and a touch of honey for sweetness.1 It’s a festive and healthier option you can share with your loved ones!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pecans, toasted
  • 1 cup dates, pitted and soaked in hot water for 10 minutes
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon raw honey, melted
  • Melted dark chocolate (optional for coating)
  • Unsweetened shredded coconut flakes (optional topping)
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder (optional topping)
  • Minced dark chocolate pieces (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Place the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast, stirring often, until golden. Set aside to cool.
  2. Place the dates in a small bowl with hot water and cover for 10 minutes. Discard the soaking water and place the dates and cooled pecans in the food processor, along with the cocoa powder, sea salt and honey. Pulse until coarse and crumbly.
  3. Cover a tray that fits in your freezer with parchment paper. Form the dough into 30 balls and roll in the toppings of your choice.
  4. Place the truffles on the prepared pan and freeze for 15 minutes.
  5. Enjoy with your loved ones!

Pancreas‑friendly note: nuts and chocolate contain fat. If you have pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), take your enzymes as prescribed with these truffles. If higher‑fat foods are difficult for you, consider rolling truffles in cocoa powder instead of a chocolate coating.

Wishing you a loving, sweet, and symptom‑friendly Valentine’s Day. Your pancreas deserves it!

References

1Stoller, R. (2017, February 9). Decadent, Delicious, Disease-Preventing Dark Chocolate. Retrieved from National Foundation for Cancer Research: https://www.nfcr.org/blog/blogdecadent-delicious-disease-preventing-dark-chocolate/