Yes, Debbie, I experienced the strong "Salt" taste for quite some time. It slowly diminished (Or I adapted).

As for calories, Gloria, I am on liquids right now (Really on tube feeding" and being allowed to pleasure eat). I am trying to gain some extra calories prior to upcoming radiation/chemo so am doing some really out of the box things. Such as adding a large amount of sour cream and butter, along with chicken stock to mashed potatoes, making them runny but packing calories; making guacamole' and adding mild salsa and sour cream, once again it's runny and requires a lot of water, but a ton of calories. I even add sour cream to some of my soups. I love eggs, cooked soft with lots of butter = more calories. Whatever you can experiment with and he likes, for right now use it! Best wishes to all.