I want to encourage anyone with a loved one having long term significant food issues related to HNC, that making the switch to a Vitamix has changed our life. It has expanded the real foods my husband can eat and allowed us to enjoy the same foods at mealtime. I just eat the Vitamix recipe with him. So, if you are wondering if it makes a difference and is worth the money my thought is probably only if you are having a real struggle with food. For us it has been a game changer. Notice the support OCF with Vitamix on the far right of this site.