Consistency Guide

Finding what works best

A dysphagia diet has two separate categories: liquids and foods. Both of these are swallowed differently. A healthcare professional will be able to help decide what consistency is most suitable for you.

This Consistency Guide gives more information about the products your healthcare professional recommends. The consistencies below are within The National Dysphagia Diet guidelines, published by the American Dietetic Association¹.

Liquid consistencies

Thin

Includes water, coffee, tea, soda, ices, tomato juice or anything else that will quickly liquefy in the mouth. For those who can drink thin liquids, all beverages are acceptable.

Nectar-like

Liquids that have been thickened to a consistency that coats and drips off a spoon, similar to unset gelatin.

Honey-like

Liquids that have been thickened to honey consistency. The liquid flows off a spoon in a ribbon, just like actual honey.

Spoon-thick

Liquids that have been thickened to a pudding consistency. They remain on the spoon in a soft mass.

Food consistencies

Level 4 Regular

All foods are acceptable.

Level 3 Dysphagia Advanced

A near-regular diet with the exception of very hard, sticky or crunchy foods. Foods should be bite-size. Avoid crusty or dry bread, nuts, apples, dry fruit, coconut, raw vegetables and corn.

Level 2 Dysphagia Advanced Altered

Foods are moist, soft and cohesive. Meats are ground or minced. Avoid rice, corn, bread, soups and casseroles that contain large chunks, nuts, and chewy, stringy or dry foods.

Level 1 Dysphagia Pureed

Pureed and cohesive foods, no mixed textures, everything is "pudding-like." Nothing that requires chewing is allowed.