HealthInfo Canterbury

Dietary suggestions for swallowing difficulties

If you have problems with your swallowing, your speech-language therapist may recommend that you have softer foods and thickened fluids. These will help you to eat and drink safely. If you are struggling to maintain a healthy weight and you have swallowing problems, you may also need to see a dietitian.

Use the following leaflets only with advice from your speech-language therapist or dietitian. When you are following a certain level, such as minced and moist, don't change to a different level without first checking with a health professional.

Fluid

Level 1 – slightly thick fluid

Level 2 – mildly thick fluid

Level 3 – moderately thick fluid

Food

Level 3 – liquidised food

Level 4 – puréed food

Level 5 – minced and moist food

Level 6 – soft and bite-sized food

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed March 2019.

Page reference: 79704

Review key: HISWD-121957