Many older adults and people with disabilities experience chewing and swallowing difficulties. These problems are common but can prevent good nutrition. Purees, thickeners, and thickened foods make mealtimes easier. They change the consistency of food and drink, so swallowing is easier. Thickeners can also reduce the risk of side effects like choking and aspiration.

How Do I Know If I Need Purees, Thickeners, or Thickened Foods?

 

Purees, thickeners, and thickened foods support people who can’t chew and/or swallow safely. These products can be helpful if you or your loved one have:

 

  • Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

  • Age-related swallowing problems (for example, muscle weakness)

  • Head or neck cancer

  • Parkinson’s disease

  • Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

  • Multiple sclerosis

  • A narrow esophagus

  • Cancer

  • Neurological disorders that affect muscle control, like Multiple Sclerosis

 

Sometimes, purees, thickeners, and thickened foods are recommended by health care providers to folks with missing teeth and/or dentures, because they’re easier to chew.

Purees, Thickeners, and Thickened Foods: How Do I Choose?

 

Choosing purees, thickeners, or thickened foods that align with your or your loved one’s needs can be difficult. Especially if you don’t know what to look for. Luckily, following a few simple guidelines can help. Ramit Singh Sambyal, MD, an emergency medicine physician who regularly helps patients with dysphagia management, says to focus on three things:

Taste and Texture

 

“Prioritize your loved one’s preferences,” Dr. Sambyal says. “Experiment with different brands and flavors to find palatable options.” 

Nutritional Value

 

“Choose enriched foods or add nutrient powders to ensure adequate vitamin and mineral intake,” Dr. Samybal explains. Many of the pureed foods we carry at Carewell are formulated to provide balanced nutrition. 

Consistency

 

“Opt for purees that have smooth textures,” Dr. Sambyal says. “Pureed foods with lumps and fibers can pose choking hazards,” so texture is key. If you notice a puree is chunky, put it in the blender or add water to smooth it out. 

Thickness Levels: Understanding Nectar, Honey, and Pudding

 

Thickened foods and purees come in three consistencies: nectar, honey, and pudding. The type that’s best for you or your loved one depends on swallowing difficulty severity. 

Nectar-Thick Purees

 

“These purees have a thin, liquid-like consistency, similar to watered-down honey,” Dr. Sambyal says. “They’re ideal for those who only need minimal thickening to swallow safely.” 

Honey-Thick Purees

 

“These purees are slightly thicker than nectar, similar to applesauce,” Dr. Sambyal says. “They’re suitable for people with moderate swallowing difficulties.”

Pudding-Thick Purees

 

“These purees are thick and can be scooped with a spoon,” explains Dr. Sambyal. “They have a consistency like mashed potatoes and are best for those with severe dysphagia.”

Purees, Thickeners, and Thickened Foods: Product Types

Pureed Meals & Sides

 

Pureed meals and sides have a smooth, lump-free texture, making them easy to swallow. And, since the food is already broken down, the user doesn’t have to do much (if any) chewing. Some family caregivers choose to make homemade purees, but this can take up time and energy. Prepacked purees provide a warm, ready-to-eat meal in minutes!

Best For:

 

  • People with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

  • Those with dentures and/or missing teeth

  • People who are too frail or sick to chew