Get Thickened Liquids

The 3 common consistencies of thickened liquids are: nectar-thick, honey-thick, and pudding-thick.

Check the thickener container for any instructions of storage of thickened fluids. Some (but not all) thickened fluids can be kept for 24 hours in a fridge and it may be practical to keep for use throughout the day.

Thickeners should only be prescribed at the request of a qualified speech and language therapist.

Xanthan gum is the only thickening agent that can be frozen or heated and maintain its viscosity. This is essential for safe swallowing.

The role of thickeners. Thickeners can help slow the transit of foods and fluids to allow more time to coordinate the swallowing process safely. This prevents the foods and fluids from entering the lungs to cause serious complications such as chest infections and death due to choking or aspiration pneumonia.

Thickeners should only be prescribed on the recommendation of a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) following diagnosis of dysphagia. Advice to thicken fluid will depend on the person's degree of dysphagia, and the consistency of fluid advised by the SLT.

People who have difficulty swallowing thin liquids usually must drink thickened liquids. Drinking thickened liquids can help prevent choking and stop fluid from entering the lungs. Thickened liquids move slower than thin liquids giving your body more time to protect the airway.

Thickeners should only be prescribed at the request of a qualified speech and language therapist.