Written by Chad Birt on Tue Jan 19 2021.
If you're caring for a loved one with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), you're likely asking: What exactly are food and drink thickeners? What might seem like a lack of appetite or disinterest in eating could actually stem from pain or a sensitive gag reflex. Thickening agents can help make mealtimes pleasurable again while significantly lowering the risk of choking.
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into food, drink, and liquid thickeners, covering what they are, who can benefit from them, and where to buy them.
What are food and drink thickeners?
Food, drink, and liquid thickeners are typically starch or gel-based additives designed to make fluids and edibles easier and safer to swallow. They work by decreasing the flow rate of thin liquids, preventing them from accidentally entering your loved one’s airways.
When food or liquid "goes down the wrong pipe" and enters the lungs, it poses serious risks like coughing, choking, or even aspiration pneumonia. Thickeners allow foods and beverages to move more slowly and safely down the throat and into the digestive system.
People with dysphagia often need to consume a special diet consisting of thick liquids. These usually fall into three main categories, each varying in consistency:
Nectar thick liquids: These are easy to pour and have a creamy, soup-like consistency.
Honey thick liquids: More difficult to pour, these are typically drizzled into food or beverages.
Spoon thick liquids: These don't pour; they hold their shape and have a pudding-like consistency.
Food and drink thickeners are generally recommended for individuals with swallowing disorders. While these disorders can affect people of all ages, they are especially common among the elderly. As we age, the muscles in the pharynx and esophagus can lose tone, which can negatively impact swallowing ability and lead to dysphagia.
Beyond age-related factors, thickening agents can also benefit individuals living with chronic conditions such as:
Parkinson’s disease
Dementia
Reflux disease
Stroke
Spinal cord injury
Those undergoing cancer treatment, particularly for head, neck, or throat cancers, may also find significant benefit from using thickeners.
Yes, food, drink, and liquid thickeners are generally safe and well-tolerated. Most thickening agents on the market are made from gel, powder, or other all-natural ingredients and typically have no side effects.
It's worth noting that some individuals, especially those with dementia or other cognitive impairments, might initially refuse thickened products. Therefore, it's important to experiment to find a brand and consistency that your loved one finds palatable and enjoys.
You can find thickening agents at most pharmacies, grocery stores, and big-box retailers. We also offer a variety of thickening agents right here on the Carewell site.
Here are some of our most popular food, drink, and liquid thickeners:
If you prefer not to use a commercial thickening agent, it is possible to change the consistency of foods and beverages at home using common ingredients. The best ingredients will depend on the temperature and desired consistency of what you're preparing.
Here are a few suggestions from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) to help you get started:
For cold foods and beverages: Add dry banana flakes, pureed fruit, or plain gelatin.
For hot soups, sauces, or gravies: Add potato flakes, mashed potatoes, or flaked baby cereal.
For hot, milk-based liquids: Add baby rice cereal or plain gelatin.
To ensure the thickening agent properly binds with the liquid, use a blender and mix until you achieve the desired consistency.
Food, drink, and liquid thickeners are affordable, easy to use, and can significantly help your loved one enjoy mealtimes again. If you're still unsure what type of thickening agent will best meet your needs, don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly Care Team. A brief call to our customer support line can save you hours of research and hassle.
You can reach us at (800) 696-CARE or via email by sending a message to support@carewell.com.
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Many seniors experience dysphagia—or difficulty swallowing—due to the natural aging process, neurological disorders, or cancer.
Medically Reviewed by Kiera Powell, R.N.
Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.
