Dysphagia: Liquid Consistency
What does liquid consistency mean?
It refers to how “runny” or thick a liquid is. Common terms for thickened liquids include nectar thick, honey thick, and spoon or pudding thick. Please refer to the table below.
Why does it matter how thick or thin the liquids I have are?
You may not be able to swallow thin liquids safely. Drinking a liquid that is thicker may help prevent it from “going down the wrong pipe”.
Basic tips for people needing thickened liquids.
- Do not eat anything that melts.
- Do not add ice cubes.
- Do not use a straw unless told to use one by your speech pathologist.
- You may need to avoid juicy foods such as watermelons.
- Drain juice off canned fruit.
- You can buy commercial thickeners at the drug store or order online.
- When starting to use a thickener you will want to first carefully read and follow the package directions. You must let it stand for several minutes. Dairy products take longer to thicken. Dribble some of the liquid off the spoon to check to make sure it is safe for you to drink. If not, you can add a little more thickener. Your Speech Pathologist or Dietitian can work with you on the right way to mix your liquids.
- Hot drinks that have been thickened tend to become thicker as they cool.
- If you mix a drink in advance and let it sit for a long period of time it will continue to thicken.
- You can buy pre-thickened juices and milk.
Liquids |
Safe Liquids |
Liquids to Avoid |
Thin Liquids
A liquid that is thin and easy to pour such as water. |
Water, all juices, broth, milk, coffee, tea, cocoa, carbonated beverages, alcoholic beverages, gelatin, frozen desserts, and nutritional supplements. |
None, unless you are told something else. |
Nectar-like Liquids
A liquid that is easy to pour yet thicker than water, closer to a heavy syrup consistency. |
All liquid that is nectar-like.
Tip: Make soups smooth by putting through a blender and whisk in mashed potatoes as needed to make nectar thick. |
Any liquid that has not been thickened, gelatin, milkshakes, and frozen desserts.
Avoid juices that separate such as, pineapple juice, tomato juice, apricot nectar, orange juice that has pulp. |
Honey-like Liquids
A liquid that is thicker and drizzles from a bowl or cup like honey does. |
All liquid that is honey-like.
Tip: Make soups smooth by putting through a blender and whisk in mashed potatoes as needed to make honey thick. |
Any liquid that has not been thickened, gelatin, milkshakes, and frozen desserts. |
Spoon-thick Liquids
A liquid that is able to hold a shape, will “mound” at room temperature, does not pour, is too thick for a straw, and must be eaten with a spoon. |
All liquids and foods that are pudding like.
|
Any thin liquid, thin puree or food with juice that is runny. |
No Liquids
No Liquids are allowed |
No Liquids allowed |
Water, all juices, broth, milk, coffee, tea, cocoa, carbonated beverages, alcoholic beverages, gelatin, frozen desserts, nutritional supplements. |
If you would like to make an appointment or are a UW Health patient with more questions please contact UW Health at one of the phone numbers listed below.
University Station
|
UW Health West Clinic Nutrition Clinic Room 1296 451 Junction Road Madison, WI 53717 (608) 262-9181 appointments (608) 265-7526 |
UW Health East Clinic Nutrition Clinic Room 2106 5249 East Terrace Drive Madison, WI 53718 (608) 265-7405 appointments (608) 265-0963 |
American Family Children’s Hospital, 1675 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53792 263-6420 Appointments |
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 08/14/2012
Copyright © 06/13/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#468
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