Written by Brianna Maguire on Mon Dec 30 2024.
Caring for a loved one with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) presents unique challenges. Ensuring they receive adequate nutrition and hydration while minimizing the risk of aspiration (when food or liquid goes "down the wrong tube" into the lungs) is paramount. Thankfully, a range of specialized products can make mealtimes more comfortable, safer, and even more enjoyable for your family member.
This article highlights the best products for people who have trouble swallowing, designed to satisfy various preferences and needs. Remember, individual needs vary significantly, so always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your loved one's diet or introducing new products. For more in-depth information on dysphagia and its management, check out this comprehensive resource from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
Dysphagia products are specifically formulated to help individuals who experience difficulty swallowing. These products range from pre-thickened beverages to powders that alter the consistency of liquids and foods. Their core purpose is to make swallowing easier and safer, significantly reducing the risk of choking or aspiration.
To provide the most reliable recommendations, we've carefully selected these dysphagia products based on:
Real customer feedback: Insights from caregivers and users who experience these products daily.
Expert opinions: Guidance from healthcare professionals in the field.
Caregiver experience: Practical knowledge from those providing direct care.
We prioritized products that have proven effective in addressing the specific needs of individuals with swallowing difficulties while also maintaining crucial taste and nutritional value.
These products are ideal for older adults and any individual who has consulted their doctor about their chewing and swallowing needs. They are perfect for those looking for nutritional solutions that make consuming food and beverages easier and safer.
Common reasons for difficulty swallowing include:
Muscle weakness in the throat or mouth.
Reduced saliva production (dry mouth).
Neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, or dementia.
This versatile thickening agent can be added to many foods and drinks, making swallowing easier for your loved one. From water and juice to coffee, mashed potatoes, and soups, Thick-It Food & Drink Thickener helps maintain the taste while providing a safer texture for consumption.
Key Features & Benefits:
Dissolves easily into food and drinks
Easily digested
Does not bind fluids
One of our most craved dishes, it features an array of wholesome ingredients, including chicken, green and red bell peppers, peas, carrots, and cream. This ready-to-eat, fully flavored puree has a consistent texture that meets dysphagia diet guidelines for IDDSI Level 4 Puréed.
Key Features & Benefits:
Each serving contains 560 calories, 30 grams of fat and 43 grams of protein
Shelf-stable for up to 24 months
Staying hydrated is essential, but water can be challenging for those with dysphagia. Thick & Easy Hydrolyte Thickened Water offers a safe, effective solution. This pre-thickened water helps your family member stay hydrated while minimizing the risk of aspiration.
Key Features & Benefits:
Ready to drink without measuring or mixing
Fortified with vitamins and minerals
Can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature
Another excellent option on our list of best products for swallowing problems is Thick-It Clear Advantage. It provides the same benefits as Thick & Easy Hydrolyte but with a different formulation.
Key Features & Benefits:
Combines easily with powdered milk, broth, and other drinks
Ready to drink without measuring or mixing
Meets International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative guidelines
Finding pre-pureed meals that taste good can be challenging, but Thick & Easy Purees is a caregiver favorite. This delicious roasted chicken with potatoes and carrots meal offers a tasty and nutritious option for those with swallowing difficulties.
Key Features & Benefits:
Pre-cooked and ready to eat
Convenient solution for those with swallowing difficulties
14g of protein per serving
This caregiver-approved product offers a tasty and safe way to enjoy juice. With a nectar-like consistency, you can use it straight out of the bottle.
Key Benefits & Features:
Loaded with vitamin C
Comes in flavors like apple juice, cranberry, iced tea, and kiwi strawberry
Meets the criteria for level 2 thickened beverages
Satisfy your loved one's sweet tooth with this pre-thickened dessert option. Thick-It Puree Caramel Apple Pie is a favorite among caregivers and offers a delightful treat for those with dysphagia.
Key Benefits & Features:
Ready to eat out of the can or heat and serve
5 servings per can
For those on the go, SimplyThick Easy Mix Instant Food Thickener Packets offer a convenient way to thicken food and beverages. These single-serve, unflavored packets can be easily carried in your purse or bag, making it easy to modify the consistency of your loved one's meals and beverages wherever you are.
Key Features & Benefits:
Each packet contains 5 calories
Has a shelf life of 12 months
Formula is vegan, kosher, gluten-free and allergen-free
Choosing the right dysphagia products begins with determining the appropriate level of thickness, as guided by a healthcare professional. Most commonly, liquids are categorized into three consistency types:
Nectar-thick: These products have a consistency similar to fruit nectar. They are thinner than honey-thick but noticeably thicker than regular liquids, allowing for easier control during swallowing.
Honey-thick: Slightly thicker than nectar-thick, these products resemble the consistency of honey, providing more resistance during swallowing.
Pudding-thick: The thickest consistency, similar to that of pudding, offering the most control for individuals with severe swallowing difficulties.
At Carewell, we offer delicious nutritional products for all three consistency types. Additionally, our food thickeners can be added to existing meals and drinks to achieve any desired consistency.
Next, consider your loved one's flavor preference. It's crucial to pick flavors they will genuinely enjoy to ensure consistent consumption. Don't hesitate to try various flavors from our list until you find their favorites! If they don't enjoy pre-pureed options, focus on using unflavored thickeners in their preferred foods and drinks.
If you or your loved one is looking to gain weight, you should discuss product choices with your doctor or dietitian. Some pre-thickened products are indeed more calorie-dense than others, making them suitable for weight gain. However, many powdered thickeners add very few calories to the food or drinks they thicken, so their primary role is safety, not calorie enhancement.
Most individuals tolerate thickened food products well. However, some may experience minor side effects such as bloating, gas, or changes in bowel movements (like constipation). If you have any concerns about introducing a new product to your loved one's diet, always consult with a healthcare professional.
If your loved one is experiencing difficulty swallowing, coughing, or choking during meals or when drinking, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional immediately. They can conduct an assessment, determine if dysphagia is present, and recommend the appropriate treatment plan, which may include the use of thickened food products.
Feeding a loved one with difficulties swallowing can be challenging, but with the right products, you can ensure they get the nutrition they need while lowering the risk of choking or aspiration. By selecting products that are specifically designed for those with dysphagia, you can save yourself time, stress and get your loved one what they need to thrive.
If you're unsure which type of dysphagia products are best for your loved one, we can help! Call us at (800) 696-CARE or send an email to support@carewell.com, and our Caregiving Specialists will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect solutions.
Many family caregivers use food and drink thickeners to make mealtimes easier and more enjoyable for loved ones with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). Thickening agents, like Thick-It and ThickenUp, change the consistency of edibles and liquids, reducing the risk of coughing and choking.
Read More >
Many seniors experience dysphagia—or difficulty swallowing—due to the natural aging process, neurological disorders, or cancer.
Medically Reviewed by Kiera Powell, R.N.
Brianna Maguire heads up Carewell’s Customer Care Team, and serves as a resource for caregivers that need support. Whether it’s helping customers decide which products are best for their needs, answering caregiver questions, or just providing a shoulder to lean on on a tough day, her job is to make caregivers’ lives easier.
