Written by Chad Birt on Mon Dec 30 2024.
If you're caring for someone who struggles with chewing or swallowing, you know pureed foods are a game-changer. They're soft on the gums, easy to swallow, and significantly reduce the risk of choking. But let's be real: getting a picky eater to enjoy pureed meals can feel like an Olympic sport. The good news? It doesn't have to be!
We've put together a list of top-rated pureed meals that are not just nutritious but also surprisingly appealing to even the most discerning palates.
Pureeing is a cooking method that transforms solid foods into a smooth, consistent paste or mush. These types of meals are often recommended for individuals with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or those with missing teeth. While incredibly beneficial for safety and ease of consumption, the texture of pureed foods can sometimes be unappealing, especially for those with strong food preferences. That's where our curated list comes in!
Stocking your pantry with a variety of these crowd-pleasing purees can save you time, reduce stress, and make mealtimes much more enjoyable for everyone involved. You might even find you won't need to add extra seasonings or condiments to boost their flavor!
Our selection of pureed meals is based on a combination of our best-selling and highest-rated products. We’ve also included real feedback directly from caregivers and users to give you a true sense of what to expect. L
Start the day right with a delicious pureed omelet! This option from Thick-It offers a texture similar to an egg bake or frittata and provides five servings per can. It's a fantastic way to ensure a nutritious beginning to any day.
Key Features & Benefits:
Ready to eat: Just heat and serve for ultimate convenience.
Generous portions: Each can contains five servings.
Shelf-stable: Reliable consistency and easy storage.
Chicken a la King holds a storied spot in the hall of famous comfort foods. Though its origins are disputed (some chefs claim it was invented in France, while others say it originated in the United Kingdom), the recipe has always been a favorite. This Thick-It puree features diced chicken, cream sauce, and an assortment of mushrooms and vegetables.
Key Benefits & Features:
Nutritious: Provides 110 calories per can for essential energy.
Great taste: A popular flavor profile.
Consistent texture: Easy and safe to swallow.
Customer Review: “My husband likes this! Thick-It Puree Chicken a la King has become a staple of my husband's meals menu! He really likes it, and if it is good for him, it is good with me!” - Margaret M.
Getting vegetables into a picky eater's diet can be a challenge, but sweet corn puree often comes to the rescue! Many in our caregiving community praise this puree as a reliable vegetable option that's consistently accepted.
Key Benefits & Features:
Made with real sweet corn: Authentic, appealing flavor.
Dietitian-developed: Ensures nutritional quality.
Consistent texture and nutrition: Reliable and safe with every serving.
Rounding out our top picks from Thick-It is their hearty beef stew puree. With a consistency similar to refried beans, it's ready to serve after just 60 seconds in the microwave. Its smooth texture makes it incredibly easy to swallow, significantly reducing the risk of choking and aspiration.
Key Benefits & Features:
Meets dysphagia standards: Texture adheres to Level 4 guidelines for IDDSI.
Real ingredients: Made with simmered beef and vegetables for authentic flavor.
Smooth and easy to swallow: Designed for maximum safety.
Customer Review: “The picky eater loves this stew. Going to have to have more, and that’s okay with me, as he continues to enjoy these nutritious, tasty meals that are ready in 60 seconds.” - Bev A.
Hormel’s take on a classic Sunday pot roast is one of our most popular pureed meals. Each serving packs 13 grams of protein and is ready in just 60 seconds – perfect for a quick, nutritious meal.
Key Benefits & Features:
No refrigeration needed: Convenient for storage.
Easy meal solution: Ideal for individuals with swallowing difficulties.
Delicious and flavorful: A consistent hit with users.
Caregiver Tip: After removing the puree from the microwave, let it sit for at least one minute. Then, mix it thoroughly before serving.
Customer Review: “My husband is a picky eater and this is one of his favorite meals. It must taste good because he WON’T eat what he dislikes. It sure smells like roast beef to me. Makes him happy. I am happy!” - Constance T.
Who doesn't love holiday flavors? This roasted turkey with bread stuffing puree is a comforting and broadly appealing option. A taste of Thanksgiving goodness is sure to satisfy even the fussiest palate!
Key Benefits & Features:
Great flavor: A universally loved combination.
Approved by all ages: Popular with both children and adults.
Easy to digest: Gentle on the stomach.
Packed with nutrition: Provides essential nutrients.
Is your loved one a pasta fan? Then surprise them with this Italian-style lasagna puree from Hormel. It’s delicious, has a great texture, and makes for a filling lunch or dinner. Parents tell us this puree is particularly popular with children and teens. No more complaints at mealtime? Yes, please.
Key Benefits & Features:
Has a shelf life of 18 months
14 grams of protein per meal
Sold in a pack of seven, 7 oz. trays
Customer Review: “I was a little skeptical about pureed pasta, but the aroma and taste are absolutely delicious! This one is my favorite.” - Linda M.
1. How are pre-prepared pureed meals made? Pre-prepared pureed meals are crafted in commercial kitchens. During manufacturing, solid food is blended into a smooth, mashed potato-like consistency. Liquids are often incorporated to bind the food pulp, making it even easier to swallow safely.
2. How do I prepare a pureed meal? All of the pre-prepared pureed meals in this round-up come ready to serve. Some are packaged in microwave-safe containers, while others are in aluminum cans. Always be sure to read and follow the specific heating instructions on the product label.
3. Can I add spices to pureed meals? Absolutely! Many people enhance the flavor of their pureed meals with fresh spices or condiments. However, since everyone has unique dietary needs, it’s always a good idea to consult with your loved one’s doctor or a registered dietitian before making any drastic changes to their meals.
Picky eaters and purees don’t always mix, but the meals featured in this list are proven favorites, as rated by family caregivers. Getting your loved one the nutrition they need while reducing the risk of aspiration (food going down the wrong pipe) or choking is your top priority. With these delicious purees, it doesn’t have to be an uphill battle.
Need help choosing pureed food? Our Care Specialists are standing by and ready to assist. Call (800) 696-CARE or email support@carewell.com anytime, and one of our specialists will be happy to help guide you.
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.
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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.
