Mildly thick drink IDDSI Level 2

IDDSI is the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative.

Why do I need thickened drinks?

Thickened drinks may be used if you have difficulties swallowing thin drinks, for example water or any other drink that flows like water.

Thin drinks travel quickly through the mouth and throat. This can sometimes result in them ‘going the wrong way’. This is known as aspiration.

Thickening your drink can sometimes reduce the risk of aspiration by keeping the liquid together and slowing the movement of the drink in the mouth and throat to allow the swallowing muscles to ‘catch up’.

Not everyone needs their fluids thickened to the same consistency. How thick the drink needs to be depends on the person’s swallowing difficulty.

Thickened fluids should only be recommended after a swallowing assessment by a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT). Your doctor can prescribe the thickener for you.

What is a Mildly Thick Drink?

• A drink that flows off a spoon but more slowly than ‘thin’ or ‘normal’ drink.
• The fluid should thinly coat the back of the spoon and you should feel a slight resistance when stirring the drink.
• The drink should resemble a ‘runny honey’ or ‘pouring cream’ consistency.
• It can be drunk through a straw but only if advised by a Speech and Language Therapist.

Mildly thick drink IDDSI Level 2 preparation tips

• You need to use a thickening powder to thicken your drink.
• The thickener used in Addenbrooke’s Hospital is Resource ThickenUp Clear.

STOP: Please note that if you are using a different brand of thickener, mixing instructions may differ – please check packaging for instructions and/ or discuss with your SLT.

• It is important that all your drinks are Mildly Thick.
• If you are taking nutritional supplements the Dietician or Speech and Language Therapist would be able to advice you which nutritional supplements are available for your recommended drink consistency. Thickening nutritional supplements is not recommended.
• If you are taking any liquid medication, please discuss with your pharmacist if these can be thickened to the appropriate consistency or alternative options as appropriate.

Method

Allow to stand for 1 minute before serving.

References / sources of evidence

© The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative 2019 (opens in a new tab) @

Licensed under the CreativeCommons Attribution Sharealike 4.0 License.

Nestle (2023) Resource® ThickenUp® Clear (Accessed: 27 February 2023).