IDDSI Food & Drink Levels
A simple guide to textures and thickness to help you eat and drink more safely.
What is IDDSI?
IDDSI stands for International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative. It provides a global standard for describing food textures and drink thickness for people with swallowing difficulties.
The IDDSI continuum
One axis from 0 (thin liquid) to 7 (regular food). Drinks and foods meet in the middle at levels 3 & 4.
Original schematic by stroke.food, inspired by the IDDSI framework. Not affiliated with IDDSI.
The 10-second flow test
Use a 10 mL slip-tip syringe (tip cut off). Fill, release for 10 seconds, then read what's left.
Open the flow-test timer →Food Levels Explained
From regular texture to smooth pureed.
Easy to Chew
Normal everyday foods of tender, soft texture. Requires chewing.
Examples
- • Tender cooked meat
- • Soft cooked vegetables
- • Rice, pasta
- • Soft fruits (banana)
Not suitable
- • Hard, crunchy foods
- • Tough, chewy meats
- • Dry foods
Soft & Bite-Sized
Foods that can be chewed and mashed with the tongue. No tough or crunchy bits.
Examples
- • Meatballs
- • Soft bread (no crust)
- • Cooked veggies
- • Scrambled egg
Not suitable
- • Hard or crunchy
- • Sticky or chewy
- • Dry, crumbly foods
Minced & Moist
Small, moist pieces that are easy to chew and swallow.
Examples
- • Minced meat with gravy
- • Soft fish flakes
- • Moist mashed beans
- • Soft cooked fruit
Not suitable
- • Large pieces
- • Mixed textures
- • Dry foods
Pureed
Smooth, no lumps. Pudding-like texture. Holds shape on a spoon.
Examples
- • Pureed soup
- • Mashed potatoes (smooth)
- • Pureed fruits
- • Smooth yogurt
Not suitable
- • Lumpy or chunky
- • Fibrous pieces
- • Thin liquids
Liquidised
Smooth, pourable, no chewing required. Cannot hold shape on a spoon.
Examples
- • Thin pureed soup
- • Smooth smoothies (strained)
- • Liquidised meals
Not suitable
- • Any lumps
- • Thick textures
- • Chunky foods
Drink Levels Explained
How thick should liquids be?
Thin
Flows like water.
Examples
- • Water
- • Tea, coffee
- • Juice (no pulp)
Slightly Thick
Slightly thicker than water.
Examples
- • Milk
- • Nutritional drinks
- • Thin smoothies
Mildly Thick
Flows off a spoon in a steady stream.
Examples
- • Fruity nectars
- • Thicker smoothies
- • Soup (thickened)
Moderately Thick
Drinks slowly from a cup, hard to use a straw.
Examples
- • Honey consistency
- • Spoon-thick drinks
- • Thickened soup
Extremely Thick
Eaten with a spoon, holds shape.
Examples
- • Pudding
- • Extremely thick supplements
Always follow your clinician's prescribed level. When in doubt, choose the safer option.
Open the app