Reviews
Best Food Thickeners for Dysphagia: Starch, Gum, and Gel Options Compared
A practical comparison of the 6 most used food thickeners for dysphagia — starch, xanthan gum, and gel formats — with honest notes on when each one works best.
Katerina Odin
Caregiver & founder. Caring for my mother since her dysphagia diagnosis after a stroke in 2019. Everything on this site comes from lived experience at the kitchen table.
Recipes - IDDSI Levels 0–4
(IDDSI Level 5) Pureed Chicken with Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe with Dysphagia
Silky-smooth pureed chicken served with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, specifically designed for those requiring IDDSI Level 5 textures.
Reviews
Dysphagia Straws: How They Work, Which Are Safest, and How They Compare to Cups
Standard straws are not safe for dysphagia, but specially designed dysphagia straws can be. Here's how they work, which ones are worth buying, and how they compare to dysphagia cups.
Dysphagia Resources
5 Diseases That Cause Dysphagia. Causes, Mechanisms, and Recovery
In this article, we will break down the most common diseases that cause dysphagia, why it happens, the recovery time, and how to notice the signs. Read more.
Dysphagia Resources
Managing Dysphagia at Home: A Practical Guide for Caregivers
A practical guide to managing dysphagia at home — covering kitchen basics, safe mealtime practices, aspiration risks, swallowing exercises, and caregiver wellbeing. Written from lived experience
Dysphagia Resources
Dysphagia Severity Scale: DSS, FOIS, and PAS Explained
DSS, FOIS, and PAS — three scales used to assess dysphagia severity, each measuring something different. Here's what each score means and what it means for daily life at home.
Dysphagia Resources
Liquidised Foods vs Thickened Liquids: The IDDSI Difference Explained
Thickened liquids and liquidised foods aren't the same thing — even when they look identical in a bowl. Here's what the IDDSI difference means in practice.
Dysphagia Resources
IDDSI Flow Test at Home: Step-by-Step Guide With Photos
How to do the IDDSI syringe flow test at home — step by step, with photos. Includes what each result means, when to test, and the exact syringe to use.
Reviews
Best Dysphagia Cups for Safe Drinking: A Guide by IDDSI Level
A practical guide to choosing the right dysphagia cup by IDDSI level — with specific recommendations for Levels 0–4, honest comparisons, and answers to the questions caregivers actually ask.
Reviews
Best Ready-Made Puréed Foods For Dysphagia You Can Buy Online
Four ready-made IDDSI puréed food options compared — US meal delivery, canned pantry staples, ready-to-heat trays, and Singapore's GentleFoods. Honest guidance on what to buy and when
Reviews
Top 5 Dysphagia Cookbooks with Recipes
Five dysphagia cookbooks reviewed honestly — what IDDSI levels each covers, who each suits, and which is the safest first choice for someone newly diagnosed.
Recipes - IDDSI Levels 0–4
(IDDSI Level 3) Soft Scrambled Egg With Milk and Cheese Recipe
Worried about enjoying food with dysphagia? This special scrambled egg recipe will satisfy your taste buds and meet IDDSI Level 3 requirements.