How to thicken fluids: levels 1 to 4 - Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

This video shows you how to thicken drinks to the right consistency. If you have a swallowing difficulty (dysphagia) your Speech and Language Therapist may have a assessed you and recommended you have thickened drinks.
Thickened drinks can be easier for people to swallow. The different thickness of drinks is described using the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI). All 4 levels are demonstrated. It is important that you follow the instructions carefully to get the right consistency. If you have any questions, please contact your Speech and Language Therapist.

Level 1: Slightly thick drinks - consistency of full fat milk or milk shakes.

Level 2: Mildly thick drinks - consistency to single cream, creamed soups or the syrup in tinned fruit.

Level 3: Moderately thick drinks - consistency pouring custard or double cream.

Level 4: Extremely thick drinks - consistency to thick pudding or set yoghurt.