Choosing Between Thickened Beverages and Powders: What’s Best for Your Patients?
When it comes to dysphagia management, texture modification is more than a matter of preference—it’s a matter of safety. Whether you're working in a clinical setting or supporting a loved one at home, the choice between pre-thickened beverages and thickening powders can have real impacts on patient outcomes.
Let’s explore the best-use scenarios for thickened beverages and powders to ensure optimal hydration.
Pre-Thickened Beverages: Safety and Simplicity
Ready-to-drink solutions like Thick-It® Clear Advantage® Beverages are ideal for patients who need consistent texture without the hassle of preparation. In the case of beverages are classified under IDDSI Level 2 (mildly thick) guidelines.
What is IDDSI? The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) provides a globally standardized framework for organizing and describing texture-modified foods and liquids, improving safety for those with swallowing difficulties.
Benefits:
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IDDSI-compliant and ready to serve
Every bottle is pre-measured and meets standard IDDSI viscosity guidelines—no need for trial and error with powder ratios.
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Improved safety and consistency
Reduces risk of aspiration due to under- or over-thickened drinks.
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Portable and practical
Ideal for use in hospitals, long-term care, or when travelling.
Ideal for:
Patients who require reliable thickened hydration support right out the bottle.
Thickening Powders: Versatile, Economical, and Customizable
For patients or caregivers who prefer flexibility and control, Thick-It® Original Instant Food and Beverage Thickener is a trusted go-to. It mixes easily into both hot and cold liquids, making it adaptable across diets and preferences.
Benefits:
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Personalized texture modification
Allows for precise IDDSI-level targeting based on patient needs.
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Wide range of applications
Mix into various liquid-based drinks
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Cost-effective for daily use
Especially useful in-home settings where caregivers prepare multiple beverages.
Ideal for:
Home care, rehab patients, and individuals with varied dietary preferences.
How to Decide: Key Factors for Clinicians and Caregivers
Factor |
Best Option |
|
Ease and speed |
Ready-to-drink beverages |
|
Cost efficiency |
Thickening powders |
|
Hydration on the go |
Ready-to-drink beverages |
|
Menu variety |
Thickening powders |
A combination of both may serve patients best. For example, using Thick-It® Clear Advantage® beverages in clinical or on-the-go settings, and Thick-It® powder at home when more variety and control are desired.
Looking for a Dysphagia-Friendly Nutrition Boost?
Here are two options for patients needing an additional nutrition boost in their thickened hydration options:
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Need a Calorie Boost?: LiquaCel® HC – A ready-to-drink supplement offering 250 calories and 20g of protein per bottle (2.75 oz/81mL). Its liquid format is often compatible with dysphagia diets (classified as IDDSI nectar-thick), but it's best to confirm texture suitability with a clinician based on individual swallowing needs.
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Getting your Fibre Fix?: FiberCel® Fiber Powder – A completely dissolvable and tasteless soluble fiber that can be mixed into your liquids to provide an instant fibre boost. Fiber is a key component in digestive health, particularly for patients on texture-modified diets. For optimal results, ensure you mix FibreCel BEFORE thickening your liquids with thickening powder.
Helping Canadian Clinicians and Caregivers Every Step of the Way
At McKin Health, we’re proud to be a Canadian-owned business supporting healthcare professionals, caregivers, and patients with trusted clinical nutrition products. With over 30 years of experience, we offer guidance and resources you can count on—because your patients deserve the best care possible.
Explore our full selection of thickened beverages and powders here, or reach out to our knowledgeable team for product support and ordering advice tailored to your clinical needs.