Why do I need thickened fluids?
You have been assessed by the speech and language therapist and advised to thicken your drinks to help you swallow more safely.
Thickened fluids move more slowly when you swallow and therefore make it less likely for the fluid to go down into your lungs.
If fluid (or food) goes into the lungs it can lead to chest infections and, or aspiration pneumonia.
There are four different fluid consistencies that can be recommended to help you swallow more safely, based on the assumption that you will be using Resource ThickenUp Clear.
These are called Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4.
If you are using an alternative thickening product, please ask your speech and language Therapist for advice.
Guidance for thickening fluids with Resource ThickenUp Clear (Nestlé)
Consistency Level 1 – slightly thick
Dosage per 200 ml: 1 scoop or 1 sachet
- Can be drunk through a straw.
- Can be drunk from a cup.
- Leaves a thin coat on the back of a spoon.
Consistency Level 2 – mildly thick
Dosage per 200 ml: 2 scoops or 2 sachets
- Some effort is required to suck through a straw.
- Can be drunk from a cup.
- Leaves a thick coat on the back of a spoon.
Consistency Level 3 – moderately thick
Dosage per 200 ml: 4 scoops or 4 sachets
- Effort is required to suck through a straw.
- Can be drunk from a cup.
- Leaves a thick coat on the back of a spoon.
Consistency Level 4 – extremely thick
Dosage per 200 ml: 6 scoops or 6 sachets
- Cannot be drunk through a straw.
- Cannot be drunk from a cup.
- Needs to be taken with a spoon.
How to prepare
- Put the powder into a dry cup / glass / beaker.
2.Pour the 200mls of liquid over the powder.
3. Stir briskly using a spoon immediately or use a shaker.
Helpful tips
Hot drinks
- Hot drinks will reach the desired thickness after about 90 seconds of stirring
- To make a cup of tea, add your teabag, milk and sugar and then pour the complete drink onto the thickening powder and stir.
Cold drinks
- Stir until well dissolved.
- Milk and juices may need to stand for up to 5 minutes until the drink reaches the correct consistency.
Carbonated drinks
- Pre-stir the carbonated drinks to reduce the amount of gas contained in the drink and then follow the usual mixing guidelines.
Clarity in water
- Ideally use boiled water that has cooled down to achieve the best clarity.
- You can use tap water or bottled water.
Safe swallowing advice
Always sit as upright as possible in a well-supported position
Drink slowly, one mouthful at a time
Avoid taking consecutive sips
Avoid mixing drinks and food in the same mouthful
Try not to tip your head back when drinking as this opens your airway
Your speech and language therapist may give you extra advice on any beneficial swallow techniques, manoeuvres or postures
Contact numbers
If you need further advice, or have any problems, please contact the appropriate number below:
James Cook University Hospital
Adult Speech and Language Therapy Department
Telephone: 01642 854497
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
As a team, we value your feedback and would like to hear about your recent experience with the community therapy team.
When selecting a service, please select either:
- Community therapies: Redcar
- Community therapies: Middlesbrough
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like to hear your feedback. If you wish to provide further feedback and share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact the patient experience department who will advise you.
To ensure we meet your communication needs, please inform the patient experience department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
Contact information for patient experience department:
- Telephone: 01642 835964
- Email: [email protected]
Leaflet ID: PI019 version 1 Thickened Fluids
Date for Review: 16 February 2029