Thick Fluids

Care instructions

You may need thick fluids if you have trouble swallowing. Your swallowing team will talk to you about thick fluids if this will help you.

A fluid is any liquid such as water, juice, milk, coffee, or tea. Fluids can also be found in foods that melt at body temperature, such as ice cream or jellied desserts. Thickening the fluids you drink can make swallowing safer. It improves control of the fluid in your mouth while drinking and lowers the risk of fluid going into your lungs.

How can you care for yourself at home?

There are 3 types of thick fluids. Your swallowing team will talk to you about which type of thick fluid is right for you.

Mildly thick fluids (nectar)

• Fluid runs freely off the spoon but leaves a thin coating on the spoon.
• Fluid pours like fruit nectar.

Moderately thick fluids (honey)

• Fluid pours like liquid honey.
• Fluid slowly drips off the end of the spoon.

Extremely thick fluids (pudding)

• Fluid sits on the spoon and does not flow off.
• Fluid is as thick as pudding and can be eaten with a spoon.

Make fluids safe

• Thicken fluids with a thickener, which you can buy at a pharmacy.
  • Examples of thickeners are Resource ThickenUp, ThickenUp Clear, SimplyThick, and Thick-It.
• Different fluids will need different amounts of thickener. Always follow the directions on the thickener container.
• Some thickeners turn lumpy when added to hot fluids, so you may need to add it into cold liquid first before you heat it up.
• When making large amounts of thick fluids, use a blender or food processor to blend the liquid and thickener together. Stir well after blending to break up air bubbles.
• Check that the fluid is the right thickness. Different brands of products may vary in thickness.
• Avoid foods that melt, such as ice cream, jellied dessert, or frozen fruit pops. These can’t be thickened.

Avoid mixed consistency foods

• A food with mixed consistency has both thin fluids and solid food together in one bite.
• Avoid foods such as cold cereal in milk, crackers in soup, juicy fresh vegetables and fruits (release water when chewed), ice cream with candies or hard pieces.

Take medicines safely

• If you take pills or fluid medicines, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to take them safely.

Learn more about Thick fluids.

To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_thick_fluids_inst.

For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.

Current as of: May 08, 2025
Author: Nutrition Services, Alberta Health Services

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.