Thickened drink

Why do I need thickened drink?

The Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) has advised you to have thickened drinks to help you swallow more safely. Thickened drinks move more slowly in your throat and can help reduce the risk of aspiration (‘going down the wrong way’ into your lungs) in some cases.

Does it apply to all drinks?

Yes. It is important that all of your drinks are thickened to the consistency recommended by your SLT.

Some drinks are naturally thick, for example, smoothies, milkshakes and some nutritional supplements. Thickening naturally thick drinks is not needed if their consistency matches the recommended one or you may need to use less thickener than you would for normal drinks. Discuss how to thicken these drinks with your SLT.

If you are taking nutritional supplements that have been recommended by your dietician, the Dietician or Speech and Language Therapist would be able to advice you which nutritional supplements are available for your recommended drink consistency.

If you are taking any liquid medication please discuss with your pharmacist if these can be thickened to the appropriate consistency or alternative options as appropriate.

How much thickener do I use?

The amount of thickener you need will depend on:

• The consistency recommended by your speech and language therapist.
• The volume of liquid you intend to thicken.
• The brand of thickener you use.

The thickener used in Addenbrooke’s Hospital is called Resource® ThickenUp® Clear.

How much Resource® ThickenUp® Clear to use

Level 1 Slightly thick drink: half a scoop per 100ml

• A drink that is thicker than water.
• It leaves a coating on an empty glass.
• Some drinks may naturally be slightly thick, for example some milkshakes.
• It can be drunk through a straw but only if advised by a speech and language therapist.

Level 2 Mildly thick drink: one scoop per 100ml

• A drink that flows off a spoon but more slowly than a ‘thin’/ ‘normal’ or Level 1 slightly thick drink.
• The fluid should thinly coat the back of the spoon and you should feel a slight resistance when stirring the drink.
• The drink should resemble a ‘runny honey’ or ‘pouring cream’ consistency.
• It can be drunk through a straw but only if advised by a speech and language therapist.

Level 3 Moderately thick drinks: four scoops per 200mls

• Can be drunk from a cup or taken with a spoon.
• Cannot be eaten with a fork because it slowly drips through the prongs in dollops or strands.
• It leaves a thick coat at the back of a spoon.
• Has a smooth texture with no lumps, fibres or seeds.
• Some effort is required to suck through a standard bore or wide bore straw (wide bore straw = 0.275inch/ 6.9mm).

Level 4 Extremely thick drink: three scoops per 100ml

• A drink that can be eaten with a spoon.
• It sits in a mound or pile above the fork.
• It holds its shape on a spoon and falls off in a single spoonful when tilted.
• It has a smooth texture with no lumps.
• Cannot be drunk from a cup or drunk through a straw.
• Must not be sticky.

How do I thicken drinks using Resource® ThickenUp® Clear?

Please note that if you are using a different brand of thickener, mixing instructions may differ – please check packaging for instructions and/ or discuss with your SLT.

Step 1: Check how many scoops of thickening powder per volume of liquid you will need to achieve the desired consistency at the back of the thickener tub.

Step 2: Put the thickener into a dry glass or cup.

Step 3: Pour the measured drink over the thickener.

Step 4: Stir the drink until the powder is dissolved.

Step 5: Leave the drink to stand for 1 minute to allow it to fully thicken.

Where do I get thickener?

• You can get a prescription for thickener from your GP.
• The product used at Addenbrooke’s Hospital is Resource® ThickenUp® Clear (PIP code 355-4433). However other similar products are available and what is prescribed may vary.
• It is important to check the packaging of the product for thickening instructions in case you are supplied with a different product.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact your speech and language therapist on 01223 216200.

References/ sources of evidence

Nestle (2023) Resource® ThickenUp® Clear (opens in a new tab) (accessed: 27 February 2023)