Texture Modified Diets - IDDSI

Question 1

IDDSI Food Levels

Answer 1

Level 7: Normal
Everyday foods with various textures, suitable for all ages and developmental stages.

Level 7: Easy to Chew
Soft/tender foods; avoids hard, tough, chewy, fibrous, or stringy textures, as well as seeds, pips, bones, and gristle.

Level 6: Soft & Bite-Sized
Texture: Soft, tender, moist; no leaking liquids.
Size: Bite-sized pieces (1.5cm x 1.5cm).
Other: Can be mashed by a fork; knife not required.

Level 5: Minced & Moist
Texture: No leaking liquids; easily mashed, no biting required.
Size: Small lumps (~4mm) that can be mashed with the tongue.
Other: Holds shape on a spoon, no crumbs or dripping liquids.

Level 4: Puree / Extremely Thick (Fluids)
Texture: Smooth, no lumps; doesn’t require chewing.
Other: Holds shape on a spoon, falls off when tilted; not sticky, no liquid separation.

Level 3: Liquidised / Moderately Thick (Fluids)
Texture: Smooth, no bits; eaten with a spoon or drunk from a cup.
Other: Thicker consistency allows tongue control, not forkable.

Question 2

IDDSI Fluid Levels

Answer 2

Level 4: Extremely Thick
Spoonable, not drinkable; smooth texture, no lumps.

Level 3: Moderately Thick
Drinkable from a cup or with a wide straw; smooth, no lumps.

Level 2: Mildly Thick
Sippable, pours slowly; requires effort to drink with a standard straw. Examples: thickened fluids, milkshakes.

Level 1: Slightly Thick
Thicker than water; flows through a straw. Examples: milk, fruit nectars.

Level 0: Thin
Flows like water; easily drinkable through a straw or teat. Examples: water, tea, milk.