What is IDDSI?
People who have diagnosed swallowing difficulties are often prescribed a diet in which the texture of food is modified and any fluids that they drink need to be thickened. If they consume food that it is not the recommended texture or drinks that are not the recommended thickness, they can be at risk of aspiration (where the food or drink can go into their lungs and lead to pneumonia) or choking. The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework was created to ensure that common terminology is used when describing textures of foods and different thicknesses of liquid. The use of common terminology and IDDSI recommended testing methods, reduces the risk of people with swallowing disorders eating or drinking something that is not safe for them.
Please note that this is not an official IDDSI website. You can click on the link below to be directed to the IDDSI official website.
What is the purpose of this website?
Many people with swallowing difficulties and their families struggle to find tasty recipes that are IDDSI compliant. This website contains links to recipes that have been created and tested using the IDDSI testing methods by 3rd year Curtin University Speech Pathology Students. Students have chosen recipes or foods that mean something to them, are inspired by family traditions, memories or are inspired by their cultural heritage.
They have been created in their home kitchens and not testing kitchens. As such, recommended temperatures and cooking times may not be accurate. Textures and thickness levels can change with temperature and over time. They are also students and so are still learning IDDSI testing methods and so testing methods may not be accurate. This was a voluntary activity and they were not assessed on accuracy. It is therefore important that if you do use these recipes with someone who has a swallowing disorder, that you carry out the IDDSI testing methods yourself on the finished product to ensure that it is safe for the person with the swallowing difficulty. The IDDSI testing methods can be found below. Please also note that some garnishes in pictures may not be safe for people with dysphagia.
Recipes
Level 3 Liquidised
Level 4 Puree
Level 5 Minced and Moist
Level 6 Soft and Bite Sized
IDDSI Testing Methods
It is important to note that the student's recipe's were made in their home kitchens and so we cannot guarantee that they will comply with IDDSI guidelines when made in other home kitchens. We therefore recommend that people carryout the IDDSI testing methods on any food that is cooked for someone who has been prescribed a modified diet. Information about IDDSI testing methods can be found below.
Videos of IDDSI testing methods
If you have any questions or concerns about this website please contact us:
Credits:
Created with images by bit24 - "Set of various sauces in bowls" • nungning20 - "Butternut squash soup in bowl with spoon on wooden background, top view"