Help Centre
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about SeniorDeli dysphagia care foods, IDDSI compliance, and buying in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.
Understanding Dysphagia
- What is dysphagia?
- Dysphagia is a medical condition characterised by difficulty or discomfort when swallowing. It affects an estimated 40–50% of elderly care home residents and is common after stroke, Parkinson's disease, or neurological injury. Left unmanaged, dysphagia can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, and reduced quality of life. Early screening — such as the EAT-10 questionnaire — and texture-modified diets are the first line of management.
- What is IDDSI and why does it matter?
- IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) is a globally recognised 8-level framework (Levels 0–7) that classifies the texture of foods and the thickness of liquids for people with dysphagia. Each level is defined by objective test methods (fork drip, spoon tilt, syringe flow). IDDSI compliance ensures that care teams in hospitals, care homes, and at home can communicate consistently about diet prescriptions, reducing the risk of aspiration.
- What are the different IDDSI levels?
- IDDSI defines 8 levels: Level 0 (Thin liquid), Level 1 (Slightly thick), Level 2 (Mildly thick), Level 3 (Moderately thick / Liquidised), Level 4 (Extremely thick / Puréed), Level 5 (Minced & moist), Level 6 (Soft & bite-sized), and Level 7 (Regular / Easy to chew). SeniorDeli products cover Levels 1–6, addressing the most common clinical presentations of dysphagia.
- Who needs texture-modified food?
- Texture-modified food is prescribed by healthcare professionals — typically speech therapists or dietitians — for individuals who have difficulty swallowing normal-texture food or standard-thickness liquids. Common beneficiaries include elderly adults with presbyphagia (age-related swallowing decline), stroke survivors, people with Parkinson's disease, patients recovering from head and neck surgery, and individuals with dementia. In Hong Kong, around 30–40% of residents in subsidised care homes require some level of texture modification.
SeniorDeli Products
- How do SeniorDeli products work?
- SeniorDeli products are functional food ingredients that modify the texture of everyday foods and beverages to meet IDDSI specifications. Clear Thickener is stirred into liquids to achieve Levels 1–4 thickness. Food Gellant (Food Moulding Powder) is mixed into blended food and set in moulds to recreate the original food's appearance at IDDSI Level 6. Cold Gellant forms IDDSI Level 4 purée texture without cooking. Food Softener is applied to whole foods during cooking to achieve Levels 5–6 soft or minced textures. All products are tasteless and odourless, preserving the flavour of the original meal.
- Which IDDSI levels are covered by SeniorDeli products?
- SeniorDeli Clear Thickener: Levels 1–4 (slightly thick to extremely thick liquids). Food Gellant / Cold Gellant: Level 4 (puréed texture). Food Softener: Levels 5–6 (minced & moist to soft & bite-sized). For a detailed product-to-level mapping, see our Standards page.
- Are SeniorDeli products halal or kosher certified?
- SeniorDeli Clear Thickener and Food Gellant are halal-certified. All SeniorDeli products are plant-based (derived from natural starches and gums) and contain no animal-derived ingredients, pork, or alcohol, making them suitable for Muslim and most religious dietary requirements. For specific kosher certification enquiries, please contact our sales team as documentation requirements vary by certifying body.
- What is the shelf life of SeniorDeli products?
- SeniorDeli products are dry powder formulations with a shelf life of 24 months from date of manufacture when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once a container is opened, it should be resealed tightly after each use and consumed within 3 months. Prepared (hydrated) products — such as thickened liquids or gelled meals — should be consumed immediately or refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours.
- Do SeniorDeli products contain common allergens?
- SeniorDeli products are free from the 14 major EU allergens including gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, and shellfish. They are manufactured in a facility that also handles soy. Full allergen declarations and nutritional analysis certificates are available on request. Always consult the product label and, for patients with severe allergies, seek professional dietetic advice.
How to Use
- How do I use SeniorDeli Clear Thickener?
- Add the recommended amount of Clear Thickener powder to the liquid (hot or cold) and stir continuously for 30 seconds. Allow 1–2 minutes for full hydration before serving. The dose determines the IDDSI level: approximately 2.5 g per 100 ml achieves Level 2 (Mildly thick); 4–6 g per 100 ml achieves Level 3–4. Always confirm the target level using the IDDSI syringe or fork drip test. Refer to the product instruction leaflet for exact dose tables, as results may vary slightly with different liquids.
- How do I use SeniorDeli Food Gellant to make appearance-preserved meals?
- Blend the food ingredient (e.g., fish, tofu, vegetables) until smooth. Mix in the specified ratio of Food Gellant powder (typically 3–5% by weight of the blended mixture). Pour into the original food shape moulds provided or available from SeniorDeli. Allow to set at room temperature for 15 minutes or in the refrigerator for 5 minutes. Demould and serve. The result is a dish that resembles the original food visually while meeting IDDSI Level 6 texture standards. Training videos are available on our Tutorials page.
- How does Food Softener work?
- Food Softener contains natural proteolytic enzymes (from plant sources) that break down meat and vegetable fibres during marination or cooking. Apply the powder to the food surface or mix into a marinade, allow to rest for the recommended time (typically 30–60 minutes at room temperature or 4 hours in the refrigerator), then cook as normal. The result is a significantly softened texture that passes IDDSI Level 5 or Level 6 fork pressure tests while retaining the food's original appearance, flavour, and nutrition.
Buying in Hong Kong
- Where can I buy SeniorDeli products in Hong Kong?
- SeniorDeli products are available through our authorised distributors across Hong Kong, including medical supply companies and specialty pharmacy chains. For individual caregivers and families, products can be ordered directly via our website or through our WhatsApp ordering service. For a list of current retail partners and distributors, see our Distributors page. Care homes and hospitals may contact our B2B sales team for bulk pricing and direct delivery.
- How do care home bulk orders work?
- SeniorDeli operates a dedicated B2B programme for care homes, hospitals, and elderly service operators. Standard bulk orders placed by Tuesday noon are delivered Thursday–Friday of the same week. Emergency top-up orders (minimum 1 case) can be arranged within 48 hours subject to stock. There is no fixed minimum order quantity — we work with facilities from 40 beds upward. Pricing is tiered by volume; contact our team for a custom quotation. We also provide IDDSI compliance documentation, staff training, and audit support as part of the care home package.
- Can I get free samples before committing to a bulk order?
- Yes. SeniorDeli offers a free sample programme for qualified care homes and healthcare facilities. Contact us via WhatsApp or email with your facility name and estimated resident count. We will dispatch one sample unit of each requested product within 2 working days at no charge and with no obligation to purchase. Our clinical team can also arrange an on-site demonstration and staff training session.
- Are SeniorDeli products available in mainland China (Greater Bay Area)?
- Yes. SeniorDeli products are distributed across the Greater Bay Area including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, and other GBA cities through authorised distributors. Products meet relevant Chinese group standards and are trusted by 200+ care homes and hospitals across the region. Contact our GBA sales team or see our Distributors page for regional contacts.
Still have questions?
Our clinical and sales team is happy to help — whether you are a caregiver, a dietitian, or a care home manager.