IDDSI Framework: A Must-Read Guide for Caregivers

What Is the IDDSI Framework?

IDDSI — the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative — is a globally recognised framework that provides unified definitions and classifications for food textures and drink consistencies for people with dysphagia. The framework was officially released in 2016 and has since been adopted in more than 40 countries and regions, including Hong Kong.

Structure of the Framework

IDDSI uses a numerical system from 0 to 7 covering both drinks and foods. The higher the number, the thicker the texture or closer to regular food.

The Eight Levels Explained

Level 0 — Thin: Liquids as thin as water, requiring no thickening.

Level 1 — Slightly Thick: Slightly thicker than water; flows slightly more slowly.

Level 2 — Mildly Thick: Pours from a cup but flows noticeably more slowly than water.

Level 3 — Moderately Thick / Liquidised: Can be poured from a cup but flows slowly.

Level 4 — Extremely Thick / Pureed: Cannot be poured from a cup; eaten with a spoon.

Level 5 — Minced & Moist: Food chopped into pieces no larger than 4 mm.

Level 6 — Soft & Bite-Sized: Food cut into pieces no larger than 15 mm × 15 mm.

Level 7 — Regular / Easy to Chew: Normal-texture food.

IDDSI Standardised Testing

A key strength of the framework is that it provides simple bedside tests, including the fork drip test, fork pressure test, spoon tilt test, and chopstick test.

Mapping SeniorDeli Products to IDDSI Levels

SeniorDeli's product range covers IDDSI Level 1 through Level 6: Clear Thickener for thickening drinks at Levels 1 to 4; Food Gellant for moulding food at Levels 3 to 5; Frozen Soft Meal Powder for frozen soft meal preparation at Levels 4 to 5; Ingredient Softener for softening whole ingredients at Level 5 and above.

The right IDDSI level for any individual must be determined by a qualified speech-language pathologist.

Want to apply these insights in your care home? Try our free [EAT-10 screening tool](/assessment) or [download the SeniorDeli app](/app) — free for care teams and speech therapists.