Smooth Spoonfuls: Appealing Ways to Accommodate Dysphagia

Approximately 9 million Americans have trouble swallowing foods that are heavily textured or are of mixed consistencies. This condition is known as dysphagia, and it can make safely enjoying food and getting proper nutrition difficult for those who have it.

Dysphagia is most common in older adults and is usually caused by another health condition, ranging from acid reflux to neurological disorders. 

It’s estimated that at least 20% of seniors have varying degrees of difficulty swallowing food. Many of those affected by the condition are still active, living independently, and even dining out. In other words, dysphagia-friendly food is not just a healthcare matter.

As our population continues to age, accommodating dysphagia is becoming increasingly important in both noncommercial and commercial foodservice. Contrary to popular belief, foods that are blended, pureed, or ground can be appetizing and delicious. It just takes quality equipment and a fresh approach to presentation.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your healthcare dysphagia dining program or are interested in offering your restaurant’s guests appealing options that don’t make them feel self-conscious, here are a few ideas from storage and prep to serving.

Prep: Achieving Consistent Texture

The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) provides a global standard of descriptions of food textures and drink thicknesses to improve safety for people of all ages who have swallowing difficulties. The IDDSI framework consists of a continuum of eight texture levels ranging from 0 (thin) to 7 (regular).

Sammic food processing and hand blending equipment can reduce the time and labor involved in dysphagia meal prep for each IDDSI level.

The Sammic 8-Quart Food Processor Emulsifier KE-8v cuts, grinds, mixes, and kneads any food in seconds. The largest bowl processor on the market, it runs on 120v electrical for quickly breaking down food for IDDSI dysphagia diets. 

The CK-38V has all the benefits of a bowl processor with the added versatility of a vegetable processor. It’s easy to swap the bowl top for a vegetable processor top and start slicing, dicing, and julienning in seconds to get up to 1000 pounds of production per hour.

Click here to see Sammic equipment recommendations for each IDDSI level.

Storage: Protecting Against Contamination and Spoilage

Recipes that call for raw, fresh produce make safe storage products and practices an absolute essential. 

Covers that seal onto food pans or containers are an excellent way to protect stored foods from cross-contamination and keep food fresh longer. 

Clear or translucent containers enable your staff to see contents without opening them, which also reduces risk.

To learn more about extending the shelf life of fresh produce by up to three days with Cambro food pans and seal covers, click here.

Serving: Creative Presentation

We all eat with our eyes, so a little artistry goes a long way, especially when it comes to dysphagia diets.

Integrate vibrantly colored produce such as beets, basil, or sweet potatoes into purees to protect against monochromatic meals.

Who says parfaits have to be sweet? Try layering purees in a rocks glass garnished with an herb sprig or food-safe flower for an elegant presentation.

Use a squeeze bottle of contrasting or brightly colored sauce of a similar consistency for visual interest and flavor. Squiggles, spirals, waves, and heart designs are just a few ways to use sauce to add some personality to a simple ground or pureed dish. 

TableCraft offers a wide selection of single and three-tip squeeze bottles to help you quickly and easily add a fun, creative touch.

Offer colorful smoothie or puree flights. TableCraft 4-Ounce Glass Single Serve Jars are dishwasher safe and the perfect size for smoothie or puree tasting flights or pre-portioning. 

Sold in packs of 12, each 4-ounce jar has a plastic lid for convenient and safe storage. 

To see how to add a broad selection of smoothies and blended drinks to your menu with minimal labor, click here to learn about Fresh Blends by Welbilt.

Stylish Healthcare Serving

The Harbor Collection by Cambro was designed specifically to enhance the appeal of any diet. 

This dishwasher safe insulated ware collection is available in a wide variety of popular colors to help you create a cheerful, coordinated tray top. 

Serve on Camtrays with Handles that are offered in a wide array of bright and neutral colors.

To learn more about how to get free NSF-listed insulated mugs, bowls and even tumblers from Cambro, contact us for full program details.

We can help you get equipped to accommodate customers with dysphagia or enhance your existing dysphagia dining program. Contact us.