Tackling Dysphagia
in Foodservice.
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a condition which often affects older adults. The IDDSI framework was developed to help better serve these individuals, by providing a scale for measuring food and drink thickness.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/w_480/seniorcare/stat-24.png)
Our easy-to-prep, single-serve solutions serve as a delicious and health-conscious transitional food for patients with dysphagia.
TEST RESULTS
Tests were conducted to help assess IDDSI levels for the following items.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/v1705089904/seniorcare/IDDSI/test-results_smoothiebowls.jpg)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/v1705089906/seniorcare/IDDSI/test-results_dolewiggles.jpg)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/v1713199093/seniorcare/IDDSI/test-results_dole_whip.jpg)
IDDSI SIMULATED TESTS
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/v1705089905/seniorcare/IDDSI/simulated_tests_4.png)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/v1715199783/seniorcare/IDDSI_Fork_Drip_Test.jpg)
SPOON TILT TEST
Used to determine stickiness of the sample. Samples determined as not sticky should slide off the spoon if tiled or with a gentle flick. Little to no food should be left on the spoon. A thin film on the spoon is acceptable but you should be able to see the spoon through the film.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/v1715199784/seniorcare/IDDSI_Spoon_Tilt_Test.jpg)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/v1705089904/seniorcare/IDDSI/forkpressure_5_text.png)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/v1705089903/seniorcare/IDDSI/fork-pressure-test_images.jpg)
1. Results for all varieties of DOLE Wiggles® (Cherry, Orange and Strawberry) produced the same results. Strawberry results are pictured.
2. DOLE Smoothie Bowls® required a gentle flick during spoon tilt test to dislodge from spoon.
3. Results are reflective of tests conducted 10-24-2023 and 11-14-2023. Products may react differently in different environments. Operators should conduct their own internal testing.
4. Results for all varieties of DOLE Whip® (Pineapple, Strawberry and Mango) produced the same results.
How It Works
Watch this brief video overview with Chef James Bickmore-Hutt to learn more about dysphagia and how you can implement the IDDSI framework into your healthcare foodservice operation.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/v1705089903/seniorcare/IDDSI/smoothie.jpg)
Smoothies provide a DELICIOUS AND SIMPLE WAY TO CONSUME MORE FRUITS and can be a good source of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients the body needs.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/v1705089905/seniorcare/IDDSI/pouring_greensmoothie.jpg)
SmoothieBuilder
The flavor combinations for smoothies are infinite, but we’ve included a list of suggested ingredients along with some of our favorite combinations to help inspire.
Step 1: Choose Your Base
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/w_840/v1616429740/seniorcare/dairy.jpg)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/w_840/v1616429741/seniorcare/nondairy.jpg)
Step 2: Choose Your Fruits
Nutritional information based on 1 cup serving of DOLE IQF Fruit, except avocado (1/2 cup)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/v1616429740/seniorcare/avocados.png)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/v1616429740/seniorcare/bananas.png)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/v1616429740/seniorcare/dragon-fruit.png)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/v1616429740/seniorcare/mango.png)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/v1616429741/seniorcare/peaches.png)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/v1616429739/seniorcare/pineapple.png)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/v1616429740/seniorcare/strawberry.png)
Step 3: Blend & Serve
Portion into cups and serve or keep in refrigerator for up to 4 hours before service. Using frozen fruit instead of ice to cool the smoothie also helps keep it from separating and becoming watered down
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/w_780/v1616429741/seniorcare/blend-n-serve.png)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/v1616442786/seniorcare/chef-tidbits.png)
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/v1616442786/seniorcare/ditch.jpg)
Ditch the Dairy
Bananas and avocado give smoothies a rich and creamy texture without the need for dairy.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/v1616442786/seniorcare/spice.jpg)
Spice It Up
Introduce aromatic spices such as ginger, cinnamon or turmeric into your smoothie for an added layer of flavor with anti-inflammatory benefits.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dl4k1qf4e/image/upload/v1616442786/seniorcare/taste.jpg)
Taste the Tropics
Tropical fruits provide a burst of vibrant flavor and are often high in potassium, which helps to counter the effects of sodium in diets.