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.

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.

IDDSI SIMULATED TESTS

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.

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.

Blend the Best

with Dole® Smoothie Cuts

Pre-cut IQF fruit, crafted specifically for smoothies to help extend blender life.


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.

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


Step 2: Choose Your Fruits

Nutritional information based on 1 cup serving of DOLE IQF Fruit, except avocado (1/2 cup)


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

Ditch the Dairy

Bananas and avocado give smoothies a rich and creamy texture without the need for dairy.

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.

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.

Dole Packaged Foods is not affiliated with IDDSI. We encourage operators to visit iddsi.org for more information and complete their own internal testing.