Level 3: Moderately Thick / Liquidized is appropriate for individuals who have reduced control of their tongue or reduced ability to move food to the center of their mouth for swallowing. Foods are completely smooth and have no lumps, fibers, or particles. Moderately Thick foods do not hold their shape when poured and cannot be eaten with a fork.

Foods are tested using the Spoon Tilt Test, Fork Drip Test, and Flow Test at this level. Foods must pour easily from a spoon when tilted, and do not stick to the spoon. The food should drip slowly through the tines of a fork and a fork cannot leave a clear pattern if pressed into the food.

The IDDSI Flow Test is a standardized test for determining the level of a liquid sample. You must have a 10ml syringe for this test, and not all syringes are created equal. Hold a ruler up to your syringe and the distance from the very bottom line to the 10ml mark must measure 61.5 mm. We recommend watching IDDSI’s Youtube video of the Flow Test as well as this comparison between Levels 1-3 before you cook as well as during the testing of your final modified portion.

Always test your food before serving to ensure that it meets all the IDDSI testing guidelines.