IDDSI Texture Guide

The IDDSI framework grades food and drink from Level 0 to Level 7. These are the levels the recipes on this site are graded at.

Level 2 · Mildly Thick

Flows off a spoon but noticeably slower than water. Sipped from a cup or through a wide straw, and it leaves a light coating as it moves. A drink level rather than a food one.

3 recipes at this level.

Level 3 · Liquidised

Pours smoothly like a thick drinkable soup. No lumps, no bits, and no chewing at all. Can be taken from a cup or spoon, and should not hold its shape on the plate.

7 recipes at this level.

Level 4 · Pureed

Completely smooth and thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon, but soft enough to need no chewing. Should never be sticky, lumpy, or stringy.

7 recipes at this level.

Level 5 · Minced & Moist

Soft, moist, and finely minced into very small pieces that mash easily with light pressure from a fork. Any sauce or gravy should cling rather than separate.

7 recipes at this level.

Level 6 · Soft & Bite-Sized

Tender, moist bite-sized pieces that break apart under a fork without needing a knife. Some chewing is required, but nothing should be tough, fibrous, or dry.

8 recipes at this level.

Level 7 · Easy to Chew

Everyday soft foods at normal portion size. Normal chewing ability is needed, but hard, crunchy, stringy, and dry textures are avoided.

1 recipe at this level.