Discover the convenience and peace of mind that “thick and easy” products offer. Designed for those with swallowing difficulties, these innovative solutions ensure safe, enjoyable dining without compromising taste or texture. Whether you’re caring for loved ones or seeking independence in daily meals, our shopping guide spotlights the best options to make mealtime both effortless and delicious.
Thick & Easy® Product Types and Variations: Quick Comparison
| Product Name | Type | Main Thickening Agent | Consistency Outcome | Use with Hot/Cold Liquids & Foods | Flavor Impact | Gluten Free | Lactose Free | Scoop Size | Pack Options | Suitable For | Stable After Freezing | Prescribable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thick & Easy® Original | Starch-based powder | Modified maize starch | Opaque, smooth | Yes | Neutral | Yes | Yes | 1.5 g | 225g, 4.54kg (catering) | Adults with dysphagia | Not specified | Not specified |
| Thick & Easy® Clear | Gum-based powder | Xanthan gum, carrageenan | Clear, smooth | Yes | Tasteless | Yes | Yes | 1.4 g | 126g tin, sachets | Adults with dysphagia | Yes | Yes |
| Thick & Easy™ (Global) | Starch-based powder | Modified maize starch | Opaque, smooth | Yes | Neutral | Yes | Yes | Not stated | 225g tin | Adults with dysphagia | Not specified | Not specified |
Everyday Usage: How Does Thick & Easy Work in Your Routine?
Thick & Easy® is designed specifically to help individuals who have trouble swallowing (a condition known as dysphagia). It enables you to customize the thickness of your drinks and foods, making them safer and easier to consume. Here’s how it commonly fits into a daily routine:
- Beverages: Whether you enjoy tea, coffee, juice, or water, adding the appropriate dose of Thick & Easy turns any liquid into the right texture for easier, safer swallowing without changing the flavor (especially with the Clear version).
- Soups & Pureed Foods: It’s easy to thicken soups, gravies, or pureed meals so they don’t flow too quickly, helping reduce choking risks.
- Desserts & Snacks: Mix Thick & Easy with yogurts, puddings, or smoothies for a creamy, satisfying snack that meets individual swallowing needs.
- Bulk Preparation: Catering packs cater to care homes or hospitals, enabling efficient preparation for multiple people.
To use, simply sprinkle the recommended amount of powder into a dry glass or dish, add your chosen liquid or pureed food, stir briskly, and let it stand for a minute or two. For best results, always follow the package’s scoop and mixing instructions closely.
Benefits of Using Thick & Easy®
When you or a loved one is challenged by swallowing difficulties, Thick & Easy offers several important advantages:
- Enhanced Safety: By adjusting the viscosity of liquids and foods, it helps minimize risks of aspiration (food or drink entering the airway instead of the esophagus), a leading cause of pneumonia in those with dysphagia.
- Greater Independence: You can prepare beverages and meals to your required texture in seconds, at home or on the go.
- Supports Hydration: Especially in the Clear version, drinks remain transparent and palatable—crucial for encouraging adequate fluid intake.
- Taste Preservation: Clear varieties do not affect the flavor, aroma, or appearance of your drinks, promoting better compliance.
- Dietary Flexibility: Suitable for a wide variety of hot and cold foods and beverages, enabling you to enjoy a normal, social mealtime experience.
- Allergy-Friendly: Most versions are gluten and lactose free, and contain no major allergens, making them suitable for a broad audience.
- Reliable Consistency: The thickened outcome remains stable for hours, with no unpleasant after-thickening (re-setting), so you don’t need to rush consumption.
- Prescribable & Convenient: Some types, like Thick & Easy Clear, may be prescribed and are available in both tins and convenient sachets.
Choosing the Right Thick & Easy® Product
The right choice depends on your personal dietary or medical needs, consistency preferences, and how/where you’ll use the product:
1. Understand the Type of Thickener
- Starch-Based (Original/Classic):
- Creates an opaque or creamy appearance in liquids.
- Often preferred for use in food or colored/flavored beverages.
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Simple to use and tends to provide a smooth texture.
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Gum-Based (Clear):
- Maintains the original color and clarity of drinks (critical for water and juice).
- Tasteless and odorless, preserving a natural drinking experience.
- Stable under refrigeration and freeze-thaw cycles.
- Less likely to form lumps or continue thickening over time.
2. Consider Who Will Use It
- Personal Use:
- Smaller tins or sachets are ideal for individuals or home caregivers.
- Institutional Use:
- Larger catering packs save time and are economical for care facilities.
3. Check Dietary Needs
- Allergy and Intolerance Safe?
- Most versions are gluten and lactose free. Always check for individual sensitivities.
- Other Medical Needs?
- Confirm with your healthcare provider, especially if you have specific dietary restrictions or use tube feeding.
4. Select the Desired Consistency
Thick & Easy products can reach different International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) levels:
- Level 1 (Slightly Thick)
- Level 2 (Mildly Thick)
- Level 3 (Moderately Thick)
- Level 4 (Extremely Thick/Puree)
Choose a product (and use the correct number of scoops) to suit your swallowing ability as recommended by your speech therapist or clinician.
5. Ease of Use
Look for:
- Clearly marked measuring scoops.
- Resealable tins or sachets for freshness and portion control.
- Easy-stir formulas for lump-free consistency.
User Tips: Getting the Best from Thick & Easy®
- Always Add to Dry Container First: Place the powder in an empty, dry cup before adding the liquid. This reduces clumping.
- Mix Briskly: Use a fork or small whisk for consistent blending—especially important for gum-based Clear products.
- Wait Time: Let thickened drinks or foods rest briefly (about 1-2 minutes) to reach full thickening before use.
- Follow Scoop Instructions: Each product and container may use different scoop sizes (1.4g or 1.5g); double-check every time.
- Refrigerate Until Use: Especially for drinks made in advance, refrigeration keeps the product stable and safe.
- Freeze-Thaw Stability: Gum-based thickeners (Clear) are suitable for freezing, and will maintain consistency after thawing.
- Taste & Appearance: If clarity and no aroma change are important to you (e.g., for water or clear juice), choose the Clear version.
- Bulk Preparation: Large catering packs are ideal for settings where multiple servings are needed at once; tins and sachets suit individual servings.
- Hygiene: Always use clean utensils and close tins immediately after use for freshness.
- Consult Healthcare Providers: Especially at the start, ensure you match IDDSI levels and product type to your specific swallowing needs.
Technical Specifications & Key Features Comparison
| Attribute | Thick & Easy® Original | Thick & Easy® Clear | Thick & Easy™ (Global/Classic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thickening Base | Modified maize starch | Xanthan gum, carrageenan | Modified maize starch |
| Appearance | Opaque | Clear | Opaque |
| Taste/Smell | Neutral | Tasteless/odorless | Neutral |
| Mixing Time | 1–2 minutes | 2 minutes | 1–2 minutes |
| Freezing Stability | Not specified | Freeze-thaw stable | Not specified |
| Suitable for Hot/Cold | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Gluten Free | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lactose Free | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Prescribable (UK) | Not specified | Yes (FP10/GP10) | Not specified |
| Resealable Packaging | Yes (tin) | Yes (tin, sachet) | Yes (tin) |
| Single Serve Option | No | Available | Not specified |
| Recommended User Group | Adults with dysphagia | Adults with dysphagia | Adults with dysphagia |
| Not Suitable For | Children <3 years, allergies | Children <3 years, allergies | Children <3 years, allergies |
| Consistency Levels (IDDSI) | 1–4 (with correct scoops) | 1–4 (with correct scoops) | 1–4 (with correct scoops) |
| Energy Value | Minimal (not a meal replacement) | Minimal | Minimal |
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Conclusion
Choosing the right thickener is crucial for anyone managing dysphagia, whether at home, in hospital, or at a care facility. Thick & Easy® offers safety, simplicity, and flexibility—allowing you or your loved one to enjoy mealtimes with maximum comfort and minimum risk. From starch-based to clear gum-based options, the brand provides solutions that suit a range of needs, textures, and presentation preferences. For optimal safety and satisfaction, always follow the instructions closely, use products as part of a professionally guided dysphagia management plan, and select the type that best matches your daily life and dietary requirements.
FAQ
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What is Thick & Easy® used for?
Thick & Easy® is used to thicken drinks and foods for people who have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). It helps achieve the ideal texture that prevents choking and aspiration, making eating and drinking safer. -
What is the difference between Thick & Easy® Original and Thick & Easy® Clear?
Thick & Easy® Original is starch-based and creates an opaque, smooth consistency. Thick & Easy® Clear uses gum-based agents to keep beverages transparent, tasteless, and odorless, making it ideal for clear drinks like water or juice. -
Is Thick & Easy® safe for people with gluten or lactose intolerance?
Yes, all main versions of Thick & Easy® are gluten free and lactose free, making them safe for most people with allergies or intolerances. Always check ingredients for individual sensitivities. -
Can Thick & Easy® be used with hot and cold drinks?
Yes. All varieties of Thick & Easy® are designed for use in both hot and cold liquids and foods. -
How do I know what consistency or IDDSI level I need?
Your medical provider or speech and language therapist will assess your swallowing ability and recommend an IDDSI level (from 1 – slightly thick to 4 – extremely thick/pureed) that matches your needs. -
Does Thick & Easy® change the taste or appearance of my drinks?
The Clear version does not change taste, color, or aroma. The Original (starch-based) version may create a cloudy or opaque appearance but is generally neutral in taste. -
Can I freeze drinks or foods made with Thick & Easy®?
Thick & Easy® Clear is freeze-thaw stable, so you can freeze and thaw thickened drinks or foods without losing texture. The starch-based versions’ freeze/thaw ability is less certain. -
Is Thick & Easy® suitable for children?
Thick & Easy® products are generally not recommended for children under 3 years of age. Always check with your healthcare professional before using for children. -
How do I purchase Thick & Easy®—do I need a prescription?
In some countries or regions, Thick & Easy® Clear can be prescribed (especially in the UK), but these products are also available over the counter from medical supply or online retailers in various pack sizes. -
What if I accidentally use too much or too little thickener?
Consistency is crucial for swallowing safety. Using too much may make foods/drinks too thick to enjoy or digest; too little may not offer adequate protection against aspiration. Always use the provided scoop and follow package guidelines. In case of uncertainty, ask your clinician for a demonstration.
This guide is intended for informational purposes and should supplement, not replace, medical advice or instructions from your healthcare provider.