Having a ‘minced and moist’ diet when you have dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) 

Information for patients and carers 

(IDDSI level 5)

What is this information about?

This information is about having a ‘minced and moist diet’. It explains:

• what dysphagia is 
• why you may need a minced and moist diet if you have dysphagia 
• what your minced and moist diet food should be like.

It also gives you some ideas for minced and moist diet foods that you can try for breakfast, your main meals, desserts and snacks. 

Why have I been given this information?

You (or your relative or carer) have been given this information because your Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) has assessed how well you are able to swallow. 

They have found that you have dysphagia (difficulty swallowing in the usual way) and recommend that you have a minced and moist diet. 

Following the advice in this information will help you to: 

• understand what your diet involves 
• help you to avoid health conditions (some of which can be serious) that dysphagia can cause.  

What is dysphagia?

If you have dysphagia, it means that it is more difficult than usual for you to swallow. 

People may get dysphagia because they have a medical condition or after they have had some types of operation which affect swallowing. 

For example, they may have:  

• a condition which affects their nervous system or brain (a neurological condition) 
• a head or neck condition 
• difficulty swallowing after an operation such as an operation on their neck, throat or mouth 
• frailty because of old age or a medical condition   
• breathing (respiratory) conditions. 

Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) check swallowing difficulties and advise people on the right thickness and ‘lumpiness’ (consistency) of food that they should have in their diet. 

Why has my SLT advised me to have a minced and moist diet?

Your SLT may recommend a minced and moist diet for you if:

• it is difficult for you to chew larger pieces of food 
• your mouth or throat muscles (or both) are weaker than usual and may not be working together as they should 
• you get tired (fatigued) easily when eating 
• food stays in your mouth or throat for longer than it should after you have finished eating. Doing things such as swallowing or coughing may not clear it. 
• there is a chance that: 
  • you may choke on your food 
  • your food may go ‘down the wrong way’ (into your lungs). This is called aspiration. 

What should my food be like if I am on minced and moist diet?

When you are on a minced and moist diet your food should:  

• be soft and moist. 
• have no separate thin liquid in it 
• have soft lumps that you can see in your food 
• have small lumps of food in it that: 
  • are no larger than 4mm 
  • you can squash with your tongue.  
• be easy and quick to chew 
• be ok to eat with a spoon or fork 
• be easy to scoop and to shape on a plate 

Is there an easy way to tell if the lumps of food in my minced and moist diet meals are the right size?

Yes. You can use the ‘fork test’.   

Press down on your food with a fork. If the lumps in your food can pass between the prongs of the fork, they are the right size. It means your food is safe for you to have. 

If your foods do not pass this test, you should not have them.

What ideas for food can I try?

For breakfast try:

• porridge or Ready Brek 
• Weetabix (well soaked with no loose milk) 
• well mashed banana 
• smooth yoghurt or fromage frais 
• egg (scrambled, poached, boiled) well mashed and with sauce added 
• well mashed stewed fruit with yoghurt 
• smooth breakfast drinks. You should only have drinks of the ‘thickness’ that your SLT has advised is right for you. Please see the advice that they have given you. 

For your main meals try:

• well mashed flaked fish in very thick, smooth, sauce. The sauce should be so thick that it will not pour. 
• well mashed overcooked pasta in very thick, smooth, non-pouring sauce. 
• pureed or finely minced meats in extremely thick, smooth, non-pouring sauce 
• well mashed skinless sausages 
• thick, smooth dahl 
• eggs (prepared as in breakfast ideas above). 
• potatoes and other vegetables: 
  • well mashed, well cooked, potato or root vegetables. You could add a soft filling such as well mashed tuna mayonnaise. 
  • well mashed, well cooked vegetables. 

For desserts and snacks try: 

• Angel Delight 
• mousse 
• thick custard 
• pureed semolina, rice or other milk pudding 
• well mashed stewed fruit and custard 
• smooth fruit fools 
• plain cake well mashed with custard or cream 
• thick smooth soup. You should only have soup of the ‘thickness’ that your SLT has advised is right for you. Please see the advice that they have given you.  
• well mashed banana 
• well mashed avocado 
• smooth dips such as taramasalata.

Where can I find further information or support if I need it after I have read this information?

If you have any queries or would like further advice do contact the Speech and Language Therapy staff in the relevant department.