Understanding Diet Textures for Your Child (IDDSI)
Some children need special food or drink textures because they have trouble chewing or swallowing. The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) provides a simple way to describe food textures and drink thickness. This series of handouts explains different diet texture levels, along with simple testing methods to make sure the food and drinks are the right texture. Your child’s healthcare team will tell you which level is safe for your child.
Level 1- Slightly Thick
Level 2 –Mildly Thick
Level 3 – Moderately Thick
Level 4- Pureed
Level 5 – Minced and Moist
Level 6 – Soft and Bite-Sized
Level 7 – Regular, Easy to Chew
These handouts are available in French, Italian, Punjabi, and Slovenian on the IDDSI website
Posters explaining the full IDDSI Framework are also available. These posters describe each food and drink texture within the IDDSI Framework with instructions for all food and drink testing methods.
IDDSI Framework Poster
This poster is available in 11 additional languages, including Spanish, Arabic, French, and Portuguese. Click here to explore.
Contact your CHOP healthcare provider with questions or concerns.
Reviewed December 2025 by Kimberly L. Duffy, Speech-Language Pathology Manager