Author: bsa_mar

Why Dysphagia Friendly Drinks Need Time to Thicken

When it comes to dysphagia friendly drinks, safety and consistency are everything. Yet some drinks thickeners promise they’re “ready in a minute.” If you’ve ever used them, you know that claim rarely holds up. Instead, rushed thickening often leads to over-thickened, lumpy, or inconsistent drinks that are harder—and riskier—to swallow.

This is why understanding how and why thickening works is essential for anyone preparing drinks for people with dysphagia.

What Are Dysphagia Friendly Drinks?

Dysphagia friendly drinks are specially thickened to help people with swallowing difficulties stay safe and hydrated. By meeting precise IDDSI Levels, they slow the flow of liquid enough to reduce aspiration risk without sacrificing hydration.

It’s not just about appearance—it’s about controlled flow, safety, and reliable, predictable results every time.

• Learn more about IDDSI Levels (The IDDSI Standard – Standards – IDDSI)
• See all Slõ Drinks Products Shop Slõ Drinks Thickeners – Slõ Drinks)

Why Fast Isn’t Always Safe

Many commercial thickeners promise a quick fix, claiming your drink will be ready in under a minute. The truth? That’s rarely the case—especially with hot drinks.

A drink might look thick straight away, but true thickening depends on the hydration of the thickener itself. If you serve it before it fully hydrates, you risk a drink that changes thickness over time, becoming too thick or too thin mid-sip.

For people with dysphagia, that’s not just inconvenient—it’s dangerous.

• NHS Dysphagia Guidance (Dysphagia (swallowing problems) – NHS)

The Importance of Proper Hydration and Flow

Thickening isn’t about achieving any random consistency—it’s about reaching a prescribed IDDSI Level that is safe and appropriate for the individual.

That requires time for the thickener to fully hydrate and achieve a uniform flow. Rushing it introduces unpredictability that can undermine clinical guidance and increase risk.

At Slõ Drinks, we’ve spent years researching how to make dysphagia friendly drinks that don’t just meet the Level once—but stay at that Level throughout the entire drink.

Our Tested Preparation Times

We don’t guess. We test.

At Slõ, every drink and every thickening instruction is based on extensive development work with clinicians, speech and language therapists, and dietitians.

• Slõ Milkshakes+: Ready in 10 minutes
• Slõ Syrup (our precise, liquid drinks thickener): Ready in 5 minutes

These are not suggestions—they’re essential wait times to ensure the drinks consistently meet the required IDDSI Level.

• Learn about Slõ Syrup (Thickened Fluids for Hydration – Slõ Drinks)

Why Choose Slõ for Dysphagia Friendly Drinks

Since 2005, we’ve focused on making dysphagia friendly drinks that are safer to swallow, easier to prepare, and enjoyable to finish.

Every Slõ Drink:

• Is rigorously tested to meet IDDSI Levels
• Clearly displays Level information on the packaging
• Includes easy-to-follow pictorial instructions
• Uses high-quality ingredients for better taste

We believe patients shouldn’t have to choose between safety, ease, and enjoyment.

• Read our Clinicians’ Library (Clinicians Library Healthcare Medical Professional – Slõ Drinks)

Choosing the Right Slõ Drink

If your patients struggle to finish artificial-tasting ONS or complain their drinks thickeners vary unpredictably, there’s a better option:

→ For those needing oral nutritional supplements:
Slõ Milkshakes+—high protein, real milk, and real flavours for an enjoyable experience.

→ For anyone using powder-based “clear” thickeners:
Slõ Syrup—our flavourless, liquid drinks thickener that works consistently in hot, cold, fizzy, and even alcoholic drinks.

• Explore IDDSI.org for Official Framework (The IDDSI Standard – Standards – IDDSI)

Try a Free Sample

Would you like to experience the difference before prescribing?

Email: samples@slodrinks.com.au with your address and preferred products.

Or use our encrypted sample request form here:

• Request Samples Securely (Secure Sample Request – Slõ Drinks)

Why Waiting is Worth It

Thickened drinks shouldn’t just meet the Level for show. They should be safer to swallow, easier to make, and enjoyable to finish—every single time.

Dietitian: “Is this ONS suitable for my patients with dysphagia?”
Rep: “Yes.”
Dietitian: “Where’s the Level?”
Rep: “We don’t print it on the packaging, but they’re fine.”
Dietitian: “Isn’t knowing the Level critical to preventing aspiration?”
Rep: “Errr… yes.”

It’s a conversation we’ve heard too many times. Some powdered ONS brands claim to be suitable for IDDSI Level 1, but instead of printing the Level on their packaging, they print pages of preparation caveats—and expect clinicians to take their word for it.

At Slõ, we think clinicians and patients – deserve better.

That’s why every detail of our drink development is guided by Speech and Language Therapists and Dietitians, right down to the packaging. You’ll find the IDDSI Level on thickened drinks clearly printed on the front of every Slõ Milkshake+ sachet, with pictorial instructions that are easy to follow and trust.

When a patient is discharged with dysphagia, the last thing you want to worry about is whether the ONS you’ve prescribed will match the Level prescribed.

With Slõ Milkshake+, you can prescribe with confidence, knowing they’re pre-thickened to IDDSI Level 1—no guesswork, no mixing errors, no wondering.

Dietitian: “Where’s the Level?”
Us: “On the front of every sachet—BIG and bold.”

Slõ Milkshake+ are the only powdered ONS with Level 1 clearly printed on the pack. It’s listed on all e-prescribing systems and fully compliant with national guidance for patients with dysphagia. We print the IDDSI Level on our thickened drinks.

What’s in a Slõ Milkshake+:
– Slõ = pre-thickened to flow slo and reduce aspiration risk
– Milkshake = made with cold whole milk and natural flavourings
– + = 23g+ protein, up to 399 calories, and 25 vitamins & minerals

To access product data sheets or order samples, visit: www.slodrinks.com.au/clinicians-library

We were recently asked by a clinician why we call our pre-thickened ONS for dysphagia patients a milkshake. Well its because of the patients?

As a clinician, you know when you are recommending products to a patient or their caregiver  one of the biggest challenges is explaining their benefits.

When time is limited, finding descriptions that resonate with caregivers and simplifies decision-making can make all the difference.

Why Slõ Milkshake+?

Everyone knows what a milkshake is and can picture enjoying a delicious cold drink made with fresh milk that’s smooth, sweet and tastes of Banana, Strawberry or Chocolate.

Slõ Milkshakes+ provide the same “taste” enjoyment for those with dysphagia with the benefit of being thickened to flow slowly for safer swallowing.

But – calling it a “milkshake” doesn’t convey its full nutritional contribution. Hence the “+”.

It’s a protein rich drink, (min. 28% protein from calories), high in calories and enriched with 25 essential vitamins and minerals to:

1. Boost Nutrition: Packed with high-quality protein and calories, it will boost energy, especially for those with reduced appetite.
2. Supports Overall Health: Fortified with vitamins and minerals, it’s an easy way to help meet daily nutritional needs.
3. Safe and Delicious: Carefully crafted to be smooth and easy to swallow like all milkshakes they are flavoured with natural ingredients and made with whole milk

The majority of Slõ Milkshake+ drinkers are elderly. They won’t understand oral nutritional supplements or describing it as a protein shake for dysphagia. They can relate to…

“It’s a milkshake specially made for you. It tastes as good as the ones you remember, flows slowly so it’s safer for you to drink and it’s packed with the nutrition your body needs.”

Ultimately, we think this clarity means patients are more likely to trust recommendations and adhere to their treatment plans. We hope you find this helpful.

For more information about our range go to www.slodrinks.com.au/clinicians-library  You can also order samples from there to go direct to your patients by completing the encrypted on-line form.

Chasing feedback from all the different samples you request can be a lot to juggle. So, we’ve launched a new Dysphagia Sample Feedback Service to make things easier for you.

Here’s the idea: whenever you request a sample from the www.slodrinks.com.au/clinicians-library, we will include an information leaflet with the same unique four-digit code you were sent.

The leaflet below is an example of one sent to a Nursing Home or Care Facility. A similar leaflet is included with samples sent direct to your patients at home.

The person trying the sample just has to go to www.slodrinks.com.au/feedback,  to follow two quick steps to share their thoughts.

Right after it’s been completed, you’ll receive a confirmation email* with what they liked, so you have what you need to make prescription decisions confidently.

We’ve also included a link to the Prescription request form. That contains PIP codes and recommended number Slõ Syrup bottles to prescribe for the daily fluid intake you recommend.

——————–

*Hello,

The sample ref: SLO1234  you asked us to send to Edward Mathews

at Postcode (AB12 3DE) on 01.11.24. has been tried and these choices

have been made.

IDDSI Level: Level 1

Slõ Milkshake+ Flavours:  Strawberry, Chocolate, Banana

Slõ Syrup:  Cold

If you need PIP Codes they are listed on a Prescription
Request Form available here: Letter (slodrinks.com.au)

Sent from Slõ: Drinks for Dysphagia

————–

If the sampler or their carer would rather call us with their feedback, that works too.

They simply call us on 07583 803 175 and leave a message and we’ll make sure you get all the details.

As sample orders are sent will within 24 hours of receiving your request, they will arrive quickly and you should receive an email from us – if the recipient has used our service.

If you don’t hear from us 7 days after submitting your request, please contact them directly.

Our goal is to make the whole sample follow up process a bit smoother for you. We hope you like the idea and find it helpful.

To start using it and sending samples to your patients just go to www.slodrinks.com.au/clinicians-library

It is probably the one drink your dysphagia patients ask you for. Unfortunately, as you know – it is also the most difficult to thicken.

Consequently, I’m going to suggest trying something different. A way for your dysphagia patients to finally enjoy their cup of tea. Ask them to drink it cold.

I know. I can hear you saying, “What!?”. “Are you out of your mind?”. Let me explain.

For a long time, years, we have tried to thicken tea. Our new Slõ Syrup liquid thickener makes an acceptable cup of tea. But it will never be perfect. Nor will anyone else’s thickened tea. There are several reasons why it will never happen.

Tea is a thin drink. Mostly water and a little milk. Coffee on the other hand is thicker. Typically it is made with hot milk which makes the drink feel thicker in the mouth. It’s therefore more acceptable and easier to convince someone to have thickened coffee than thickened tea. Thickened tea, just feels wrong.

People are precious about how their tea is made; which brand is used and its flavour. Unfortunately, the tannins in tea are adversely affected by Xanthan and Starch based thickeners. Thickened tea will therefore taste strong. As if the tea bag has been left in too long.

To thicken a tea – any hot drink – you will need to add 2 – 3 times the volume of thickener you would add to the same volume of a cold drink. This is because the strands of water molecules are moving quickly. Picture spaghetti moving about in a boiling pan. The molecules are moving so quickly the thickener cannot grip and bond to them.

As the water cools, the molecules slow down and the thickener can start to bond. As the water temperature continues to drop, the thickener becomes increasingly effective. A drink will therefore start at the top of an IDDSI Level, but it will become increasing thicker as the water cools.

After 30 – 40 minutes – max, the water is so cool, the thickener works very well. Your patient will typically be left with an over thickened cold cup of tea that has the texture of wall paper paste.

You could avoid this by rushing patients to drink within this time frame. But that will be difficult. Holding a hot drink in the mouth will be just as hard.

All these issues with tea can be overcome with cold tea.

When I suggested this to a Speech and Language Therapist, she laughed (I’m sure respectfully) and suggested no-one wants cold tea.

When I asked if she had ever asked her patients about this she said, “No”.

We have presumed dysphagia patients want a hot cup of tea. They might. But I would argue temperature is not as important as the taste your patients they crave. If it means the difference between having a cup of tea or not, would they compromise?

After all, dysphagia only means drink different, not have different drinks*.

IF and it’s a big IF you can persuade your patient to try it, cold tea is easy to make with our Slõ Syrup to IDDSI 1,2 and 3. It will stay at that IDDSI level. No mouth will ever be scolded and you may have found a way to give them the cup of tea they want.

Let us know what you think and if you would like a sample for your patient to try in their cold tea, just order one with this link: Slõ Syrup Sample.

*Attrib. Slõ

At a meeting with a team of Dietitians we heard for the first time about fortified milk and that it’s often the go-to recommendation for boosting calorie and nutrient intake in patients who need it most.

But when it comes to thickening it for patients with dysphagia, things can get… tricky.

Lumpy, gritty – a generally unpleasant texture; difficult-to-impossible to thicken with “Clear” powder thickeners are common complaints, and that’s such a shame because of all the benefits fortified milk brings to the table.

We therefore decided to see if we can reliably thicken milk.

Slõ Syrup: Could be your Go-To Thickener

Slõ Syrup is a liquid thickener specifically designed for hot and cold drinks. It also works wonders with fortified milk.

Whether you need to thicken milk to IDDSI Levels 1, 2, or 3, Slõ Syrup does the job. In fact, your Slõ fortified milk will be lump-free, grit-free, and still taste delicious—just like the milk your patients are used to.

It’s quick to prepare, saving you time and headaches while ensuring your patients get the thickened liquids they need for safer swallowing.

Fortified Milk Isn’t for Everyone—But Slõ Syrup Works with All Milk Types

While we know fortified milk is nutritionally superior, not all patients will want or tolerate it.

Whether it’s a matter of taste, texture, or personal preference, you need options that fit your patients’ needs. Thankfully, Slõ Syrup isn’t picky!

It works just as well with other types of milk—whole, semi-skimmed, skimmed, almond, coconut, oat, and soya milk. So, you can still ensure your patients are receiving thickened liquids without compromising their preferences.

Why Slõ Syrup?

• • Versatile: Perfectly thickens fortified milk, but also works with alternative milk options like almond, oat, and soya – all hot and cold drinks

• • Easy to Use: Thickens milk quickly and easily, without lumps or grit—just smooth, delicious milk

• • Customizable: Whether you need IDDSI Level 1, 2, or 3, Slõ Syrup will work

• • Patient-Friendly: Maintains the natural taste of milk, which encourages better compliance with dysphagia management plans.

Final Thoughts

We understand the pressure you are under to offer your patients the best care, and that includes providing the right nutritional options in the right form.

Thickening fortified milk used to be a challenge, but we think Slõ Syrup can help.

Whether your patient prefers fortified milk or a dairy alternative, Slõ Syrup delivers the right consistency every time—quickly, easily, and without any unpleasant textures.

It’s available to prescribe using the PIP code below and stocked by Alliance Healthcare across the UK for same day and next day delivery.

Slõ Syrup Cold Drink Bottle: 425-9891 (One bottle can be used for all IDDSI Levels)

If you want more information just go to www.slodrinks.com.au/clinicians-library and click the Slõ Syrup button.

You can also order samples to go direct to your patient, by clicking the Sample button and completing the encrypted online form; and samples for your team by emailing samples@slodrinks.com.au

In the meantime, sorry it took us so long to hear about the issues you had thickening milk. We should have asked better questions and we live for things like this?

We looked into thickening all types of milks because Julia (a dietitian) asked “Can you thicken milk?” It was tried in the meeting. That led to further testing, which led to us being able to provide a way to thicken milk that tastes good. As far as we know this is a world 1^st.

If you therefore want to know if we can thicken a particular drink, let us know and we will try for you.

Powder thickeners have – for years – been prescribed as part of the care plan for patients with dysphagia. But it’s universally known they are difficult to use.

It can be almost impossible for patients and carers to achieve the right consistency for safer swallowing. Even for health professionals who work with dysphagia patients day in, day out, traditional tinned thickeners for drinks can be inconvenient, with many resorting to a ‘scoop and hope’ approach and suffering “scoop stress” trying to achieving the desired consistency.

Multiple tastes, one thickening solution

At Slõ Drinks, we have created Slõ Syrup as the easy-to-use alternative for dysphagia care that thickens any water-based drink in just five minutes.

It couldn’t be simpler to make a hot or cold drink to the IDDSI Level prescribed.

Presented in a 1 Ltr. Bottle* with a pump, it’s simply one pre-measured pump for every IDDSI level required. So that would be one pump for IDDSI Level 1, two pumps for IDDSI Level 2, and three for Level 3. Making a drink is simple…

1. Pour 200ml of cold drink into a cup
2. Add Slõ Syrup according to the IDDSI Level required
3. Mix for 30 seconds
4. Leave to stand for 5 minutes
5. Mix again for 5 seconds
6. Drink within 3 hours or store in the fridge and drink throughout the day

*Also available in pouches for days out and as an Assessment bottle for clinicians.

Easy to thicken drinks to each dysphagia patient’s preferences

Slõ Syrup is a quick win for prescribers, carers and patients. Every bottle features clear pictorial and written instructions allowing novice users to use Slõ Syrup to make a drink with the confidence of a clinician.

The instructions include standing time before drinking. Just 5 minutes.

We know, powdered thickeners state you can drink in less than that. But thickeners are often not fully hydrated when the mixing process is finished.

A drink doesn’t look the right IDDSI Level and that’s what leads to over thickening.  More thickener is added. A drink then continues to thicken, after the patient has started drinking, becoming undrinkable.

That doesn’t happen with Slõ Syrup. Left for 5 minutes, it will match the IDDSI Level and stay at that level.

More hygienic than tins of powder

In a healthcare setting, hygiene is crucial, and Slõ Syrup helps here too. There are no containers sitting open on worktops, no scoops to worry about and no cross-contamination with medication or foods being prepared in the same area – just a handy pump-dispensed thickener for drinks that can be easily used by anyone.

There’s no need to touch the product, and there’s a hygienic seal on the pump’s base.

Appealing to look at and drink

Slõ Syrup has the colour and texture of set honey. Once added to a drink it mixes easily and does not dull its colour. It looks as clear and bright as an original drink and taste like them. Slõ Syrup is flavourless.

Slõ Syrup offers an easy-to-use, hygienic and versatile alternative to the old-fashioned powdered drink thickeners; and patients a way to enjoy the taste of their favourite drinks again.

If you therefore want to start prescribing Slõ Syrup you can use the PIP Codes below.

Stocked by Alliance Healthcare they can be delivered to Hospitals and Pharmacies across the UK same day and next day.

IDDSI	Cold	Hot;	Assessment	£
1, 2, 3	425-9891			24.99
1, 2, 3		425-4493		24.99
1, 2, 3			428-4519	24.99

* Discounts on all bottles are available for hospitals.

For a sample for you or your patients just click here or call us on 03452 222 205

Clinicians frequently seeing dysphagia patients, know the huge an impact it can have on quality of life.

Timely identification and intervention is crucial for effective care, and it’s important for clinicians to have access to the best resources, so you can support individuals and care settings to spot the signs and symptoms of dysphagia early.

Being able to implement a dysphagia care pathway quickly ensures not only that the negative impact of dysphagia can be limited, but that you are able to provide the best care, support and reassurance for your patients.

Understanding dysphagia symptoms
As dysphagia is a secondary symptom, individuals and carers can be so focused on the primary condition they miss it. Unaware of the early signs and symptoms of dysphagia.

It can be helpful to have resources and information available that you can share with families and care settings. Common dysphagia symptoms that it’s useful for care settings to be aware of include:

1. Choking or coughing during meals: If a patient or their carer notices persistent choking or coughing while the patient is eating or drinking, this could be a sign of dysphagia.
2. Frequent throat clearing: Repeated attempts to clear the throat, especially after swallowing, can signal the onset of dysphagia.
3. Weight loss or malnutrition: Unexpected weight loss or malnutrition can result from the difficulty to swallow, which can mean a patient isn’t getting enough calories and nutrients.
4. Gurgly voice after eating or drinking: A noticeable change in voice quality after meals can be a symptom of dysphagia, indicating potential aspiration.
5. Pocketing food in the cheeks: A hesitation or inability to swallow food can lead to individuals holding it inside their cheeks instead.
6. Complaints of a lump in the throat: Patients may report feeling a lump or obstruction in their throat when swallowing.

Early action is essential
You know dysphagia can lead to severe dehydration and malnutrition and that early intervention is essential. That’s why educating individuals and carers around the early signs and symptoms of dysphagia is so important – the sooner they can get in touch with a medical professional, the better.

Of course, as a clinician, you know that the pathway for dysphagia patients includes early referral to speech and language therapy services but, again, few individuals and carers are aware of the pivotal role SLTs play in assessing and managing dysphagia.

It will often be useful to communicate with patients around how SLTs can provide valuable expertise and lots of practical support and guidance. Helping them enhance swallowing function and safety and ultimately helping them regain their swallowing confidence.

Enhancing dysphagia care with thickened drinks
A key part of implementing an effective care plan is prescribing drink thickeners and oral nutritional supplements that your patients will be happy to use.

Patient enjoyment is central to the efficacy of any thickened drink. If they don’t like the taste or the texture, they are less likely to use it, and over time they may become dehydrated and malnourished. Traditional tinned powdered thickeners can often fall short in terms of patient enjoyment, however, and pre-thickened ONS’s offer limited choice.

Slõ enjoyment for those with swallowing difficulties
At Slõ, we have developed a range of easy ways to make safe and enjoyable thickened drinks that flow slow.

That starts by removing the most difficult part – measuring the correct amount of thickener. We provide pre-measured doses of thickener leaving the person making the drink to mix it into the volume of liquid we advise.

Slõ Milkshakes+ ONS are presented in handy pre-measured sachets that your patients or their carers can mix with whole milk to the appropriate IDDSI Level (1-3). Available in strawberry, chocolate and banana flavours, and packed with essential nutrients – including protein and 25 essential vitamins and minerals – providing as many calories as a small meal.

Slõ Syrup our latest way to thicken in drinks, it a liquid thickener concentrate. Designed to overcome all the issues with scooping thickener from tins, you just add 1, 2 or 3 pumps to 200mls and stir!

We can also help your patients make Slõ Wine, Beer and Fizzy drinks.

All are lump free and smooth, look and taste as good as ordinary drinks – they are just safer to swallow.

Your partner in dysphagia care
We know the challenges you face in ensuring dysphagia patients are able to access support and resources early, as well as ensuring they can have the best solutions for their needs quickly.

We’re here to support your clinical practice and ensure your patients not only have all the information they need to identify and manage their condition at home, but that there is always a great-tasting thickened drink option that helps them regain their swallowing confidence.

For more information, or to begin offering your patients a Slõ flowing solution, you can order samples of Slõ Milkshake+ and find a data sheet with a full nutritional breakdown here: https://slodrinks.com.au/clinicians-library/

The festive season is upon us, bringing with it celebrations aplenty and the joy of family gatherings.

For many, it’s a season that’s synonymous with the clinking of glasses; of raising a toast with loved ones and friends, whether that’s a Prosecco, a glass of wine, a seasonal beer or even a special non-alcoholic soda.

As a clinician, you know how important these simple pleasures can be for your patients’ emotional wellbeing – but you also know they can so often feel out of reach for those living with dysphagia and other swallowing difficulties. With so few options available for thickened drinks, celebrations can be a cause of worry for those patients, leading to feelings of exclusion and even social isolation.

Everyone can enjoy their favourite festive tipple safely
At Slõ Drinks, we believe everyone should be able to enjoy their favourite festive drink, whatever their unique medical needs. That’s why we’ve developed a range of innovative, pre-measured sachets of thickening products designed specifically to enhance your dysphagia care planning for the festive season and beyond, and bring enjoyment to those living with dysphagia.

Patients simply choose their favourite drink, add a pre-measured sachet of thickener, and they can safely and confidently join the festivities with a glass of the following:
• Slõ Beer
• Slõ Cider
• Slõ Wine
• Slõ Bubbly

Bringing inclusivity to the party
Slõ Drinks offer a simple, effective and great-tasting solution for dysphagia care planning. You can confidently prescribe our pre-measured thickening sachets to meet the unique needs and tastes of every patient, ensuring a truly personalised care plan, whatever the season.

Our thickeners make it easy for patients to control the consistency of all their favourite hot and cold drinks, with each product available in IDDSI Levels 1-3 to ensure a safe and enjoyable drinking experience, every time.
The process is easy, too – patients simply open a sachet, mix it with their favourite tipple, and they can confidently toast the season with a drink that flows slõ, tailored to their exact needs.

Sharing a drink with loved ones is a priceless gift that extends far beyond the festive season. Give the gift of cheer and enhance your dysphagia patient care with Slõ Drinks.

For more information or to order samples: https://slodrinks.com.au/clinicians-library/