Unit 4 - Food preparation (e-book)


4.4 Modification of the viscosity of liquids

4.4.1 To learn how to thicken liquids

Thin liquids are those that move very fast in the mouth such as:

    • Water

    • Milk

    • Fruit juice

    • Soft drinks

    • Tea

    • Coffee

Liquids with different viscosities

Figure 10. Liquids with different viscosities (Source: designed by Canva Pro)


This makes them more complicated to handle in the mouth and, therefore, they are often associated with choking episodes in dysphagia giving more health problems for people with dysphagia. In these cases, it is necessary to use thickening agents to aid safe consumption.