Foods at Level 3 are smooth, requiring no chewing. They move slowly, hold together briefly, and are designed for people who need extra control and safety with swallowing. Liquidized foods sit at an important transition point. They behave more like food than a drink, but still move slowly and cohesively enough to support safer swallowing when chewing is not appropriate.
What defines IDDSI Level 3
Foods at this level should be:
- Smooth and completely lump-free
- Cohesive, not watery or separating
- Easily pours off the tilted spoon without sticking
- Fork pressure on surface doesn’t leave patterns
Who this level is for
Level 3 is often used when:
- Chewing is fatiguing or unsafe
- Tongue strength or coordination is reduced
- A more food-like option is need without adding in chewing
About this collection
The recipes here are intentionally varied. You’ll find:
- Savory soups and sippers
- Smoothie bowls that are spoonable
- Warm comforting drinks
Level 3 Recipes
Cinnamon Rice Horchata Smoothie Recipe
A smooth, gently spiced rice-based smoothie that is easy to manage for sensitive mouths to difficulty swallowing. Designed for IDDSI Level 3 (Liquidized / Moderately Thick).
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Creamy Zucchini & Leek Soup Recipe
A smooth, savory zucchini and leek soup designed to be mild, cohesive, and IDDSI Level 3 with no chewing required.
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Beet & Vegetable Borscht Soup Recipe
This borscht-style soup uses softened vegetables fully while developing layered, savory flavor. Beets provide natural sweetness and color. Cooked gently and finished with a small amount of fat, the soup reheats beautifully and adapts easily across texture levels. Serve in small portions as a first course, or in larger bowls as a vegetable-forward meal.
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IDDSI Bitsy Speechie Peachy Yellow Polka Dot Thickened Bellini Recipe
This playful, bubbly take on a Bellini features peach "polka dots" made through reverse spherification. The result? Bouncy spheres of peach that dance in your glass thanks to the prosecco's fizz. It’s part cocktail, part science experiment, and perfect for impressing guests or having fun with textures.
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Blueberry Almond Smoothie Recipe
A smooth, spoonable blueberry smoothie bowl with gentle almond flavor. Designed to meet IDDSI Level 3 (Liquidized / Moderately Thick) guidelines: cohesive, slow-flowing, and no chewing required.
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Savory Yogurt and Dill Bowl Recipe
A smooth, savory yogurt dish inspired by Turkish-style yogurt preparations. Fully blended for IDDSI Level 3 (Liquidized), this recipe offers calming flavor, gentle acidity, and a predictable texture designed for easier swallowing.
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A note on liquids
IDDSI Levels 0–2 focus on liquids and thickened drinks. This site currently focuses on food-based textures, beginning at Level 3 through to Level EC7.
Every recipe here is SLP designed for texture sensitive eaters: from dysphagia to dental issues to picky eaters. Get recipe roundups and practical tips by joining the mailing list.
Recipes by Texture
