Fast food is a part of real life. It’s where people meet up between errands or grabbing something on the way to work. When you’re eating with texture needs, that convenience can suddenly feel off limits. The good news is: plenty of fast food items are already pretty close to dysphagia friendly, needing only tweaks to work.
Frequent Fast Food Hazards
- Lettuce: its slippery on the teeth which can make it hard for some to grind down, and it can be stringy at times.
- Sliced tomatoes: similar to lettuce, we find the skins can be tough for some to grind down on their back teeth, there are often seeds and liquid that separates when biting.
- Crunchy toppings: not only can they be painful for some dental conditions, they may be too dry and become very sticky when mixed with saliva
- Crispy breading: for the reasons listed for crunchy toppings, as well as the difficulty to bite or chew if it is too thick
- Tough, dry meats: Dry heat like grilling, sauteeing can make hard edges as well as crumbly or fatiguingly chewy textures. Full chicken breasts or steak pieces have larger amounts of connective tissue that you have to chew through compared to wet heat or pre-processed meats
- Dry bread: one of the most sneaky choking risks are bread products like fast food sandwiches come on. Not only do they also sometimes come seeded, these buns can act like a glue for someone that has dry mouth or needs help selecting bite sizes.
- Mixed consistencies: having a liquid in the same bite as solids you must chew to safely swallow is one of the most difficult coordination tasks for safe swallowing. You can enjoy both, simple drain off liquid and alternate sips after your bites.
How to Make Fast Food Safer on the Spot
- Skip buns and other breads that are deceptively tough to safely swallow; saturating breads fully to pregel the starches is an option but can take time.
- Add extra sauces and gravies to increase moisture.
- Skip fibrous vegetables (lettuce, tomato skins) and crunchy toppings.
- Be aware many liquids thicken over time, often due to changes in temperature. Bringing a thermos of hot water can help to thin out foods that have seized up.
- Bring a sealable container to help steam some items to reduce crunchy edges or strain off liquids from mixed consistencies (liquid + food that needs chewing)
The growing list below focuses on options that tend to be consistent and predictable. These are suggestions only and may still require some extra processing. Each person’s safe swallowing level (by IDDSI or clinical assessment) may differ, and foods that seem safe in one context may not be in another (due to temperature, freshness, handling, etc.). Always use appropriate testing (fork pressure, spoon-tilt, etc.) before eating/serving.
Arby’s
Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6)
The new white cheddar mac n cheese should be a good fit for this level. The gyro meat may have some edges as it is billed as “flame-seared” so do monitor but the roast beef and corned beef are sliced thin to make it easier to bite through when cut to the appropriate 15mm.
Easy to Chew (IDDSI Level 7)
They just came out with steak nuggets, which cutting into nuggets does help shorten the length of the muscle and makes it easier to chew, but I’m not sure how they are cooking it so moisture and crisp edges may vary. My money for sides would go for the crinkle fries as having less crispy edges to remove, with the jalapeno popper as a runner up if breading is steamed.
Bob Evans
Pureed (IDDSI Level 4)
Mashed potatoes with gravy can offer a quick option without much modification beyond amount of gravy. The cheddar baked potato soup would need light processing to remove lumps of potato and would skip the toppings.
Minced & Moist (IDDSI Level 5)
After monitoring for sizes of pieces, the sausage gravy is a good option. They may be seasonal, but the roasted apples appear to be peeled and braised, only need mincing. The blueberry banana oatmeal would have to skip the fresh blueberries and pecans, but it comes with milk to help with pregel/oatmeal thickness. The Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie filling, and potentially pregelling the crust or skipping, being cautious if you need to avoid too thin of liquids with whipped cream. Pumpkin pie is back in season and the filling will fit, with the same crust options.
Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6)
The build your own omelet is a great chance to personalize with soft toppings like mushrooms, caramelized onions and salsa. The fork-tender pot roast is great, I would just skip the green onions and pregel the rolls. The mac and cheese likely starts at this level and could be minced down a level as long as cheese sauce is thick enough.
Easy to Chew (IDDSI Level 7)
The chocolate chip cookie dough pie might be enjoyed right off the menu, with the crust and melting liquid ice cream being the main concerns. The steak tips & eggs meal has a good shot of fitting the level, checking edges and opting for softer options like home fries or seasonal fruits. The sunshine skillet is another good breakfast food option, along with the chicken-n-noodles dinner, as the biscuit is pregelled with the sauce.
Burger King
Minced & Moist (IDDSI Level 5)
In the A.M., the French toast sticks, when pregelled in a syrup and hot beverage slurry, can be cut into a mince, avoiding any tough edges. All one texture, easily slides off a spoon but doesn’t drip through a fork. The Hershey Pie‘s filling can be mixed with small amounts of the crust when crumbled to allow pregelling. Currently listed as a limited time item, the jalapeno cheddar bites filling appears to be a cheese sauce that would test well for this level across some temperatures, although the breading must be pregelled/removed.
Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6)
Eggs a la cart that typically go onto sandwiches can pair with hash browns (steaming in box can keep crunch minimal). Later in the day, the original chicken sandwich without its bun can be cut to size and enjoyed and tends to have a softer breading than nuggets. The cheesy tots could possibly start landing at this level, but may require leaving the outer edges.
Easy to Chew (IDDSI Level 7)
While the cooking method is flame broiling, BK’s burgers (enjoyed without the bun for most) tend to stay at a thickness and a tenderness that I would lend toward level EC7. Skip the bacon, lettuce, or any onion ring toppers. The Big Fish (patty without bun) and the chicken fries are also options that can be softer but breading will need to be checked. Burger King fries are a bit more uniform than other restaurants, with skins removed, but frying times can lead to some differences in testing. There are also cini mini and chocolate chip cookies that may be cleared for this, but baking time will affect texture.
Checkers and Rally’s
Easy to Chew (IDDSI Level 7)
I haven’t gotten a read on the size of them yet, so these may even clear level 6, but the chicken bites are comfortably on this level along with the fish patties minus the lettuce, and consider their buns have sesame seeds if residue/pockets are a problem. The grilled hot dog will also land here, although the casing would be removed, especially with charring.
Chick-Fil-A
Pureed (IDDSI Level 4)
While the toppings for the parfait don’t fit, they do always have the yogurt on hand, along with cinnamon applesauce.
Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6)
For breakfast, they offer a hash brown scramble bowl that is served with jalapeño salsa; use sauce and steaming to ensure breading/crusts are soft or remove. Order the chicken tortilla or chicken noodle soup and ask for a second cup for draining broth to enjoy separately. The grilled chicken nuggets are often very moist and tender, but do monitor for crisped edges. The Mac & Cheese, depending on temperature, can offer a nice option right off the menu, but do check noodle sizes and cut as needed.
Easy to Chew (IDDSI Level 7)
While they do tend to use real chicken pieces vs a more uniform patty, cooking methods on their chicken tends toward tender pieces and the breading is generally soft (steam to assist). The egg from any breakfast, and likely the sausage patties will fit, but skip bacon and grilled chicken sandwiches as these may have more crunch/crust.
Cracker Barrel
Minced & Moist (IDDSI Level 5)
The cheesy grits will be an item that will depend on temperature for texture, but I’d request light cheese if possible to reduce risk of cheese pull. The broccoli cheese casserole has promise, as they use a cheese sauce and rice, with cracker crumbles on side to pregel. They are super ala cart friendly, so you can order scrambled eggs and the sawmill gravy to help create a cohesive bite.
Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6)
Coastal Southern flavors come through with the shrimp and grits bowl with just a fork to cut to size. The fried cinnamon apples just need to be cut and checked for a separate liquid before enjoying.
Easy to Chew (IDDSI Level 7)
The chicken n’ dumplings lunch with the steamed carrots make a nice dental safe platter. Slow braised pot roast is paired with mashed potatoes for a warming meal. The grilled catfish and lemon pepper rainbow trout are a catch for this level.
Culver’s
Pureed (IDDSI Level 4)
Mashed potatoes and homestyle gravy are a staple for their sides that is uniformly smooth. Applesauce is also available on the menu, just be sure to watch for separating liquids, by either thickening further or straining.
Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6)
Their pot roast is a soft option, ask for it off or without the bun and be sure to measure pieces. Steamed broccoli should in theory fit this diet, with cutting down of pieces; you may be able to ask for a longer steam.
Easy to Chew (IDDSI Level 7)
Anther restaurant that removes skins from their fries, their crinkle cut fries tend to be thick enough to keep from getting too dry and hard, but there may be some you have to leave. You can order their battered cod as a dinner, though you may want to swap out the coleslaw and roll. The breading on the chicken tenders is decently thin and they are often a nice tenderness that can assist with difficulty chewing. The Harvest veggie burger contains vegetables that have hulls (corn, black beans) but the patty alone may still work for you. They do have a corn dog that I could also see fitting in this level, with discretion for the breading.
Dairy Queen
Minced & Moist (IDDSI Level 5)
While it’s regional, the chicken and dumplings can be minced to ensure appropriate gelling of bread and size of bites. They make coney dogs and may sell the coney sauce as a minced and moist side.
Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6)
The roisserie-style chicken bites don’t have a crispy coating while still maintaining tender bites. Their hot dogs can be brought to this level by removing bun and cutting. Their fish patty does have breading but could fit when cut to the size of fork tines.
Domino’s
Minced & Moist (IDDSI Level 5)
May be able to adjust the Soft and bite sized items below to the minced and moist level, but you may need extra sauce to get it cohesive.
Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6)
Further customizable for your own pasta dish, the chicken alfredo can test well at this level right off the menu with just a fork. The Classic hot buffalo loaded chicken bites have promise to lean toward SB6 due to the amount of sauce used to gel the chicken bites’ breading, but skip the mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top to avoid stringiness (feta is fine).
Dunkin’ Donuts
Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6)
They do appear to fry their eggs more than some other restaurants so look out for chewy edges, but cut into fork sized pieces and enjoy, though skip the bagel/croissant/english muffin unless you pregel with coffee or hot water. You could even go for the cheese, as the cheese they use is not stringy. If you came with a sweet tooth, the munchkins donut holes (which use a cake batter vs a more tough fried yeast) will be a better bet but again, you must pregel, so pair it with a warm beverage and enjoy after full saturation! Same idea with the larger donuts, but skip the crunchy/crumbly add ons like nuts and sprinkles.
Einstein Brothers
Easy to Chew (IDDSI Level 7)
The Santa Fe Egg White ingredients sound like a pretty good starter item for this level, with an optional skip or pregel of a piece of bread (swap out the bagel, they have a skin that can be hard to chew and this one has cripsy cheese on it). The double bake on the twice-baked hash brown might lead to some crisper edges, but the potatoes are baked with whipped cream cheese for a soft moist center.
Jersey Mike’s
Minced & Moist (IDDSI Level 5)
The tuna salad could be enjoyed ala cart, and the turkey lunch meat would be the best to mince, but would require a dressing or condiment to help bring together.
Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6)
While they are typically part of the warm subs on the menu, the grilled chicken seems to be more processed and less seared so it could fit here (skip or pregel the bread).
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Pureed (IDDSI Level 4)
While KFC has always done a good job with creating a nice uniform texture with their mashed potatoes, they are thick enough to help you grout some tile. To achieve PU4 consistency, you will need to use their gravy (and even ask for extra) to help thin them out. They do also have applesauce in pouches for a la carte.
Minced & Moist (IDDSI Level 5)
Creamy and moist, the mac & cheese simply needs to be minced prior to enjoying.
Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6)
The Chicken Pot Pie filling (crust must be fully pregelled to fit the SB6 level, you could ask for extra gravy) chicken pieces will need to be minced, the peas in the filling do have skins that can be hard for some people to clear from their mouth. They offer a mac & cheese bowl, where breading of the chicken would be the main testing factor. There is also a famous bowl that uses their mashed potatoes as a base, but skip the corn and light to no shredded cheese to avoid stringy, hard to bite through cheese pulls.
McDonald’s
Minced & Moist (IDDSI Level 5)
With the topping removed, the maple oatmeal is a common breakfast option. The oats used are whole grain rolled oats, and are broken into small pieces to generally keep it on the menu for levels 5 and above. Their hotcakes, when pregelled with maple syrup and a careful splash of hot water/coffee can be minced into 4mm (between the fork tines) for level 5. The apple pies have a center that can fit this diet texture, though the crust would need a pregel too.
Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6)
Without the bun, the Filet O fish breading is generally at a soft enough texture, especially if left in the wrapper briefly. The tartar sauce and low chew cheese can help the bites stay together; cut into the 15mm (fork tines sized) pieces. The hashbrowns are a morning option with careful testing of the edges, although the shreds within often pass SB6 testing. I’m on the fence about the filling of the breakfast burritos; they do have pepper skins but with a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt, they may be cohesive enough for someone working toward the easy to chew level.
Easy to Chew (IDDSI Level 7)
I’m hesitant to put any of the chicken patties (no bun) on her outside of the McChicken, as the chicken texture has been processed prior to breading. I would also recommend if you are wanting a burger patty, that a quarter pound patty has a higher chance than the thinner patties, as these tend to be quite dry, which can be more difficult to chew.
Noodles and Company
Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6)
The Korean BBQ meatballs without sesame seeds can be tested and enjoyed with just a fork. The pot stickers are a delicious chicken dish.
Panda Express
Minced & Moist (IDDSI Level 5)
The white steamed rice will fit the minced size, it only needs sauce to make it compliant.
Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6)
The eggplant tofu is a vegan dish that is pretty closely to a soft and bite sized texture, though the eggplant skins should be removed. The grilled teriyaki chicken entree just needs to be cut to fit the bill. Grilled chicken entrees can avoid tough fried breading, but watch out for highly fibrous veggies when pairing; mushrooms and zucchini can be great options.
Panera Bread
Pureed (IDDSI Level 4)
The creamy tomato soup has a uniform texture is in regular rotations in cafes all over the country. Autumn squash soup is a seasonal option that also fits the bill. There is a parfait that uses Greek yogurt and a sandwich that uses hummus and feta cheese that you may be able to order ala cart.
Minced & Moist (IDDSI Level 5)
With a quick fork mince, the mac & cheese can test in this range, temperature will be the biggest factor for thickness of sauce. This is also true for the broccoli cheddar soup, which does occasionally have firmer pieces but generally the veggie texture is extremely soft and the broccoli thickens the cheese soup. With soups, you may need to remove some liquid to avoid a “mixed consistency” of food you must chew and a liquid that can be hard to manage until you’re ready to swallow. Their chicken tikka masala and fireside chili soup is easy to mince and has great flavor for appetite fatigue. While the toppings need to be skipped, the steel cut oatmeal is also an option.
Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6)
The scrambled eggs from the sandwiches can be cut with forks into 15mm size pieces. The fruit cups here do contain pineapple, which should be skipped, but the rest is melon.
Easy to Chew (IDDSI Level 7)
While you may need to skip a few pieces, even with pregelling, the center of the four cheese egg souffle can offer some protein in the morning. If you are cleared for it, the breads with the least crust to fit this level will be the classic white miche and the tomato basil.
Popeyes
Minced & Moist (IDDSI Level 5)
The red beans may need to be minced and will have skins but the red beans and rice can start becoming an option for minced textures. Mashed potatoes with cajun gravy are also at this level because they do include mince in the gravy too. With pregelling or removing of the crust, the caramel apple cheesecake cup is a sweet option, along with the fillings of the cinnamon apple and strawberry cream cheese pie.
Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6)
The cajun rice is a great option, as it uses ground beef and chicken for an added protein boost. I could see an argument for the mac & cheese down to this level but due to the shredded cheese topping, I would still recommend using caution and asking for and additional container to help separate out as needed.
Qdoba/Chipotle
Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6)
A burrito bowl is most likely to fall into soft and bite sized realm, though ingredients like fajita veggies or meat pieces may need to be cut down to size and beans or corn salsas can increase the fibrous hulls leftover in the mouth.
Sonic
Minced & Moist (IDDSI Level 5)
Removing the tortilla shell, the filling of the sausage breakfast burrito can work when mixed with a cheese sauce.
Easy to Chew (IDDSI Level 7)
A nostalgic option, the chili cheese coney (bun may be able to gel with extra chili) is soft. Chicken bites offer less resistance than the tenders here, with a ranch or honey mustard sauce offering moisture. Chili cheese tots may need some tot edges removed or steamed, but this can work due to low pull cheese. If cleared for breads, the corn dog might be an option that naturally has a moister bread than the buns.
Starbucks
Easy to Chew (IDDSI Level 7)
Any regular has been tempted a time or two by the sous vide egg bites, which often can flex from level 7 down to level 6, with mix ins considered for your specific eating needs, with bacon being the most difficult to chew. The spinach feta and egg white wrap is a contender, with discretion about the wrap, pregelling or skipping if in doubt. Also, the eggs and cheddar protein box offers some decent options, with the bread and the skins of the fruit being my only reservations.
Subway
Minced & Moist (IDDSI Level 5)
Protein salads like chicken or tuna salads are very finely shredded and have high cohesion from mayonnaise.
Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6)
The meatballs would fit this level. Same story for the grilled chicken, pending a check for any rough or dry edges.
Sweetgreen
Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6)
While they are roasted, its possible removing the skins and chopping are the only modifications necessary for their sweet potatoes. Skip the slaw and pregell the onions and the hot honey chicken bowl could be ready for this level. Garlic parmesan cauliflower can be enjoyed alone with romesco sauce, or in the chicken cauli plate. The power max protein bowl is crazy big on protein while staying relatively accessible with piece size and broccoli tenderness being the main areas for testing.
Easy to Chew (IDDSI Level 7)
Subbing or removing the cashews and sesame seeds bring the miso glazed salmon bowl to a safe level. The steak mezze plate is a good choice as it is a rice bowl vs salad, just test the steak for tenderness/hard crust.
Taco Bell
Minced & Moist (IDDSI Level 5)
With either skipping the cheese or asking for a swap to a nacho cheese, the pinto beans are a nice protein and fiber boost that can be enjoyed right out of the bag. The cheesy fiesta potatoes have potential with a steaming to soften the friend exterior and a fork mincing.
Easy to Chew (IDDSI Level 7)
Soft tacos reign supreme, with the options of ground beef and refried beans being the best options for soft foods. Cantina bowls make it possible to skip the tortilla, but do include some items like shredded cheese, lettuce and pico de gallo, and red cabbage that you may consider removing. Sweet tooth? Grab the Cinnabon delights, a cinnamon sugar soft fried dough that has a cream filling (if able to take small appropriate bites, no issues with dry mouth). If you swap in nacho for the shredded cheese, the cheesy bean and rice burrito works for a vegetarian option.
Waffle House
Minced & Moist (IDDSI Level 5)
Grits are an option for sides with platters. You will likely need to mince further but the sausage gravy may fit (temperature will change thickness).
Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6)
The sausage may need to be checked for crispiness (perhaps the line cook would be willing to cover it while cooking to help), but the sausage egg & cheese grits bowl.
Easy to Chew (IDDSI Level 7)
The Texas cheesesteak melt uses low-pull cheese and thin-sliced steak; follow your personal plan when it comes to the texas toast.
Wendy’s
Pureed (IDDSI Level 4)
Add sour cream to just the inside of their baked potato (remove skin) to achieve a smooth puree.
Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6)
Ask for a second cup for helping to drain any thin liquids from their chili so it’s no longer a mixed consistency; you’ll be able to see the size of the seasoned ground meat and beans and mash as necessary, skip any raw onions.
Easy to Chew (IDDSI Level 7)
The burgers from Wendy’s do tend to have higher moisture due to their thickness, so this could be a good option if you crave a burger, skipping some of the hazard toppings mentioned above like lettuce, tomato, bacon, onions. If breads are generally good for you, the cinnabon pull apart looks like a moister bread pudding syle dessert.
Zaxbys
Easy to Chew (IDDSI Level 7)
Especially when sauced, the boneless wings should get the green light. The fried cheesecake bites have a great chance to fit (steaming for breading may be only step needed).
Why Worry about Fast Food?
The whole point here isn’t to glorify or rely on fast food, it’s to make meal planning more practical. Being able to join your family for a quick lunch, say “yes” when a friend wants to grab something, or just get calories into your body after a long day matters. These options won’t fit every person (and I’m sure you can find even more; comment below any of your favorites!) but hopefully they give you a starting point so you don’t feel boxed out of normal life. As always, check textures in the moment of eating and adjust as needed, but don’t underestimate the value of convenience and shared routines when you’re navigating dysphagia.
More Dysphagia Information
If you are still decoding or preparing for your swallow study, or have some local restaurants that are serving dysphagia friendly dishes, team up with Same Menu to make safe, delicious meals accessible to all.
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