Learn more about our innovative dysphagia nutrition products.
Inform yourself and improve the quality of life for people with dysphagia. If you don’t find answers to your specific questions about the Thick-It® brand suite of dysphagia products, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 1-800-333-0003 or online.
Both starch and the fiber in colonoscopy preparations compete for the retention of water. When you add the starch to the colonoscopy preparation, you actually will see thinning of the product. Therefore, it would not be safe for individuals with dysphagia to consume. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have about the use of Thick-It® Original Food & Beverage Thickeners. The information contained herein is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in any manner.
Consult with your physician before mixing Thick-It® Original Food & Beverage Thickeners with any preparation testing materials.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have about the use of Thick-It® Original Food & Beverage Thickeners. (The information contained herein is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in any manner).
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have about the use of Thick-It® Original Food & Beverage Thickeners. The information contained herein is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in any manner.
No, it is not recommended.
A person receives essentially the same hydration as if they had consumed a same amount of non-thickened fluid. We recommend you consume as much liquid as you would with non-thickened fluid. It is important for a person to receive a significant liquid intake on a daily basis, unless a physician has advised to limit fluids.
Yes, you can mix Thick-It® Original Food & Beverage Thickeners in bulk as long as you keep the unused portion covered and refrigerated. The unused refrigerated portion may be kept for 2-3 days. Do not leave a thickened liquid at room temperature any longer than 3-4 hours.
There is no maximum recommended quantity. It is important to keep hydrated, which means drinking as much liquid as possible, unless a physician has advised the person to limit fluids.
Yes, the ingredients in Thick-It® Original Food & Beverage Thickener (modified cornstarch and maltodextrin) and Thick-It® Original Concentrated Food & Beverage Thickener (modified cornstarch) are derived from corn. The products comply with the FDA requirements for gluten free.
Thick-It® Original Food & Beverage Thickener contains modified cornstarch and maltodextrin.
Thick-It® Original Concentrated Food & Beverage Thickener contains modified cornstarch.
Thick-It® Clear Advantage® Food & Beverage Thickener contains xanthan gum, maltodextrin, and ascorbic acid.
Yes, but if there is an elevation to blood sugar while using Thick-It® Original Food & Beverage Thickener, we recommend using Thick-It® Original Concentrated Food & Beverage Thickener. With Thick-It® Original Concentrated Food & Beverage Thickener, you use less to achieve your desired consistency, resulting in the consumption of fewer calories and carbohydrates. If there is still an elevation to blood sugar, Thick-It® Clear Advantage® Thickened Water is a good option. This ready-to-drink product contains zero calories, carbohydrates, or sugar. We encourage you to consult with your physician prior to using our product.
See complete nutrition information on product detail pages, found here.
Thick-It® Original Concentrated Food & Beverage Thickener is a concentrated formula which means you use less to achieve your desired consistency, resulting in the consumption of fewer calories and carbohydrates. This may be a better option for people with diabetes and those trying to manage their weight.
Thick-It® Original Food & Beverage Thickener: 1 1/3 Tablespoon = 1/3 fruit exchange (4 grams of carbohydrates)
Thick-It® Original Concentrated Food & Beverage Thickener: 1 Tablespoon = 1/3 fruit exchange (4 grams of carbohydrates)
Thickened Orange Juice Blend (mildly thick & moderately thick): 8 fl oz. = 2 fruit exchange
Thickened Apple Juice (mildly thick & moderately thick): 8 fl oz. = 2 fruit exchange
Thickened Cranberry Juice Blend (mildly thick & moderately thick): 8 fl oz. = 2 fruit exchange
No phenylalanine (artificial sweetener) is used in any Thick-It® Original Food & Beverage Thickener formulas.
| Serving Size | Phosphorous | Potassium | |
| Thick-It® Original Food & Beverage Thickener
[Thickens 4 fl oz. Water to Nectar] |
1 1/3 Tbsp (6 g) | 0.18 mg | 1 mg |
| Thick-It® Original Concentrated Food & Beverage Thickener
[Thickens 4 fl oz. Water to Nectar] |
1 Tbsp (4.5 g) | 0.66 mg | 1 mg |
Potassium values are now listed on the nutrition facts panel.
If the recommended usage instructions have been followed, the thickened liquid will remain thick until the person has consumed it. Do not leave a thickened liquid at room temperature any longer than 3-4 hours. For best results, consume within 30 minutes of mixing.
Not usually, but every individual with glucose sensitivity or diabetes is different. Be sure to let your physician know what thickeners you are using, so they can determine the best treatment option for your glucose management.
Yes, the best-if-used-by date is 30 months from the date of manufacture. The best-if-used-by date is located on the bottom of the canister.
Modified is the method used to process the starch so that it easily dissolves in a cold or hot liquid without having to boil the liquid first.
Maltodextrin is an easily digestible carbohydrate and is used in a wide variety of dry foods, dairy products, meats and beverages.
Each can of purée should have a code on the bottom that helps Kent Precision Foods Group, Inc. ensure proper identification of the product. See an example below:
You purchased a can of Chicken á la King Purée and on the bottom of the can, it reads:
003 2508/1478 PJ
P-217
003: Batch code
250: Julian date; in this example the 250th day of the year
8: Year (last digit) in this example 201(8)
1478: Can number
PJ: Product code
EST: Establishment Number – (P-217 = Poultry)
Therefore, this can of Chicken á la King Purée was manufactured on September 6, 2018 and will expire two years from this date (September 6, 2020).
Store leftover Thick-It® Purées in an airtight container for 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator. Or you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks.
Thick-It® Purées are fully cooked in the can and sterilized in the canning process, so they do not have to be cooked prior to consumption. To reheat, follow these instructions:
Stovetop: Heat contents over medium heat until warm; stir occasionally.
Microwave: Spoon contents into microwave-safe container and cover.
Microwave on High for 30 to 60 seconds or until warm. Stir before serving.
Microwave ovens vary; cooking time may need to be adjusted.
CAUTION: Container and contents may be hot; use pot holders when removing from microwave.
No, Thick-It® Purées are not Kosher.
Yes, you may freeze unused portions of the Thick-It® Purées in a freezer-safe container.
For optimum quality performance, we recommend consuming Thick-It® Purées within two years from the date of manufacture.
Exchanges based on Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and American Diabetes Association criteria. All exchanges based on a per serving basis, not per can:
H301-F8800 Chicken a la King Purée = 1 medium fat meat + 1 non-starchy vegetable
H302-F8800 Beef Lasagna Purée = ½ starch + 1 medium fat meat
H303-F8800 Carrot and Pea Purée = 1 non-starchy vegetable
H304-F8800 Sweet Corn Purée = ½ starch
H305-F8800 Seasoned Green Bean Purée = 1 non-starchy vegetable
H307-F8800 Maple Cinnamon French Toast Purée = 1 starch
H308-F8800 Beef Stew Purée = ½ starch + 1 medium fat meat
H309-F8800 Beef in Barbecue Sauce Purée = ½ starch + 2 medium-fat meat
H314-F8800 Salisbury Steak Purée= 2 medium fat meat
H315-F8800 Omelet with Sausage and Cheddar Cheese Purée = 1 ½ high fat meat
H316-F8800 Mixed Fruit/Berry Purée = 1 fruit
H317-F8800 Caramel Apple Pie Purée = 1 ½ starch
H318-F8800 Seasoned Chicken Patty Purée = 2 lean meat
H319-F8800 Seasoned Broccoli Purée = 1 non-starchy vegetable
H320-F8800 Seasoned Spinach Purée = 1 non-starchy vegetable
The following Thick-It® Purées are gluten-free: Beef in Barbecue Sauce Purée, Seasoned Chicken Patty Purée, Mixed Fruit & Berry Purée, Sweet Corn Purée, Seasoned Green Bean Purée, Seasoned Broccoli Purée, Seasoned Spinach Purée, and Carrot & Pea Purée.
Thick-It® Purées are for people with dysphagia and other swallowing disorders. They may or may not be suitable for people with other medical conditions.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have about the use of Thick-It® Original Food & Beverage Thickeners. The information contained herein is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in any manner.
Our labels are clearly marked if they contain any of the major food allergens.
No artificial sweeteners that contain phenylalanine are used in any of the Thick-It® Clear Advantage® beverages.
Xanthan gum is a stabilizer used in a variety of foods, such as salad dressings and ice cream, to prevent ingredients from separating.
Yes, Thick-It® Clear Advantage® beverages mix well with powdered drink mixes. Simply follow the directions on the package of the powdered mix, substituting Thick-It® Clear Advantage® Thickened Water for tap or bottled water.
Yes, Thick-It® Clear Advantage® beverages can be heated in the microwave or on the stovetop. (Heating the water first is recommended before adding powdered drink mixes such as cocoa powder, instant tea, or instant soup mix.)
Microwave directions: Pour 6-8 fl oz. into a microwavable mug and heat on high for approximately 45 seconds. (Microwave times may vary. Caution, product will be hot). Product temperature should not exceed 180°F.
Stovetop directions: Pour desired amount into a pan and heat to desired temperature, not to exceed 180°F.
Caution: Contents will be hot. Do not overheat coffee as some dysphagia patients may have reduced sensory reception and burning of mucosa could result.
Yes, Thick-It® Clear Advantage® beverages can be frozen and will remain the appropriate consistency when they melt. Enjoy ice cubes, flavored pops, and slushies again!
Thick-It® Clear Advantage® beverages should be stored in a cool, dry area. Once opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator.
Yes.
Thick-It® Clear Advantage® beverages are Kosher Pareve, not Kosher for Passover.
Thick-It® Clear Advantage® ready-to-drink beverages are made with Artesian mineral water from a 600 ft-deep well located in Superior, Wisconsin and thickened using a patented-process with xanthan gum, a thickening agent that creates a clear, thickened beverage.
No, Thick-It® Clear Advantage® Thickened Water does not contain any lemon flavoring. In some competitive products, lemon flavoring is used as a masking agent. However, if you or your loved one prefers lemon-flavored water, it is safe to add a small squeeze of lemon juice or lemon in their Thick-It® Clear Advantage® Thickened Water.
We currently do not make a milk variety at this time. If milk is desired, powdered milk can be added to our Thick-It® Clear Advantage® Thickened Water for a great-tasting, thickened milk. Simply follow the directions on the box of powdered milk, substituting Thick-It® Clear Advantage® Thickened Water for tap or bottled water.
Up to 1 1/8 teaspoon of liquid is generally safe to add to 8 fl. oz. of Thick-It® Clear Advantage® beverages and will not significantly affect viscosity. Larger amounts of liquids should not be added in as the viscosity could change resulting in the beverage being too thin and therefore unsafe for those with swallowing disorders to consume.
The expiration date is located on the top of the lid and is the last 6 digits of the code. For example, 041521 would mean the product expires April 15, 2021.
| Product | Unopened | Opened/Refrigerated | Opened/Room Temperature |
| Water | 18 months | 14 days | 24 hours |
| Coffee & Tea | 18 months | 14 days | 24 hours |
| Juices:
Apple & Cranberry Orange |
15 months 9 months |
14 days 14 days |
24 hours 24 hours |
The water and coffee varieties are sugar-free and calorie-free, while the juices contain no added sugars or high fructose corn syrup. Although the juices do contain calories and carbohydrates, they can be added to a person’s meal plan. Consult with your registered dietitian or healthcare provider. See complete nutrition information on product detail pages, found here.
Exchanges based on Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and American Diabetes Association criteria. All exchanges based on a per serving basis:
Thick-It® Clear Advantage®
Thickened Decaffeinated Tea, Coffee, Water: Free
Thickened Juice (Apple, Cranberry, Orange): 2 fruit
Thick-It® brand dysphagia products are available at leading retailers nationwide, online, as well as by phone. See a list of retailers here. Your local pharmacist can also order it for you, so if you don’t see it on the shelf, stop by the pharmacy and ask the team for help.
No, you do not need a prescription. Visit our Shop Now page for details on where you can purchase Thick-It® brand products. Although a prescription is not needed, we recommend you consult with a medical professional to determine the appropriate consistency to purchase.
If you are looking to purchase Thick-It® brand products to use in your facility, click here.
No, the Thick-It® brand does not have NDC numbers.
Yes, there HCPCS codes for Thick-It® brand thickeners or for any pre-thickened product. But this does not necessarily mean they will be reimbursed; contact your private insurers, State Medicaid or Medicare for exceptions and specific information.
Click here to search the Durable Medical Equipment Coding System (DMECS) database.
The Thick-It® brand and our parent company, Kent Precision Foods Group, are committed to providing our customers with safe and high-quality products while complying with applicable industry standards and regulatory requirements. For years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association have advised caution in the use of thickening products that contain xanthan gum or similar agents, such as starch, with any infant. In the thickener industry, this caution has expanded over time.
Under these circumstances and until further information is made available, Kent Precision Foods Group, Inc. has decided to update the Thick-It® brand product line labels (Clear Advantage® Instant Food & Beverage Thickener, Clear Advantage® ready-to-drink beverages, Original Food & Beverage Thickener, Original Concentrated Food & Beverage Thickener, Original Foodservice Food & Beverage Thickener, and Thick-It® Purées) to recommend that the products should not be used by infants under 2 years old and should only be used by children under the age of 12 in consultation with a physician.
