On the Go Dysphagia Snacks: No cook, easy options
Living with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) can limit access to social activities, particularly those involving eating and drinking. The extra effort required to prepare safe, appropriate meals before going out can be difficult for many people, and access to food choices that are safe across a variety of IDDSI levels in the community is poor.
This post aims to empower individuals by highlighting easy, on-the-go snack options across the different IDDSI levels, ensuring there is something for everyone. Everyone deserves the flexibility to eat and drink safely, and these everyday snack ideas help make that possible.
The options presented are suitable for both those with and without dysphagia, as they are widely available at common supermarkets across Australia. This ensures that individuals with dysphagia can access safe and nutritious snacks without the hassle of specialty shopping, making it more convenient to find suitable options, with additional preparation. Whether you're preparing for a social outing or just need a quick snack at home, these choices help take the stress out of meal planning.
IDDSI Levels
*International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative. For more information on IDDSI levels, see HERE.
Menu Selections
Yoghurts and Puddings:
IDDSI 5: Minced & moist
Madagascar vanilla bean rice pudding (no added sugar) - Wicked Sisters/Aunt Bettys
Tapioca pudding – Arlington
Chia seed pod
IDDSI 4: Pureed
Greek style yoghurt with mango & cream or strawberries & cream - Tamar Valley
Protein style yoghurt (Vanilla, Mango passionfruit, Salted Caramel, Banana) – Chobani Fit/Evie/Pro/YoPro/Pauls
These also come in a pouch version which may be easier for consuming on the go.
Strawberry pana cotta – Wicked Sisters
High-protein puddings (chocolate, banana, vanilla, strawberry) – Wicked Sisters/Cadbury
Vegetables and Grains:
IDDSI 5: Minced & moist
Dip varieties such as guacamole
Lentil soup – Dari
IDDSI 4: Pureed
Smashed avocado – Avo Fresh (prepared and packaged)
Soup – Dari’s Classic Pumpkin Soup
Hummus – Obela Classic
Small Snacks:
IDDSI 6: Soft & bite-sized
Strawberry crisps – Frisp Transitional Foods
Potato Stix
Soft cereal biscuits – Whole Kids Spelt, Apple & Chia
Proteins:
IDDSI 7: Easy to chew
Tuna, brown rice and quinoa – Sirena/John West
Super grain teriyaki chicken bowl – Hart and Soul
Shaved chicken or ham from the deli
Macaroni & cheese
IDDSI 6: Soft & bite-sized
Smoked salmon
Cooked smoked salmon – Tassal/Clearly Premium
IDDSI 5: Minced & moist
Canned tuna varieties
Cottage pie – Premade options in fridge/freezer
Savoury:
IDDSI 7: Easy to chew
Dolmades
Giant beans in tomato sauce
Smoothie & Juices:
A smoothie or a juice can be an easy, on the go snack. Recommend getting this from the cold isle, and avoiding reconstructed ingredients. Ensure the consistency is right for you.
Nudie Juice
Impressed cold pressed juice
Preshafruit
With these accessible snack options, we hope to make life a little easier for those managing dysphagia. By offering ideas that are readily available and require minimal preparation, this guide supports greater independence and inclusivity, ensuring everyone can confidently enjoy food on the go. Eating should be a source of joy and connection, not stress, and these snacks provide a safe, convenient way to stay nourished and participate more fully in social activities. So, whether it's a spontaneous trip to the park or a gathering with friends, having quick, dysphagia-friendly snacks on hand can make all the difference.
Blog post written by:
Natalie Grainger - Speech Pathologist
Want to explore more recipes?
The Simply Modified cookbook is available for purchase via the online shop.
