Resources For

Tackling Dysphagia

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a condition which often affects older adults. The IDDSI framework was developed to help better serve these individuals, by providing a scale for measuring food and drink thickness.

STUDIES SHOW THAT BETWEEN

11.4 - 22% OF ADULTS OVER 50 ARE AFFECTED BY DYSPHAGIA

Source: National Institute of Health (NIH) June 28, 2023.

Our easy-to-prep, single-serve solutions serve as a delicious and health-conscious transitional food for patients with dysphagia.

IDDSI Graphic

We Put Dole Products To The Test

Our Results

Tests were conducted to help assess IDDSI levels for the following items.

Dole Smoothie Bowls®

Mango Pineapple

Mango Pineapple

Strawberry Banana

Strawberry Banana

Dole Wiggles® Fruit Juice Gels

Strawberry Wiggles

Strawberry

Orange Wiggles

Orange

Cherry Wiggles

Cherry

Dole Whip®

Pineapple Whip

Pineapple

Mango Whip

Mango

Strawberry Whip

Strawberry

Level 4 -
Pureed/Extremely Thick

A small amount may flow through and form a short tail below the fork. Does not dollop, flow, or drip continuously through the fork prongs.

IDDSI Simulated Test Fork Drip
Fork Drip Test Smoothie Bowls
Dole Smoothie Bowls®

Strawberry Banana

Fork Drip Test Dole Wiggles Fruit Juice Gels
Dole Wiggles® Fruit Juice Gels

All Varieties(1)

Fork Drip Test Dole Whip
Dole Whip®

All Varieties(1)

Level 4 -
Pureed/Extremely Thick

Used to determine stickiness of the sample. Samples determined as not sticky should slide off the spoon if tiled or with a gentle flick. Little to no food should be left on the spoon. A thin film on the spoon is acceptable but you should be able to see the spoon through the film.

IDDSI Simulated Test Spoon Tilt
Spoon Tilt Test Smoothie Bowls
Dole Smoothie Bowls®

Strawberry Banana

Spoon Tilt Test Dole Wiggles Fruit Juice Gels
Dole Smoothie Bowls®

Mango Pineapple

Spoon Tilt Test Dole Wiggles Fruit Juice Gels
Dole Wiggles® Fruit Juice Gels

All Varieties(1)

Spoon Tilt Test Dole Whip
Dole Whip®

All Varieties(1)

Level 5 -
Minced & Moist

Food should be mashed easily with light pressure from a fork and pieces must fit between the prongs of a dinner fork.

IDDSI Simulated Test Fork Pressure
Fork Drip Test Smoothie Bowls
Dole Smoothie Bowls®

Mango Pineapple

Video Overview

How It Works

Watch this brief video overview with Chef James Bickmore-Hutt to learn more about dysphagia and how you can implement the IDDSI framework into your healthcare foodservice operation.

Watch Video
IDDSI How It Works Video

Dole Smoothie Cuts

Blend the Best

Pre-cut IQF fruit, crafted specifically for smoothies to help extend blender life.

Free Sample
Dole Smoothie Cuts

Fruit on the Menu

Smoothie Builder

The flavor combinations for smoothies are infinite, but we’ve included a list of suggested ingredients along with some of our favorite combinations to help inspire.

Step 1:

Choose Your Base

Milk
Milk
Yogurt
Yogurt
Dairy Alternative
Dairy Alternative

Almond, Oat or Coconut Milk

Fruit Juice
Fruit Juice

Pineapple, Orange, Apple, etc.

Step 2:

Choose Your Fruits

Nutritional information based on 1 cup serving of Dole IQF Fruit, except avocado (1/2 cup).

Milk

Avocado

50 cal/serving

Banana

Banana

10% DV Potassium

Dragon Fruit

Dragon Fruit

8% DV Iron

Mango

Mango

60% Vitamin C

Peaches

Peaches

100% Vitamin C

Pineapple

Pineapple

70% Vitamin C

Strawberry

Strawberry

60% Vitamin C

Step 3:

Blend and Serve

Portion into cups and serve or keep in refrigerator for up to 4 hours before service. Using frozen fruit instead of ice to cool the smoothie also helps keep it from separating and becoming watered down.

Dole Smoothie Cuts
Chef Tidbits Smoothies
Ditch the Dairy

Ditch the Dairy

Bananas and avocado give smoothies a rich and creamy texture without the need for dairy.

Spice It Up

Spice It Up

Introduce aromatic spices such as ginger, cinnamon or turmeric into your smoothie for an added layer of flavor with anti-inflammatory benefits.

Taste the Tropics

Taste the Tropics

Tropical fruits provide a burst of vibrant flavor and are often high in potassium, which helps to counter the effects of sodium in diets.

Dole Packaged Foods is not affiliated with IDDSI

We encourage operators to visit iddsi.org for more information and complete their own internal testing.

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