# Why are cereal with milk and brothy soup a problem on texture-modified diets?

Canonical: [https://followyourswallow.com/answers/mixed-consistencies-cereal-and-soup](https://followyourswallow.com/answers/mixed-consistencies-cereal-and-soup)

## Direct answer

They are “mixed consistencies”: a solid and a thin liquid in the same mouthful. The liquid races ahead while the solid still needs chewing, which is exactly the situation most likely to cause aspiration. Most texture-modified diets exclude them unless the SLP specifically allows them.

## Details

Common offenders: cereal with milk, brothy soups with pieces, fruit cups in juice, and bread soaked in soup.

The fix is usually to serve one consistency at a time: strain and thicken the liquid to the prescribed drink level, and serve the solids at the prescribed food level.



Clinical review: SLP review in progress

## Safety

Use only the food and drink levels prescribed by the person's qualified clinician. Test the actual serving before it is eaten or drunk.