# What is an IDDSI diet? IDDSI Levels 0 to 7

Canonical: [https://followyourswallow.com/iddsi](https://followyourswallow.com/iddsi)

An IDDSI diet is a clinician-directed way to describe the texture of foods and thickness of drinks for a person with chewing or swallowing difficulty. It is not one fixed menu. The framework has eight levels from 0 through 7.

## IDDSI levels

- [Level 0: Thin](https://followyourswallow.com/iddsi/level-0): Flows like water.
- [Level 1: Slightly Thick](https://followyourswallow.com/iddsi/level-1): Thicker than water, still drinkable through a straw.
- [Level 2: Mildly Thick](https://followyourswallow.com/iddsi/level-2): Sippable, but effort needed through a standard straw.
- [Level 3: Moderately Thick / Liquidised](https://followyourswallow.com/iddsi/level-3): Drinkable from a cup; smooth, no lumps.
- [Level 4: Extremely Thick / Pureed](https://followyourswallow.com/iddsi/level-4): Eaten with a spoon. Holds its shape. No chewing needed.
- [Level 5: Minced & Moist](https://followyourswallow.com/iddsi/level-5): Soft, moist pieces no bigger than 4 mm.
- [Level 6: Soft & Bite-Sized](https://followyourswallow.com/iddsi/level-6): Tender 1.5 cm pieces. Chewing required, no knife needed.
- [Level 7: Easy to Chew / Regular](https://followyourswallow.com/iddsi/level-7): Everyday foods. Soft and tender at 7 EC; no restriction at 7 Regular.

## 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.