# IDDSI Level 7: Easy to Chew / Regular

Canonical: [https://followyourswallow.com/iddsi/level-7](https://followyourswallow.com/iddsi/level-7)

Everyday foods. Soft and tender at 7 EC; no restriction at 7 Regular.

## What it is

Level 7 Regular is normal, everyday food with no texture restriction. Level 7 Easy to Chew is everyday food that is soft and tender, without hard, fibrous, or crunchy textures. Sizes are not restricted.

## What it looks like

A normal plate, with tough/crunchy items avoided for Easy to Chew.

## Official test

Easy to Chew: food should cut or break apart easily with the side of a fork or spoon.

## Foods that typically fit

- Tender meats and fish
- Soft breads (assess individually)
- Cooked vegetables
- Soft ripe fruit with skins, seeds, and fibrous parts removed
- Most desserts without hard inclusions

## Common mistakes

- Treating 7 EC as “anything goes”. Nuts, crusty bread, and tough meat still fail.
- Skipping supervision recommendations from your SLP.


## Does IDDSI Level 7 Easy to Chew have a food size limit?

No. Level 7 Easy to Chew allows a range of piece sizes. The person must be able to bite off a safe amount and chew soft, tender food without tiring, and the food must break apart easily with the side of a fork or spoon.

## Is IDDSI Level 7 Easy to Chew the same as Level 7 Regular?

No. Level 7 Regular has no texture restrictions. Level 7 Easy to Chew still excludes hard, tough, chewy, fibrous, stringy, crunchy, and otherwise unsafe textures. It is also not intended for someone with an identified increased choking risk unless a clinician gives specific written guidance.


Source: [IDDSI Level 7 Easy to Chew adult handout](https://www.iddsi.org/images/Publications-Resources/PatientHandouts/English/Adults/7_easy_to_chew_adult_consumer_handout_30jan2019.pdf)


Source checked: 2026-08-12

## 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.