IDDSI Level 3
Moderately Thick / Liquidised
Drinkable from a cup; smooth, no lumps.
What it is
Can be drunk from a cup or eaten with a spoon. No lumps, fibers, or bits. Previously “honey thick.”
What it looks like
Flows slowly off a spoon in a smooth ribbon. Like runny honey at room temperature.
The official test
10 mL syringe flow test: more than 8 mL remains after 10 seconds (but some still flows). Cannot be eaten with a fork. It drips slowly through the prongs.
Run the guided syringe testFoods that typically fit
- Pre-thickened drinks labeled Level 3
- Smooth fruit purée thinned to drinking consistency
- Liquidised soups (strained, no bits)
Products can vary by batch. Always verify with the IDDSI tests before serving.How to test →
Common mistakes
- Leaving lumps or skins in liquidised soups, Level 3 must be completely smooth.
- Confusing Level 3 drinks with Level 3 foods, same flow, different serving.
Level 3 answers and recipes
What is “honey thick” in IDDSI levels?“Honey thick” is the older US name for what IDDSI now calls Level 3: Moderately Thick / Liquidised. It flows slowly off a spoon in a smooth ribbon, can be drunk from a cup, and must have no lumps. Confirm any batch with the 10 mL syringe flow test: more than 8 mL remains after 10 seconds.Creamy Chicken Soup35 min · serves 2 · ends with the Level 3 check.Creamy Pumpkin Soup30 min · serves 4 · ends with the Level 3 check.Creamy Tomato Basil Soup30 min · serves 1 + the family · ends with the Level 3 check.Banana Berry Smoothie10 min · serves 1 · ends with the Level 3 check.