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IDDSI Level 6

Soft & Bite-Sized

Tender 1.5 cm pieces. Chewing required, no knife needed.

What it is

Soft, tender, moist food in bite-sized pieces (≤ 1.5 cm for adults). Chewing is required, but a knife is not: a fork or spoon can break it apart.

What it looks like

Casseroles, tender braised dishes, soft-cooked vegetables cut to 1.5 cm.

The official test
Level 6 Soft and Bite-Sized food testingWatch from Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust ↗

Fork pressure test: a 1.5 cm piece squashes flat with fork pressure (thumbnail blanches) and does not return to shape.

Run the guided fork & spoon tests
Foods that typically fit
  • Slow-braised meat cut to 1.5 cm, tender throughout
  • Soft-cooked vegetables
  • Ripe banana, peeled, stringy fibers removed, cut to no more than 1.5 cm, and pressure-tested
  • Soft pasta pieces in thick sauce
Products can vary by batch. Always verify with the IDDSI tests before serving.How to test →
Common mistakes
  • “Soft-ish” meat that needs a knife, if it doesn’t squash under a fork, it fails.
  • Mixed consistencies: cereal with milk, brothy soups with pieces.
  • Bread, regular fresh bread is not Level 6 unless specially prepared.
Quick answers

Does IDDSI Level 6 have a food size limit?

Yes. Adult Level 6 food pieces must be no larger than 1.5 cm by 1.5 cm. The food must also be soft, tender, and moist, then squash completely under fork pressure without springing back. Children use a smaller 8 mm limit.

What is the difference between IDDSI Level 6 and Level 7 Easy to Chew?

Level 6 has a strict piece-size limit and the food must be manageable without biting off a piece. Level 7 Easy to Chew has no fixed size limit because the person is expected to bite off a safe amount and chew soft, tender food independently.

Primary sourceIDDSI Level 6 Soft & Bite-Sized adult handout ↗
Source checked2026-08-12
Browse verified Level 6 products →
Level 6 answers and recipes
What IDDSI level is soft and bite-sized?Soft & Bite-Sized is IDDSI Level 6. Adult pieces must be no bigger than 1.5 cm by 1.5 cm — about the width of a standard dinner fork — and must be soft, tender, and moist enough to squash flat under fork pressure without springing back. Children use an 8 mm limit.Plain answer→Is bread allowed on IDDSI Level 6?No. The IDDSI Framework allows no regular dry bread, sandwiches, or toast of any kind at Level 6 Soft & Bite-Sized. Bread can form a sticky, doughy lump that is hard to control in the mouth. For bread at this level, IDDSI points to its Level 5 Minced & Moist sandwich recipe, served with a filling that meets Level 6. Ask your SLP before serving any bread.Plain answer→What IDDSI level is a banana?A banana does not have one automatic IDDSI level. Ripeness, softness, preparation, and piece size all matter. For an adult on Level 6, a ripe banana may fit only after it is peeled, cut into pieces no larger than 1.5 cm, and passes the fork pressure test. A whole or uncut banana does not meet the Level 6 size requirement. Level 7 Easy to Chew has no fixed piece-size limit, but the banana still needs to be soft and tender and the person must be able to bite and chew it safely.Plain answer→What IDDSI level are scrambled eggs?Scrambled eggs do not have one automatic IDDSI level. It depends on how they are cooked and served. Soft, moist scrambled eggs in pieces no larger than 1.5 cm that squash easily under a fork can meet Level 6 Soft & Bite-Sized. Mashed to lumps no bigger than 4 mm and kept moist, with no liquid leaking out, they can meet Level 5 Minced & Moist. Blended until completely smooth, they can meet Level 4 Pureed. Each version has to pass the IDDSI test for that level.Plain answer→Soft Scrambled Egg Breakfast15 min · serves 1 + the family · ends with the Level 6 check.Level 6 recipe→Herb Chicken Alfredo30 min · serves 1 + the family · ends with the Level 6 check.Level 6 recipe→Soft Beef Stroganoff45 min · serves 4 · ends with the Level 6 check.Level 6 recipe→Lemon Butter Salmon Dinner25 min · serves 1 + the family · ends with the Level 6 check.Level 6 recipe→