IDDSI Level 7
Easy to Chew / Regular
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.
The official test
video: Level 7 testing method
Easy to Chew: food should cut or break apart easily with the side of a fork or spoon.
Run the guided fork & spoon testsFoods that typically fit
- Tender meats and fish
- Soft breads (assess individually)
- Cooked vegetables
- Most desserts without hard inclusions
Products can vary by batch. Always verify with the IDDSI tests before serving.How to test →
Common mistakes
- Treating 7 EC as “anything goes” — nuts, crusty bread, and tough meat still fail.
- Skipping supervision recommendations from your SLP.