What is Nestle ThickenUp used for? Your complete guide

November 15, 2025 •

3 min read

According to studies, dysphagia affects an estimated 13% of people in the community and a higher percentage of elderly residents in long-term care facilities, making swallowing challenges a serious health concern. Nestle ThickenUp is a product specifically designed to address this issue by modifying the consistency of foods and liquids to aid in safer swallowing.

Quick Summary

Nestle ThickenUp is an instant food and drink thickener used to manage dysphagia, or swallowing difficulties, in individuals with certain medical conditions. It works by thickening liquids and pureed foods to a safer consistency, reducing the risk of aspiration. Available in different formulations, it can be added to various hot, cold, and carbonated beverages without altering their taste or appearance.

Key Points

Primary Use: Nestle ThickenUp is used to thicken liquids and pureed foods for individuals with dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing.
Key Beneficiaries: Patients with conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological disorders often use ThickenUp under medical supervision.
Two Main Types: The product comes in starch-based and xanthan gum-based (ThickenUp Clear) formulations, each with unique properties.
Clear and Tasteless: ThickenUp Clear is preferred for its ability to maintain a clear, tasteless, and odorless consistency in beverages, unlike some traditional starch thickeners.
Prevents Aspiration: By creating a safer consistency for swallowing, the product significantly reduces the risk of aspiration pneumonia, which is a common complication of dysphagia.
Easy Preparation: The instant formula mixes quickly into hot or cold foods and liquids, and maintains its thickness without over-thickening over time.
Requires Medical Supervision: The use of ThickenUp is recommended to be under the guidance of a healthcare professional, such as a speech-language pathologist.

Understanding Dysphagia and the Role of Thickeners

Dysphagia is the medical term for swallowing difficulties, a condition that can affect individuals of all ages, though it is more common among the elderly and those with specific health conditions. This condition can significantly increase the risk of aspiration—when food or liquid enters the airways and lungs, potentially leading to respiratory infections like aspiration pneumonia. To mitigate this risk, healthcare professionals often recommend modifying the texture of foods and liquids. This is where products like Nestle ThickenUp play a crucial role.

The Purpose of Nestle ThickenUp

The primary purpose of Nestle ThickenUp is to serve as an instant, convenient, and effective thickening agent for foods and beverages. By adjusting the consistency, it helps individuals with dysphagia swallow more safely and comfortably. Unlike traditional thickening methods that may require heating or prolonged waiting times, ThickenUp's instant formula provides immediate and consistent results, making it a reliable solution for both patients and caregivers.

Who Needs Nestle ThickenUp?

Nestle ThickenUp is used under medical supervision for a variety of individuals struggling with dysphagia. The product is often recommended for patients with:

Neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Motor neuron disease and muscular dystrophy.
Oral or throat cancers.
Age-related swallowing impairments.
Anyone identified by a speech-language pathologist as needing texture-modified foods.

The Two Main Formulations: ThickenUp and ThickenUp Clear

Nestle offers different versions of ThickenUp, catering to specific needs and preferences. The two most common are the starch-based ThickenUp and the innovative, xanthan gum-based ThickenUp Clear.

Features of Starch-Based ThickenUp

Uses modified cornstarch as its thickening agent.
Can be added to both hot and cold liquids and foods.
Mixes quickly and offers a lump-free consistency.

Features of Xanthan Gum-Based ThickenUp Clear

Formulated with xanthan gum, maltodextrin, and potassium chloride.
Remains clear, colorless, and tasteless when mixed, preserving the natural appearance and flavor of food and beverages.
Does not over-thicken over time, ensuring a stable consistency for consumption.
Amylase-resistant, meaning it maintains its thickness even when mixed with saliva.

How to Use Nestle ThickenUp Properly

Proper preparation is essential for safety and effectiveness. While instructions vary slightly between formulations and desired thickness levels (typically following IDDSI guidelines), the general steps are straightforward:

Measure: Use the provided scoop or a measuring device to portion the powder accurately based on your healthcare professional's recommendation for the target consistency (e.g., nectar, honey, or pudding).
Combine: For best results, place the powder in a clean, dry cup or bowl first.
Mix: Add the liquid or food to the powder while stirring briskly with a whisk, fork, or blender until the powder is fully dissolved and there are no lumps.
Wait: Allow the mixture to stand for about one minute to achieve the final desired thickness before serving.

Special considerations apply to different types of liquids. For example, milk and protein-containing drinks may take longer to thicken, while carbonated beverages should be stirred first to reduce carbonation.

A Comparative Look: Nestle ThickenUp vs. Other Thickeners


Feature	Nestle ThickenUp (Starch-Based)	Nestle ThickenUp Clear (Xanthan Gum-Based)	Other Starch-Based Thickeners
Thickening Agent	Modified cornstarch	Xanthan gum, maltodextrin, potassium chloride	Various starches (e.g., modified cornstarch)
Appearance	Can be cloudy or opaque	Remains clear and transparent	Typically cloudy or opaque
Taste/Smell	Neutral, but can alter taste if not fully dissolved	Neutral, tasteless, and odorless	Can sometimes have a starchy flavor
Consistency	Stable, instant thickening	Stable over time, amylase-resistant	Can continue to thicken over time
Preparation	Mix liquid into powder, whisk	Mix liquid into powder, whisk. Especially effective for clear liquids	Varies by product; clumping can be an issue

Conclusion

Nestle ThickenUp is a vital tool in the dietary management of dysphagia, helping to ensure the safety and nutritional needs of individuals with swallowing difficulties. Whether it's the versatile starch-based version or the innovative, clear xanthan gum formulation, ThickenUp provides a reliable and easy-to-use solution for patients and caregivers alike. By thickening a wide range of liquids and foods, it reduces the risk of aspiration while preserving the natural taste and appearance of meals and beverages, promoting better patient compliance and a more enjoyable eating experience. It is important to always use the product under medical supervision and follow specific instructions for preparation based on the prescribed consistency. For further information on dysphagia management, the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) provides comprehensive guidelines and resources, and their website is a valuable resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nestle ThickenUp is a starch-based thickener that can sometimes make liquids appear cloudy. ThickenUp Clear, on the other hand, is a xanthan gum-based formula that remains clear, odorless, and tasteless, preserving the natural look and flavor of beverages.

Yes, both starch-based Nestle ThickenUp and the clear xanthan gum version can be used with a wide range of liquids, including both hot and cold beverages like tea, coffee, and juice.

For optimal results with carbonated beverages, it is recommended to stir the drink first to reduce carbonation. Add the ThickenUp powder to a dry cup, then add the degassed beverage while stirring immediately.

Most liquids thicken within about one minute of stirring after adding the powder. For fluids with higher protein content, such as milk, it may take up to 15 minutes to reach the desired consistency.

Nestle ThickenUp is only suitable for children aged 3 years and above and must be used under medical supervision. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before administering it to a child.

No, especially with the ThickenUp Clear formula. This version is designed to be tasteless and odorless, ensuring that the natural flavor and aroma of your food and drinks are preserved.

No, it is not recommended to add more powder to a liquid after it has already been thickened. Doing so can cause clumping and affect the consistency. If a different thickness is desired, a new serving should be prepared.