Know more
about
Care Food
What is Care Food?
Care Food refers to a dietary approach that involves utilising a variety of cooking and processing methods. These methods are employed to adjust the texture and firmness of food and the thickness of drinks, catering to individuals with varying degrees of swallowing and chewing difficulties.
The primary objective is to provide individuals in need with a comfortable dining experience while retaining the authentic taste, aroma, and presentation of the food. This approach allows them to consume their meals with a sense of dignity.
Care Food encompasses a wide selection of meal options that are tailored to the individual's swallowing capabilities. This includes meals that are easy to chew as well as those that are soft and bite-sized, minced and moist, pureed, etc.
Examples of Different Care Food Levels
Level
Description and examples
Form
Easy to Chew
Soft and Bite‑Sized
Minced and Moist
Pureed
Moderately Thick
Braised Meatball
with Soy Sauce
Satay Beef
Vermicelli
Steamed Fish fillet
with Black
Bean Sauce
Portuguese
Coconut Chicken
Vegetable soup with
poplar fieldcap
and chestnuts
Status and size
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Everyday foods that are soft in texture, such as fish fillet.
-
No restriction on food size.
Suitable for:
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People who have normal biting and chewing ability.
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Tongue function is normal.
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Soft and fine texture, no separation of liquid and solid, such as fish fillet (one bite size).
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Children: pieces not larger than 8 mm.
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Adults: pieces not larger than 15 mm (about 1.5 rice grains).
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People who do not need to bite but have some chewing ability.
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Tongue function normal or nearly normal.
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People who feel pain or fatigue when chewing, or who wear dentures that do not fit well.
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Tongue function adequate.
-
Do not need to bite, only minimal chewing.
-
No liquid separation.
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Food forms small, soft, moist lumps in the mouth, such as minced beef.
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Children: pieces not longer than 2 rice grains and not longer than 8 mm.
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Adults: pieces not longer than 4 rice grains and not longer than 15 mm.
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Liquid‑like, contains no lumps and is not sticky.
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No separation of liquid from solid parts in the mouth (such as soft congee or mashed meal).
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People who do not need biting or obvious chewing ability.
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Tongue function is impaired.
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Liquid, smooth texture, no “grainy feel”, can be swallowed directly, such as rice soup.
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People who do not need biting or chewing ability.
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Tongue function is impaired.
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Can use straw suction if needed.
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Individuals with chewing and swallowing difficulties
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Stroke and post-surgery patients
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Patients in palliative care
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Sick children (e.g., cleft palate or cleft lip)
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People who want to try a brand‑new dining experience
Who needs
Care Food?
Care Food is not limited to individuals with dysphagia. In a broader sense, there's a possibility that you and I might require easily chewable foods due to illnesses or dental concerns. Such foods can also be categorised as Care Food.
How to prepare
Care Food?
When it comes to making Care Food, the Care Food Working Group has categorised cooking methods into three main categories, known as the "Three Approaches of Care Food," which include: the "Preserving the Original Form Approach", the "Creative Plating Approach", and the "Reshaping Approach".
Preserving the Original Form Approach
Utilising various cooking methods, such as pressure cooking, and using softening agents, to preserve the original appearance of the food.
Creative Plating Approach
Creating food arrangements through techniques like mixing and finely chopping, for instance, arranging utensils, and plating.
Reshaping Approach
Reshaping food by adding thickeners or enzyme powders or utilising ingredients that aid in shaping, such as Chinese yam, and crafting it through the processes of mixing, heating, and shaping.
Purchase
Care Food?
The Care Food Working Group has consolidated information regarding relevant Care Food products and services into the Care Food Directory for immediate public reference. This serves to enhance the quality of life for individuals with swallowing difficulties and alleviate the stress on caregivers.
Care Food
Directory:
Care Food Promotional Material
