Pureed food refers to a texture-modified diet consisting of meals and snacks that don’t require chewing. These foods are typically smooth or slightly thick, making them easy to swallow and digest, especially for those with difficulty chewing or swallowing.

If you’re caring for someone who struggles with chewing or swallowing, they may be at risk of nutritional deficiencies. These deficiencies can lead to serious issues, including a weakened immune system, slower healing, and a higher risk of infection, especially in older adults. Pureed foods help address these concerns by ensuring access to essential nutrients and promoting a healthy weight.

Who Can Benefit From Eating Pureed Food?

Pureed food is often recommended for individuals with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties). People who may benefit from a pureed diet include those with:

• Oral or dental surgery
• Jaw or gum injuries
• Digestive disorders
• Oral infections (like gum disease)
• Bariatric surgery
• Missing teeth
• Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or following a stroke
• Neurological disorders that affect biting, chewing, or swallowing

What Types of Foods Can Be Pureed?

While almost any solid food can be pureed, the preparation method varies by food type:

• Vegetables: Remove the skins and seeds from tougher vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and cucumbers before cooking and blending.
• Fruits: Peel fruits with skins, such as apples, peaches, and pears. For citrus fruits like oranges, peel and remove seeds and membranes, then blend.
• Meats & Fish: Combine proteins like beef, chicken, and fish with gravy, broth, or cream sauces to help create a smooth, easily digestible texture.
• Dairy Products: Yogurt, cheese, and milk are high in fat and calories, helping to provide energy and prevent weight loss.
• Legumes: Cooked peas, lentils, and beans break down easily and are excellent bases for soups or pureed dishes.
• Herbs & Spices: Herbs and spices can enhance flavor but should be used sparingly to avoid irritation. You can balance strong flavors with a thickening agent or creamy additions like mayonnaise.

What Do I Need to Prepare Tasty Pureed Food for Adults?

Preparing pureed foods for adults is simple and doesn’t require many tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A blender or food processor
• Knives for chopping and cutting
• A peeler
• Thickening agents (if needed)

The general steps to make pureed food are:

1. Peel and chop large fruits or vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces. If using meat or dairy, cut them into pieces suitable for blending.
2. Place the chopped ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
3. Add water, broth, or another liquid to adjust the texture. If the puree is too thin, add a thickener like cornstarch or arrowroot to achieve the desired pudding-like consistency.

If you don’t have the time or tools to make pureed food at home, you can buy pre-prepared pureed meals.

What Should I Consider When Selecting Pureed Foods?

When choosing pureed foods for a loved one, keep these important factors in mind:

Nutrition

A pureed diet should offer the same nutritional balance as a regular diet. Be sure to include a variety of food groups such as fruits, vegetables, proteins, starches, dairy, and fats. If your loved one is losing weight or muscle mass, consider adding protein or using high-calorie substitutes (e.g., whole milk instead of skim milk).

Texture

Texture is key to enjoying pureed meals. Some individuals may find the texture of pureed foods unappealing, so consider adding a thickening agent to achieve the right consistency. If a puree is too watery, thickening agents like cornstarch or arrowroot can help make it more pudding-like.

Preparation

Preparing pureed food doesn’t require extra tools, but it can be time-consuming. If you have limited time, consider purchasing pre-pureed foods. For those who prefer to prepare meals themselves, setting aside a few hours each week for meal prep can save time.

Where Can I Buy Pureed Food for Adults?

Pureed foods for adults are available at most grocery stores and online retailers. At Carewell, we offer a wide range of pre-prepared pureed meals. Here are a few of our popular options:

Thick & Easy® Purees

• Roasted Chicken with Potatoes and Carrots
• Turkey with Stuffing and Green Beans
• Italian Beef Lasagna
• Scrambled Eggs with Potatoes and Bacon
• Beef with Potatoes and Corn
• Maple Cinnamon French Toast

These pureed meals offer convenience, superior taste, and no refrigeration or freezing is required. Simply heat them in the microwave for 60 seconds.

Key Benefits & Features:

• Each order contains seven meals
• Each meal provides 260 calories
• Ready to serve
• Puree consistency

Ensure® Nutritional Pudding

Ensure’s nutritional pudding provides a creamy texture and four grams of protein per serving, offering extra calories without requiring a full meal. This option is safe for those with dietary restrictions, including gluten-free or lactose-intolerant diets.

Key Benefits & Features:

• Provides nutritional support for people with dysphagia or malnutrition
• Great taste
• Comes in a case with 48 servings
• Ready to use

Thick-It® Mixed Fruit and Berry Puree

Thick-It® purees are pre-cooked, ready-to-eat meals designed for individuals with swallowing difficulties. These purees have a pleasant texture and are nutritionally balanced for optimal health.

Key Benefits & Features:

• 50 calories per serving
• Ready to use
• Puree consistency
• 11 grams of sugar per serving

What if I Have More Questions?

Transitioning to a pureed food diet can be a challenge. If you’re unsure where to start or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly Care Team. Call (800) 696-CARE or email us at support@zushki.com for assistance.