Level 5
Minced & Moist
Soft, moist pieces with no separate thin liquid. Pieces small enough that minimal chewing required.
Characteristics
- Small lumps visible in food
- Lumps are soft and moist
- Piece size: 4mm x 4mm (adult) or 2mm x 2mm (pediatric)
- Can be mashed with tongue
- Minimal chewing required
- Soft and moist throughout
- No thin liquid separates from food
Testing Methods
Fork Pressure Test
- Place sample on plate
- Apply pressure with fork
- Use thumb to press, turning nail bed white
Pass Result: Food squashes easily; does not return to original shape; pieces 4mm or smaller
Spoon Tilt Test
- Place sample on spoon
- Tilt spoon
- Observe moisture
Pass Result: Some food may fall off but no thin liquid drips from the food
Food/Drink Examples
Finely minced meat with gravyFlaked fish with sauceSoft scrambled eggsCottage cheeseFinely chopped soft pasta
Foods to Avoid
- -Dry foods
- -Hard foods
- -Foods requiring significant chewing
- -Crumbly foods
- -Stringy or fibrous foods
Recipes for Level 5
Minced Chicken in Gravy
Level 520 minutes2 servingsAmerican
dinnerMinced Beef with Mashed Potatoes
Level 530 minutes2 servingsAmerican
dinnerFlaked Salmon with Dill Sauce
Level 520 minutes2 servingsAmerican
lunchSoft Scrambled Eggs
Level 510 minutes1 servingsAmerican
breakfastMinced Tuna Salad
Level 510 minutes2 servingsAmerican
lunchCottage Cheese with Minced Fruit
Level 55 minutes1 servingsAmerican
breakfast