Level 6

Soft & Bite-Sized

Soft, tender, moist food cut into bite-sized pieces. Requires chewing before swallowing.

Level 5: Minced & MoistLevel 7: Regular / Easy to Chew

Characteristics

  • Bite-sized pieces: 15mm x 15mm (adult) or 8mm x 8mm (pediatric)
  • Soft and tender throughout
  • Moist - may have sauce or gravy
  • Chewing required
  • Can be mashed with fork or spoon
  • No hard, tough, chewy, or stringy pieces

Testing Methods

Fork Pressure Test

  1. Place sample on plate
  2. Apply pressure with fork using thumb
  3. Press until thumbnail blanches white
Pass Result: Food squashes and changes shape; does not return to original form

Piece Size Check

  1. Measure piece sizes
  2. Compare to 15mm standard (adult) or 8mm (pediatric)
Pass Result: All pieces are 15mm x 15mm or smaller (adult)

Food/Drink Examples

Soft cooked vegetablesTender meats cut smallSoft fruits (ripe banana, canned fruit)Soft bread without crustSoft cooked pasta

Foods to Avoid

  • -Hard or crunchy foods
  • -Tough meats
  • -Fibrous fruits/vegetables
  • -Crusty bread
  • -Raw vegetables
  • -Nuts and seeds

Recipes for Level 6