In feeding therapy, modifying liquid consistencies is a common clinical challenge. When natural options are not sufficient, a reliable homemade thickener recipe becomes an important tool. Below, Lori Overland shares her xanthan gum method. Furthermore, she outlines the natural alternatives she prefers whenever they are clinically appropriate.
Reader Question
“Hi Lori, I just completed your course Feeding Therapy: A Sensory Motor Approach and I had a question about your thickening recipe. Could you give me additional information on this as I have a child that I think would greatly benefit? Thanks.”
Therapist Answer
Thank you for your email. As requested, you can find the full recipe below. However, given the ongoing discussion on the Feeding and Swallowing listserv, I remain very conservative about using thickeners. Therefore, natural thickening is always my first preference.
Among clinicians, the general consensus is to use rice cereal to thicken formula, especially with preemies. For older children, though, thinned baby fruits, nectar, or smoothies are much better options. Not only do they modify texture, but they also provide nutritional value alongside the desired consistency change. In contrast, commercial thickeners offer none of these added benefits.
That said, when a homemade thickener recipe is needed, the xanthan gum method I use is both straightforward and effective. Consequently, I have included the full recipe and detailed steps below.
— Lori L. Overland, MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT, CLC, FOMHomemade Thickener Recipe
This homemade thickener recipe uses xanthan gum, a food-safe hydrocolloid that thickens liquids without significantly altering taste or nutritional content. Furthermore, it dissolves cleanly and works across a range of liquid types. As a result, when you need a consistent, clinically appropriate thickener, this method is both reliable and easy to prepare.
Natural Thickening Alternatives in Feeding Therapy
Lori recommends natural thickening whenever possible. For clinicians working with children who require modified liquid consistencies, natural alternatives offer nutritional benefits alongside the desired texture change. In most cases, therefore, these options are more appropriate than a homemade thickener recipe or a commercial product.
- Rice cereal: Especially recommended for premature infants to thicken formula. Additionally, it has the advantage of adding calories while modifying consistency.
- Thinned baby fruits: In contrast to commercial thickeners, these provide nutritional value while naturally adjusting liquid consistency for older infants and toddlers.
- Nectar: Specifically, this is a natural option for achieving nectar-thick consistency without additives.
- Smoothies: Similarly, blending fruits and liquids together is a practical way to achieve the desired thickness for school-age children and older toddlers.
When deciding which approach to use, always consider the child's nutritional needs and medical team recommendations. In addition, factor in the specific texture level required. Consequently, a homemade thickener recipe should be viewed as a clinical tool for situations where natural alternatives are not feasible, not a default first choice.
Recommended Feeding Therapy Course
Feeding Therapy: A Sensory-Motor Approach
Lori Overland's foundational feeding course. Covers sensory processing, pre-feeding exercises, and therapeutic feeding with task analyses for spoon, straw, cup, and solids. 1.2 ASHA CEUs | 1.2 AOTA CEUs.
A Sensory-Motor Approach to Feeding (Book)
The companion text by Lori Overland and Robyn Merkel-Walsh. Includes updated exercises, feeding hierarchies, and clinical frameworks for working with children who have complex feeding needs.
Feeding Therapy: A Sensory-Motor Approach
The course where this homemade thickener recipe originates. Lori Overland's framework covers texture modification, liquid thickening decisions, and the full range of clinical skills needed for feeding therapy with children across age groups.
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