Sensory and rheological characteristics of thickened liquids differing concentrations of a xanthan gum-based thickener.

When a manufacturer modifies or develops a xanthan gum-based thickener, findings from this study can be utilized to understand sensory and rheological characteristics of thickened liquid. For practitioners who have to make dysphagia diets, the reference standards of viscosity used in sensory descriptive analysis could be helpful for deciding the viscosity level of thickened liquids based only on visual evaluation. This study suggests manufacturers should provide clear direction for viscosity range and thickener concentration. Medical doctors should pay close attention to the risk of aspiration when prescribing pudding-like viscosity. Dietitians should understand the variability in achieving different levels of viscosity and should educate preparers who are responsible for making dysphagia meals.