When powdered thickeners don’t work: a liquid alternative is now available

For many people with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), thickened drinks are an important part of staying safe and well hydrated. However, powdered thickeners don’t work for everyone.

People often say:

“I don’t like the powder.”
“I find it hard to make up.”
“I’ve stopped using it.”

When thickening stops, drinks may become unsafe to swallow. This can increase the risk of coughing, chest infections, dehydration, and hospital admission — something no patient or carer wants.

Sometimes it isn’t the treatment itself that causes the problem, but the format. Just as liquid medicines are used when tablets aren’t suitable, some people need an alternative to powdered drink thickeners.

A liquid drink thickener — in a simple, consistent system

Slõ Syrup is a liquid drink thickener designed for people with dysphagia who struggle with powdered thickeners.

It thickens drinks to a safer consistency, but comes as a liquid rather than a powder.

Importantly, it is supplied as part of a simple thickening system. Each bottle comes with a clearly marked measuring cup to help you prepare drinks more consistently — without scoops or guesswork.

Many people find this approach:

• easier to use
• simpler to measure
• less messy
• more manageable day to day

A liquid thickener may help if:

• you dislike or avoid powdered thickeners
• preparing powders feels complicated or stressful
• thickening advice hasn’t been followed consistently

For some people, changing the format — and using a clearer preparation method — makes it easier to keep drinks thickened and stay safely hydrated.

Trying it first

If powdered thickeners haven’t worked for you or the person you care for, it can be helpful to try a liquid thickener first.

Starting with a small amount allows you to see whether it:

• fits into daily routines
• feels straightforward to prepare
• is tolerated and liked

This helps you and your healthcare professional decide whether it’s the right option.

Using Slõ Syrup

Slõ Syrup isn’t intended to replace powdered thickeners for everyone. It’s an alternative for people who genuinely struggle with powders.

If you are under the care of a speech and language therapist or another healthcare professional, they can advise whether a liquid thickener is suitable and which thickness is right for you.

Clear instructions, ingredients and allergen information are provided to support safe use by patients and carers, alongside the measuring cup to guide preparation.

Supporting safer drinking, every day

When powdered thickeners don’t work, the issue is often practicality rather than willingness. Having another option — with a simpler, more consistent way to prepare drinks — can make thickened drinks easier to manage and less stressful.

If you or someone you care for has dysphagia and finds powdered thickeners difficult, you don’t have to keep struggling with something that isn’t working.

Slõ Syrup can be purchased directly from us at slodrinks.com/shop or via Amazon Prime making it easy to access when you need it.

To see how easy Slõ Syrup is to use a short video is available here: www.slodrinks.com/i