Pairing physical and sensory properties of dysphagia thickeners to understand disliking

Patients with dysphagia who adhere to drinking thickened water is still a challenge, as patients dislike it and it does not quench their thirst. The objective of this study was to relate the physical properties of six commercial thickeners based on gums, modified starch, or mixtures of modified starch and gums, to sensory characteristics and the liking and refreshing sensation. Therefore, viscosity, friction, adhesiveness, and firmness were obtained for all thickeners with and without artificial saliva. Sensory attributes for the six thickeners were obtained using the Flash Profile method; furthermore, acceptance and refreshing sensation were also studied. The results showed that high viscous thickeners without particle presence were preferred. These thickeners were gum-based and starch-dispersed, which were described as providing a viscous and smooth texture and being tasteless. Starch-based thickeners with starch granules with integrity had lower preference than gum-based or starch-dispersed thickeners, and were described as having a sandy and fluid texture, with an intense starch taste and aftertaste. Among the preferred thickeners (gum-based thickeners and starch-dispersed thickeners), a lower friction coefficient was related to a higher refreshing sensation, probably caused by a short oral residence.