Why Pureed Food Presentation Matters

In care homes, food quality and presentation matter—especially when serving pureed meals. When meals are nutritious, appetising, and served with dignity, residents eat more. This leads to better nutrition, improved wellbeing, and reduced food waste. Using pureed food moulds is a simple yet powerful way to transform the dining experience for residents with swallowing difficulties.

The Challenge of Dysphagia in Care Settings

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, affects up to 70% of care home residents. Nearly half of these individuals are thought to be malnourished. Unfortunately, many are served pureed meals that are bland, shapeless, and unappealing—often due to limited staff training, time, or resources.

Dysphagia can make it difficult to move food, liquids, or medications from the mouth to the stomach. It’s a growing concern that demands better solutions—like using food moulds to enhance meal quality.

How Able Supports Better Meal Presentation

At Able, we provide a complete pureed food mould solution that improves both nutrition and dignity for residents. Our system includes moulds and food thickeners designed specifically for reshaping pureed foods like meat, vegetables, and fruit into realistic, recognisable forms.

Managing Director Myles Cook says:
“Our wide range of food moulds, paired with our food thickener, transforms texture-modified meals into more appealing and enjoyable dishes. Residents eat more, feel better, and dining becomes dignified again.”

See the difference for yourself—moulded meals simply look better.

What Makes a Good Pureed Meal?

Using pureed food moulds is easy, but to get the best results, keep the following in mind:

  • Meals should taste and look as close as possible to standard texture diets.

  • Serve each food item separately—avoid blending everything together.

  • Use a blender or food processor (and possibly a strainer) for a smooth, lump-free texture.

  • Ensure meals meet daily nutritional requirements.

  • Offer smaller, fortified meals more frequently to boost nutrition.

Understanding Pureed Food Texture

When using pureed food moulds, achieving the right texture is essential:

  • Particle Size: The puree should be smooth and free of lumps.

  • Moisture: Food should not separate into solids and liquids.

  • Stickiness: The puree must hold its shape but slide off a spoon when tilted.

  • Softness: No chewing should be needed—just smooth, safe swallowing.

How to Use Pureed Food Moulds: A 5-Step Guide

Step 1: Puree the Food

Blend cooked food in a processor until it’s smooth, thick, and lump-free.

Step 2: Add Thickener

Mix in a small amount of food thickener to help the puree hold its shape once moulded and reheated.

TIP: The mixture should hold shape on a spoon, but still slide off when tilted.

Step 3: Mould

Fill your pureed food moulds evenly using a spatula. Cover with the lid and freeze for at least four hours.

Save freezer space by transferring frozen portions to labelled freezer bags—HACCP-compliant and easy to store.

Step 4: Present the Meal

Remove the frozen portions from the moulds and arrange them neatly on a plate. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Step 5: Heat and Serve

Cover the plated food to retain moisture, and reheat to 75°C before serving. Your residents will enjoy meals that look, taste, and feel familiar.

Ready to Transform Mealtimes with Pureed Food Moulds?

Creating visually appealing and nutritious meals for residents with dysphagia is simple with the right tools. Start with our wide range of food moulds and food thickener products.

Need help choosing the right solution? Contact me directly—I’m here to support you in making meals more appetising, dignified, and beneficial for your residents.