How to Puree Food

There are many reasons why someone may need to follow a pureed diet, such as:

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing (dysphagia): Common in older adults or people with neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis. Pureeing food helps reduce the risk of choking and makes eating safer.
• After bariatric surgery: People who have weight loss surgery often need to follow a strict diet, especially at first. Bariatric puree recipes are usually the first step in introducing foods as the stomach heals and adjusts to smaller portions. They provide nourishment without putting too much strain on the digestive system.
• During cancer treatment or illness: Some people struggle with mouth sores, dry mouth, or fatigue that makes chewing hard. Pureed foods provide an easier way to get calories and nutrients during treatment.
• Sensory or texture sensitivities: Certain conditions, including autism or eating disorders, may cause a person to avoid solid textures. Pureed food can help provide a balanced diet without causing texture issues.
• Digestive concerns: Pureeing food makes it easier on the stomach and intestines, which can be helpful for those with gastrointestinal conditions.

Whatever the reason is that you or someone you love needs to follow a pureed food diet, knowing how to puree food makes eating more comfortable and safer while ensuring you get the nutrition you need and the tastes you enjoy.

The process of pureeing food is pretty straightforward, but here are a few tips from the Health eCooks dietitians to get the best flavor and texture:

• Use the right equipment. A high-speed blender, food processor, or even an immersion blender works well. Blenders are best for very smooth textures, while food processors may leave a little more thickness, which can be helpful depending on dietary needs.
• Choose softer foods. Almost any cooked food can be pureed, but softer items work best. Think cooked vegetables, beans, rice, pasta, tender meats, fish, fruits, and soups. Avoid foods with tough skins, seeds, or gristle unless they’re removed first.
• Cut foods into small pieces. Before adding foods to a blender or food processor, cut them into small pieces. This makes it easier to puree foods without over-processing or leaving lumps.
• Season as desired. Pureed food doesn’t have to be bland. Use herbs, spices, and seasonings to enhance taste. Just be mindful of excess salt if you’re following a heart-healthy or low-sodium diet.
• Add liquid as needed. To achieve the right consistency, add liquid as you blend. Options include broth, dairy or plant-based milk, water, or juice. Start with a small amount of liquid and add more as needed until the puree is smooth and creamy.
• Thicken if necessary. For some people, a slightly thicker consistency may be safer or more palatable. To thicken pureed foods, use a commercial food thickener, cornstarch, arrowroot, or add more solid pureed food and less liquid.
• Get rid of lumps. The texture of pureed foods should be smooth and lump-free to make swallowing easier. After blending, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve. 

Although these are some general tips for how to puree food, always follow specific guidance from a healthcare provider, especially if you’re on a medically prescribed pureed diet.

When following a pureed diet, here are a few tips to maximize nutrition:

• Include protein. Puree lean meats, beans, lentils, or tofu for muscle health and to keep your metabolism going strong (check out these high protein pureed food recipes for inspiration).
• Add healthy fats. Use olive oil, avocado, or nut butters to boost calories and nutrition.
• Don’t skip fiber. Puree cooked vegetables, fruits, and beans to keep digestion healthy.
• Balance your meal. Just like with solid food, aim for a mix of protein, carbs, and vegetables in your pureed meals.

Knowing how to puree food opens the door to safer, more enjoyable meals for people with swallowing issues, after surgery, or during recovery. With the right tools and a little creativity, you can prepare nutritious pureed food that is flavorful, satisfying, and easy to eat. Whether it’s a comforting bowl of soup, mashed sweet potatoes, a fully balanced pureed meal, or a high protein smoothie, pureeing food makes eating safer while also keeping it satisfying and delicious.

*No information provided by Health eCooks in any blog or recipe is a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical condition. Health eCooks strongly suggests that you use this information in consultation with your doctor or other health professional.