Resources: Frequently Asked Questions

Thick-It AquaCareH2O Beverages (RTU)

Are Thick-It® products gluten free?

Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener and Thick-It AquaCareH2O Beverages are gluten-free. Thick-It Purees are not gluten-free.

Are Thick-It® Products covered by insurance, Medicare or Medicaid?

Each insurance carrier, state Medicare and/or Medicaid office has its own set of regulations. Advise patients to check with their specific insurance carrier or state Medicare and/or Medicaid office.

Are Thick-It® products considered Kosher?

Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener is kosher, Thick-It® AquaCareH2O® Beverages are Kosher and Kosher for Passover. Thick-It® Purees are not Kosher. For a kosher certification letter contact Precision Foods Customer Service.

I received a shipment of Thick-It® Products today and some have the old label on them, are they expired?

For a short period of time, we will be shipping product with both older and new labels, all of the product we ship is in date and is safe to consume.

Once discharged from a health care facility, do patients need a prescription to obtain Thick-It® Products for home use?

No, Thick-It® Products are available without a prescription. They can be ordered on-line through a variety of web sites or purchased through many retail pharmacies. Click here to learn more.

Mix, Chill, Freeze, Heat

How do I determine remaining shelf life on Thick-It® Products?

A best if used by date and a Julian code date are located on the bottom of the Thick-It® Food and Beverage Thickener canisters. Example: B6212D14


B: is the manufacturing plant
6: is the year or 2006
212: is the day of the year (365 days in a year so 212 is July 31st)
D14: is intended for manufacturer use


For Thick-It Purees there is a code that appears on the case under the product description.
Example: Seasoned Chicken Patty Puree


02236 12:55:26: produced on the 223rd day of 2006 at 12:55


Each can of Thick-It Puree also has a code on it.
Example: DO746 PI/1510


DO746: stands for the 4th batch made on the 74th day of 2006
PI: is a co-packer code
1510: is the 1510th can of the batch


Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener has a quality shelf life of 30 months from the date of manufacture and Thick-It® Purees has a quality shelf life of 24 months from the date of manufacture and Thick-It® AquaCareH2O® Beverages have the following shelf life: Water – 18 months; Juices and Coffee – 9 months.

Where can I purchase Thick-It® products?

If you would like to know about Thick-It® product distribution in your area, contact us.  If you would like to purchase at retail, click here.

Thick-It Purees

Do Thick-It® Purees contain food allergens?

Yes, the allergens include, but are not limited to, milk, soy and egg. Our labels are clearly marked if they contain any of the major food allergens.

Are Thick-It® products gluten free?

Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener and Thick-It AquaCareH2O Beverages are gluten-free. Thick-It Purees are not gluten-free.

Do I have to cook Thick-It® Purees?

Thick-It® Purees are fully cooked in the can and sterilized in the canning process. We recommend heating to 165° F before serving.

How long does Thick-It® Instant Food Thickener and/or Purees last?

Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener has a quality shelf life of 30 months from the date of manufacture and Thick-It® Purees has a quality shelf life of 24 months from the date of manufacture and Thick-It® AquaCareH2O® Beverages have the following shelf life: Water – 18 months; Juices and Coffee – 9 months.

What are the ingredients in Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener?

Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener contains modified corn starch and maltodextrin. Modified is the method used to process cornstarch so that it easily dissolves in a cold or hot liquid without having to boil the liquid first. Maltodextrin is an easily digestible carbohydrate derived from corn. It is used in a variety of dry foods, dairy products, meats and beverages.

Are Thick-It® Products covered by insurance, Medicare or Medicaid?

Each insurance carrier, state Medicare and/or Medicaid office has its own set of regulations. Advise patients to check with their specific insurance carrier or state Medicare and/or Medicaid office.

Are Thick-It® products considered Kosher?

Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener is kosher, Thick-It® AquaCareH2O® Beverages are Kosher and Kosher for Passover. Thick-It® Purees are not Kosher. For a kosher certification letter contact Precision Foods Customer Service.

I received a shipment of Thick-It® Products today and some have the old label on them, are they expired?

For a short period of time, we will be shipping product with both older and new labels, all of the product we ship is in date and is safe to consume.

Once discharged from a health care facility, do patients need a prescription to obtain Thick-It® Products for home use?

No, Thick-It® Products are available without a prescription. They can be ordered on-line through a variety of web sites or purchased through many retail pharmacies. Click here to learn more.

How long do Thick-It® Purees remain safe after opening?

Thick-It® Purees will last up to five days after opening if, one opened they are transferred to another container and refrigerated immediately.

How do I determine remaining shelf life on Thick-It® Products?

A best if used by date and a Julian code date are located on the bottom of the Thick-It® Food and Beverage Thickener canisters. Example: B6212D14


B: is the manufacturing plant
6: is the year or 2006
212: is the day of the year (365 days in a year so 212 is July 31st)
D14: is intended for manufacturer use


For Thick-It Purees there is a code that appears on the case under the product description.
Example: Seasoned Chicken Patty Puree


02236 12:55:26: produced on the 223rd day of 2006 at 12:55


Each can of Thick-It Puree also has a code on it.
Example: DO746 PI/1510


DO746: stands for the 4th batch made on the 74th day of 2006
PI: is a co-packer code
1510: is the 1510th can of the batch


Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener has a quality shelf life of 30 months from the date of manufacture and Thick-It® Purees has a quality shelf life of 24 months from the date of manufacture and Thick-It® AquaCareH2O® Beverages have the following shelf life: Water – 18 months; Juices and Coffee – 9 months.

Where can I purchase Thick-It® products?

If you would like to know about Thick-It® product distribution in your area, contact us.  If you would like to purchase at retail, click here.

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Thick-It Instant Food and Beverage Thickeners

Could Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener add to an existing constipation problem?

Possibly, but it will not be the cause of the problem.

Does Thick-It Instant Food Thickener cause dehydration?

No, Thick-It Instant Food Thickener does not bind fluids. The patient receives essentially the same hydration as if they had consumed a non-thickened fluid. In other words, 98% of the liquid is directly absorbed for hydration. It is important for the patient to receive a significant liquid intake on a daily basis, unless the physician has advised the patient to limit fluids.

Does Thick-It Instant Food Thickener cause diarrhea?

Thick-It does not bind fluids. Constipation is generally caused by other circumstances such as medications, lack of dietary fiber, poor eating habits and inadequate consumption of liquids.

Is the corn starch in Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener made from field grown corn or genetically engineered corn?

Currently the US corn crop is not segregated into GMO and non-GMO supply lines so the corn starch used may have been formulated using some GMO grains. We are told by our supplier that the corn starch is 98% GMO free, but would not qualify under current GMO free testing guidelines.

Are the ingredients in Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener safe for patients with the genetic disorder Phenylketonuria (PKU)?

Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener contains less than 0.1% protein. The amino acid phenylalanine is a small percentage of the 0.1% protein which should make Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener safe for PKU patients. However, we recommend consulting a physician.

Are Thick-It® products gluten free?

Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener and Thick-It AquaCareH2O Beverages are gluten-free. Thick-It Purees are not gluten-free.

How long does Thick-It® Instant Food Thickener and/or Purees last?

Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener has a quality shelf life of 30 months from the date of manufacture and Thick-It® Purees has a quality shelf life of 24 months from the date of manufacture and Thick-It® AquaCareH2O® Beverages have the following shelf life: Water – 18 months; Juices and Coffee – 9 months.

How long will a liquid remain thick after it is mixed with Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener?

If the recommended usage instructions have been followed, the thickened liquid will remain thick until the patient has consumed it. Always follow food safety guidelines when serving thickened liquids.

How much Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener can be consumed in a 24-hour period?

There is no maximum recommended quantity. It is important to keep the patient hydrated, which means drinking as much liquid as possible, unless the physician has advised the patient to limit fluids.

What are the ingredients in Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener?

Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener contains modified corn starch and maltodextrin. Modified is the method used to process cornstarch so that it easily dissolves in a cold or hot liquid without having to boil the liquid first. Maltodextrin is an easily digestible carbohydrate derived from corn. It is used in a variety of dry foods, dairy products, meats and beverages.

Are Thick-It® Products covered by insurance, Medicare or Medicaid?

Each insurance carrier, state Medicare and/or Medicaid office has its own set of regulations. Advise patients to check with their specific insurance carrier or state Medicare and/or Medicaid office.

Are Thick-It® products considered Kosher?

Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener is kosher, Thick-It® AquaCareH2O® Beverages are Kosher and Kosher for Passover. Thick-It® Purees are not Kosher. For a kosher certification letter contact Precision Foods Customer Service.

Could the maltodextrin in Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener have an effect on a person’s blood sugar?

Not usually, but every diabetic is different. The effect maltodextrin has on your blood sugar should be considered metabolically equivalent to glucose (dextrose).

Can Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener be mixed with breast milk?

Per the American Academy of Pediatrics, no thickeners, INCLUDING Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickeners, are appropriate for use with premature infants (born before 37 weeks gestation).

Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener should only be used with infants and newborns in consultation with a physician.

I received a shipment of Thick-It® Products today and some have the old label on them, are they expired?

For a short period of time, we will be shipping product with both older and new labels, all of the product we ship is in date and is safe to consume.

Does Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener have a pH or is it neutral?

With a pH of 6.8, it is considered neutral.

Once discharged from a health care facility, do patients need a prescription to obtain Thick-It® Products for home use?

No, Thick-It® Products are available without a prescription. They can be ordered on-line through a variety of web sites or purchased through many retail pharmacies. Click here to learn more.

Is Thick-It® Instant Food Thickener safe for infants?

Per the American Academy of Pediatrics, no thickeners, INCLUDING Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickeners, are appropriate for use with premature infants (born before 37 weeks gestation).

Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener should only be used with infants and newborns in consultation with a physician.

How do I determine remaining shelf life on Thick-It® Products?

A best if used by date and a Julian code date are located on the bottom of the Thick-It® Food and Beverage Thickener canisters. Example: B6212D14


B: is the manufacturing plant
6: is the year or 2006
212: is the day of the year (365 days in a year so 212 is July 31st)
D14: is intended for manufacturer use


For Thick-It Purees there is a code that appears on the case under the product description.
Example: Seasoned Chicken Patty Puree


02236 12:55:26: produced on the 223rd day of 2006 at 12:55


Each can of Thick-It Puree also has a code on it.
Example: DO746 PI/1510


DO746: stands for the 4th batch made on the 74th day of 2006
PI: is a co-packer code
1510: is the 1510th can of the batch


Thick-It® Instant Food and Beverage Thickener has a quality shelf life of 30 months from the date of manufacture and Thick-It® Purees has a quality shelf life of 24 months from the date of manufacture and Thick-It® AquaCareH2O® Beverages have the following shelf life: Water – 18 months; Juices and Coffee – 9 months.

Where can I purchase Thick-It® products?

If you would like to know about Thick-It® product distribution in your area, contact us.  If you would like to purchase at retail, click here.