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Puréed Foods: A Guide to Quick Meals

Wendy J. Dahl

Puréed foods may be necessary for certain individuals with chewing or swallowing problems. These problems may be short-term dental issues that make it difficult to chew or long-term conditions that cause swallowing problems known as dysphagia. A puréed food is any food item that has been processed into a smooth and uniform texture and, therefore, does not require chewing. For introductory information on puréed foods, see https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs168.

Purées can be made from most foods. Although some purées may be challenging to prepare, it is possible to quickly prepare puréed foods that are both appealing and nutrient-dense. The purpose of this guide is to provide some tips for fast and easy-to-prepare puréed foods.

Canned foods are ideal for puréeing because canning is a heat-intensive process that softens most foods. Canned foods are convenient—no cooking time is required—and economical—they may cost less than fresh and frozen foods. Most nutrients are preserved with canning, and canned foods are "food safe" if handled appropriately after opening. However, some canned foods may be high in sodium due to added salt. Instead, choose those labeled low sodium or that have no added salt. Also, some canned foods, such as fruit, contain added sugars because they are packed in syrup. Fruits packed in water, fruit juice, or light syrup are better choices.

Canned Vegetables and Fruits

Most canned vegetables are ideal for puréeing. Examples include asparagus, beets, carrots, green beans, peas, spinach, and rutabaga. Certain canned vegetables, such as corn, are difficult to purée to a smooth consistency and thus may not be appropriate for some individuals with dysphagia. With some canned vegetables, such as green peas and green beans, there may be a loss in color with canning. Puréed vegetable blends, such as peas and carrots, may result in an unacceptable color, and the individual flavors may be hard to identify. However, some blends, such as three-bean salad, make tasty and acceptable purées.

Applesauce is a commonly consumed puréed fruit and is available in many flavored varieties, such as cinnamon, blueberry, strawberry, and mango (Figure 1). Other canned fruits are easily puréed. Canned fruits recommended for puréeing include apricots, peaches, pears, and fruit cocktail. Note that some canned fruits have skins that may pose problems for puréeing to a smooth consistency.

Figure 1. Mango applesauce.
Figure 1.  Mango applesauce.
Credit: Lincoln Zotarelli, Horticultural Science Department

 

Beans, Peas, and Lentils

Canned beans, peas, and lentils, also known as pulses, are ideal for the preparation of puréed foods. Some common canned pulses include black beans, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, pinto beans, fava beans, chickpeas (garbanzo beans), cannellini beans, butter beans, pink beans, and green and red lentils. They are considered a protein food. There are seasoned varieties, such as baked beans or seasoned black beans, that can be puréed, heated, and served (Figure 2). Most other pulses are bland and need added spices and flavors to achieve acceptable purées. See below for a menu example that includes puréed beans.

Figure 2. Puréed canned seasoned black beans.
Figure 2.  Puréed canned seasoned black beans.
Credit: Jamila Lepore, Hillsborough County Extension

 

Mixed Dishes

Many canned foods are combinations of pasta, meats or poultry, and vegetables. These canned foods are easily puréed for quick lunches and dinners. Examples include canned pasta, stews, and bean/meat combinations. Although these foods contribute important nutrients such as protein and fiber, many are high in sodium. Most canned pasta and stews contain 700 to 1000 mg of sodium per 1-cup serving—very high levels given that recommendations are to consume less than 2300 mg of sodium daily (USDHHS and USDA 2020). Unfortunately, few lower sodium versions of canned mixed dishes are currently available.

Preparation of Purées from Canned Foods

Directions for preparing purées from canned fruits, vegetables, and beans:

  1. Note the number of servings indicated on the label of the can.
  2. Drain the liquid and reserve if some is needed if the purée is too thick.
  3. Purée using a food processor until a smooth texture is achieved.
  4. Test the consistency with the spoon test. See https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs204

For more information on the preparation of puréed foods, see https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs205

Planning Well-Balanced and Quick Puréed Meals

A puréed diet follows a similar meal pattern as a regular diet. It is recommended that meals be based on USDA MyPlate guidelines (USDA n.d.). The goal is to include grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and a protein food with most meals. See https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs207. Adding foods that are normally served as purées to a meal helps to ensure the acceptability of the puréed diet in terms of taste and texture. Examples include smooth yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, refried beans, pumpkin, and smooth cream soups. A pâté is a tasty alternative to puréed meat that requires no special preparation, just garnish and serve (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Liver pâté with mustard.
Figure 3.  Liver pâté with mustard.
Credit: Lincoln Zotarelli, Horticultural Science Department

Remember to include grains into the puréed menu. As puréed grains are difficult to prepare, consider having a shelf-stable, commercial mix on hand to prepare puréed sandwiches and other grain-based foods (Figure 4). A food processor can be used to grind breakfast cereals. The cereal powder can then be combined with milk to prepare puréed cold breakfast cereal.

Figure 4. Puréed bread with cheese sauce.
Figure 4.  Puréed bread with cheese sauce.
Credit: Lincoln Zotarelli, Horticultural Science Department

 

Layered Puréed Taco

½ cup corn grits (purée consistency)

¼ cup puréed refried beans

¼ cup puréed avocado

2 tablespoons creamy cheese sauce

¼ cup puréed salsa (thickened with tomato paste if needed)

Directions: Prepare each ingredient separately and layer.

References

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). n.d. "Choose MyPlate." Accessed January 22, 2020. http://www.choosemyplate.gov

U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition. December 2020. Available at DietaryGuidelines.gov.

Table 1. 

Puréed meal plans incorporating puréed canned and convenience foods.

Day 1

Breakfast

Cream of wheat prepared with milk

Puréed fruit cocktail

Cappuccino flavored yogurt

Lunch

Layered puréed taco

Vanilla pudding

Snack

Cinnamon apple sauce

Dinner

Puréed canned chicken

Instant mashed potato with gravy

Puréed creamed spinach

Cheesecake pudding with cherry sauce

Snack

Puréed canned salmon and cream cheese sandwich*

Day 2

Breakfast

Puréed bran flakes with milk

Puréed canned peaches

French vanilla yogurt

Lunch

Puréed ham and cheese sandwich

Cream of tomato soup prepared with milk and powdered crackers

Crustless pumpkin pie with whipped cream

Snack

Puréed pears with caramel sauce

Dinner

Puréed spicy beef ravioli

Chocolate mousse with raspberry jelly

Snack

Puréed peanut butter and jelly sandwich*

*Quick tip: An easy way of preparing puréed sandwiches is to use a shelf-stable, commercial puréed bread mix.

Also Available in: Español

Publication #FSHN16-1

Release Date:June 25, 2024

Related Experts

Dahl, Wendy J.

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Related Topics

  • Critical Issue: Nutrition, Health and Food Safety
Fact Sheet

About this Publication

This document is FSHN16-1, one of a series of the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date March 2016. Revised January 2020 and May 2024. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

Wendy J. Dahl, associate professor, Food Science and Human Nutrition Department; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

Contacts

  • Wendy Dahl
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