Retail Formula Thick-It® & Thick-It® 2 Frequently Asked Questions.
Where is Thick-It available in my area?
What are the ingredients in Thick-It?
What is the difference between Thick-It & Thick-It 2?
What is modified cornstarch?
What is maltodextrin?
Could the maltodextrin in Thick-It have an effect on blood sugar?
Are Thick-It & Thick-It 2 GLUTEN FREE?
Are Thick-It & Thick-It 2 Kosher?
Is Thick-It safe for infants?
What sizes is Thick-It available in?
Do I need a prescription to obtain Thick-It?
Does Thick-It work with breast milk?
Does Thick-It cause constipation?
Could Thick-It add to an existing constipation problem?
Does Thick-It cause diarrhea?
Will continued use of Thick-It cause dehydration?
How much Thick-It can be consumed in a 24-hour period?
Is Thick-It safe for persons with diabetes?
How long will the liquid remain thick after it has been mixed with Thick-It?
Can Thick-It be mixed in advance in bulk?
Are Thick-It and Thick-It 2 covered by Insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid?
Does Thick-It have an NDC# (National Drug Code) or a HCPC (pronounced Hic-Pic) code for Insurance or Medicaid/Medicare billing purposes?
Does Thick-It have an expiration date?
How do I read the manufacture date on the bottom of the can?
Does Thick-It have a pH or is it neutral?
Are the ingredients in Thick-It safe for people with the genetic disorder Phenylketonuria (PKU)?
Is the corn starch in Thick-It and Thick-It 2 made from field grown corn or genetically engineered corn?
Thick-It® Purees Frequently Asked Questions.
Are Thick-It Purees Kosher?
Are Thick-It Purees Gluten Free?
Do Thick-It Puree’s contain food allergens?
Do I have to cook Thick-It Purees?
How long do Thick-It Purees remain safe after opening?
What is the shelf-life of Thick-It Purees?
How do I read the code on the bottom of the side of the case and/or on the bottom of the can?
Why would a person need to eat pureed foods?
Can I get samples?
I noticed that the Mixed Fruit & Berry Puree can has a different colored lid, is there something different about it?
Are Thick-It Purees covered by Insurance, Medicare and Medicaid?
Do Thick-It Purees have an NDC# (National Drug Code) or a HCPC (pronounced Hic-Pic) code for insurance or Medicaid/Medicare billing purposes?
Where is Thick-It available in my area?
Thick-It is available on the shelf at your neighborhood Walgreens, visit the store locator to find the store nearest you. The complete line of Thick-It products can be purchased at any pharmacy or store with a pharmacy in the United States. It may be on the shelf or behind the counter, if not, the pharmacist can special-order it for you. Click here for more information.
What are the ingredients in Thick-It?
Original Thick-It contains modified cornstarch and maltodextrin.
Extra Strength Thick-It 2 contains modified cornstarch.
What is the difference between Thick-It & Thick-It 2?
Thick-It 2 is concentrated, so you use approximately 50% less to achieve the same consistencies as with Original Thick-It. For example, for NECTAR consistency in 4 ounces of liquid, use 2 tablespoons of Original Thick-It and only 1 tablespoon of Thick-It 2.
What is modified cornstarch?
Modified is the method used to process the cornstarch so that it easily dissolves in a cold or hot liquid without having to boil the liquid first.
What is maltodextrin?
Maltodextrin is an easily digestible carbohydrate derived from corn. It is used in a wide variety of dry foods, dairy products, meats and beverages.
Could the maltodextrin in Thick-It have an effect on 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).
Are Thick-It & Thick-It 2 gluten free?
Yes, both Thick-It and Thick-It 2 are gluten free. The ingredients in
Thick-It (modified cornstarch and maltodextrin) and Thick-It 2 (modified cornstarch) are derived from corn; therefore, they do not contain any rye, wheat or barley.
Are Thick-It & Thick-It 2 Kosher?
Yes, both are Kosher parve.
Is Thick-It safe for infants?
Yes, unless they have an allergy to corn products.
What sizes is Thick-It available in?
8 ounce and 30 ounce cans and single serving portion control packets. It is also available in 10 lb. bulk by mail order only. Contact us for the nearest mail order location.
Do I need a prescription to obtain Thick-It?
No, Thick-It is an over the counter item; therefore, it is available without
a prescription.
Does Thick-It work with breast milk?
Yes, Thick-It will work in breast milk, but only for a short amount of time. The enzymes in the body break the starch down to release 98% of all thickened liquids back into the body as free liquid. Those same enzymes are also in breast milk. It is recommended that nursing mothers only thicken the amount of breast milk the infant will consume in a 10-15
minute period.
Does Thick-It cause constipation?
Thick-It does not bind fluids. Constipation is generally caused by other circumstances such as medications, lack of daily dietary fiber, poor eating habits and inadequate consumption of liquids.
Could Thick-It add to an existing constipation problem?
Possibly, but Thick-It will not be the source of the problem.
Does Thick-It cause diarrhea?
Not usually, but everyone is different. Consult your physician.
Will continued use of Thick-It cause dehydration?
No, Thick-It does not bind fluids. The person 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 also important for the person to receive a significant liquid intake on a daily basis, unless a physician has advised the person to limit fluids.
How much Thick-It can be consumed in a 24-hour period?
There is no maximum recommended quantity. It is important to keep the person hydrated, which means drinking as much liquid as possible, unless a physician has advised the person to limit fluids.
Is Thick-It safe for persons with diabetes?
Yes, but if there is an elevation to blood sugar while using Original Thick-It, we recommend persons with diabetes use Thick-It 2. Thick-It 2 is concentrated; therefore, usage is less per 4 ounce serving (approximately 50% less), so the person will consume fewer carbohydrates per 4 ounce serving.
How long will the liquid remain thick after it has been mixed with Thick-It?
If the recommended usage instructions have been followed, the thickened liquid will remain thick until the person has consumed it. Do not leave a thickened liquid at room temperature any longer than 3-4 hours as bacteria may build up in the thickened liquid due to the ingredient of cornstarch.
Can Thick-It be mixed in advance in bulk?
Yes, you can mix Thick-It in bulk in advance as long as you keep the unused portion covered and refrigerated. The unused refrigerated portion may be kept for 2-3 days. Do not leave a thickened liquid at room temperature any longer than 3-4 hours as bacteria may build up in the thickened liquid due to the ingredient of cornstarch.
Are Thick-It and Thick-It 2 covered by Insurance, Medicare and Medicaid?
Each Insurance carrier, State Medicare and/or Medicaid office has its own set of regulations. Check with your specific Insurance carrier or State Medicare and/or Medicaid office.
Does Thick-It and Thick-It 2 have an NDC# (National Drug Code) or a HCPC (pronounced Hic-Pic) code for Insurance or Medicaid/Medicare billing purposes?
While we do not have an NDC number, we are approved for the HCPCS Code: B4100 for billing to Medicare or Medicaid.
Does Thick-It have an expiration date?
Thick-It has a shelf life of 30 months from the date of manufacture. This date is located on the underside of each can (i.e., B7212D14)
How do I read the manufacture date on the bottom of the can?
Example: B7212D14
This is a Julian date code. It is read as follows:
B is the plant location of manufacture
7 is the year or 2007
212 is the day of the year or July 31st
D14 is intended only for manufacturer use.
So this example indicates that the Thick-It was produced July 31, 2007.
Does Thick-It have a pH or is it neutral?
The pH of Thick-It is around 6.8, so it's considered to be neutral.
Are the ingredients in Thick-It safe for people with the genetic disorder Phenylketonuria (PKU)?
Both ingredients in Thick-It (corn starch and maltodextrin) contain less that 0.1% protein. The amino acid phenylalanine is a small percentage of that 0.1% protein which should make Thick-It safe for PKU patients. However, we recommend consulting a physician.
Is the corn starch in Thick-It and Thick-It 2 made from field grown corn or genetically engineered corn?
Currently the U.S. corn crop is not segregated into genetically modified organism(GMO) and non-GMO supply lines. Therefore, corn starch may be derived from grains that have been genetically modified. We do not test for purity of GMO free corn. Our supplier states that the product is approximately 98% GMO free, but would not qualify under current GMO free testing guidelines.
Are Thick-It Purees Kosher?
No, Thick-It Purees are not Kosher.
Are Thick-It Purees gluten free?
Beef in Barbeque Sauce Puree, Seasoned Chicken Puree, Mixed Fruit & Berry Puree, Sweet Corn Puree, Seasoned Green Bean Puree and Carrot & Pea Puree are gluten free.
Chicken a la King Puree, Beef Lasagna Puree, Beef Stew Puree, Salisbury Steak Puree, Omelet with Sausage & Cheese Puree, Maple Cinnamon French Toast Puree and Caramel Flavored Apple Pie Puree, contain wheat gluten.
Do Thick-It Purees contain food allergens?
Our labels are clearly marked if they contain any of the major
food allergens.
| Product |
Allergens |
| H300 Seasoned Chicken Puree |
Soy |
| H301 Chicken à la King Puree |
Milk, Wheat, Soy |
| H302 Beef Lasagna Puree |
Milk, Wheat, Egg, Soy |
| H303 Carrot and Pea Puree |
Milk |
| H304 Sweet Corn Puree |
Milk |
| H305 Seasoned Green Bean Puree |
Milk, Soy |
| H307 Maple Cinnamon French Toast Puree |
Milk, Egg, Wheat |
| H308 Beef Stew Puree |
Wheat, Soy, Egg |
| H309 Beef in Barbeque Sauce Puree |
Soy |
| H314 Salisbury Steak Puree |
Soy, Wheat, Egg, Fish |
| H315 Omelet with Sausage & Cheese Puree |
Soy, Wheat, Egg, Milk |
| H316 Mixed Fruit & Berry Puree |
N/A |
| H317 Caramel Flavored Apple Pie Puree |
Wheat, Soy, Milk |
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 do Thick-It Purees remain safe after opening?
Thick-It Purees will last up to five days after opening if transferred to another container and refrigerated immediately.
What is the shelf-life of Thick-It Purees?
According to the USDA, canned products are safe for up to five years. We recommend consuming Thick-It Purees within two years from the date of manufactur for quality purposes.
How do I read the code on the bottom of the side of the case and/or on the bottom of the can?
Pureed Cases
Example (for Seasoned Chicken Puree):
Precision Food Thick-It
Lot 0815 (Lot Code)
Seasoned Chicken Puree (Product Name)
02237 12:55:26 (produced on the 223rd day of 2007 at 1255)
H300-F8800 (Precision Product Code)
12/15 (ounce) 8I5PI-THK (Manufacturer Item No.)
UPC Code (Precision's UPC)
Pureed Cans (printed on bottom of can)
Example (for Seasoned Chicken Puree):
DO747 PI/1510
D stands for the 4th Batch made on the 74th day of 2007
PI is a Manufacturer Code
1510 is the 1510th can of the batch
EST. 1297 is the Meat Establishment No. (Indicated inspected by USDA)
P217 is the Poultry No. (Indicated inspected for wholesomeness by
the USDA)
Why would a person need to eat pureed foods?
Like original Thick-It, Thick-It Purees are for people with swallowing disorders. They are also for people who cannot chew or have digestion issues. Thick-It Purees are also great for people recovering from a variety of GI and Bariatric procedures.
Can I get samples?
Yes, please Contact Us for samples.
I noticed that the Mixed Fruit & Berry Puree can has a different colored lid, is there something different about it?
Some fruits and vegetables are naturally higher in acid than others, so they have to be packed in special, corrosion-resistant cans. The fruit in the Mixed Fruit & Berry contain a higher acididy level than the other Thick-It Purees.
Are Thick-It Purees covered by Insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid?
Each Insurance carrier, State Medicare and/or Medicaid office has its own set of regulations. Check with your specific Insurance carrier or state Medicare and/or Medicaid office.
Do Thick-It Purees have an NDC# (National Drug Code) or a HCPC (pronounced Hic-Pic) code for insurance or Medicaid/Medicare billing purposes?
We do not have NDC numbers for the Thick-It purees, but do have HCPCS codes:
| Product |
Size |
Item Number |
HCPCS |
| Seasoned Chicken Puree* |
15 oz. |
H300 |
B4149 |
| Chicken A La King Puree* |
15 oz. |
H301 |
B4149 |
| Beef Lasagna Puree* |
15 oz. |
H302 |
B4149 |
| Maple Cinnamon French Toast Puree* |
15 oz. |
H307 |
B4149 |
| Beef Stew Puree* |
15 oz. |
H308 |
B4149 |
| Beef in Barbeque Sauce Puree* |
15 oz. |
H309 |
B4149 |
| Salisbury Steak Puree* |
15 oz. |
H314 |
B4149 |
| Omelet With Sausage & Cheese Puree* |
15 oz. |
H315 |
B4149 |
| Carrot And Pea Puree* |
15 oz. |
H303 |
B9998** |
| Sweet Corn Puree* |
15 oz. |
H304 |
B9998** |
| Seasoned Green Beans Puree* |
15 oz. |
H305 |
B9998** |
| Mixed Fruit And Berry Puree* |
15 oz. |
H316 |
B9998** |
| Caramel Flavored Apple Pie Puree* |
15 oz. |
H317 |
B9998** |
* If the product is administered orally, the "BO" modifier is to be used with the HCPCS code.
** B9998 is a miscellaneous code and requires a complete description of the product when billing to Medicare. The description should include the manufacturer name, product name and the reason the item was prescribed to the patient.