Swallowing Newsletter August 2025
Swallowing Spotlight: Melt-Aways & Safer Texture Transitions
Building Confidence in Swallowing—One Melt-Away at a Time
At the Star Center Foundation, we’re committed to bridging care with compassion through education and advocacy. This month, we’re shining a light on an exciting development in the world of dysphagia care: melt-away textures—and the research behind them from Savorease Therapeutic Foods.
What Are Melt-Aways?
Melt-aways are soft, dissolvable foods designed to break down easily in the mouth with minimal chewing. They are ideal for individuals with:
Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
Delayed or weak oral motor coordination
Fatigue or fear during meals
Concerns about choking or aspiration
Melt-aways provide just enough structure for safe sensory input—without overwhelming the swallow system.
Savorease Research Highlights
Savorease has developed therapeutic melt-away crackers designed for safe swallowing support. Their published research reveals:
Melt-away textures were less likely to be aspirated than purees, offering a safer option for texture advancement
Patients showed greater confidence and comfort during oral intake
Melt-aways helped stimulate oral and sensory pathways essential for swallow initiation
The crackers are gluten-free, allergen-friendly, and made with clean ingredients
This research is transforming how we approach swallowing therapy across the lifespan.
Why Melt-Aways Matter
Swallowing requires coordination, strength, and sensory feedback. For many individuals, especially those recovering from medical events or developmental delays, eating can feel scary or exhausting.
Melt-away textures provide:
A bridge between purées and solids
Reduced aspiration risk in early oral trials
A safer, enjoyable way to rebuild swallow function and confidence
Clinical Insight from Cleveland Feeding and Swallowing Center, LLC
While the Star Center Foundation focuses on education and support, therapy services are offered at Cleveland Feeding and Swallowing Center, LLC, where melt-aways are used to:
Reintroduce texture to stroke and Parkinson’s patients
Support head and neck cancer survivors
Guide children transitioning from tube to oral feeds
Offer a safer alternative to purées for those at risk of aspiration
This clinical use reflects where research meets real-world results.
Swallowing Tip of the Month:
“Not all soft foods are safe—melt-aways may actually be safer than purées in some cases. Always consult a licensed swallowing specialist when trialing new textures.”
Explore Savorease products and research: savorease.com
Learn more or support our mission: starcenterfoundation.org