förtjockade

Förtjockade is a Swedish term used to describe liquids or mixtures whose viscosity has increased. It is the past participle form of the verb förtjocka (to thicken) and functions as an adjective, often seen together with nouns such as vätskor, såser, eller soppor. The word conveys that a substance has been made thicker either by chemical action, physical processes, or the addition of thickening agents.

In everyday language, förtjockade is commonly used in cooking and food preparation. A sauce, soup, or gravy described as förtjockad vanligtvis indicates that it has been thickened beyond its original state, for example through reduction, the use of roux or slurry, or the addition of gelerande eller stärkelsebaserade ingredienser. The term helps distinguish between liquids of differing consistency in recipes, menus, or culinary instructions.

In healthcare and food service, especially for patients with swallowing difficulties, the phrase förtjockade vätskor (thickened liquids) is widely used. Here, viscosities are controlled with specific thickening agents to create nectar-, honey-, or pudding-thick consistencies, improving safety and swallowability. This usage is common in hospitals, care facilities, and dysphagia dietary guidelines.

Beyond food and healthcare, förtjockade can describe viscous formulations in industrial or cosmetic contexts where liquids are deliberately thickened to achieve desired handling or performance, such as paints, adhesives, or personal care products. The exact meaning and required viscosity are typically defined by the relevant field or product specification.

See also: förtjocka, tjockna, tjock.