Blending as a treatment for feeding disorders: A review of the literature

King et al. (2020) looked at every small study that used blending to treat feeding problems.

They found ten single-case reports where therapists mixed new foods into foods the child already liked.

All kids had developmental delays and trouble eating enough textures.

Blending helped some kids accept new textures, but the proof is thin.

Only ten tiny studies exist, so the team says we cannot yet treat blending as a sure thing.

DeRoma et al. (2004) is one of the ten studies King counted. They showed two children jump from one safe food to sixteen after blended bites were increased in 10 % steps.

Rubio et al. (2021) reviewed physical prompts instead of blending. They found finger prompts work best, while jaw prompts give mixed results. Together the two reviews tell us there is more solid data for guiding the mouth than for hiding food in purées.

LeFrancois et al. (1993) used texture fading without blending and still hit 94 % acceptance. This older success shows gradual change helps, whether you fade utensils or mix foods.

You now know blending is a gentle, low-restriction tool, but it still lacks a strong evidence base. Start with the graduated-ratio plan from DeRoma et al. (2004): mix 10 % new into 90 % liked, then slowly shift the ratio while you record bites. Keep other proven tactics, like finger prompts or simple texture fading, in your pocket if blending alone stalls.