Hong Kong Care Food Supplier Directory
This directory lists Hong Kong suppliers of care food products and related services, for reference by care homes, medical institutions, and families.
Listing criteria:
- Products meet IDDSI framework or T/SATA 084-2025 standard
- Available to order or for delivery in Hong Kong
- Supplier provides verifiable product information
Editorial independence notice: softmeal.org does not charge suppliers for directory inclusion, accept paid rankings, or publish sponsored content. This directory is for informational reference only and does not constitute a commercial endorsement. Please evaluate supplier credentials and product suitability independently before purchasing. For general enquiries, contact [email protected].
What to Look for in a Care Food Supplier
Six key dimensions to evaluate before making procurement decisions:
1. IDDSI Compliance
Suppliers should be able to clearly state which IDDSI level (Level 3–7) each product meets, and provide third-party test reports or self-testing records (fork pressure test, syringe flow test results). Products marketed as “soft” or “liquid” without specific IDDSI levels require careful scrutiny.
2. T/SATA 084-2025 Greater Bay Area Standard
Care homes serving residents from across the Greater Bay Area, or considering GBA-sourced products, should verify that suppliers understand T/SATA 084-2025 and can supply compliant products.
3. Hong Kong Food Safety Compliance
All food products sold in Hong Kong must comply with regulations set by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD). Ask suppliers whether they conduct regular microbiological testing, particularly for ready-to-eat care food.
4. Delivery and Cold Chain Capability
Ready-to-eat care food typically requires refrigerated transport. Confirm whether suppliers provide cold chain delivery, what geographic coverage they offer, and whether emergency restocking is possible.
5. Minimum Order Quantities and Care Home Contracts
Some suppliers have minimum order quantities per delivery, and care home contract pricing may differ from retail. Always ask about institutional pricing and trial arrangements.
6. Training and Compliance Support
Quality suppliers often provide staff training (IDDSI practical skills, thickener use) and compliance documentation support — both helpful for care home licensing audits.
Supplier Evaluation Checklist (10 Criteria)
Use this checklist when assessing each supplier:
| # | Evaluation Criterion | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Products carry clearly stated IDDSI level | Level 3–7, not vague descriptions |
| 2 | Provides third-party or self-test reports (fork pressure / syringe flow) | Written documentation preferred |
| 3 | Meets Hong Kong FEHD microbiological standards | Regular testing conducted |
| 4 | Cold chain delivery for ready-to-eat products | Full refrigerated transport |
| 5 | Covers your care home’s district | Regular scheduled deliveries |
| 6 | Care home bulk pricing available | Written contract terms |
| 7 | Free product samples for evaluation | Assess palatability and compliance |
| 8 | Staff training support offered | IDDSI, thickener preparation |
| 9 | IDDSI compliance documentation provided (for licensing audits) | Template documents preferred |
| 10 | Clear after-sales support and complaint channel | Dedicated contact person |
Understanding Certifications: T/SATA vs IDDSI vs Hong Kong Quality Marks
IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative)
- Nature: Framework developed by an international non-profit organisation
- Coverage: Adopted in 50+ countries including Hong Kong, Australia, the UK, and Canada
- Content: 8 food and liquid texture levels (Level 0–7) with standardised testing methods
- Relevance: The benchmark for any product claiming to be care food or dysphagia-suitable
- More info: iddsi.net
T/SATA 084-2025 (Greater Bay Area Care Food Standard)
- Nature: Industry standard led by the Shenzhen Association for Standardization, co-drafted by sector participants including SeniorDeli
- Coverage: Greater Bay Area (Guangdong Province, Hong Kong, Macau)
- Content: Built on IDDSI, adapted for GBA dietary culture including Cantonese dim sum and Chinese cuisine textures
- Relevance: Particularly applicable for care homes serving GBA residents or sourcing GBA-produced products
- Enquiries: [email protected]
Hong Kong Quality Marks / Certifications
- Nature: Issued by certification bodies (HKQAA, SGS, HACCP, etc.)
- Coverage: Hong Kong local production or food safety management system certification
- Content: Covers production environment and food safety management systems, not care food texture levels
- Note: Food safety certifications (HACCP, ISO 22000) are a good baseline but do not equal IDDSI compliance — both must be checked separately
Simple distinction: IDDSI / T/SATA = texture level (is the food soft enough?); HACCP / HKQAA = production safety (is the food hygienic enough?). Quality care food requires both.
How to Request a Product Trial and Compliance Pack
When approaching suppliers for product trials and compliance documentation, use the following email template:
Subject line: Care Home Procurement Evaluation — Request for Trial Samples and IDDSI Compliance Documents
Dear [Supplier Name],
We are [Care Home Name], currently evaluating care food products for our procurement committee. We have [X] residents with dysphagia requiring IDDSI Level [X–X] dietary arrangements.
We would appreciate the following:
- Trial samples of [specific product name] (recommended: 2–5 portions)
- IDDSI level test reports for these products (fork pressure test / syringe flow test records)
- T/SATA 084-2025 compliance documentation, if available
- Institutional pricing and contract terms
If possible, we welcome an on-site demonstration.
Thank you
[Name] [Title] [Care Home Name] [Contact Number]
Ready-to-Eat Care Food (Soft Meals)
SeniorDeli (康樂齡)
- Type: Hong Kong-produced ready-to-eat care food
- Products: Level 4–6 ready-to-eat soft meals, moulded care food (Cantonese dim sum, Chinese dishes)
- Coverage: Delivery throughout Hong Kong, supporting care homes and household orders
- Credentials: IDDSI standard drafter, GBA T/SATA 084-2025 drafter, 16+ international food awards
- Services: Custom care home menus, staff training, IDDSI compliance consulting
- Note: Professional support partner of this website
We welcome other qualified care food suppliers to submit information for directory inclusion (contact [email protected]).
Thickening Agent Suppliers
Thickeners are a core tool for safe swallowing. The following product categories are available in Hong Kong:
Medical-grade Xanthan Gum-based Thickeners
Xanthan gum-based thickeners are temperature-stable and produce consistent IDDSI flow-test results, making them the most commonly recommended type by speech-language pathologists in Hong Kong.
| Brand | Format | Where to Buy in HK | Approximate Price (HKD) | Suitable IDDSI Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nutilis Clear | Powder tin (125g / 300g) | Major pharmacy chains (Mannings, Watsons), medical supply shops | $120–$280 per tin | Level 1–4 |
| Resource ThickenUp Clear | Powder tin (125g), single-serve sachets | Pharmacies, medical supply shops, some supermarkets | $130–$150 per tin | Level 1–4 |
| Thick & Easy Clear | Powder tin (225g) | Medical supply shops, some institutional suppliers | $150–$200 per tin | Level 1–4 |
Note: Different brands may achieve different IDDSI levels at the same dosage. Always revalidate using the syringe flow test when switching brands.
Medical-grade Starch-based Thickeners
Starch-based thickeners were introduced earlier in Hong Kong. They are suited to room-temperature drinks but are not recommended for hot beverages due to temperature instability.
| Brand | Format | Where to Buy in HK | Approximate Price (HKD) | Suitable IDDSI Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resource ThickenUp (original) | Powder tin (227g) | Pharmacies, medical supply shops | $90–$130 per tin | Level 1–4 (room-temperature liquids) |
| Thick & Easy (powder) | Powder tin (225g) | Medical supply shops | $100–$150 per tin | Level 1–4 (room-temperature liquids) |
Pre-thickened Drinks (Ready-to-use)
Some brands supply pre-thickened water and juice drinks at specified IDDSI levels — useful for outings or as emergency backup:
- Pre-thickened water / juice drinks (Level 1–4 variants): available at some medical supply shops and hospital gift shops; approximately HKD $8–$15 per individual serving
- Thickened Fresubin / Ensure oral nutritional supplements: available at some hospital pharmacies, typically requiring a prescription or medical social worker recommendation
Household Starch (Emergency Substitute — Not Recommended for Routine Use)
Supermarket cornstarch (corn flour) or tapioca starch can serve as a very short-term emergency substitute, but regular use is not recommended:
- Consistency is unstable in hot drinks
- Thickening continues after preparation, making precise IDDSI targeting unreliable
- Creates genuine aspiration risk if the patient’s prescribed level is not achieved reliably
Where budget is constrained, a medical-grade starch-based product is preferable to household cornstarch.
Adaptive Eating and Drinking Equipment
Appropriate assistive equipment enables patients with hand control difficulties or postural challenges to eat more safely and with greater dignity. The following categories are available in Hong Kong:
Drinking Aids
| Item | Purpose | Where to Buy in HK | Approximate Price (HKD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nosy Cup / Cut-out Cup | Allows drinking without tilting the head back, maintaining neutral neck position | Medical supply shops, HKTVmall, hospital OT departments | $30–$80 |
| Lidded spouted cup | Controls liquid flow rate, reduces spilling | Pharmacies, baby product shops (infant versions), medical supply shops | $25–$60 |
| Graduated measuring jug | Accurate dosing of thickener | Kitchen supply shops, online | $15–$40 |
| Long-spout feeding beaker | Drinking for bedbound patients | Medical supply shops, online | $50–$150 |
Eating Aids
| Item | Purpose | Where to Buy in HK | Approximate Price (HKD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thick-handled cutlery | For patients with reduced grip strength | Medical supply shops, Sham Shui Po, Kwun Tong medical supply shops | $30–$80 |
| Angled spoon | Reduces wrist rotation — useful for stroke survivors | Medical supply shops, OT referral | $50–$120 |
| Deep-rimmed bowls and plates | Prevents food sliding off the edge | Medical supply shops, elderly care shops | $40–$100 |
| Non-slip placemats | Prevents bowls and plates sliding on the table | Medical supply shops, pharmacies, supermarkets | $20–$50 |
| Plate guards / bowl holders | Stabilises tableware for one-handed eating | Medical supply shops | $60–$150 |
Key Shopping Locations in Hong Kong
- Sham Shui Po medical supply district (Kweilin Street, Ki Lung Street area): wide range of products at competitive prices; good for comparing options in person
- Kwun Tong industrial area medical supply shops: wholesale and retail; commonly used by care home buyers
- HKTVmall (medical and nursing care section): online ordering with home delivery
- Hospital occupational therapy departments: some OT departments can supply or refer patients directly to equipment; some items may be subsidised
- Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation Assistive Technology Centre: showroom and advisory service — contact HKSR for address and opening hours
Tip: Consult the patient’s occupational therapist before purchasing adaptive equipment to confirm the correct type and specifications.
Local Meal Delivery Services
SWD-Subsidised Meal Services
The following government-funded programmes may provide meal delivery for elderly persons with dysphagia, with some offering modified-texture options:
Integrated Home Care Services (IHCS) Type II
- Eligibility: Elderly persons with moderate to severe disability living at home
- Services: Includes meal delivery; some service units can provide soft or modified-texture meals on request
- How to apply: Referral through the Social Welfare Department district office or medical social worker
- SWD hotline: 2343 2255
Community Care Service Voucher (CCSV) Pilot Scheme
- Eligibility: Eligible community-dwelling elderly persons
- Services: Includes meals and home care
- How to apply: Contact the SWD or service provider directly
Neighbourhood Elderly Centres (NEC) — Meal Delivery Programmes
- Many NECs run meal delivery schemes covering their catchment area
- Contact the NEC serving the patient’s home district to enquire about availability and modified-texture options
NGO Meal Services
HKCSS Care Food Endorsement Scheme
- The HKCSS-endorsed care food list includes institutional and commercial suppliers offering modified-texture meals
- Search the endorsed list and contact details at hkcss.org.hk
Other NGO providers including those affiliated with Methodist, Anglican, Catholic, and HKJC-funded social service programmes operate cooked meal delivery services. Contact individual organisations to enquire about soft or modified-texture meal availability.
Commercial Delivery Platforms
Some commercial food delivery platforms (e.g., Deliveroo, FoodPanda) carry listings from suppliers who offer care food or soft meal options. IDDSI compliance should be individually verified with the supplier before ordering.
Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS)
When ONS is appropriate:
- When dysphagia patients cannot obtain adequate nutrition from regular diet
- As a meal supplement, not replacement
Available at most pharmacies and medical supply stores in Hong Kong. Some formulas require a prescription. Consult your hospital or community pharmacist to choose based on the patient’s individual needs.
Training Services
SeniorDeli — Care Home Staff Training
- Content: IDDSI framework practice, soft meal preparation demonstration, thickener use
- Format: On-site training / online workshops
- Audience: Kitchen staff, care workers, care home management
Other training organisations interested in listing, please contact [email protected].
Care Home Procurement Reference Questions
When approaching suppliers, consider asking:
Product quality:
- What IDDSI level does the product meet? Is there a third-party test report?
- What are the fork pressure test / syringe flow test results?
- Does the product comply with T/SATA 084-2025 GBA standard?
- Do microbial indicators meet Hong Kong food safety requirements?
Service and logistics: 5. What is the minimum order quantity? 6. What is the delivery frequency and lead time? 7. Is refrigerated transport available? (Usually required for ready-to-eat care food)
Financial: 8. Are care home contract prices better than retail? 9. Are product samples available for trial?
Apply for Directory Listing
We welcome eligible suppliers to submit information:
- Products legally sold in Hong Kong
- Able to provide IDDSI or relevant texture standard compliance documentation
- Provide verifiable contact information
How to apply: Send an email to [email protected] with subject line “Supplier Directory Application”
Directory listing is entirely free — we do not charge any fees.
Directory information is self-submitted by suppliers. This website does not guarantee the accuracy of their content. Last updated: May 2026.