For Visible
Spit-Up & Feeding
Difficulties

Is Gelmix a powder or a gel?

Gelmix Infant Thickener is a fine powder that blends with warm liquids to create a smooth, stable consistency. The name “Gelmix” refers to the smooth, gel-like texture it creates when mixed into breast milk or infant formula.

What is Gelmix made from?

Gelmix contains organic tapioca maltodextrin, organic carob bean gum and calcium carbonate. It is tasteless and odorless when prepared as directed.

Is Gelmix free of common allergens?

Gelmix does not contain dairy, lactose, casein, whey, soy, corn, gluten or artificial additives. It should not be used for infants with galactosemia or a known allergy to galactomannans, including carob bean gum. Review the product label with your healthcare professional if your infant has food allergies or a metabolic condition.

Is Gelmix organic, kosher, halal or vegan?

Gelmix is certified USDA Organic, Kosher Pareve and Kosher for Passover. It is vegan and does not contain animal-derived ingredients. Gelmix is made with ingredients considered halal but is not currently halal-certified.

View the current Gelmix kosher certification. 

What liquids can I thicken with Gelmix?

Gelmix is specifically formulated to thicken breast milk and most types of infant formula. It should not be added to formulas that are already commercially pre-thickened.

For children over 12 months and adults who need to thicken water, milk, juice or other beverages, Purathick Natural Thickener may be a more appropriate option.

What age or weight does an infant need to be to use Gelmix?

Gelmix may be used with term-born infants who weigh at least 6 pounds.

Preterm-born infants should not use Gelmix until they weigh at least 6 pounds and have reached at least 2 weeks corrected age, equivalent to 42 weeks postmenstrual age.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before thickening an infant’s breast milk or formula.

My baby is gassy after starting Gelmix. Is that normal?

Some infants may experience temporary gassiness or changes in stool when thickened feedings are first introduced. These changes typically resolve within one to two weeks.

If symptoms are persistent, severe or concerning, contact your infant’s healthcare professional. If Gelmix is being used to achieve a medically recommended consistency, consult the healthcare professional before changing the amount used.

Why should Gelmix be mixed with warm liquid?

Warm liquid helps Gelmix dissolve, activate and create a consistent texture. For best results, mix Gelmix into breast milk or prepared formula at approximately 100°F/38°C.

Freshly expressed breast milk that is still close to body temperature may be warm enough for mixing. Avoid temperatures above 120°F/49°C because excessive heat may cause Gelmix to clump.

Never microwave breast milk, formula or a prepared bottle.

How much Gelmix should I use?

The appropriate amount depends on the liquid being thickened, the volume of the feeding and the desired consistency.

When thickening to help reduce visible spit-ups, follow the instructions on the Gelmix label, starting with 2.4g Gelmix to 6 fl. oz. of warm milk.

When a specific consistency level has been recommended as part of feeding management, use the applicable recipes, made for use with the IDDSI framework, at gelmix.com/recipes and follow the guidance provided by your healthcare professional.

Start with the smallest amount needed to achieve the intended consistency. Do not change a medically recommended recipe without consulting the healthcare professional managing the infant’s feeding plan.

How thick does Gelmix make liquids?

Gelmix can be used to prepare:

• IDDSI Level 1 – Slightly Thick
• IDDSI Level 2 – Mildly Thick
• IDDSI Level 3 – Moderately Thick

IDDSI Level 3 liquids should only be used under medical supervision and are not typically recommended for infants unless directed by a qualified healthcare professional.

Recipes provide a starting point because different formulas and breast milk samples may respond differently. When a specific consistency has been recommended, verify the liquid using the IDDSI Flow Test at the temperature at which it will be served.

What is the IDDSI Flow Test?

The IDDSI Flow Test is a standardized method used to check the consistency of thickened liquids. It measures how much liquid remains in a IDDSI funnel or 10 mL syringe after 10 seconds of flow.

When a specific consistency has been recommended for an infant, perform the IDDSI Flow Test at the temperature at which the feeding will be served. Visit gelmix.com/recipes for recipes and testing guidance. Purchase an IDDSI Funnel Flow Test here.

Why does a Gelmix-thickened bottle seem thicker when it is cold?

Temperature affects consistency. A refrigerated Gelmix-thickened feeding will generally be thicker than the same feeding when it is warm and may test approximately one IDDSI level higher.

Gently warming the bottle toward 100°F/38°C will generally bring it closer to its intended consistency. If a specific consistency has been recommended, perform the IDDSI Flow Test at the temperature at which the bottle will be served.

I am getting clumps. How can I prevent them?

For best results:

• Use liquid warmed to approximately 100°F/38°C.
• Avoid temperatures above 120°F/49°C.
• Sprinkle Gelmix into the liquid rather than adding it in one pile.
• Begin mixing immediately after adding the powder.
• Mix thoroughly for approximately 30 seconds.
• Allow the bottle to thicken for the recommended wait time, then mix again.
• For some powdered formulas, it may help to mix Gelmix into the correct amount of warm water first and then add the formula powder.

If Gelmix sits in the liquid without being mixed, it may begin to hydrate unevenly and become more difficult to dissolve.

How many teaspoons are in a serving of Gelmix?

One Gelmix stick contains 2.4 g, equivalent to approximately one level teaspoon. The scoop included with the Gelmix jar holds 1.2 g, equivalent to approximately one-half teaspoon. Two level jar scoops equal 2.4 g.

The correct amount for a bottle depends on the liquid, volume and desired consistency. Use grams or the enclosed scoop whenever possible and follow the applicable label instructions or recipe.

Click here for an infographic on the Gelmix scoop and incremental household measures.

Can I use Gelmix with a formula that contains probiotics?

Follow the formula manufacturer’s instructions for preparation and handling. Gelmix is mixed into liquid at approximately 100°F/38°C.

If the formula contains probiotics or has special temperature instructions, review the package directions or contact the formula manufacturer before changing its preparation method. Do not alter the recommended water-to-powder ratio.

Can Gelmix be used with ready-to-feed or liquid-concentrate formula?

Gelmix may be used with most ready-to-feed formulas and properly diluted liquid-concentrate formulas. Prepare or dilute the formula exactly as instructed by the manufacturer, warm it to approximately 100°F/38°C and then add Gelmix.

Do not use Gelmix with a formula that is already commercially pre-thickened.

Do I need to cross-cut the bottle nipple?

Do not cut or cross-cut a bottle nipple because this can create an unpredictable flow rate.

A different commercially manufactured nipple size may be needed depending on the bottle system, liquid consistency and infant’s feeding skills. Work with your infant’s healthcare or feeding professional to select an appropriate nipple and flow rate.

Can I use Gelmix with fortified breast milk or formula?

Yes. An in-vitro study found that fortification produced only minimal changes in the viscosity of the human-milk samples tested. This suggests that fortification may not substantially affect how Gelmix thickens human milk.

However, fortifiers, formulas and preparation methods vary. Prepare the fortified breast milk or formula exactly as directed by the infant’s healthcare team, and do not change the prescribed water-to-powder ratio to adjust the thickness.

When a specific consistency is required, use the IDDSI Flow Test at serving temperature to confirm that the prepared feeding meets the infant’s recommended range.

Can I prepare Gelmix-thickened bottles in advance?

Yes. Freshly expressed breast milk and prepared infant formula may generally be thickened in advance and stored in a clean, sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Refrigerate the feeding immediately after Gelmix has been added and mixed. Gelmix will continue to hydrate in the refrigerator.

Always follow the storage instructions for the underlying breast milk or formula. When recommendations differ, follow the shortest applicable storage time.

View our advance-preparation guides for breast milk, prepared formula and thickened water.

When does the 24-hour storage period begin?

The 24-hour period for the thickened feeding begins when Gelmix is added and mixing is completed. Adding Gelmix does not extend the safe storage period of breast milk or formula that was prepared or expressed earlier.

Always follow the shortest applicable storage time.

Can I refrigerate the bottle immediately after adding Gelmix?

Yes. After Gelmix has been thoroughly mixed into freshly expressed breast milk or prepared formula, place the feeding in the refrigerator immediately. You do not need to leave the bottle at room temperature while it finishes thickening.

Can Gelmix-thickened bottles be served cold?

A Gelmix-thickened bottle may be served cold if cold feeding is appropriate for the infant. However, cold liquids will generally be thicker than warm liquids.

If a specific consistency has been recommended, verify the bottle using the IDDSI Flow Test at the temperature at which it will be served.

Can I rewarm a Gelmix-thickened bottle?

Yes. Gently warm the bottle toward approximately 100°F/38°C, remix and test the temperature before feeding.

Never microwave breast milk, formula or a prepared bottle. Follow current breast-milk and formula safety guidance, and do not rewarm breast milk more than once.

Can I freeze breast milk after adding Gelmix?

Gelmix may be mixed into freshly expressed breast milk before freezing. Store the milk in an appropriate breast-milk storage container and freeze it promptly for up to three months.

Thaw frozen breast milk in the refrigerator or using another recommended method. Gently warm, remix and check the consistency at serving temperature. Never refreeze breast milk after it has completely thawed.

Can I prepare thickened water in advance and add powdered formula later?

Yes. Gelmix may be mixed with water in advance and stored in a clean, sealed container for up to 24 hours. When ready to prepare a feeding, add the powdered formula according to the formula manufacturer’s instructions.

Do not change the manufacturer’s water-to-powder ratio. Follow any special preparation instructions provided by the formula manufacturer or infant’s healthcare team.

View the Preparing Gelmix-Thickened Water in Advance guide.

How long can a bottle be used after feeding begins?

Discard any remaining thickened breast milk or formula one hour after feeding begins. Do not refrigerate or reuse milk remaining from a partially consumed bottle.

Where can I buy Gelmix?

In the United States, Gelmix can be purchased directly from the Healthier Thickening online store and through Amazon. Gelmix is also available through select U.S. retailers, pharmacies, home-health suppliers and durable medical equipment suppliers.

Outside the United States, visit our International Retailers and Distributors page to find purchasing options in your country.

Do I need a prescription to purchase Gelmix?

No. Gelmix is a dietary supplement sold over the counter and may be purchased without a prescription.

A prescription or letter of medical necessity may be required if you are seeking insurance coverage or reimbursement.

Is Gelmix covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by insurance plan and state. Some private insurance and Medicaid plans may cover oral food thickeners when they are considered medically necessary.

A prescription, letter of medical necessity or supporting clinical documentation may be required. Contact your insurance plan or a participating durable medical equipment supplier to confirm coverage requirements.

The Parapharma Tech WeCare Patient Assistance Program provides discounted Gelmix to qualifying low-income families who have been denied insurance coverage. Medicaid patients qualify when thickening is deemed medically necessary and the required documentation is provided.

Does Gelmix have an NDC or HCPCS code?

Yes. The following NDC numbers may be used by pharmacies and certain state Medicaid programs when processing Gelmix and Purathick as covered over-the-counter benefits:

• Gelmix Infant Thickener, 125 g jar: 55764-0007-02
• Gelmix Infant Thickener, box of 30 individual 2.4 g sticks: 55764-0007-11
• Purathick Natural Thickener, 125 g jar: 55764-0007-10
• Purathick Natural Thickener, box of 30 individual 2.4 g sticks: 55764-0007-14

Gelmix and Purathick are dietary supplements, not prescription or over-the-counter drugs. The availability of an NDC number for pharmacy processing does not indicate FDA approval as a drug.

HCPCS code B4100 may also be used when billing eligible oral food thickeners through a medical or durable medical equipment benefit. Coverage and reimbursement requirements vary by payer and state, and the presence of an NDC or HCPCS code does not guarantee coverage.

Where is Gelmix manufactured?

Gelmix is manufactured in the United States at a USDA Organic-certified facility that follows current Good Manufacturing Practices. Gelmix is brought to you by Parapharma Tech, certified organic by QCS and certified kosher by Kosher Organics.