Let me start by saying these Clear DysphagiAide packets have been a game-changer for my grandmother who struggles with dysphagia. The convenience of pre-measured packets makes thickening her drinks on-the-go so simple - no more messy powder spills in her purse!

The biggest win is how truly flavorless and odorless this thickener is. Unlike some competitors that leave a weird aftertaste, grandma can enjoy her tea and juice without grimacing. I was skeptical at first, but after tasting it myself (yes, really!), I confirmed it doesn't alter the drink's flavor at all.

Pro tip: The mixing technique matters! After some trial and error, I learned you MUST add the powder to a dry cup first, then pour liquid while stirring vigorously. When I got lazy with stirring, we ended up with unpleasant clumps. Now I premix batches of thickened water and coffee to keep in the fridge - total time saver!

However, it's not perfect. The biggest frustration is that each packet only thickens 4oz - for an average glass of water (8oz), you need two packets. This gets expensive fast. Also had mixed results with protein shakes - they tended to clump no matter how well I stirred.

Watch out diabetics! One concerning discovery was that maltodextrin (the main ingredient) can spike blood sugar. We didn't realize this until grandma's glucose levels started running high. Definitely something to discuss with your doctor if diabetes is a concern.

The portability is unmatched though - these packets live in our travel bag, my car, and grandma's walker pouch. For hospital visits or outings, they provide peace of mind knowing we can safely thicken any beverage within minutes.

Final verdict: While not the most economical option for daily home use (consider bulk containers instead), these packets are indispensable for mobility and travel. Just be prepared to stir like your life depends on it!