What is ChickenPieces.com?

ChickenPieces.com is a Calgary-based online marketplace that makes commercial-grade products accessible to everyone. We specialize in bulk food service supplies, medical nutrition products, hospitality essentials, cleaning supplies, and hard-to-find specialty items. Whether you're a restaurant owner, healthcare facility, Airbnb host, or individual bulk buyer, we offer competitive bulk pricing without membership fees or minimum order requirements.

Who are your customers?

We serve both B2B and B2C customers including restaurants and food service (independent restaurants, food trucks, caterers, cafes), hospitality (hotels, motels, Airbnb hosts, vacation rentals, bed & breakfasts), healthcare facilities (nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living, rehabilitation centers), bulk buyers (large families, budget-conscious consumers, preppers), and institutions (schools, corporate cafeterias, community centers).

What makes ChickenPieces.com different from competitors?

Our competitive advantages include: hard-to-find products you can't get from GFS, Sysco, or US suppliers; no membership fees unlike wholesale clubs; a strong selection of Canadian-made products; dual market access for both Canadian and American customers; no minimum order requirements; and over 15 years of experience as an established supplier.

Do you have a physical store?

We are an online-only distributor based in Calgary, Alberta. We do not have a physical retail location. All orders are placed through our website at chickenpieces.com or through our Walmart Marketplace Canada storefront.

What areas do you serve?

We ship across Canada and the United States. Our primary focus is the Canadian market, with selected products available for US customers. Note: U.S. shipments are currently paused due to tariffs. Shipping rates and delivery times vary by location.

Do I need an account to order?

No, you can checkout as a guest. However, creating an account allows you to track your order history, save payment information for faster checkout, receive personalized product recommendations, get early access to promotions, and save your shipping addresses.

Is there a minimum order requirement?

No minimum order required! While we specialize in bulk packaging, you can purchase single cases or units of most products. However, bulk purchasing provides better per-unit value and may qualify for free shipping thresholds.

Can I modify or cancel my order after placing it?

Orders can only be cancelled or modified if they haven't been processed or shipped yet. Contact us immediately at hello@chickenpieces.ca or call 1-833-462-8550 with your order number. Once an order has shipped, you must follow our return policy if you wish to return items.

How can I track my order?

Once your order ships, you'll receive a shipping confirmation email with a UPS tracking number. You can track your package through the UPS website or app. If you have an account with us, you can also view tracking information in your order history.

What are your shipping rates?

We offer free shipping on orders over $75 (before tax) within Canada. Shipping charges and taxes are calculated and displayed at checkout. Large equipment, bulky items, or deliveries to remote or limited-access locations may not qualify for free shipping. In such cases, Chicken Pieces will share shipping costs 50/50 with the customer.

How long does delivery take?

Processing time is 2-3 business days with an order cut-off time of 10:00 AM MST. Transit time within Canada is 2-6 business days. Delivery times may vary during peak seasons and to remote locations.

What carrier do you use?

We use UPS as our partnered carrier for all shipments. UPS provides reliable tracking and delivery confirmation for every order.

Do you ship to the United States?

All shipments to the United States are currently paused due to recent tariffs. We are actively working with our logistics and trade partners to restore service as soon as possible. When resumed, all customs fees, tariffs, and taxes imposed during or after shipping are the customer's responsibility.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), PayPal, Shop Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Payment is required at the time of order placement.

Do you charge tax on food items?

No! We do not charge tax on food and beverage items. This gives you significant savings compared to competitors.

Are prices in CAD or USD?

Prices on chickenpieces.com are displayed in Canadian Dollars (CAD). If you're ordering from the United States, your credit card will convert the charge to USD at your bank's exchange rate.

What is your return policy?

All claims for damaged, defective, or incorrect products MUST be reported within 48 HOURS of delivery. Claims submitted after this period are not eligible for refund, replacement, or credit. You must email hello@chickenpieces.ca or call 403-690-1089 within 48 hours, provide your order number and photos of the issue, and wait for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Do NOT return items without RMA approval.

Can I return food and beverage items?

No — all food and beverage items are FINAL SALE. Due to health, safety, and food handling regulations, we cannot accept returns on ANY food or beverage products, even if unopened. The only exception is if food items arrive damaged or incorrect — report within 48 hours for replacement or credit.

What is the restocking fee for returns?

A 30% restocking fee applies to returns not due to our error, including buyer's remorse, ordering the wrong item, products returned without authorization, items missing components, or items showing signs of use. Returns due to our error (wrong item shipped, damaged in transit) do not incur restocking fees.

How long does a refund take to process?

The complete refund process can take up to 25 business days: 3-5 business days for inspection, 5-10 business days to process the refund to your payment method, and 3-10 additional business days for your bank to post the refund. Processing times vary by financial institution.

What if I receive a damaged or defective product?

Report the issue within 48 hours of delivery by emailing hello@chickenpieces.ca or calling 403-690-1089. Provide your order number, detailed description, clear photos showing the damage, and photos of product packaging and shipping box. Wait for authorization before returning anything. For valid claims, we will offer a replacement, store credit, or refund to your original payment method.

What brands do you carry?

We stock major commercial brands including Sysco, Heinz, Gold Medal, Nestlé, Kraft, Big Train, Ghirardelli, Shirriff, Dr. Oetker, HYDRA+, Maldon, and many more. We continuously add new brands based on customer demand.

How many products do you have?

We currently stock over 20,000 SKUs across all categories, with new products added regularly based on market demand and customer requests.

What are thickened beverages?

Thickened beverages are specially formulated drinks designed for individuals with dysphagia (swallowing difficulties). They help prevent aspiration and make swallowing safer for people with stroke recovery, neurological conditions, or age-related swallowing challenges.

Can restaurants order from ChickenPieces.com?

Yes! We actively serve the restaurant industry. We provide bulk pricing to independent restaurants, cafes, food trucks, mobile kitchens, catering companies, bars, pubs, coffee shops, and bakeries. No business license required to order.

Do you offer volume discounts?

Yes! Volume pricing is available on most products. The more you buy, the better the per-unit price. Contact us at hello@chickenpieces.ca for pricing on large orders. We also offer pallet and skid quantities for high-volume buyers.

Do you carry Canadian-made products?

Yes! We have a dedicated Canadian Made category featuring products proudly made in Canada. We are committed to supporting Canadian manufacturers and suppliers.

Do you offer business accounts?

Yes! We offer bulk pricing for regular business customers. Contact us at hello@chickenpieces.ca to discuss volume pricing discounts, standing orders with automatic shipments, priority stock alerts for your regular items, and dedicated account support.

How do I contact customer service?

You can reach our customer service team by emailing hello@chickenpieces.ca or calling 403-690-1089. Our hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM MST. We are a Canadian-owned company based in Calgary, Alberta.

What is thickener powder used for?

Thickener powder, such as ThickenUp Clear 5 KG, is primarily used in healthcare settings to modify the texture of liquids and pureed foods for individuals experiencing dysphagia, or swallowing difficulties. Its clinical application is to achieve specific consistencies, ranging from slightly thick to pudding-like, as outlined by the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) framework. This helps reduce the risk of aspiration and improve swallowing safety, supporting adequate hydration and nutrition for patients. The clear, tasteless formula ensures it can be integrated into various items without altering their inherent flavour or appearance, promoting better patient acceptance.

What does thickener mean in cooking?

In a medical context, such as with ThickenUp Clear 5 KG, 'thickener' refers to a starch-free, gum-based powder designed to increase the viscosity of liquids and certain foods for individuals with dysphagia. Unlike culinary thickeners which might add flavour or cloudiness, this product is engineered to be clear, tasteless, and odourless. Its purpose is purely functional: to create a safe swallowing consistency while maintaining the original sensory profile of the item. This precision helps adhere to texture-modified diet standards, crucial for patient care in hospitals and long-term care facilities.

What does thickener do in food?

In medical applications, ThickenUp Clear 5 KG thickener modifies the rheological properties of liquids and pureed foods. It increases their viscosity, making them slower to flow and easier for individuals with dysphagia to control during swallowing. This action is critical for preventing liquids from entering the airway (aspiration) and enhancing oral transit time. The unique formulation ensures the thickened consistency remains stable over time and does not separate, even in varying temperatures, which is vital for maintaining IDDSI compliance and patient safety throughout meal service. It also aims to preserve the palatability of the original food item.

What does thickener do in baking?

While traditional baking often uses thickeners like cornstarch or flour to achieve specific textures, ThickenUp Clear 5 KG is not intended for baking applications in the conventional sense. Its purpose is strictly for clinical texture modification of liquids and pureed foods for dysphagia management. In a hospital or long-term care kitchen, it would be used to thicken a pureed fruit dessert or a broth for a patient, rather than to alter the structure of a baked good. For baking, different thickening agents are required that interact with heat and other ingredients in specific ways to create desired dough or batter consistencies.

What is thick it thickener used for?

The user is likely referring to a product called 'Thick-It', which is another brand of dysphagia thickener. While both 'Thick-It' and ThickenUp Clear are used for managing swallowing difficulties, ThickenUp Clear 5 KG is distinguished by its clear, tasteless, and odourless profile, and often a more stable consistency over time. ThickenUp Clear utilizes a different thickening agent (often xanthan gum) compared to some traditional starch-based 'Thick-It' formulations. This means ThickenUp Clear maintains clarity and does not cloud beverages, making it a preferred choice for many Canadian dietitians for a wider range of food and drink applications without sensory alteration. You can explore our other thickener options like the Nestle ThickenUp Clear- 5 kg Bulk Tub (https://www.chickenpieces.com/nestle-thickenup-food-thickener-clear-5-kg-bulk-tub/).

How to use Thickenup Thickener Food Thickup Clear / in a commercial kitchen?

To use ThickenUp Clear 5 KG effectively in a commercial kitchen, accurate measurement is key. Begin by referring to the mixing guidelines on the product label or your facility's IDDSI protocol for the desired consistency (e.g., nectar, honey, pudding). Add the recommended amount of powder directly to the liquid or pureed food, stirring briskly until fully dissolved and lump-free. For large batches, a commercial immersion blender or whisk is recommended to ensure homogeneity. Always allow a brief standing time (typically 1-2 minutes) for the mixture to reach its final viscosity before serving to ensure IDDSI compliance.

How to prepare Thickenup Thickener Food Thickup Clear / for service?

To prepare ThickenUp Clear 5 KG for service, you must first determine the target IDDSI consistency level required for the patient. Consult the product's instruction label for precise mixing ratios (scoops per specified liquid volume) to achieve nectar, honey, or pudding consistencies. Add the powder gradually to the liquid or pureed food while stirring continuously and vigorously to prevent lumps. A shaker cup or whisk is effective for single servings, while larger volumes may benefit from an immersion blender. After mixing, let the product stand for approximately 1-2 minutes to achieve its final, stable texture before serving. Conduct a visual check and flow test to verify IDDSI compliance prior to presentation.

How to store Thickenup Thickener Food Thickup Clear / for maximum shelf life?

To maximize the shelf life of ThickenUp Clear 5 KG, store the bulk container in a cool, dry environment, away from direct heat and moisture. High humidity can cause the powder to clump and degrade prematurely, affecting its thickening efficacy. Always ensure the lid is securely replaced after each use to prevent exposure to air and potential contaminants. Do not refrigerate the dry powder. The specific 'best before' date is printed on the packaging, and adherence to these guidelines will ensure the product maintains its clinical effectiveness and stability for dysphagia management throughout its intended shelf life.

Which IDDSI levels can ThickenUp Clear 5 KG achieve, and how are they verified?

ThickenUp Clear 5 KG is specifically formulated to achieve various International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) consistency levels, typically ranging from Level 1 (Slightly Thick) through Level 4 (Extremely Thick/Pureed). The specific level attained depends on the mixing ratio of powder to liquid, as detailed on the product packaging. Verification for IDDSI compliance in a clinical setting involves using the IDDSI Flow Test or other specific IDDSI testing methods (per IDDSI.org Level 2 specifications) to ensure the thickened liquid or food falls within the defined parameters for a given level. This precision is critical for patient safety and consistent care in Canadian healthcare facilities.

What are the exact mixing ratios for ThickenUp Clear 5 KG to achieve nectar, honey, and pudding consistencies?

The exact mixing ratios for ThickenUp Clear 5 KG to achieve specific IDDSI consistencies will be detailed on the product's packaging, as formulations can vary slightly. Typically, for a standard 120-150 ml serving: 'Nectar' (IDDSI Level 2 - Mildly Thick) might require 1-2 scoops; 'Honey' (IDDSI Level 3 - Moderately Thick) may require 3-4 scoops; and 'Pudding' (IDDSI Level 4 - Extremely Thick) could require 5+ scoops. It is crucial to always consult the current product label for precise, up-to-date instructions and to perform an IDDSI Flow Test to confirm the desired consistency. Consistency is key for patient safety, as outlined by Dietitians of Canada guidelines.

How does the texture of ThickenUp Clear 5 KG hold over time after preparation, specifically at 15, 30, and 60 minutes?

ThickenUp Clear 5 KG is designed for excellent texture stability, maintaining its intended consistency over time, a key advantage over traditional starch-based thickeners. After preparation, the thickened liquid or food will generally hold its IDDSI-compliant texture for at least 15, 30, and up to 60 minutes, and often longer. This stability is crucial for clinical settings, allowing for pre-preparation and ensuring the patient receives the correct consistency throughout their meal or hydration period. Unlike some thickeners, it resists breakdown due to salivary amylase and maintains clarity, taste, and aroma, which is vital for patient palatability and safety per Health Canada recommendations.

Is ThickenUp Clear 5 KG suitable for patients with diabetes or renal diets, considering its nutritional profile?

ThickenUp Clear 5 KG is a tasteless, odourless, and calorie-free powder, making it generally suitable for patients on diabetic or renal diets, as it does not significantly contribute to carbohydrate, sodium, or potassium intake. However, for specific dietary management, it's essential to consult a registered dietitian. The dietitian can assess the patient's individual needs and confirm compatibility with their overall medical nutrition therapy, especially when considering the total volume of thickened liquids consumed. Always refer to the product's full nutritional information on the label for precise details and confirm with the healthcare team.

Can ThickenUp Clear 5 KG be used with carbonated beverages, and what is the mixing procedure?

Yes, ThickenUp Clear 5 KG is formulated to be versatile and can be used effectively with carbonated beverages, which is a significant advantage for patient acceptance and hydration variety. To mix, slowly add the measured thickener powder to the carbonated drink while gently stirring. Avoid vigorous shaking or stirring, as this can cause excessive foaming and loss of carbonation, which may hinder proper thickening. Continue stirring gently until the powder is fully dissolved and the desired IDDSI consistency is achieved. Allow a minute or two for the texture to stabilize before serving, ensuring a pleasant and safe drinking experience for the patient.

What are the benefits of using a clear, tasteless thickener like ThickenUp Clear 5 KG over traditional starch-based alternatives?

Using ThickenUp Clear 5 KG offers several clinical benefits over traditional starch-based thickeners. Its clear, tasteless, and odourless profile ensures that the original flavour, colour, and aroma of liquids and pureed foods are preserved, leading to better patient acceptance and intake. This product also exhibits superior texture stability, resisting breakdown from salivary amylase and maintaining its consistency over extended periods, which is crucial for consistent IDDSI compliance and reduced aspiration risk. Furthermore, it typically mixes more readily without clumping, improving preparation efficiency in busy healthcare environments, as confirmed by Canadian dietitians.

How does ThickenUp Clear 5 KG contribute to hydration and nutrition adequacy for dysphagia patients?

ThickenUp Clear 5 KG plays a critical role in supporting hydration and nutrition adequacy for dysphagia patients by making liquids and certain foods safer to swallow. By modifying textures to IDDSI-compliant levels, it minimizes the risk of aspiration, encouraging patients to consume sufficient fluids and nutrients without fear. Because it is tasteless and odorless, patients are more likely to drink the recommended volumes, preventing dehydration and maintaining nutritional status. This ensures that essential liquids, fortifiers, or medications mixed into thickened drinks are consumed safely, contributing to overall patient well-being and recovery outcomes.

Are there other sizes or brands of IDDSI-compliant clear thickeners available at ChickenPieces.com?

Yes, ChickenPieces.com offers a selection of IDDSI-compliant clear thickeners to meet various needs in Canadian healthcare settings. In addition to the ThickenUp Clear 5 KG, we also stock other bulk options. For example, you can find the Nestle ThickenUp Food Thickener Clear- 5 kg Bulk Tub (https://www.chickenpieces.com/nestle-thickenup-food-thickener-clear-5-kg-bulk-tub/). We aim to provide a range of trusted products to ensure you can select the most appropriate thickener format and brand for your facility's specific patient population and operational requirements, all while adhering to IDDSI standards for dysphagia management.

What is beef tallow used for?

Beef tallow is used for deep frying, pan frying, searing, roasting, sauteing, baking, pastry making, confit, and cast iron seasoning. Its smoke point of 400F (204C) makes it suitable for all high-heat cooking methods. It excels at French fries, fried chicken, fish and chips, roasted vegetables, pie crusts, and steaks.

What is the smoke point of beef tallow?

Beef tallow has a smoke point of approximately 400F (204C), making it ideal for deep frying, high-heat searing, and oven roasting. Standard commercial frying operates at 350-375F, well below this threshold, meaning the tallow stays stable and clean-tasting throughout normal frying operations.

Is beef tallow healthy?

Beef tallow is a natural, minimally processed fat containing fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and zero carbohydrates. It is thermally stable and produces fewer harmful oxidation compounds during high-heat cooking compared to polyunsaturated vegetable oils. It is high in saturated fat, so individual dietary context matters.

How many times can you reuse beef tallow for frying?

With proper maintenance, beef tallow can be reused for 8-10 frying sessions before needing replacement. Strain after every use to remove food particles, maintain frying temperature between 350-375F, avoid introducing moisture, and store covered between sessions.

How long does beef tallow last?

Unopened beef tallow lasts up to 12 months at room temperature in a cool, dry location. Refrigerated after opening, it lasts 3-6 months. Frozen, it keeps for up to 12 months with no quality loss.

What is the difference between beef tallow and lard?

Beef tallow is rendered from beef fat while lard is rendered from pork fat. Tallow has a slightly higher smoke point at 400F (204C) versus lard at approximately 370F (188C) and a slightly firmer texture. Tallow has a more neutral flavour making it more versatile. Lard is prized in specific baking traditions like tamales and tortillas.

Description

ThickenUp Clear Xanthan Gum Thickener, 5KG / 11LBS Bulk Tub

Name: Thickenup Thickener Food Thickup Clear 5 KG/11 LBS
Brand: thickenup
SKU: CP-SYS-5573763

⚡ Quick Answer

ThickenUp Clear Xanthan Gum Thickener 5KG/11LBS bulk tub is stocked for long-term care homes, hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities across Canada. Typical applications include dysphagia management, IDDSI-compliant beverage thickening, clear fluid service, resident hydration protocols, clinical nutrition programs, and safe swallowing support. Ships Canada-wide from the ChickenPieces.com Calgary warehouse.

As the IDDSI framework continues to be adopted across Canadian long-term care, speech-language pathologists and dietitians are increasingly recommending xanthan gum products over starch-based alternatives for their stability and visual properties. For Canadian facilities in the process of standardising on IDDSI, ThickenUp Clear is one of the most widely specified xanthan thickeners in institutional healthcare practice. Browse our full medical food range for complementary dysphagia products.

Quality & Specifications

Xanthan gum-based thickener, 5KG/11LBS bulk tub. Stays visually clear. Stable consistency no continued thickening. IDDSI Levels 1-4. Works in hot, cold, acidic, and carbonated liquids. Neutral flavour impact.

Professional Applications

LTCF hydration and dysphagia programs, hospital tray service, thickened juice/water/coffee/tea, oral supplement thickening, speech-language pathology diet management, and home care beverage preparation.

Storage & Handling

Store sealed at ambient temperature in a dry area. Keep lid tightly closed xanthan gum is hygroscopic. Prepared thickened beverages can be held 4+ hours without further thickening. Label preparations with IDDSI level and prep time.

Canadian Sourcing

ChickenPieces.com stocks ThickenUp Clear for healthcare buyers coast-to-coast LTCFs, hospitals, and home care organisations across all 10 provinces and 3 territories. Institutional orders ship in 2-5 business days from Calgary.

Format	Base	IDDSI Range	Appearance	Storage
5KG / 11LBS bulk tub	Xanthan gum	Levels 1–4	Clear no cloudiness	Ambient dry

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose xanthan gum over starch for IDDSI programs?+

Can I use this to thicken hot tea and cold juice in the same meal service?+

What's the typical dosage for IDDSI Level 2 water?+

Is this safe for residents with corn allergies?+

How long does a 5KG tub last in an 80-resident facility?+

Does this thickener affect drug absorption for medicated residents?+

Can I order this on a standing purchase order?+

Is there a smaller trial size available before I commit to 5KG?+

🧠 Common Operator Scenarios

"Compare xanthan vs starch thickeners for a Canadian LTCF switching to full IDDSI compliance in 2024."
"I need a clear thickener that works in cranberry juice and orange juice without turning them opaque for a 60-resident wing."
"Does ThickenUp Clear work in our hot-food steam table setup for soup service at IDDSI Level 3?"
"We need to order a 3-month supply of xanthan thickener for 45 residents at mixed IDDSI levels what quantities should I plan?"
"Switching from starch to xanthan what do I need to update in our IDDSI standard operating procedure for dietary aides?"
"Our facility is hosting a 30-person family day we have 8 residents on IDDSI Level 2 and 3. How do I prepare a thickened punch bowl safely?"

Available at ChickenPieces.com

Nestle ThickenUp Clear | 5KG / 11LBS Bulk Tub

Ordered by dietary coordinators at Canadian LTCFs, hospital food service departments, and home care programs. Ships Canada-wide from Calgary with institutional purchase order support.

Order ThickenUp Clear for Your Facility Today

Bulk xanthan thickener for Canadian healthcare food service available for institutional orders through ChickenPieces.com. Delivers coast-to-coast in 2-5 business days.

21,000+ SKUs · Operating since 2017 · Calgary-based · Ships across Canada in 2-5 business days · hello@chickenpieces.ca

Warranty Information

Standard manufacturer warranty applies. Contact hello@chickenpieces.ca for warranty claims and returns.

YOUR SHOPPING BASKET

Thickenup Thickener Food Thickup Clear 5 KG/11 LBS

Bulk Discount Rates

ThickenUp Clear Xanthan Gum Thickener, 5KG / 11LBS Bulk Tub

Quality & Specifications

Professional Applications

Storage & Handling

Canadian Sourcing

Frequently Asked Questions

Available at ChickenPieces.com

Order ThickenUp Clear for Your Facility Today

FREQUENTLY BOUGHT TOGETHER

Total Price

YOUR SHOPPING BASKET

Thickenup Thickener Food Thickup Clear 5 KG/11 LBS

Bulk Discount Rates

ThickenUp Clear Xanthan Gum Thickener, 5KG / 11LBS Bulk Tub

Quality & Specifications

Professional Applications

Storage & Handling

Canadian Sourcing

Frequently Asked Questions

Available at ChickenPieces.com

Order ThickenUp Clear for Your Facility Today

FREQUENTLY BOUGHT TOGETHER

Total Price

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