A thickening powder promotes safe swallowing of a composition by an individual with dysphagia and can be used in methods of treating dysphagia, promoting safe swallowing of a composition, and mitigating a risk of aspiration during swallowing of a composition. The powder contains beta-glucan and maltodextrin in an amount that is neutral toward or enhances the extensional properties of the composition. Optionally the thickening powder can also include a low molecular weight carbohydrate such as sucrose or lactose. The powder can be diluted in a liquid comprising at least one of water or milk to form at least a portion of a composition such as a nutritional product and to improve the cohesiveness of the composition.
