Compositions are provided that are suitable for safe consumption by a patient with dysphagia. In one embodiment, the compositions include a modified xanthan gum in an amount suitable to provide a viscous, free-flowing solution having gel-like properties. The modified xanthan gum comprises a non-pyruvylated xanthan gum, a reduced-pyruvylated xanthan gum, or a combination thereof. The composition desirably has a viscosity of greater than about 2000 cP and is characterized as having a shape retention of greater than about 50%. Also provided are methods for their preparation and use.