Provided is a granular thickening agent with which dispersibility in water is good aggregation does not occur viscosity quickly rises equilibrium viscosity is high and the flavor of a food or beverage product is not compromised. Also provided are a method for producing the granular thickening agent and a food or beverage for persons having difficulty chewing and swallowing that uses the granular thickening agent. The method for producing the granular thickening agent comprises: a step for spraying a binder liquid onto a primary starting material which contains a thickening polysaccharide to obtain primary granules and a step for coating the primary granules with at least 85 parts by mass of dextrin per 100 parts by mass of the thickening polysaccharide.
