I am really impressed by the nutritional quality of GDS’s meals. The ingredient lists are short, contain real food ingredients and are indeed free from preservatives and additives which can often be found in other pre-prepared/frozen meals to increase their shelf life. 

According to the nutrition per serve information on their website, the meal with the highest amount of protein was the Eggplant Parmigiana with 47g of protein, closely followed by the Tuna Crepes with 46g of protein. Despite these being vegetarian meals, and the primary source of protein coming from dairy products as opposed to legumes or tofu, this is a great amount of protein, contributing to daily recommended intakes. 

The sources of carbohydrates in meals were a both refined and unrefined including white pasta and sweet potatoes. Whilst wholemeal pasta is preferred for its fibre content, there is nothing wrong with consuming white pasta every once and a while. It is no surprise that the Sticky date Pudding is not a healthy option, however, as a treat this dessert is well worth it! 

The predominant source of fat in the meals and sides I tried were from diary sources including butter, milk and cheese. These sources are higher in saturated fats which when consumed in large quantities can impact heart health. However, in small amounts, these sources can be enjoyed and provide a good source of calcium along with plenty of flavour. 

The meals for 2 were packed with vegetables which was a standout feature. The variety of vegetables is reflected in the quantity of fibre in each serve, with 10g in the Vege Lasagne and 14g in the Eggplant Parmigiana. Fibre is vital for a healthy gut, making these meals a great option for those who are looking to increase their fibre intake without sacrificing on flavour. 

The total sodium content of the Vege Lasagne was 1160mg and 1740mg in the Eggplant Parmigiana, whilst the sides and finger food had an average sodium content of 353mg. The sodium content of the main meals is higher than I would like to see, with these amounts making up over half of our total daily recommended intake (2,000mg). If you are trying to reduce your sodium intake, I would recommend choosing the low salt options GDS offers and avoid adding salt to your meals.