Gluten-free Meal Delivery Pros
- Cost – Meal providers prepare meals in bulk, allowing for a mass of meals to be prepared and portioned into exact measurements without risking food waste. Companies save costs when preparing in bulk and when consumers buy in packs, allowing for costs to remain competitive. Meals bought in packs are generally less than $10 per serve.
- Organisation – Buying meals is not only convenient, but it's also a time-saving option which allows customers to be organised for their busy week ahead. Whether that means having a meal ready to take to work or having at home ready to eat, this option is a must for those needing a helping hand around mealtimes.
- Transitioning to gluten-free diet – Meal delivery options can be a great transition tool into gluten-free eating for those who are new to the dietary change or simply are finding preparing meals overwhelming. Having a gluten-free meal service as an option to lead someone into a gluten-free diet can take the stress off whilst allowing them to slowly discover preferences and ways of eating they enjoy.
Gluten-free Meal Delivery Cons
- Packaging – Unfortunately some meal services are still utilising packaging options that are not environmentally friendly or contain packets for individually wrapped ingredients or in delivery efforts of keeping meals temperature-controlled. Customers can opt for pick-up options with some smaller companies or look into companies’ stances on the packaging before buying.
- Portions may not be suitable for everyone – Portions are standardised within companies and don’t consider the individualised needs of every customer's requirements. Your portion requirements may be entirely different in comparison to another buyer, so it’s important to always consider your needs before committing to a service. Some companies also offer snacks or add-on options to buy alongside meals, which can be a great option if you’re needing to tailor meals.
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May not meet multiple dietary requirements – Often having one dietary restriction can be tough, let alone having a few dietary requirements such as dairy free or nut free. Some companies cater to just singular restrictions, however, there are many emerging companies beginning to tailor to multiple restrictions under the one provider.
- Meals may be lacking in essential nutrients - When following a gluten-free diet, it's important that the meals are nutritionally balanced, containing key micronutrients such as iron, calcium and B vitamins. Ensure the provider you choose relies on experts such as Nutritionist's or Dietician's to design their meals, so you obtain the full spectrum of nutrients.