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Wiltshire Farm Foods has launched a groundbreaking range of shaped dishes, as part of its new level 5 Minced Meals.
The visually enhanced range provides more choice and variety than ever for Wiltshire Farm Foods customers whilst being developed in line with the IDDSI framework and comprising the same safe texture for those recommended a level 5 diet by a healthcare professional.
The development team at Wiltshire Farm Foods wanted to visually enhance the dishes which form part of its level 5 range, whilst simultaneously providing its customers with more variety and choice.
The innovation lies in the shaping of the protein component in each of these dishes, something which has traditionally been a feature of the company’s award-winning ranges.
The four new meals include: Minced Salmon in Dill Sauce, served with mashed potatoes, broccoli and carrots; Minced Beef Grillsteak in Gravy served with West Country Cheddar mashed potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower; Minced Mixed Vegetables in West Country Cheddar cheese sauce, with mashed potatoes and broccoli and Minced Beef in gravy, served with West Country Cheddar mashed potatoes, broccoli and carrot.
Emily Stuart, registered dietitian for Wiltshire Farm Foods, says: “These new shaped dishes have been developed specifically for those with swallowing difficulties, a condition also known as dysphagia.
“The texture of the main meal components has been designed in line with the requirements for an IDDSI level 5 meal, in an extremely thick sauce or gravy. A level 5 meal should require little to no chewing, ensuring a safe consistency for those on a Minced and Moist diet.”
All the Minced Meals come ready-prepared, delivered directly to customers’ doors, to eliminate the hassle that often accompanies home-blending.
There are numerous challenges in creating safe, compliant meals via home blending with the process being both time consuming for carers and potentially hazardous for patients if the correct texture is not achieved. In addition to this, the nutritional content can also be significantly reduced when water is added to liquify the food.
It is vital for healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate nutritional needs are being met, as they support their patients with advice on dietary requirements.
Otherwise, other serious conditions, such as malnutrition, can arise.
This is a condition which currently accounts for 2 million of the population and is costing the NHS £2 billion per year, according to NHS England.
Committed to creating dishes which are eaten with the eyes first and foremost, Wiltshire Farm Foods understands how the aesthetic appeal of a plate of food can impact one’s appetite.
Giving its customers the ability to eat independently ensures dignity in dining, something which the company is passionate about.
Ian Stone, Managing Director at Wiltshire Farm Foods, says: “Our team has worked tirelessly to bring these pioneering products to our level 5 range to market. Responding to our customers’ requests for additional dishes which are more visually appealing, we have delivered meals which look and taste great, as well as being designed to make a real difference to the lives of those living with dysphagia.”
For the opportunity to receive complimentary samples of Wiltshire Farm Foods’ new level 5 meals and other dishes from its extensive range please visit: https://www.specialistnutrition.com/healthcare-professionals/
For practical advice on solutions for managing swallowing difficulties and malnutrition, including videos on the different IDDSI food tests please visit: https://www.specialistnutrition.com/swallowing-difficulties/iddsi-food-tests/
