A Day of Gluten-Free Prepared Meals

A Day of Gluten-Free Prepared Meals from the DineWise Menu.

No doubt everyone enjoys the convenience of having prepared meals to their home, but the industry also focuses on consumers with special diets and nutritional need. Diet meal delivery programs like BistroMD is an example of a company that focuses their efforts in the weight loss category. Other categories include people with diabetes, people on low sodium or heart-healthy  diets, and seniors who may be finding it difficult to get enough calories in their diet as they get older.

What about those that suffer from Celiac Disease? Can they enjoy the convenience of home delivered Gluten-Free Prepared Meals?

Thanks to some of the major companies in the industry, now they can, but it is important to do your research and make sure prepared meals labeled as Gluten-Free, really are. Some companies will call their food gluten free just because the meal components are not made from gluten. Gluten is an airborne contaminant, so consumers must look for terminology on vendor websites that says, "made in a gluten-free kitchen."

We purchased and tried some selections from DineWise, FreshDirect, and Mom's Meals. Our day of gluten-free meals (pictured above) from DineWise included Oatmeal with Peaches, Chicken Tikka, and Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes, but we also tried their Macaroni and Cheese, Penne in Tomato Cream Sauce, French Toast, and Cornmeal-Crusted Talapia. From FreshDirect with tried the Chicken Nuggets and the Meatballs with Rigatoni Pasta. Both companies out-source their gluten-free meals from NuLife Foods. We tried the Three Bean Chili and Denver Omelet from Mom's Meals, which are produced by the parent company Purefoods. They are tested to meet FDA regulations, but we didn't care for them.

The food is shipped frozen in microwaveable plastic trays. We had some issues with broken trays from FreshDirect, which can happen when thin plastic trays are exposed to dry ice. If this should happen to you, it is always best to contact the company's customer service department and request a refund or a replacement. DineWise and FreshDirect offer 100% Satisfaction Guarantees and want you to be happy customers. In our experience, they will bend over backwards to correct any problems that might arise with their products. 

Mom's Meals and PureFoods do not offer 100% Satisfaction Guarantees.

Overall, we found the Tilapia from DineWise to be the best of the meals we tried, and surprisingly, the Chicken Nuggets from FreshDirect came in second, which may be especially helpful if you have a child sensitive to gluten products. The DineWise Chicken Tikka came in third, and we would highly recommend it if you enjoy Indian-spiced food. In our opinion, the DineWise Tilapia meal was good enough to order, even if you don't have food intolerances.

If you are aware of any other companies that offer gluten-free prepared meals, and they state on their website that are prepared in a gluten-free kitchen, please let us know by sharing your comments below. We would be happy to try them out.

Nicole DiLayne
Managing Editor
Prepared-Meals.com

Tips for Choosing the Best Prepared Meal Delivery Service for Your Needs

Stuffed Pork Chop Prepared Meal by DineWise

Whether you are looking to find a prepared meal service for yourself or for a loved one, choosing the right option for your needs is a way to ensure you are getting the best deal and the highest-quality of food. 

When it comes to choosing a prepared meal service, there are a few factors to consider before making your decision regardless of the budget you plan to invest in the meals each month.

Assess Dietary Needs and Restrictions

Before you begin to look for a prepared meal delivery company that is right for you it is important to assess any dietary needs and restrictions you or any member of your household may have. You can find a prepared meal delivery option that is capable of catering to you even if you have restrictions or limitations within any diet you are following. For example, prepared diabetic meals are not the same thing as prepared low sodium meals. Look for specific categories related to the diet you are on.
 
Be sure to check dietary options of all meal delivery services that you are interested in using. Create a list of foods you cannot have or that you are allergic to before you begin comparing different meals that are available from various food delivery services available near you.

Consider Your Budget and Value Added Tips

Consider the budget you have available to invest in a delivery service when you want prepared meal options brought to your home on a regular basis. Knowing your budget is a way to find packages that are within your spending limit and that are also sufficient for all members of your household who will be eating from the meals that have been prepared. Breaking down the average cost of meals is a way for you to know just how much you are investing in each delivery service that is available in your area.

One of the best ways to help get more value form your budget is look for added savings. Sometimes, meal delivery services will make specials available within their own websites, but watch for items that look like they may be old inventory. Consumers can also find legitimate saving using coupons and coupon code promotions. For example, a website called Home Bistro Coupons offers working free shipping coupon codes that are not available on the company website.

Compare Services Online

When you want to order meals that are already prepared, doing so online is a way for you to gain valuable insight into different companies and services that you are thinking of using. You can compare menu items and different types of meals that are available from different companies in less time when doing so online. You can browse through different food categories and full prepared meal options before you make a selection and place your order online.

When you choose an online delivery service that offers prepared meal options, you also have the ability to set various dates of delivery based on your work and home schedule each month. When comparing various services that offer prepared meal solutions online you can also view ingredients and food labels before making your selection. Reading all of the details regarding each of the meals is a way to find a company that fits well with your dietary needs or any specific restrictions you have.

Read Customer Reviews of Meals You are Interested in Ordering

Reading customer reviews and testimonials of the prepared meals you are thinking of ordering from is a way to find the best company that is right for you based on your budget, dietary needs as well as the quality of the food you are seeking. Be sure to read reviews of each individual prepared meal to ensure you find dishes that are delicious and recommended by other users who have also used the same meal delivery service in the past. It is also possible to search for independent reviews of delivery services that provide prepared meals before making your selection to ensure you feel confident with your decision.
 
Generally speaking, the reviews and testimonials posted on the company website are likely to be shared with the permission of the company, potentially not allowing full disclosure. Prepared Meal Delivery Reviews is a website in which consumers can read and share their experiences with meal delivery services.

Knowing how to choose the right service that offers meal delivery service is a way to truly enjoy the food that is delivered to your home regularly. The more you compare package prices, menu options and customer reviews, the more likely you are to feel satisfied with the purchase you make each week or month.
 
Nicole DiLayne
Managing Editor
Prepared-Meals.com