The struggle to get individuals to eat five portions of produce per day has been so difficult that some organisations have abandoned the idea altogether. They figure, eating any fruits and vegetables are a victory.
However, the Food and Drink Federation Scotland along with Interface and the Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, have other ideas.
Namely, why not fully embrace it instead of abandoning it?
Thanks to financial backing from the Healthier Product Innovation Fund, the coalition developed DONE Meals, which each contain five portions of fruits and vegetables. They’re frozen for freshness but are completely novel – packing all nutrients into one container.
“I was delighted when I realised it was possible to get all 5 portions of veg or fruit into a single, delicious meal,” Paul Mason, Co-founder and Creative Director of DONE, said. “We understand that doing what you can, when you can – little bits here and there, can make a massive difference to our dietary health. That’s where DONE comes in. If we can help people save time, eat well, and ultimately feel better, that’ll be job done for us.”
DONE meals are not only vitamin-packed but a culinary treat, too. Dishes include Vietnamese Ragu Ga, Smoked Chipotle Chilli – both a beef and a vegan version, a vegan Moroccan Tagine, Tortiglioni Bolgnese, Brisket Beef Bourguignon, and a Chicken and Chorizo Estofado.
The Innovation Fund is there to make healthier products and help educate consumers, as well as support businesses and research institutions develop better-for-you items.
“Most people fall 11 portions short of the recommended weekly intake of fruits and vegetables. These 5-a-day ready meals can help provide the boost that many need,” Joanne Burns, FDF Scotland’s Reformulation for Health Manager, said. “The success of this project and the wider Healthier Product Innovation Fund proves the importance for continued funding for innovative academic partnership projects to improve the health of Scotland’s products and people.”
DONE meals are available via donefood.co.uk and can be shipped within EH post codes, with new areas expected to be added weekly.
