This includes additions such as an aromatic Orange & Ginger Chicken alongside a traditional Hunters Chicken. Both new meals cater for those requiring a gluten-free diet.
The new vegan sausages offer a versatile plant-based alternative suitable for any mealtime occasion. The Tempeh, Sweet Potato & Spinach Hotpot, topped with crispy sautéed potatoes, provides 15g of protein per portion, meeting the BDA criteria for energy dense meals and supporting individuals living with or at risk of malnutrition.
Apetito has also expanded on its dessert offering with a new dairy-free Summer Fruits Sponge. It is packed with apple, blackcurrant, and raspberry pieces as well as being topped with a vanilla-flavoured sponge. Within its CarteChoix range, there is also a new vegetarian dish in its gluten-free Quorn and Vegetable Casserole, filled with Quorn pieces, haricot beans in a tomato vegetable sauce.
Other additions within this range include: Shepherd’s Pie, a fragrant Chicken Chow Mein with pepper, carrot, spring onion and bean sprouts, and a Smoked Paprika & Tomato Chicken – the first chicken meal in the CarteChoix range to be classed as ‘easy chew’.
The IDDSI Level 4 Purée Beef Hotpot presents a dual-layer format, showcasing the latest shaping innovation from the ready meal provider. This gluten-free dish features puréed beef topped with sautéed potatoes, accompanied by savoy cabbage, and with over 500 calories and 20g of protein per serving, it's a nutritious Energy Dense option for those living with dysphagia.
A gluten-free Level 5 Shepherd’s Pie has also been added to the specialist range, consisting of minced mutton, carrots, onion and garlic, with hints of rosemary. It’s also made without all the 14 major allergens, providing increased choice for a wide range of dietary needs.
Neil Hargreaves, general manager of healthcare for Apetito, said: “We’re pleased to be introducing even more choice to our range as we head into the spring and summer months. Our new meals elevate our current offering and provide some delicious and exciting new flavours for patients to try.
“Our new additions to the menu consider the increasingly diverse and personalised dietary needs of patients and the importance of ensuring that nobody misses out on a nutritionally balanced meal, no matter their dietary requirements.”