Trade News

apetito Launches World Leading New Range of Meals and Hot Desserts for Dysphagia Patient

At last! A new, ground breaking range of texture modified meals for dysphagia patients is now available from apetito, the leading supplier of frozen meals to the NHS, Care Homes and those receiving community meals.

There are more than a million people experiencing difficulties chewing and swallowing in the UK, including stroke and cancer patients and those with dementia - and catering for them poses unique challenges. For example, preparing meals by liquidising ingredients and adding water for texture not only alters the nutritional content, but results in food which lacks visual appeal. In any patient a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet is an essential part of the recovery programme. For those with dysphagia, eating amongst peers is often embarrassing, so consuming enough nutrients can be difficult and malnutrition a key concern.

apetito’s new range of soft and puréed meals has all the right elements to encourage individuals to eat and bring dignity back into dining. Developed in consultation with healthcare professionals, the main meals and hot desserts are nutritionally balanced, full of flavour, of a consistent texture, and moulded to retain shape after cooking, so food is recognisable and visually appealing. The result, appetising, enjoyable meals and a more pleasurable dining experience.

The range features 50 products, including soups, main courses and hot dessert options available in category B, C (puréed) and category D (soft) formats, offering an exciting, varied menu for those with swallowing disorders, whether for the short or long term. As with all apetito products, meals are frozen at the point of preparation to lock in freshness and can be reheated when required, ensuring each dish is at its best when served. Additionally, each dish is available in individual portions for convenience and to minimise wastage.

Paul Freeston, apetito Chief Executive, commented:

“We believe everyone should be able to ‘dine with dignity’ and it’s essential those with dysphagia should actually look forward to mealtimes, rather than viewing them with trepidation. There is a certain embarrassment associated with eating soft food which means eating becomes an emotional issue as well as a medical condition. By providing these new meals which we know people will enjoy, and most importantly eat, we can help to prevent longer term problems associated with under nourishment and malnutrition.

It has taken two years of intensive product development, product tastings and working in partnership with catering managers to create this new range. We have already seen these meals making a real contribution to the wellbeing and recovery of those with swallowing difficulties.”

For further information about this new texture modified range, call 01225 756071 or visit www.apetito.co.uk/seetastebelieve

For further press information, contact Natalie Skinner, Splash Communications
Email: nskinner@splashcommunications.com or Tel: 01225 318000