DONE meals are delivered frozen, direct to consumers, in boost to Scottish public health
A new range of ready meals has been launched that the manufacturers claim contain all five recommended portions of your 5 A Day.
DONE meals was developed with the support of a fund launched by Food and Drink Federation Scotland, in partnership with Interface, and with specialist help from the Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.
The meals are delivered frozen to preserve freshness and reduce wastage. Dishes include Vietnamese Ragu Ga, Smoked Chipotle Chilli (in beef and vegan versions), Moroccan Tagine (vegan), Tortiglioni Bolognese, Brisket Beef Bourguignon, and a Chicken and Chorizo Estofado.
The meals are being sold via the donefood.co.uk website and are initially available within Edinburgh postcodes. Further areas are planned to be added weekly.
Paul Mason, co-founder and creative director of DONE, said: “I was delighted when I realised it was possible to get all five portions of veg or fruit into a single, delicious meal.
“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.”
Supporting innvoation
The Healthier Product Innovation Fund covered the cost of initial prototyping and scale up assistance for the DONE brand. That initial assistance proved product concept and allowed the company to progress to the next stage, fund managers explained.
“I am delighted to see the launch of DONE meals, providing healthy, nutritious and convenient meals for all,” said Joanne Burns, FDF Scotland’s Reformulation for Health manager. “Increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables is such a crucial part of a healthy diet and it is essential that food manufacturers strive to increase their content.
“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. 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.”
The Healthier Product Innovation Fund for Scotland (HPIF) has been developed by Interface and Food and Drink Federation Scotland to support Scotland’s food and drink businesses as part of the Scottish Food & Drink Recovery Plan.
There is a drive to make healthier products in line with public health targets, legislation and trends towards a healthier life for a more discerning and educated consumer. The competitive fund aims to support Scottish businesses in developing healthier products by utilising the world-class knowledge base and facilities across Scottish universities, research institutes and colleges.
