As Veganuary drives further awareness of the benefits of plant-based meals, apetito’s in-house chefs and company dietitians have worked closely together to develop a range of new vegan dishes which are nutritionally balanced and full of flavour.
Expanding on their current selection of plant-based options such as the BBQ Mexican Bean and Jackfruit and Vegan Thai Red Curry, from March the leading meals provider will be offering some new dishes.
These include meals such as Plant Based Shepherd’s Pie, made with beans and pulses, and topped with sweet potato mash on menus, alongside a seasonal Spring Vegetable Medley filled with carrot, green beans, cabbage, and asparagus tips.
According to the British Dietetics Association, carefully planned plant-based diets can still provide all the nutrients needed for healthy living at all ages, whilst the British Nutrition Foundation’s research demonstrates the health benefits of a plant-based diet, showing a link to a reduced risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
And with 2-3% of the UK population now following a vegetarian or vegan diet, it’s important to ensure all dietary requirements are considered and catered for.
British Dietetic Association, Vegetarian, vegan and plant-based diet: Food Fact Sheet
Richard Woodward, General Manager of Care Homes at apetito, says: “We recognise that there is a growing need to offer a wider range of both vegetarian and plant-based dishes.
“Whether for environmental, ethical or health reasons, we have seen a shift in the dietary needs of residents in care homes as more are moving away from regularly eating meat.
“We’re delighted to be introducing these new dishes to enhance our range and provide a greater choice to residents, with familiar and traditional flavours they’ll enjoy.
“We also see the positive impacts that swapping out some meat-based meals for plant-based can have on the environment and feel passionately as a business about driving sustainable change.”
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