How do our texture modified products benefit residents’ and patients’ overall health and wellbeing?

People on texture modified diets often miss the experience of eating wholesome, appetising food in a social setting. Our approach addresses this by providing a varied menu of texture modified options that integrate seamlessly with standard menus, allowing residents and patients to enjoy mealtimes with others.

In aged care settings, our texture modified products help residents regain a sense of belonging. With food that looks and tastes like normal meals, residents feel more at ease and are more likely to join others for social dining, enhancing their emotional wellbeing.

Hospital patients often experience reduced appetite, which can lead to hospital-acquired malnutrition if not addressed. Our portion-controlled meals are designed to be visually appealing, which can help encourage patients to eat. This can support improved nutrition and aid in patient recovery.

The same benefits apply to those eating texture modified meals at home. Serving a meal that looks and tastes great, with the nutritional benefits of home-cooked food, makes mealtimes a more enjoyable experience for everyone. Our wholesome, moulded food products help bring back the pleasure of eating, while still meeting the dietary requirements of those on texture modified diets.

What are the proven benefits of our quality food products and meals?

Monash University’s Dietetics Student Research from 2012 highlighted three significant benefits of using high-quality, value-added texture modified foods:

1. Enhanced resident satisfaction and increased meal consumption – when residents are served visually appealing meals, they tend to be more satisfied and consume more of their food.
2. Improved appetite and reduced waste – diners eat more when they can recognise their food, enjoying a meal that looks appetising and appealing rather than something that appears inferior. This leads to less food waste, benefiting both the residents and the facility.
3. Boosted staff morale and job satisfaction – kitchen staff experience a greater sense of pride when producing meals that are well-received by residents, leading to improved job satisfaction and a more positive work environment.

What does ‘we eat with our eyes (first)’ mean?

The phrase “we eat with our eyes (first)” underscores the importance of visual appeal in food preparation. It suggests that a meal’s appearance can significantly influence our perception of its quality and our overall dining experience.

This concept, drawn from positive psychology, indicates that when food is visually attractive and easily recognisable, it enhances the eating experience. It allows residents, patients, carers, and caterers to form a positive emotional connection with their meals, ultimately contributing to greater satisfaction and enjoyment.