Dining Out in New Zealand with Dietary Needs? Your Worry-Free Solution Has Arrived!
Pablo Merchán Montes
Eating out in New Zealand is a true pleasure – from world-class wineries to vibrant city eateries and charming local cafes, our culinary scene is bursting with flavour. But if you live with dietary restrictions, that joy can often be overshadowed by stress. The endless questions, the fear of cross-contamination, the scramble to find safe options... we understand the struggle.
That's why we're incredibly excited to introduce a game-changing new feature on the Eat Choice App, designed to unlock Aotearoa's delicious dining scene for everyone, safely and easily.
We know that for many, safety isn't just a preference, it's paramount. And for others, finding delicious options that suit their intolerances or preferences can feel like a treasure hunt. We heard you, and we've developed a unique, 3-tiered search engine to put the power back in your hands.
How It Works: Your Path to Stress-Free Dining
Gone are the days of guessing or exhaustive menu scrutinising. Here’s how our intuitive new system helps you find your perfect meal:
1. Tell Us Your Restrictions: Input your specific dietary needs, whether it's gluten, dairy, nuts, shellfish, or any other allergen or intolerance.
2. Choose Your Safety Level: This is where the magic happens! For any allergen selected, you'll be prompted to choose one of three critical options:
"No Added": Ideal for those with intolerances or preferences. You're looking for dishes where the allergen isn't intentionally an ingredient, understanding that cross-contamination might still occur (e.g., a "gluten-free option" pizza prepared in a shared kitchen).
"May Contain": For when you want to be fully informed. This shows dishes where the allergen might occur in trace amounts, or if the restaurant cannot guarantee cross-contamination won’t occur, allowing you to make an informed decision based on your sensitivity.
"Free From": The gold standard for severe allergies. This ensures you only see options where the restaurant explicitly states the dish is prepared to avoid the allergen, with robust measures against cross-contamination (e.g., a "coeliac safe" kitchen practice).
3. Discover Your Perfect Match: Instantly, the app will filter and display dining options across New Zealand that perfectly align with both your dietary needs and your personal safety threshold. Easy, transparent, and incredibly empowering!
Why This is a Game-Changer for NZ Diners
This innovative 3-tiered approach means:
More Options, Less Compromise: Restaurants can cater to a wider range of diners, from those with mild intolerances to those with life-threatening allergies, by clearly communicating their preparation methods.
Unmatched Peace of Mind: You can finally dine out with confidence, knowing exactly what you're ordering and how it's been prepared, without the constant anxiety.
Tailored to Your Needs: Whether you’re avoiding dairy by choice or require a strictly milk free meal, the Eat Choice App empowers you to Dine Your Way.
We've already successfully trialled this system for gluten-free and coeliac-safe offering, connecting diners with delicious and safe meals. Now, we're thrilled to roll this out across a wider range of dietary restrictions, making New Zealand's incredible food scene accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
We’ll be adding more options over the coming weeks so keep checking to see what is new in your area.
Ready to explore Aotearoa's culinary delights with absolute confidence? Download or update the Eat Choice App today and redefine your dining experience!