What Should You Check Before Ordering Plant-Based Meals Online?

Whether you’re looking to try something new or are just tired of the same old cooking – ordering food online is a great way to introduce some change into your life. Services like Salad Servers Direct are made to cater to all types of diets, and you can order from them while knowing all the information available.

Even if you’re fond of your plant-based diet, there are certain things that you should check before you order your first salad.

Check The Ingredients

Some may choose to exclude meat and dairy from their diets for health, environmental or ethical reasons. But you are exposed to hidden animal sources in your food through certain additives and processing aids used in its production. For example:

Gelatin: the boiled collagen of animal bones, connective tissues, organs, and some intestines. It is generally used as a gelling agent in jams, jellies, and sweets.

Lactose: milk sugar found in whey or made synthetically in processed foods such as bread and baked goods, breakfast cereals, instant potatoes, coffee creamers and powdered beverages.

Whey: a protein found in milk that is separated during the manufacturing of cheese or casein. Whey is used as a food additive. It helps bind ingredients together and acts as an emulsifier to improve texture.

Check The Menu Before Ordering Online

Like restaurants, salad bars and delivery services need to cater to customers with different dietary requirements. It is why it’s essential to check the menu before you order your food so that there are no toxic ingredients in your plant-based meals.

Is The Box Completely Sealed Before You Order?

Your plant-based meals and salads must be packed in containers that have been completely sealed to avoid any potential risk of contamination with meat products. If this hasn’t happened, there is a chance you will be exposed to cross-contamination during preparation or delivery.

Are The Salads Properly Refrigerated?

Although you may think that ordering salads from a delivery service is safe, they can be at risk of spoiling if not stored in the right conditions. Make sure your salad bar has proper storage facilities so your meal won’t go off before it reaches you – this should include good ventilation and air circulation as well as refrigeration.

Is The Delivery Service Reliable?

If you are ordering from an online service, you need to ensure that your salad bar or delivery company is reliable and has a good track record of delivering food safely. Salad places generally have many positive reviews and photos to supplement the reviews. Take a look at customer reviews before placing an order to ensure that you will receive quality meals and salads – never be afraid to ask questions or ask for clarification if you are unsure.

Is The Food Bagged?

If you are ordering salads online, ensure they are not bagged in sealed plastic bags before sending them to your home. It is because, by their very nature, plastic bags can be harmful to the environment and contain toxins that could seep into your food. Always request that your food be sent in containers instead.

Check The Nutrition Information

Ingredients aren’t the only things you should check before ordering plant-based meals online – don’t forget to peek at the nutrition information too! Although it can be a lot of effort, it’s worth putting in the time and effort so that your meal is both delicious and nutritious.

Nuts, for example, are healthy but also high in calories. You’ll want to check how many grams of nuts there are per serving and whether this matches up to your daily caloric intake target.

Ensure You’re Getting the Right Amount of Vitamins and Minerals

Don’t forget that plant-based meals can be high in many essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, vitamin C, and B12. Ensure your daily intake requirements before ordering to avoid any deficiencies.

Most salad delivery services offer vegan meals alongside salads with meat and dairy ingredients, so you don’t have to miss out on anything. If there are any other requirements you would like to be aware of, such as gluten-free or organic, it’s best to contact the restaurant in advance and ask them.

Conclusion

Now that you know what to look out for, make sure your plant-based meals aren’t going to cause you any harm by checking the menu before ordering! You can also use this information to help a friend or loved one who may have allergies, intolerances, or dietary requirements.