For over a decade, Ryman Healthcare has partnered with leading nutrition provider The Pure Food Co to improve the health and wellbeing of aged care residents through innovative meal solutions.  

The Pure Food Co’s journey began when co-founder Sam Bridgewater witnessed the challenges his stepfather faced during cancer treatment. The options available were nutritionally poor, and visually and texturally unappealing. This realisation sparked a movement toward creating food that is both nutritious and enjoyable for people with texture-modified dietary needs. 

Today the award-winning company works with 80 per cent of aged care facilities in New Zealand, including chefs and clinical staff at Ryman’s villages in both Australia and New Zealand, to deliver dining experiences that restore dignity and enjoyment to mealtimes. By combining texture modifications and enhanced nutrition, these meals are tailored to the needs and preferences of older people while ensuring they can continue to enjoy the foods they love. 

The Federal Government’s new Aged Care Act will introduce a dedicated Food and Nutrition Standard (Standard 6). The standard will include the following expectation statement for aged care residents: 

The Pure Food Co Dietitian Penny Bailey says there can often be misconceptions around nutritional needs as we age. While we might assume we need less, we actually need more, especially key nutrients such as protein. For those on texture modified meals, The Pure Food Co can play a significant role to ensure the nutritional quality of meals meets these needs, as well as ensuring food looks and tastes amazing, all of which support a great meal experience for residents.

A common misconception is that older adults require less protein due to often having smaller appetites. In fact, they need the same, if not more  protein than elite athletes. 

Older people need 1.2g per kilogram of body weight to maintain muscle mass, skin health, and immunity. Protein deficiency can lead to muscle loss, also known as Sarcopenia, which affects strength and mobility. 

For people with smaller appetites or conditions like dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), increasing protein can be challenging. Rather than adding more food to the plate, The Pure Food Co meals are fortified with additional protein while maintaining the familiar appearance and taste of regular dishes. This helps ensure people receive the necessary nutrients without feeling overwhelmed. 

For many, mealtimes are a highlight of the day—a time for socialisation and celebrating cultural and religious identity. However, when texture modified and fortified meals appear as indistinguishable scoops on a plate, many people understandably experience a reluctance to dine with people eating regular food which can lead to feelings of isolation. A reduction in meal-time quality of life can also increase weight loss and falls. Ensuring meals are not only nutritious, but easy to consume, encourages people to engage in shared dining experiences, reducing loneliness and improving their overall quality of life. 

Texture-modified meals no longer need appear as indistinguishable scoops. By collaborating with chefs, dietitians and speech pathologists, meal options can be tailored to meet dietary requirements without compromising on flavour. With 4,500 meal combinations available, people can continue enjoying the foods they’ve always loved, with the added benefit of enhanced nutrition. 

The visual appeal of a meal can increase consumption by up to 40 per cent. When food looks appetising, people are more likely to enjoy it. The Pure Food Co’s texture-modified meals are shaped to resemble familiar foods, making them as visually appealing as they are nutritious. A combination of lines, textures, and shapes enhances the sensory experience, offering the look and feel of regular meals while being easier to swallow. 

To learn more about The Pure Food Co and how they’re helping to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals, particularly in aged care, visit: thepurefoodco.com