A few weeks back we tried some of the gluten free ready meals from Ilumi.
Each meal comes in a pouch which can be microwaved, and the rice pouches come separately. We tried the Vegetable and Chickpea Jalfrezi. These meals are really handy for days when you are in a rush, or if you have someone come round with various allergies or food intolerances and want to make sure you have a suitable meal – as Ilumi make nut-, gluten- and milk-free foods. All of the dietary information is clearly labelled right on the front of the pouch, to make sure it is very clear and easy to check that it is suitable and very easy to follow the heating instructions.
The meals are cooked by a team of chefs in county Durham. They are cooked from scratch in their kitchens, using a pressure cooker. Because of the pouches, they don’t need refrigerating so it’s really handy to be able to keep a couple of these in the cupboard for emergencies! There are no preservatives or unnatural ingredients included – the reason the meals are able to keep well outside of the fridge is because of the cooking method in the pouch.
There are almost 30 different varieties available from Ilumi. Many of the flavours have an Asian influence but there are also British favourites like Beef Meatballs in tomato sauce, and a variety of soups or sauces which you could use and cook the rest of your meal yourself.
As we eat Halal food I was interested in the vegetarian varieties and I was pleased to find that the vegetable and chickpea jalfezi was tasty and enjoyable. We ate this with the yellow basmati rice. I found the portion size okay, each meal is suitable for one person.
I have tried other brands of gluten free food in the past and really didn’t enjoy them but I was very satisfied with Ilumi that the taste is good. We are not on a gluten free diet, I just try these things out from time to time! Because the Ilumi meals taste good they can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of the dietary requirements.
If you want to see some of the other varieties, including non vegetarian – Have a look at a couple of other bloggers reviews here:
Aromatic Thai Red Chicken Curry reviewed by the Brick Castle
Also reviewed by ET Speaks from Home
You can order Ilumi meals from their website shop here. I have not seen them in any supermarkets yet, but I would like to see them there in future!
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
I use ilumi foods often as they are tasty and GF but you won’t ever see them in a supermarket as their website says! 🙂
This one looks yummy
Lol this meal would be gluten free regardless as rice does not contain gluten and nor does the veg?!
I’m not sure about that tbh? but I think traces of gluten can be found in a lot of foods so if you are allergic then supposed to eat things properly checked and labelled?
I’ve never heard of them but they do look nice
Sounds like a great store cupboard meal, and I love a nice curry
Great review thanks!