In pressing times like these our health becomes of utmost importance. We at NutriCal continue with our mission of helping consumers make the right food choices.

Here is a list of Healthy Restaurants around Dubai that serve clean food and nutritious foods.

Remember, eating healthy plays a huge role in not only maintaining your immunity and energy levels but also allows for a positive mood and mindset in these difficult times 😊

Restaurants, Cafe, - We are trying to help as many businesses as we can to help your customers with nutrition information and food transparency. 

With NutriCal Health & Nutrition Software, you can easily calculate calories, macronutrients and other nutrients of your food recipes based on the ingredients and serving sizes used. 

 or call / whatsapp us on + 971 52 994 1190 for more information.

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Dubai Restaurants Serving Healthy Immunity Building Foods

Dubai Municipality, under the visionary leadership of

"DM Food Elite" program during the prestigious Dubai International Food Safety Conference, 2023

. This visionary initiative underscores Dubai Municipality's relentless commitment to elevating culinary standards and fostering a culture of excellence within the city's vibrant dining scene.

The initiative, announced amidst great anticipation in 2023, aims to recognize and celebrate restaurants that epitomize unparalleled excellence in food safety, sustainability, and innovation. Aligning with the dynamic vision of Dubai Municipality, the program sets forth clear parameters:

Food Safety: Upholding the highest standards of safety and hygiene.

Sustainability: Championing environmental responsibility and reducing food wastage.

Innovation: Embracing digitalization and providing transparent nutritional information.

This illustrious program invites participation from three categories of dining establishments:

Again, restaurants aspiring to achieve the esteemed "DM Food Elite" title are encouraged to:

Dubai Municipality, renowned for its visionary initiatives, is all set to host the declaration of winners at the upcoming Dubai International Food Safety Conference 2024. This groundbreaking program not only showcases Dubai's dedication to culinary excellence but also encourages responsible and ethical practices across the industry.

The "DM Food Elite" program, spearheaded by Dubai Municipality, heralds a new era of culinary distinction, promising to elevate the city's dining landscape to unprecedented heights. With its unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and safety, Dubai Municipality stands as a beacon of inspiration for culinary establishments worldwide.

In total, the "DM Food Elite" program will crown nine winners, with three top-notch restaurants chosen from each of the three eligible categories: standalone restaurants, those within hotels, and those associated with fast-food chains.

Impact on Dubai's Demographic and Health:

The dynamic and diverse demographic of Dubai has fervently advocated for initiatives like the "DM Food Elite" program, aligning with the desires of a young, health-conscious population. This program is poised to significantly benefit residents and visitors alike by raising culinary standards, promoting healthier eating habits, and offering transparent nutritional information. Addressing concerns regarding high obesity rates, the program aims to contribute to curbing this health challenge by encouraging healthier dining choices and fostering greater awareness of nutritional values.

For restaurants aspiring to excel and seamlessly meet the program's criteria,

stands as to support. With a track record of assisting hundreds of food establishments in previous rating and calorie initiatives, NutriCal is well-equipped to support restaurants in their journey towards the "DM Food Elite" title. For guidance and assistance in meeting the program's requirements, establishments can confidently reach out to NutriCal for expert support.

This initiative not only uplifts culinary standards but also contributes to the broader societal goal of promoting healthier lifestyles, aligning perfectly with Dubai's commitment to wellness and innovation.

Dubai Municipality Launches "DM Food Elite" Program

When exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses, the topics of advanced technologies and changing consumer preferences seem unavoidable.

Despite The Negative Repercussions Of The COVID-19 Crisis, Entrepreneurs In The UAE's F&B Sector Are Stepping Up To Challenge The Status Quo

New software equips food businesses in the UAE with nutritional fact labels.

Counting calories just got easier for UAE restaurants

Soniya Ashar, founder of the UAE's first food data intelligence software reveals why there's more to a recipe than chef and ingredients.

Counting Calories - What NutriCal Says About Food

In our 'cooking with superfoods' blog series - below we cover information on:

High in fiber and a great source of protein. They are also full of minerals such as manganese, phosphorus etc.

Overnight Chia Seed Pudding, Chia in infused water and fresh juices, Chia as a topping for salads, bread and stir fry, Chia and mixed seed crackers

Where did Chia Seeds originate / where are Chia Seeds cultivated?

This superfood actually has it’s name derived from a Mayan word meaning “strength”. Chia seeds help promote weight loss, bone health, reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes as well as cancer. 

Calories in Flax Seeds per 100g - 534kcal

High in fiber and a great source of protein. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids

Flax seeds aren’t usually used as the main ingredients in most dishes - although there is plenty that can be done with them.

Flax and mixed seed bread & crackers, mix in smoothies, use while baking as a substitute for eggs, use as garnish for soups, salads and stir frys

Where did Flax Seeds originate / where are Flax Seeds cultivated?

Flax seed helps with hypertension, blood sugar / diabetes, inflammation and also is useful to calm hot flashes women experience during menopause

Spirulina is known for it’s high protein content - 60 to 70% of spirulina’s dry weight is basically protein. It contains essential amino acids that are the building blocks of protein. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium and potassium and B vitamins.

Can be mixed in water, smoothies, soups, juices and lemonade, can be added to pesto and guacamole, can be added to energy bars, truffles etc

Where did Spirulina originate / where is Spirulina cultivated?

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of spirulina help with chronic inflammation and help prevent the risk of cancer. It also helps regularise cholesterol i.e., reduce LDL or “bad cholesterol” and increase HDL or “good cholesterol” which usually links to heart health management too.

Maca is known for its high protein and Vitamin C content.

Almond butter, coffee, maca smoothie, Maca cacao energy bites or cookies, Maca Coconut Milk Latte, Maca Honey Cinnamon Overnight Oats, Maca Fruit Smoothie

Where did Maca originate / where is Maca cultivated?

Maca is popular for its benefits related to hormonal health as well as energy enhancing factors. The adaptogen helps females with their libido and fertility. 

Calories in Pink Pitaya per 100g - 500kcal

In terms of macros, carbs are found to be the highest in pink pitaya or dragon fruit. Pink pitaya is loaded with dietary fiber.

Pink pitaya smoothie bowl with frozen banana, nut milk and nut butters, add it too lattes, pink pitaya cookies and treats

Where did Pink Pitaya originate / where is Pink Pitaya cultivated?

Pink pitaya has benefits related to gut health and improving good bacteria balance, helps boost immunity, and also helps with hair, skin and nail health.

To learn more on nutritional benefits of ingredients and how to create recipes with them - 

 as well as call or whatsapp us at +971 54 994 1190.

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Cooking with Superfoods - Part 2

 - or oleifera - the storage of important nutrients and antinutrients. It is often called a drumstick tree or a miracle tree because of the health benefits and medicinal properties.

It has antifungal, antiviral, anti- depressant and anti-inflammatory properties. Great for people with diabetes, as it helps stabilize blood sugar levels since they have isothiocyanates in them. Also contains essential amino acids, Vitamin C, Potassium, Iron, Calcium, Proteins and other minerals.

It is a great source of iron, high in Fiber, 10 times more vitamin C compared to citrus fruits, also contains significantly higher calcium than milk, it also provides more iron compared to green leafy vegetables. It is considered to be a good remedy for malnutrition. 

- Drumstick Sambhar, Rasam, Moringa Superfood Smoothie, Moringa Matcha Latte, Add Moringa powder to pesto

Where did Moringa originate / where is Moringa cultivated?

The native tree is in India but also grows in Asia, South America and Africa.

 or curcuma longa, which belongs to the ginger family. It is an old indian spice with powerful and strong medicinal compounds called curcumin. It is a bioactive substance that fights inflammation at the molecular level.

Has major benefits for the body and brain. It has bioactive and natural anti-inflammatory compounds that help the body fight foreign invaders and it avoids brain disease. 

Turmeric contains more than 300 naturally occurring components including beta-carotene, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), calcium, flavonoids, fiber, iron, niacin, potassium, zinc and other nutrients. 

Turmeric Chicken Rice, Turmeric Fried Eggs with kale, Yogurt & bacon, Turmeric Oats with Cashews & Seeds, Grilled Pork-Chops with Pineapple-Turmeric Glaze, Turmeric Fish with Rice Noodles & Herbs.

Where did Turmeric originate / where is Turmeric cultivated?

Turmeric is part of India's culture. They used a culinary spice and have some religious concerns. But then years past, reached different countries because of proven benefits. 

It is called “superfruit” and ``superfood” considered as Nutrient-Dense. Loaded by antioxidants. Acai bowl benefits of course depend on what you’ve added in and topped your bowl with.

It improves heart health, increases fat burning, and slows down aging. If you are a gym goer, acai will help you to easily recover the energy you lost and reduce muscle breakdown. These are rich in polyphenols and other antioxidants that protect the brain and inhibit tumor growth. It has been implicated to have an anti-cancer effect, and has been linked with boosted brain function. 

Tropical Acai Bowl, Lime Zinger Acai Bowl and etchetera. 

Where did Acai originate / where is Acai cultivated?

In the 80's, it was legendary Brazilian Jiu Jitsu founder Carlos Gracie who likely popularized the acai bowl (frozen acai pulp blended with banana) in southern cities like Rio de Janeiro. Gracie established his own brand of diet called the Gracie Diet which sought to maximize the performance of his fighters. As years passed, many countries adopted and experimented with different toppings that made the bowls popular.

 It is considered an antioxidant powerhouse. These chemical compounds that you will find in matcha to be considered as the body defense agent.. It prevents aging and chronic disease. The more you have or consume, the more your body is equipped in fighting against infections and diseases. Matcha helps burn fat easily. 

It gives unparalleled nutrition. One serving of matcha tea is equivalent to 10 cups of regular brewed green tea. Drinking matcha is like ingesting the whole leaf and receiving 100% of the nutrients of the leaf. 

One serving of matcha green tea (½ tsp or 1 gr) contains 306mg of protein, 272mg of amino acids, and 50mg of lipids, amongst other nutrients. It also has minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus and iron.

Matcha Latte, Matcha Cheesecake, Matcha Date Energy Ball

Where did Matcha originate / where is Matcha cultivated?

Matcha originated in Japan. This powder was commonly used at chinese chan monasteries. 

 - This is the result when Cacao seeds are naturally fermented and cold-pressed (separating out most of the fat, a.k.a Cacao Butter). It comes directly from the Cacao tree, whose fruits are colorful pods that are filled with large Cacao seeds. 

nutrient dense with antioxidant properties, contains magnesium, iron, potassium - helps keep one full and energised

Calories in Cacao Powder per 100g - 570kcal

Unlike many chocolate products, cacao nibs are naturally low in sugar. They're also a good source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Nutrients that help promote feelings of fullness. They're rich in many minerals, including iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, and copper.

Cacao Overnight Oats, Cacao Date Energy Balls, Muffins, Hot Chocolate, Coffee Cacao Energy Smoothie

Where did Cacao originate / where is Cacao cultivated?

The cacao tree is native Amazon basin. It was domesticated in Mexico, Central & South America

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Cooking with Superfoods - Part 1

Food establishments in Saudi Arabia are looking to comply with menu calorie count requirements by Saudi FDA, there are a few segments for one to take initiative in. Does this apply to your food business?

If this applies to your food establishment 

There are a few methods and service providers that can help with making compliance happen, we have collated a list below.

A Food Lab is a physical location where food samples are taken for testing purposes as well as other services provided such as calorie counting, nutritional analysis and more.

There are other services/consultations in which Individuals/Companies that are certified in conducting nutrition analysis and related services.

NutriCal falls under the nutrition software category providing calorie counting, 

 via DIY software subscription, API integrations, or consulting services as well.

How do they work? How do I know they are accurate?

Food labs use food chemical, microbiological amongst other testing methods to acquire calorie count.

Other services/consultations typically use nutrition softwares, free databases and / or certified nutritionists.

NutriCal is powered by the USDA Database, and other international databases from India & other countries. NutriCal has created and continues to grow GCC’s first ingredient and food database.

Food lab’s price ranges from 200 to 600 SAR per recipe and depending on the provider it can take 10 working days or more.

Other services/consultations price range is from 60 to 80 SAR and it can take 7 working days or more.

With NutriCal, there is typically no lead as it is a DIY software allowing food establishments to get instant nutrition results and labels when they input the recipe into the system. Price-wise it turns out to be as low as 4.5 SAR with certain packages.

When food establishments comply with Food labs, one of its key benefits is that they offer long shelf life testing with each recipe/product.

Other services/consultations may offer nutritional labelings when food establishments send their recipes.

 such as Recipe, menu and brand management, Arabic & English Instant Printable & Digital Labels, 

 Menus and Integrations with other software's such as POS, Label Printers etc. 

For help, email us on info@nutrical.co or call / 

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Comparison Chart for Food Establishments Looking to Comply with Menu Calorie Count Requirements by Saudi FDA

The UAE has always been front of the line when it comes to making their population healthy and happy. In late 2019, UAE Cabinet approved a Nutrition Labelling Policy in regards to packaged foods to support this initiative.

In the future, food packages will have colour-coded packaging on the front of the package so that it is easy to decipher products - high or low in fat, in saturated fat, sugars and salt and make an informed choice.

This policy will only become mandatory by January 2022 and will apply to canned, solid, liquid foods but will not include meat, fish, fruits and vegetables from the fresh foods category.

Obesity, cholesterol, blood pressure have been pressing issues in the region therefore, this Nutrition Labelling Policy has been suggested with an objective of raising awareness about leading a healthy lifestyle.

ESMA will be taking the lead on the implementation of the same.

In the meantime, using NutriCal food manufacturers and brands are able to easily generate Nutrition Fact Labels in English and Arabic.

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Colour Coded Nutrition Facts Labels

You may have seen shelves full of little bottles with a rainbow of liquids suddenly lined up at groceries and supermarkets. Yes, juice fever seems to be sweeping the world, and you are considered left behind if you’re not aware of these! If you haven’t jumped onto the cold pressed juice bandwagon, now is the time!

. For busy working people, cold pressed juice can be an answer to their health prayers and the easiest way to get 

. Drinking cold pressed juice is the easiest and fastest way of getting enough 

. It’s perfect for grabbing on the go and sipping. We can also call it ready to drink vitamins. 

Adding cold pressed juice to your diet is a surefire way to improve your health and ensure you’re getting loads of beneficial nutrients. These juices are good for people in different age groups. You can drink at any time and anywhere. 

What is special about cold-pressed juices?

The nutrients of the fruits and vegetables are preserved and protected through a method called high pressure processing (or HPP), that makes the drink pricey. Since the cold press juicer presses the fruits and vegetables to extract the juice, no heat is involved and no other processes than pressing, all the health benefits will remain intact.

, to complete the taste. Having these leafy greens in one bottle makes for a complete diet plan. Enthusiasts profess that this drink gives countless health 

It’s health restoration benefits have made it earn the name of a “life saver” juice. It helps reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. It balances blood sugar and also has a big part for 

They call it the miracle juice, usually made using 

It is making waves as a cancer-fighting drink. It has gained a lot of attention for its magic like properties that benefit the body and brain as well as skin improving benefits. 

coupled with turmeric - an orange turmeric juice makes for a winning combo. This immunity boosting juice is full of vitamin A and C. 

Ingredients such as aloe vera, cayenne, apple cider vinegar, coconut water, activated charcoal, probiotic blends, chaga, pineapple, spirulina, chlorella, moringa, grapefruit etc are used.

If we had to throw in one simple suggestion - use 60-70% vegetable and 30-40% fruits while creating these blends. Fruits despite bringing a lot of nutritional goodness and taste profile, can have high contents of naturally occurring sugar. 

Are you a health food brand, a meal plan company, nutritionist, or already a juice brand?

Introduce and improvise your cold-pressed juice company by making the packaging more appealing and even customised. Consumers these days have many options to choose from - make sure you highlight nutritional facts to attract consumers to your cold pressed juice brand and product. 

Use Nutrical’s solution (www.nutrical.co) to launch your products in the market with transparency and authenticity. 

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