It’s easy to use, fits in your pocket and wears a smile.
Meet Nima, the new device on the market that promises to make dining out a less stressful experience for the gluten intolerant.
The tiny triangular device by US startup is designed with a pop-out chamber into which you place a small sample of your food - whether that be something solid such as fried and baked goods, or more liquid like soups and sauces.
When inserted back into the main device, it takes two to three minutes to process the results. A smiley face appears if your meal is gluten-free and a frown if it isn’t.
It can detect gluten levels down to 20 parts per million (ppm) which is the maximum amount allowed in products that are sold under the “gluten-free” label in America. Foods containing less than 20ppm can also be labelled gluten-free . (Tresearch in 2007 suggested 20ppm of gluten could be consumed by people with coeliac disease. It went on to say that levels between 20ppm and 100ppm were likely to affect some coeliacs.)
A simple smile appears if the tested sample of food has more or less than 20 parts per million of gluten Source: nimasensor.com
However in Australia, research recently conducted by concluded that a safe threshold level of gluten intake cannot be defined for all people with coeliac disease at present.
Coeliac Australia told SBS Food that they would need more information on Nima before deciding whether they would recommend it to people with coeliac disease.
“Apparently a few different varieties are available. We'd need to know more about the science and technology behind the devices to be confident of their accuracy,” a spokesperson said.
“We encourage our members to take necessary steps to limit risks when eating out and enjoy social occasions.”
In Australia only products with no detectable levels of gluten are labelled "gluten-free", while those containing less than 200ppm of the protein are given a “low gluten” stamp. (It is important to consult your medical practitioner in deciding what is safe to consume)
Nima doesn’t specify whether something is completely without gluten.
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This info-graphic shows how Nima works (nimasensor.com) Source: nimasensor.com
It is estimated that one per cent of the global population is affected by coeliac disease – where even traces of gluten can have adverse health effects – but many more report some form of gluten sensitivity.
There is no known cure for either condition and sufferers must maintain a gluten-free diet, the rigorous nature of which is determined by the seriousness of their intolerance.
Nima is available for for US$199 ($AU266) at and will begin shipping mid-way through this year. However, it is only currently available for purchase in the US.
