Review: Slightly Different low FODMAP food for IBS sufferers

As is often the case with natural solutions to health issues, from complementary therapists to wonderful food made specifically for people with certain conditions, the people involved have often been spurred on by personal experience. Such is the case with Sonia Fox, who has launched a delicious range of low FODMAP food for IBS sufferers.

Sonia says her digestive system was ‘totally upside down’ causing her to suffer back pain, headaches, and severe stomach cramps. In 2014, she was diagnosed with IBS.

As the NHS website explains, the low FODMAP food for IBS diet involves avoiding foods that are not easily broken down by the gut and this includes everyday items such as certain fruits and vegetables, milk, and wheat products. Processed foods that contain sulphites are also a trigger as well as many other common allergens.

Sonia found that the low FODMAP diet helped ease her symptoms, but the diet was complex. She enjoyed good food and craved meals that tasted great but didn’t aggravate her IBS. After much research and experimentation, Sonia and her husband Simon launched Slightly Different Foods selling a range of fully certified 100% FODMAP Friendly products that were free of all 14 major allergens so that others would also be able to enjoy 100% natural, tasty and nutritious food.

As an added benefit, all products are also vegan.

I was sent a variety pack of Around the World 10 Pack of Cooking Sauces to trial. I am lucky enough not to have any health issues and probably have what might be called a ‘cast-iron stomach.’ And although I eat a predominantly plant-based diet, I am not vegan. I think that made me a good candidate to test the products and compare against the broad range of home cooking and ‘normal’ products available, rather than against a restricted diet regime.

And I was pleasantly surprised! The quality of the sauces is superb with intense, layers of flavour. I was also expecting a lot of ‘sameness,’ but I was mistaken. We have tried 8 of the sauces so far and they are absolutely delicious. There isn’t one that I would describe as inferior to any other sauces I have purchased or made from scratch.

One of the surprises for me was that none of the sauces contained onion or garlic which I use extensively. Of course, none of the products contains artificial preservatives, flavouring or colouring. But a quick look at the ingredients in each jar clarifies how such intensity of flavour has been achieved: copious use of herbs and spices.

Here are some of the results of my trial:

CHILLI NON CARNE

This is one of the sauces that can be used for cooking, marinating or dipping. I have a ‘vegan ragu that I use as a ‘mince alternative’ that I make in batches and use as a base for bolognese, lasagne, chilli and more. The base, sauce and a tin of kidney beans made a quick tasty and nutritious meal. The jar is labelled as slightly kickin’ so not too hot, and we added more chilli for personal taste. The sauce can also be used cold as a dipping sauce.

TIKKA MASALA & TROPICAL CURRY

We usually have a homemade curry on a Friday night with two curries and rice, sometimes using a past, sometimes a sauce, but often from scratch. These made my ‘cooking’ exceptional easy. They are both mild curries but once again, absolutely delicious. I added cooked chicken and red pepper to the Tikka Masala and pineapple chunks and prawns to the Tropical Curry. Superb!

ARRABBIATA

This is 3 on the heat level so the hottest we had tried. I added roasted vegetables and served with pasta. Quick, easy, yummy!

SWEET AND SOUR

The sauce is recommended as stir in or stir fry. I choose the latter with a mix of vegetables and griddled halloumi and rice noodles. As a stir fry, I didn’t really need to use the full jar but because it was so delicious – vibrant and syrupy as the label says – I tipped it all in and enjoyed!

TOMATO AND BASIL

This is a sauce that is the perfect standby as a basis for so many recipes. It’s quite thick, so for a sauce for pasta etc water can be added. But it is also recommended as a base for pizza. Perfect.

THAI RED CURRY

Another Friday night quickie! I normally use a decent quality paste with added coconut milk. This was just as tasty used straight out of the jar. Again, a level 2 in heat so I added a little more chilli for personal taste.

SWEET CHILLI

This was a bit of a surprise as it really did have a kick I wasn’t expecting, although I should have because it is described as vibrant and zingy with a top heat rating! Another sauce that is stir in or stir fry and ideal for a cold dipping sauce. It was a perfect foil for the juicy chunks of salmon fillet I added and cooked for just a few minutes and serves with couscous. Yes, you’ve guessed it – another delicious meal in just a matter of minutes.

I have yet to try the Smooth Bolognaise and Mexican Fajita but have absolutely no doubt they will be equally delectable!

Apart from the range of cooking sauces, Slightly Different also has a range of condiments, salad dressings, and table sauces.

If you have gut problems or major allergies, I would definitely recommend you try the range of Slightly Different low FODMAP food for IBS sufferers. When purchasing, all products have a detailed easy-to-read list of ingredients typical values per 100g i.e., energy, fat, carbohydrates, protein etc.

The website also features lots of tasty recipes and a Wellbeing Hub with information and support provided by Helen Phadnis, a Registered Dietician providing help and advice including IBS top tips videos.