Meta Healthcare’s new low-protein products

Trying new low-protein products is always a mix of curiosity and caution. Packaging, taste, texture, and convenience all matter — especially when you’re balancing a carefully managed diet.

Recently, I’ve been sampling several new-to-the-UK PKU-friendly foods available on prescription through Meta Healthcare. Here’s what I discovered about the Salty sticks (breadsticks) and Pizza crackers. Plus a little test kitchen trial of a new chicken-substitute.

Please note, I was sent early samples. Your prescription items will be in English packaging.

Breadsticks

These breadsticks were a welcome, easy snack — great on their own or dipped into chutney or other protein-free sides.

Like many long-life breads, they’re a little on the dry side, so pairing them with a dip helps.

Verdict: A solid staple snack — quick, crunchy, and perfect for conferences or travel kits.

Pizza Crackers

These caught me off guard — I expected a sweet biscuit, but instead got a strong, savoury flavour! The texture is crisp, with a pleasant tomato-herb note that gives a real “pizza snack” feel.

As with the breadsticks, a dip helps balance the dryness. Pairing them with a low-protein cheese dip is a winner.

Verdict: A satisfying savoury change — strong flavour, good texture, and a refreshing break from sweet snacks.

Coming soon, low-protein chicken substitute

Alongside the new product tests, I tried out the chicken substitute with panko breadcrumbs and gluten-free rolls. As with all burger mixes, I recommend making a thinner ‘patty’ to start, as a thicker patty can be a bit dry.

I did that here, then coated with a small amount of panko breadcrumbs (about 0.5g protein) before frying. The result? Crispy, golden “chicken” burgers that worked beautifully with pickles and ketchup. This had a lovely savoury flavour which was very satisfying.

These are going through product registration and will hopefully be available in 2026.

Final thoughts.

It’s encouraging to see more low-protein options reaching UK shelves. Each of these products has its place — whether as a handy snack, a sweet treat, or a base for home experiments. Talk to your dietitian about getting some samples. The codes for prescriptions are:

As always, I’m keen to hear from others who’ve tried them. What did you think? Any recipe ideas or serving tips to share?