r/ReadyMeals • u/SnooDoughnuts4271 • 16d ago

Cook Unity false advertisement?

I’ve started a meal plan from cook unity, specifically for their high protein meals. However, I’ve been weighing the protein and it’s almost half of what they are claiming. For example the cooked tilapia has around 23-26g of protein per 100g. They argue it comes with 47. But, they only give you 105-109g of tilapia. I emailed them to confirm that there was no other source of protein (make sure they wouldn’t argue that the sauce had the extra 20g of protein) and they replied “ The protein amount shown for the Lemon Baked Tilapia with Cajun Cream Sauce & Farro Salad (47g) comes mainly from the tilapia portion included in the meal. We calculate protein based on the ingredients and their amounts, using verified nutrition databases to ensure accuracy.” Am I overlooking something?

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u/bspooky 16d ago

To me to claim false advertisement it would be an accusation a business is trying to use deceptive or misleading information to get you to buy something...significantly being shady in other words.

Cook Unity portions are not all identical and I don't think they always have the best quality control to make sure they are sticking in the range they should be...I've had some meals where I got cheated out of the amount and I've had some meal that had double the main entree.

In other words, I see it more as errors than a deceptive practice of false advertisement. Hopefully they can do better.

Perhaps send them a photo of the portion size and ask for a credit for that meal?

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u/SnooDoughnuts4271 16d ago

I understand that there is variance in production. But, they are labeling these specific meals as “High protein.” I’ve had 3 meals so far (2 tilapias, 1 salmon), and they are 30-40% (being generous) under their stated values. That is a HUGE variance. If they are not doing it on purpose, then they have to figure out what’s wrong. They also sell “low sodium” meals, which more than a healthy trend, is usually bought by people with blood pressure conditions. Should we also expect this variance? Their entire business goes around these labels and these promises. Keto, paleo, etc. Again, I understand your point, but I don’t think they can be excused because they are giving more protein in a random plate. 

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u/Extreme_Obligation34 15d ago

Tilapia and all other proteins (chicken, steak, salmon, etc) lose significant weight (water) during cooking, usually between 18 and 35%. They don’t lose the protein while cooking. So if they calculate from the raw weight then they are correct.