Nima Sensors
The Nima Sensor revolutionized how individuals with food allergies navigate their dining experiences. This compact, portable device was designed to detect trace amounts of allergens such as peanuts and gluten in food, providing peace of mind for those with severe allergies. By simply placing a small sample of food into a disposable capsule and inserting it into the sensor, users received accurate results within minutes. The Nima Sensor's user-friendly interface and reliable detection technology-empowered people to enjoy meals confidently at home, in restaurants, or while traveling.
Beyond its practical application, the Nima Sensor fostered community and shared responsibility among food service providers and consumers. Restaurants and food manufacturers could use the sensor to ensure their offerings meet stringent allergen-free standards, enhancing trust and customer loyalty. Meanwhile, individuals could connect through the Nima app, sharing their test results and dining experiences to help others make informed choices. The Nima Sensor paved the way for a safer, more inclusive culinary landscape by bridging the gap between food safety and convenience.
Nima Sensors was acquired by MedLine in 2020.
While working with the Nima Sensors team, I conducted market tests on various menus, from fast-food establishments to quaint local eateries. Our primary objective was to guarantee that our application delivered the most recent details, aiding those with food allergies in verifying the absence of peanuts and gluten in their meals. Moreover, I also worked with the NIH grant awarded to Nima Sensors to help support our research, offering support by conducting laboratory assessments on various premium food products.
Below are content pieces I created during my internship in 2019, highlighting some of the items I tested:
Nima: Bay Area Tastes
The Bay Area is home to so many different types of food. Whatever you’re in the mood for, whether that’s a delicious Thai meal or some flavorful Pakistani food, there is a restaurant for you. There are so many different cities to visit and therefore so many different places to eat, so of course there are many more gems located around the Bay Area to discover, but we decided to pick our three top choices from different cities in the bay that we recommend you to try! Even better, so many places have gluten-free menus, allowing for a stress-free and delicious experience no matter what you want to eat. For today, we’re bringing you a list of three different yet must-try restaurants around the Bay that made our Nima smile, so be ready to roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive in!
Osha Thai - 4 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA 94111
Located right by the Bay on the Embarcadero, Osha Thai is definitely a go-to for your Thai cravings. With a whole gluten-free menu and a very accommodating staff, Osha Thai provides so many different dishes to try. We recommend the delicious Thai Tea, the fresh and creamy Yellow Curry with Beef, the crunchy and yummy Chiang-Mai Lettuce Wraps, and the flavorful Thai Fried rice, all of which tested gluten-free!
Onigilly - 164 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
A little bit farther south nested in the heart of Silicon Valley is Onigilly, a cool Onigiri Shop in downtown Palo Alto. We tried a couple of onigiri rolls which were delicious and not too heavy, perfect for a day of walking around or shopping. We recommend the Hijiki Onigiri, a roll with braised hijiki seaweed, carrots, tofu, and edamame, or the Miso Nasu Onigiri, a roll with flash fried eggplant in Aka miso with sesame and green onion. Best of all, both tested gluten free!
Pakwan - 41068 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA 94538
Finally on our food tour comes Pakwan, an authentic Pakistani restaurant nestled in Fremont, California, about forty-five miles or so from San Francisco. Featuring incredibly rich flavors, a variety of delicious dishes, and some great heat, Pakwan is a must-try for foodies looking for a great meal. Our favorite dishes were the mouth-watering Beef Kofta, the memorable Chicken Biryani, and the satisfying Kheer to top it all off, all of which made our Gluten Nima smile.
Nima: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream
A tasty treat especially in this summer heat, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is the dessert that cannot be beat. There are so many different flavors to choose from; whether you want to feed your inner child or you’re looking for something more adult-like, there’s a pint for you.!
Based out of Columbus, Ohio, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to create flavors that are rich, creamy, and smooth. Best of all, many of the flavors are gluten-free, so you don’t have to worry while satisfying your sweet tooth. Just to be sure, we Nima tested 7 flavors to find out if they are really gluten-free.
Riesling Poached Pear Sorbet: A light and flavor-filled choice, the Riesling Poached Pear Sorbet is a great choice for anyone who wants to be transported back to their childhood days. It was so tasty it even made the Nima smile!
Roxbury Road: A great twist on traditional Rocky Road ice cream, Roxbury Road ice cream is a perfect choice for a balance of sweet, salty, and delicious dessert. With smoky almonds, soft marshmallows, and a smooth chocolate base, this treat made us andalong with the Nima smile!
Dark Chocolate Truffle: A dairy-free option, the Dark Chocolate Truffle is a delicious option. If you’re a fan of a deep, rich, chocolate delight with a hint of coconut, this flavor is definitely for you. Best yet, it made our Nima smile and we’re sure it will make you too.
Salty Caramel: A rich yet balanced flavor, the Salty Caramel reminds us of everything nice! Taking us back to eating delicious caramel candies as kids, this ice cream flavor is a great trip down memory lane. Best yet, it made our Nima sensor smile and it should make you too!
Darkest Chocolate: An incredibly decadent flavor, the Darkest Chocolate ice cream is a must-try flavor for anyone who loves the balance of sweet and bitter of a good dark chocolate. It made our Nima Sensor smile, and it should make you too.
Coffee with Cream and Sugar: If you’re a fan of a cup of joe, this is the ice cream flavor for you. With a rich smooth coffee body and some cream and sugar to make it just like the real thing, this ice cream will be a perfect cup for you just like it was for our Nima, ending in a smile.
Lemon Frozen Yogurt: One of our favorite flavors, the Lemon Frozen Yogurt is a light but satisfying dessert for the hot summer days. With a smooth consistency and a bright lemony taste,this pint be sure to put a smile on your face as it did with the Nima sensor.
