Does Simply Cook do gluten-free options?

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 1% of the global population is affected by coeliac disease, requiring a strictly gluten-free diet. For those managing this, a key question is: does Simply Cook do gluten-free options and how reliable are they? Yes, Simply Cook caters to this need with a selection of adaptable recipes and a filtering system designed to help subscribers avoid gluten.

Quick Summary

Simply Cook offers gluten-free recipe options that can be filtered and identified online. Users can set dietary preferences to automatically exclude unsuitable kits, but fresh ingredients must be sourced independently. It is important for individuals with gluten sensitivities to review all kit labels and ingredients carefully to ensure safety.

Key Points

Filtering is Key: Simply Cook's website and app allow you to filter recipes specifically for gluten-free options, making it easy to find suitable kits.
Customer Responsibility: Since the customer provides fresh ingredients, you are responsible for selecting gluten-free staples like pasta, rice, and fresh produce.
Check Individual Kits: While filters help, always check the individual 'Allergy and nutritional information' for each recipe kit to confirm the contents of the flavour pots.
Adaptability is a Benefit: The meal kit's flexibility is an advantage, allowing for easy substitutions of gluten-containing ingredients with gluten-free alternatives.
Understand the Limits: Simply Cook provides the flavour bases, not all the ingredients, so it is not a 'free-from' service where all products are guaranteed to be GF without user intervention.
Review Sourcing: For individuals with severe coeliac disease, careful consideration of where you source your fresh ingredients is necessary to prevent cross-contamination.
Look for Alternatives: For recipes recommending wheat-based products (like noodles or thickeners), swap them for certified gluten-free versions.

Navigating Simply Cook's Gluten-Free Options

Simply Cook provides a straightforward approach for subscribers looking for gluten-free meals. Unlike pre-packaged boxes that include all ingredients, Simply Cook provides flavour pots (pastes, spices, stocks) and recipe cards, requiring users to purchase fresh ingredients separately. This model offers flexibility, allowing individuals to select their own gluten-free fresh produce and staples, such as gluten-free pasta or rice.

How to filter for gluten-free recipes

The Simply Cook website and app offer a clear filtering system for dietary requirements. To find suitable meals, follow these steps:

Set up your profile: In your account preferences, you can indicate allergies and intolerances, including gluten. This will automatically exclude recipes containing gluten from your selection list.
Use the dietary filter: When browsing recipes, explicitly select the 'gluten-free' filter to display only compatible options.
Click for details: Before choosing a kit, click on the individual recipe to view the 'Allergy and nutritional information'. This details the ingredients within the Simply Cook flavour pots themselves.

What Simply Cook provides and what you source

It is crucial to understand the distinction between the contents of the Simply Cook box and the fresh ingredients you add. The Simply Cook flavour pots are the only pre-made components, and their allergen information is clearly listed. As the shopper, you are responsible for ensuring that all fresh items—like rice, noodles, or sauces—are certified gluten-free.

A note on cross-contamination

Simply Cook states that their kits are produced in a facility that does not handle nuts or sesame. For gluten, however, they advise that individual recipe information must be checked. While their filtering helps, anyone with severe coeliac disease should be diligent about reviewing individual kit ingredients and ensuring all fresh items are free from cross-contamination.

Comparison of Simply Cook and fully pre-packaged meal boxes


Feature	Simply Cook (Gluten-Free)	Fully Pre-Packaged Meal Box
Box Contents	Flavour pots, spices, recipes. Fresh items sourced by customer.	All pre-portioned ingredients included.
Control over Ingredients	High. You choose your specific gluten-free pasta, sauces, etc.	Low to moderate. You rely on the box provider's choices.
Allergen Management	Clear filters for kit contents, but customer must verify fresh ingredients.	Varies by company. Some have dedicated 'free-from' kitchens; others manage on a case-by-case basis.
Risk of Cross-Contamination	Lower in the sourcing process, but potential for kitchen cross-contamination at home.	Varies by company's production facility. Some risk of cross-contamination can exist.
Meal Versatility	High. Easily adapt meals by swapping out gluten-containing fresh ingredients.	Limited to what the box provides. Fewer options for customisation.

Expertly Adapting Simply Cook Recipes

Since Simply Cook provides the flavour base and not the core carbs, adapting recipes is relatively easy for gluten-free diets. For dishes recommending standard wheat pasta, rice, or noodles, simply substitute them with their gluten-free counterparts.

Here are some examples:

For pasta dishes: Swap standard penne or spaghetti for a gluten-free brand made from rice, maize, or legumes.
For noodle dishes: Choose gluten-free rice noodles, buckwheat noodles (soba), or glass noodles instead of wheat-based varieties.
For stews and curries: The flavour pots themselves are often gluten-free, allowing you to focus on ensuring your fresh ingredients and any added stock or thickening agents are safe. For thickening, use cornstarch or arrowroot instead of flour if a recipe suggests it.
For serving suggestions: Be mindful of garnishes like croutons or specific sauces, and always read the ingredient list for every component you buy.

A flexible solution for dietary needs

Simply Cook's model is inherently more flexible for those with specific dietary needs than traditional all-in-one meal kits. The customer's control over fresh ingredients is a significant advantage, particularly for a gluten-free diet where cross-contamination of store-bought products is a key concern. While the service offers a convenient way to get new recipe ideas and flavour bases, it places the ultimate responsibility on the consumer to source and verify the remaining ingredients.

Conclusion

Yes, Simply Cook does offer gluten-free options and is a viable choice for individuals managing a gluten-free diet. The service allows you to filter recipes and provides clear allergen information for its flavour pots. However, because you supply your own fresh ingredients, the final responsibility for ensuring a dish is truly gluten-free lies with you. This flexibility is a significant benefit, but it requires careful attention to detail when shopping for and preparing your meals. By following Simply Cook's filtering guidelines and responsibly choosing your fresh ingredients, you can successfully enjoy a wide variety of their meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Simply Cook's filters will exclude any recipe kits where the flavour pots contain your selected allergens. However, you must still ensure that all fresh ingredients you purchase are certified gluten-free, as Simply Cook does not provide these items.

You can simply substitute the gluten-containing ingredient with a gluten-free alternative. For example, use gluten-free pasta or noodles instead of the standard kind recommended on the recipe card.

Simply Cook provides detailed allergen information for each kit's flavour pots on their website. They advise checking this information for each recipe. For those with severe coeliac disease, reviewing these details is essential.

You can set your gluten-free preference in your account profile or by using the specific 'gluten-free' filter when browsing recipe options on their website or app.

No. The box contains only the flavour pots, spices, and pastes. You are responsible for buying all fresh ingredients, including the gluten-free meat, vegetables, and carbs.

The main difference is control. With Simply Cook, you have full control over sourcing your fresh ingredients, which is crucial for managing a gluten-free diet. Other kits provide all ingredients, limiting your customisation options.

Simply Cook states that their kits are made in a factory that does not handle nuts or sesame. However, they always recommend checking the specific allergen information for each kit and for any fresh ingredients you add.