News

Using emojis to relay food sensitivities

September 22, 2016

Portable gluten sensor creator, Nima, is putting some fun into the very serious subject of food sensitivities, by launching Nimoji, a base of 50 emojis for those with food intolerance or special dietary needs. 

The icons — available at no charge on Apple-based systems — will give both youngsters and people who cannot speak a particular language a means to communicate their food sensitivities to avoid potentially deadly ingredients in the food they purchase.

 
"Emojis strike an emotional chord because they allow you to express yourself in a quick and colorful way, but more than 100 million Americans with special diets have been left out of the conversation," said Scott Sundvor, co-founder and chief product officer of Nima. "Nimoji is for the people who haven’t been able to use the taco, pizza or beer emojis. It celebrates food inclusivity, speaks to this community’s passions and daily life and gives them a voice."

Once downloaded Nimojis can be used in mobile and computer-based communication via text, Twitter, Facebook Messenger, WeChat and What’sApp. The icons available visually communicate common allergens, sensitivities and diets, as well as some of the undesirable bodily effects experienced if the food in question is consumed. 

Some of the general categories of emoji include: 

• No Nuts: These include icons to communicate intolerances for wheat, soybeans, peanuts, milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish and tree nuts.
• Badges of Honor: These include the many diets individuals follow, including everything from paleo diets to vegan preferences, as well as halal and kosher. 
• Everybody poops:Illustrations that relay the inglorious after-effects of eating off-limit foods like gas, bloating and all the other unpleasant after-effects.
• Don’t Wheat Me: Symbols to connote food stories and dining situations, like  “Anti-Allergen Squad” and “No Pricks” (epinephrine injector).