A NEW gluten-free 'Wow' range of meat products has been developed for Karro Foods and McGee Buchers by south Armagh 'health food entrepreneur', Karen Daly.
The new range, featuring high protein/low sugar sausages, burgers, meatballs and stir-fry chicken dishes are available from this month in stores across Northern Ireland.
A former contender in the Irish version of Dragon's Den, the Mullaghbawn mother-of-two struggled to find good quality, high protein foods to support her healthy lifestyle after losing four stone - so decided to devise the recipes herself.
With the rising trend in gluten-free options, coupled with an "obesity epidemic", she says coming up with the 'Wow' factor seemed the natural way to go.
"In the same way that I wanted to make changes to my own lifestyle, I wanted to help others do the same," she said.
"Being healthy can be easy, and even fun, so if we can empower people to lead healthier lifestyles by making food convenient and tasty, then perhaps we can start to win the war on weight.
"It has been predicted that 64 per cent of UK women and 74 per cent of men will be overweight in 2030 - according to the World Health Organisation - so I looked at how a healthy food range could fit conveniently into busy lifestyles."
Using mince made from fillet steak and sausages from pork fillet, she produced a "premium product" without being over-priced.
"The range includes succulent pork sausages made from extra lean pork with only two per cent fat and having only 46 calories," Karen, now in her final year of a masters in weight management, added.
"Our sweet chilli and garlic sausages which come in both pork and turkey varieties are also really popular. And everyone loves a burger - and with only 122 calories and three per cent fat, the 'Wow' burger can be enjoyed guilt-free."
Included in the fresh meat offering are 'Meatballs Italiano' made with extra lean steak mince, herbs and spices in a tomato and basil sauce, while Chicken Arrabiata - anchored in a traditional spicy Italian sauce - cooks in less than half an hour in the oven.
Other products in the 'Wow' range can be on the table "in less than 10 minutes" and are aimed at those who want a quick, wholesome lunch or light meal after work.
Karen and her husband Frank first went into business with the 'Slender Choice' brand which has also been sold to Karro Foods - owner of the Cookstown brand.
She turned down an offer of £37,000 from Dragon's Den investors in 2012 - which would have cost her a 45 per cent share of her company.
