10% off €40

Code:SAVE
Buy 1 Get 1 Half PriceSummer ShopOffersOffers HubBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceOnline only 25% off or moreBuy 1 Get 1 FreeSave up to 1/2 pricePayday EventGreat SavingsOutletBetter than 1/2 priceBuy 2 for €23 Mix & Match1/2 PriceShort DatedVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements HubJoints, Aches & PainsGut HealthImmunityEnergyChildren's HealthHealthy HeartWeight ManagementLow Mood & DepressionStress & AnxietySleep & RelaxationVitamins & Supplements Shop AllCBDCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and AquaceuticalsDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesValerianRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyFlower RemediesVegan Vitamins & SupplementsBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceOnline only 25% off or moreBuy 1 Get 1 FreePayday EventSave up to 1/2 priceShort DatedOutletGreat SavingsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicBetterYouBioglanNatures AidGrass & Co.H&B ExpertNature's WayDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink HubImmunityExercise & RecoveryGut HealthEnergyJoints, Aches & PainsDental HealthWeight ManagementFood & Drink Shop AllVegan FoodDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyJams & ChutneysNut ButtersSpreadsPateSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood PowdersMoringa PowderSpirulinaGoji BerriesBaobabChia SeedsDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesKombuchaNatural Energy DrinksJuicesSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksTeaSuperfood TeaMatcha & Green TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaSnacksShop all SnacksProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardCondiments & SaucesApple Cider VinegarSuperfoodsBreakfast CerealsHoney, Jams & SpreadsTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreePayday EventSave up to 1/2 priceOnline only 25% off or moreBetter than 1/2 priceGreat SavingsOutletHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadePukkaHeath & HeatherHuelPhDMeridianNakdOptimum NutritionGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSugar FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeFish FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition HubExercise & RecoveryEnergyWeight ManagementSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinProtein VeganMeal ReplacementsWhey ProteinMass GainersDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsSports CollagenBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy DrinksAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsBCAAArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossKetoGreat SavingsSave up to 1/2 priceBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceOnline only 25% off or moreFree PE Essential Amino AcidsBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletPayday EventOptimum NutritionGrenadePE NutritionUSNApplied NutritionPhDHuelFoodspringSiSYfoodGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inBeautyBeauty HubSkin Health - by skin concernDental HealthWomen's Health - Cycles & MenstruationWomen's Health - PregnancyChildren's HealthExercise & RecoveryJoints, Aches & PainsSexual HealthHealthy HeartImmunityNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareCBD BeautyHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesMakeupElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceOnline only 25% off or moreSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletBuy 2 for €23 Mix & MatchPayday Event1/2 PriceDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaQ+AEthiqueTrilogyChilds FarmAlcohol FreePalm Oil FreeParfum FreeMicroplastics FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeFish FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management HubExercise & RecoveryWeight ManagementEnergyHealthy HeartWeight Management Shop AllSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesWeight Management ShotsDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceGreat SavingsSave up to 1/2 priceOnline only 25% off or moreBuy 1 Get 1 FreePayday EventGrenadeOptimum NutritionHolland & BarrettEat WaterPhDNatures AidPulsinSlimExpertUSNApplied NutritionSugar FreeGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeNew inHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessGut HealthSkin Health - by skin concernEnergyWomen's Health - Hormonal HealthJoints, Aches & PainsWomen's Health - Menopause & PerimenopauseImmunityExercise & RecoverySleep & RelaxationChildren's HealthJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthShop all Gut HealthGut Health FoodGut Health SkincareHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenStress AnxietyShop all Stress AnxietyEnergy SupportSleep & RelaxationShop all Sleep & RelaxationRelaxationFood & DietShop all Food & DietKeto FoodMenopauseBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceOnline only 25% off or moreBuy 1 Get 1 FreeSave up to 1/2 pricePayday EventBuy 2 for €23 Mix & MatchGreat SavingsOutletHolland & BarrettNaturtintDr OrganicVitabioticsWeledaSolgarEthiqueWildNew NordicHeath & HeatherDairy FreeGluten FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeNew inShop for your WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesWomen's HealthMenopauseSkincareGut HealthHair, Skin & NailsImmunitySleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartEnergyLow Mood & DepressionEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesWomen's HealthPeriod & Cycle HealthMenopauseImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast

Guide to nutritionally complete food: Benefits & how to use

nutritionally complete food

Nutritionally complete food does what it says on the tin: nourishes you with all the nutrients you need to keep your body and mind healthy.

But what actually is nutritionally complete food? And how could it benefit you? Find out all you need to know in this article.

In this article, we will cover:

What is nutritionally complete food?

Busy modern life means that we can’t always sit down for healthy, balanced meals three times a day, but that shouldn’t mean our health has to suffer.

Instead of skipping meals or settling for unhealthy options, why not give nutritionally complete foods a go?

Whether you opt for a shake or a snack bar, delicious, ready-made nutritionally complete foods provide all the protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients needed for optimum health.

They have been formulated to keep your body and your tastebuds satisfied, just like a regular, balanced meal would, because staying healthy shouldn’t be something you simply ‘put up with’, it should taste good!

You can even mix it up a little, crumbling the bars into your favourite fruit shake for some nutritionally balanced crunch or whizzing the powders up into a hearty bowl of porridge.

You can also give quick and easy-to-make powders a whirl for even better value.

Who should have nutritionally complete food?

If you often turn to unhealthy food on the go because you haven’t made breakfast or prepared lunch, you may benefit from the convenience of nutritionally complete food.

Why not just meal prep? We hear you ask. Well, there’s no denying that meal prepping is an excellent idea, but sometimes life will get in the way.

These nutritionally complete meals offer a fail-safe for times when you don’t have the time or energy to cook and you’d usually rely on food vans, coffee shops, and other snacks.

Simply shake up a powder drink in seconds or enjoy prep-free bars and shakes on the go, at work, or as a quick breakfast.

It’s also good for people who like to exercise and work out as it has the protein, carbs, vitamins, minerals, and everything else your body needs to recover after exercising.

Summary

  • Nutritionally complete foods provide all the carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy
  • They are good for busy people who want to eat healthily, but don’t always have time to prep meals in advance or eat breakfast before they leave the house

What are the top 4 benefits of nutritionally complete food?

Feeling hungry? Get ready to save time, money, effort, and support your health with nutritionally complete foods.

  1. Effortlessly nutritious

A nutritiously balanced diet takes a little research and label examining to get just right, especially if you want to make sure you’re getting all the vitamins and minerals needed for good health.

Nutritionally complete foods can be one meal or snack you don’t have to worry about, you know it’s nutritious and what your body needs.

  1. Could save you money

Nutritionally complete foods typically cost less than your standard meal deal or sugar-filled favourite but offer you so much more.

Try keeping a ready-to-drink or ready-to-eat nutritionally complete food in your bag/desk or having some powder handy to help save you some money in the long run.

  1. No prep necessary

Instead of prepping your own nutritionally balanced recipes full of all the essential vitamins and minerals for every meal, choosing nutritionally complete foods sometimes can help make a balanced diet easier to maintain.

Sometimes you don’t want to cook or meal prep, and that’s ok.

Nutritionally complete foods can help make sure you stay nourished, even when you are rushing out of the house in the morning and need to grab a quick breakfast or lunch for later.

  1. Can help you with portion control

If you’re starting to eat healthily, it can sometimes be hard to know how to portion your meals correctly.

A nutritionally complete food product gives you the portion you need, so you don’t need to worry about it.

Summary

  • Nutritionally complete foods offer many benefits, including saving you money and helping make nourishing your body as easy as possible

Nutritionally complete food FAQs

Here is a round-up of some of the most frequently asked questions about nutritionally complete food.

When should you eat nutritionally complete food?

You can enjoy nutritionally complete food anytime anywhere, making them an incredibly convenient way to nourish your body.

One meal that could be easily replaced by nutritionally complete food is breakfast.

Instead of quickly scarfing down a bowl of sugary cereal or grabbing a protein bar, nutritionally complete food offers an equally convenient and extra-nourishing way to start your day.

How do you use nutritionally complete food?

Nutritionally complete food can be used in multiple ways as it comes in different formats, including:

It doesn’t really matter what part of the day you enjoy nutritionally complete food.

You can use some of them to replace full meals and others to satisfy a snack craving.

How often should you use nutritionally complete food?

You would probably get bored of them pretty fast if you used them to replace every meal, but they are good for replacing some breakfasts and lunches, or helping your body recover after exercise.

However, feel free to use them as often as you like, especially if you’re kick-starting a new healthy eating regime or trying to get your portion sizes under control. 

The final say

We hope this article has helped you discover what nutritionally complete foods are and what people use them for.

Here is a round-up of the main take-aways:

  • Nutritionally complete foods provide all the carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy
  • They are good for busy people who want to eat healthily, but don’t always have time to prep meals in advance or eat breakfast before they leave the house
  • Nutritionally complete foods offer many benefits, including saving you money and helping make nourishing your body as easy as possible

The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Last updated: 24 December 2021

Related Articles

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • AmericanExpress
  • PayPal
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Copyright © Holland & Barrett Limited, 2024. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Limited. Registered office: 45 Henry Street, Dublin, Dublin 1, D01 E9X8. Registered in Ireland: Company no. 79819. Registered VAT no. 4682002U.