News Release: The Unbound Basket

For Immediate Release                                                                        Contact: Kayla Winn

                                                                                                            Communications Manager

                                                                                                             424-675-5543

                                                                                                            kwinn@UB.com

NEW APP, THE UNBOUND BASKET, TO BE LAUNCHED 

APP HELPS PEOPLE WITH DIETARY RESTRICTIONS DISCOVER DIET-SPECIFIC PRODUCTS, RECIPES, AND PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

(LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11, 2024) — Sarah Johnson, founder and CEO, announced today the release of Unbound Basket, an app designed to help people with dietary restrictions shop more efficiently and affordably. The app will go live Friday, Sept. 13.

The Unbound Basket allows users to customize their own grocery shopping experience by setting filters based on their dietary preferences, such as gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, lactose-intolerant, soy-free, and shellfish-free. Once the preferences are set, the app connects with grocery stores in the user’s vicinity, and filters recommended products in stock. The app’s name, The Unbound Basket, was inspired by the founder’s desire to help those with dietary restrictions to feel free, not limited, when filling their grocery baskets.

According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), 33 million Americans have food allergies. That is 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 13 children. More than 40% of adults and children with food allergies have experienced a severe allergic reaction.

“This statistic shows a huge percentage of Americans who experience food allergies and dietary needs. With this app, I want to be able to help these people be able to find the products they need while also enjoying the food they eat without fearing for their health,” says Johnson.

As a registered dietitian herself, Johnson includes a Dietitian Service Center chat box feature where she and other trusted dietitians answer health-related questions. This unique feature ensures that users receive guidance from experts to maintain a healthy and safe lifestyle.

In addition, The Unbound Basket has partnered with Instacart, a grocery delivery service, for easy and convenient at-home delivery. Whether planning ahead, or choosing a delivery service, the app improves the shopping experience for all users, especially those with dietary restrictions.

“We’re eager to begin this partnership. We know Sarah has put a lot of hard work into developing this app, and we’re excited to be a part of it” says Apoorva Mehta, founder of Instacart.

“I’m very excited to see how the launch of The Unbound Basket impacts the food allergen community. I know that with the support of our partner, Instacart, we will have a successful future ahead of us,” says Johnson.

“Many people get an overwhelming feeling the moment they walk into the grocery store. This app makes it easier for users to look for inspiration before shopping or have the option to get groceries delivered right to their doorstep,” she says.

To add to the user experience, the app will include interactive features to bring a community aspect. Users have the ability to post, pin, and favorite recipes they want to try as well as leave comments to share suggestions and collaborate with one another. The blog section encourages users to connect with others experiencing similar dietary limitations.

“The app will also feature virtual and in-person cooking classes with dietitians demonstrating how to create delicious meals using dietary-conscious products anyone can find at their local grocery stores,” says Johnson.  She added that the company’s next goal is to expand partnerships with small dietary-friendly vendors one would see at farmer’s markets and incorporate their unique products in The Unbound Basket cooking classes.

Johnson has experienced a variety of dietary restrictions throughout her life. Growing up in a small Midwestern town, she was challenged with not only finding safe, dietary-friendly options, but also access to affordable ones. After earning her degree in nutrition from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, she moved to Los Angeles. After relocating, Johnson said she was amazed by the large food market and variety of dietary options available in the area.

In the upcoming months, Johnson says she plans to visit her alma mater to bring her app to college campuses with the hope of helping students facing struggles with finding dietary safe options as she experienced in her undergrad. She will hold a speaker event announcing further details about the app.

“As a mother of children with many food allergies, I want to create a platform where they can easily find foods tailored to their needs. This is something I wish I had growing up, and I know it will be very helpful for young college students. I was in their shoes once, and I understand how difficult grocery shopping can be with dietary restrictions,” she says.

“The difference between my experience in my small hometown and Los Angeles is what inspired me to create The Unbound Basket, an app designed to ensure people, regardless of location, have access to affordable, dietary-friendly foods. I have never seen anything like it before, and I know this app will benefit people globally,” she says.

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