Meal match: A food discovery app for folks with dietary restrictions
The Story Behind the Problem
I’ve lived with a severe allergy to groundnut oil and certain cheeses, which made eating out a constant challenge. Street food and local eateries—my favorites—rarely disclose ingredients, and food apps don’t show details like cooking oil.
What started as my personal frustration became a realization: many people face the same struggle when it comes to food allergies and dietary restrictions. That insight inspired me to design a way to make eating out safer, simpler, and more transparent.
Overview
MealMatch is a smart food discovery app designed to help users with dietary restrictions, allergies, and specific nutritional needs find suitable meals at restaurants, cafes, and any food establishments within specific area. MealMatch ensures that users can effortlessly discover meals that align with their health needs, lifestyle choices, and taste preferences.
Project snapshot
Role : UI/UX designer
Timeframe: Two weeks
Platform: Desktop
Tools & Plugins : Pen and paper, Figma, Canva, Typescale.
Problem
People with food allergies or dietary restrictions often struggle to find meals they can trust when dining out or ordering online. Most food delivery apps highlight visuals and reviews but don’t mention ingredients, cooking oils, or allergen risks, forcing users to guess what’s safe. This leads to decision fatigue, fear of allergic reactions, and hesitation to eat out socially.
Solution
MealMatch makes food discovery safe, transparent, and personal.
Users can:
Filter dishes by allergens, dietary preferences, and ingredients
Customize meal components based on their restrictions or taste
Chat directly with chefs to clarify ingredients or request modifications
By blending AI-driven recommendations with real human interaction, MealMatch builds trust and confidence - helping users enjoy food freely without fear or uncertainty.
Goal
To design a food discovery experience that helps users with allergies or dietary preferences find safe, enjoyable meals effortlessly.
Onboarding - Splash screen
Onboarding - Login
Onboarding - Create account & Profile set up
Home – Main View
Home – Search Items
Places
Selected item (Food)
Scan food
Community
Key Learnings
Designing for inclusivity isn’t niche—it’s essential. Users with food restrictions seek clarity, trust, and control, making transparency a key design opportunity. Through real-time filtering, personalization, and simplicity, I learned that accessibility builds confidence and enhances every user’s experience.