At a Glance
- The second-generation NIMA Gluten Sensor relaunched on National Gluten-Free Day 2026
- Third-party tests by BIA Diagnostics confirm 99% accuracy at detecting wheat, barley and rye down to 10 ppm
- Device retails for $220 with capsules sold separately at $72 for six
- Why it matters: The portable tester gives the 3 million Americans with celiac disease a way to verify food safety in under three minutes
The handheld NIMA Gluten Sensor is back on the market after pandemic-driven shortages, promising faster and more reliable gluten detection for people who must avoid the protein.
How the Relaunch Happened
The sensor returned via an acquisition led by Peter Kolchinsky, founder of RA Capital Management and parent of a child with celiac disease. Supply-chain disruptions had idled the original MIT-developed device since 2020, leaving users without a commercial option even as interest grew following Allergen Alert’s CES 2026 prototype reveal.
Accuracy Claims Backed by Lab Testing
Independent testing at BIA Diagnostics showed the pocket-sized unit correctly flagged all major gluten sources at concentrations as low as 10 parts per million, exceeding the Food and Drug Administration’s 20-ppm threshold for gluten-free labeling. The National Celiac Association notes that while 20 ppm is considered safe, lower levels are preferable for foods consumed in large amounts such as bread or pizza.
How the 3-Minute Test Works
- Place a pea-sized food sample into a single-use capsule
- Insert the capsule into the sensor
- The device grinds, mixes and tests the sample with proprietary antibodies
- An onboard camera reads the strip and displays either a smiley face (no gluten) or a wheat symbol (gluten present)
Each USB-C charge powers up to 40 tests, and results automatically sync to the NIMA Now app for personal record-keeping and optional sharing with a community database.
Pricing and Availability
| Item | Regular Price | Discounted Price |
|---|---|---|
| NIMA Gluten Sensor | $220 | $198 with code NIMAPRE10 |
| Capsules (6-pack) one-time | $72 | |
| Capsules (6-pack) subscription | $61 |
Capsule subscriptions can be managed through the company’s online store.
Future Allergen Expansion
Although the hardware was originally engineered for peanut detection, the current firmware focuses solely on gluten. A company representative told News Of Losangeles that development is underway to add additional allergen tests in future updates.
CEO Statement
“People with celiac deserve meals that feel safe, not stressful,” said Mike Glick, CEO of NIMA Partners, in the release announcing the relaunch.
Key Takeaways
- The NIMA Gluten Sensor offers 99% accuracy and 10-ppm sensitivity
- Each test takes 2-3 minutes and uploads to a companion app
- The device is available now online after a three-year absence from shelves
- Capsules are mandatory for each test, adding ongoing cost for frequent users
