Anyone with a gluten allergy or coeliac disease knows the struggle of being faced with a menu and feeling unsure about what they can eat. A new device could make eating out much easier for those with gluten allergies. 

Nima is a small device manufactured by 6SensorLabs, a San-Franscisco based start-up. Nima can test food for the presence of gluten and provide the results within minutes. 

Chief Technology Officer with 6SensorLabs has said the device could "provide great social freedom, making meals more enjoyable."

The Nima device can test a wide range of foods including soups, sauces and baked goods. The device uses chemical and mechanical processes to dissolve the food in a proprietary blend of enzymes and antibodies that zero in on any gluten in the mix. 

Currently, users can pre-order a starter kit online, which consists of the main Nima sensor unit and three capsules, selling for $199. Refill packs of 12 capsules each will also be available on a subscription basis for $47.95 during the pre-sale.