FAQs

General Information & Safety

No. The NIMA Sensor is a consumer-use gluten detection tool, not a medical or diagnostic device. It is not regulated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). NIMA is designed to help you eat with confidence as part of a gluten-free lifestyle, but it should not replace medical guidance or allergen labeling. Always follow your doctor’s advice and continue to read ingredient labels and allergen statements.

NIMA is validated to detect gluten from wheat, barley, and rye at levels of 10 parts per million (ppm) with 99% accuracy (95% confidence interval), based on independent laboratory testing (testing completed October 2025 - Bia Diagnostics).

For reference, the FDA allows foods labeled “gluten-free” to contain up to 20 ppm of gluten. Because NIMA detects at a lower threshold (10 ppm), it can identify trace amounts of gluten that are below the FDA’s labeling limit.

Like all at-home tests, accuracy can vary slightly depending on food type, sample size, and testing conditions. Your result reflects only the specific portion you tested, not the entire dish. Testing small samples from different parts of a meal can help identify hidden gluten.

NIMA currently detects gluten from wheat, barley, and rye at levels of 10 parts per million (ppm) or higher in the portion you test. It does not test for other allergens such as peanuts, dairy, soy, or tree nuts. We may expand to additional allergen testing in the future, but at this time NIMA is optimized solely for gluten detection.

It’s possible for NIMA to detect small traces of gluten in foods that are legally labeled gluten-free. The FDA’s standard allows up to 20 ppm of gluten in foods labeled “gluten-free,” while NIMA detects gluten at 10 ppm and sometimes even lower. That means NIMA may identify gluten that is below the FDA’s threshold but still present in trace amounts. If you are highly sensitive to gluten, we suggest that you do not eat this food since it might contain trace amounts of gluten.

Sometimes not all ingredients are shown on labels of food that is labeled ‘gluten-free’, and the ingredient list may contain general descriptors, such as, “other natural ingredients”, and these are ingredients where it is possible that trace amounts of gluten are in the food, yet may still be below the 20 ppm threshold.

If you receive a result that doesn’t match what you expected:

● Confirm the capsule was properly sealed and within its expiration date.

● Retest using a new capsule and a different portion of the food.

● Ensure your Sensor is clean, charged, and running the latest firmware.

If you continue to experience unexpected results, contact customerservice@nimanow.com with the test details, capsule lot number, and photos (if available). Our team will review your results and help determine next steps.

Our Customer Support team is available to help with product questions, troubleshooting, or warranty claims. Email us anytime at customerservice@nimanow.com, and we’ll typically respond within one business day. Please include your Sensor serial number (found on the back of your device) and a short description of your issue.

Sensor & App

Before your first test, fully charge your NIMA Sensor using the supplied USB cable (about 90 minutes). Once charged, press and hold the power button to turn it on. The Sensor will automatically guide you through setup on the screen or in the NIMA Now app. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play, create your account, and follow the prompts to connect your Sensor and check for firmware updates before running your first test.

Make sure Bluetooth is turned on in your phone settings.

● Open the NIMA Now app and sign in.

● Turn on your Sensor and keep it close to your phone.

● Select “Pair Your Gluten Sensor” in the app and follow the on-screen instructions. Once paired, your Sensor will automatically sync your testing history and results with your account each time it connects.

Firmware updates keep your Sensor compatible with the latest capsules and app features. When an update is available, the NIMA Now app will prompt you automatically. Follow the in-app instructions while your Sensor is charged and connected via Bluetooth. Keep your Sensor powered on and near your phone until the update is complete. The process usually takes just a few minutes.

If your Sensor battery drains quickly or won’t stay charged:

● Use the original charging cable and confirm the charging light turns on.

● Try testing while plugged in to confirm the device powers correctly.

● Make sure the USB port and cable are clean and free of debris. If the Sensor still won’t hold a charge, contact customerservice@nimanow.com — our team can help troubleshoot or arrange a replacement if your device is under warranty.

Push to Start – Press the power button once to turn on the Sensor, then press again to begin a test.

● Testing in Progress – The Sensor is processing your sample; a progress bar will appear.

● Gluten Found – Gluten detected at 10 ppm or higher in the tested portion.

● Smiley Face – No gluten detected above 10 ppm in the tested portion.

● Exclamation Mark – The Sensor was unable to complete the test; refer to the troubleshooting guide.

● Battery Icon – Low battery; recharge (about 90 minutes for a full charge).

● Bluetooth Icon – Indicates pairing mode for app connection.

For a complete list of icons and messages, see the “Understanding Your Sensor Display” section of the NIMA User Manual (User Manual).

Wipe the outside of your Sensor with a soft, damp cloth after each use. Do not submerge your Sensor in water or clean it with harsh chemicals. If food residue enters the capsule chamber, gently remove it using a dry cotton swab or a lint free cloth (like a lens cleaning cloth). Store your Sensor in a cool, dry place and keep it away from extreme heat or moisture.

Start by ensuring your Sensor is charged and powered on. If it still won’t connect:

● Confirm Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.

● Restart both the phone and the Sensor.

● Open the NIMA Now app and remove any old devices under “My Sensors,” then re-pair. If you continue to have trouble, contact customerservice@nimanow.com for assistance. Include your Sensor’s serial number (found on the bottom of Sensor) and a brief description of what’s happening.

Yes. Your personal testing data and account information are private and belong to you. The NIMA Now app stores your test results securely on your device and, if you choose to sign in, in your encrypted NIMA account so you can access your history across devices.

NIMA does not share or sell personal testing information without your explicit consent. Aggregated, de-identified data may occasionally be used to improve app performance and reliability, but no individual user or test result is ever identifiable.

Testing & Capsules

Step 1: Prepare Your Sample

● Twist off the cap of a new capsule.

● Add a small, pea-sized portion of your food sample. (Your result reflects only the piece you test, not the entire meal.)

● 💡 Tip: When testing an entire meal, use the teeth on the bottom of capsule cap to dab food from different areas of your plate, then wipe off any food from the outside of the capsule before inserting it into your NIMA Sensor.

Step 2: Seal the Capsule

● Twist the cap until you hear a pop and the green ring disappears.

● Continue twisting until the cap sits evenly with the capsule body.

● Once sealed, do not reopen the capsule.

Step 3: Run the Test

● Insert the capsule into your NIMA Sensor until it clicks into place.

● Keep the Sensor flat and still on a table.

● Press the power button once to begin testing.

● The test takes about 3 minutes. A progress bar will show the status.

Step 4: View Your Results

● If gluten is detected, the screen will display “Gluten Found.”

● If no gluten is detected, a smiley face will appear, indicating the food is safe to eat.

● You’ll also receive the result in your NIMA Now app, where you can view your test history.

Each capsule is a single-use testing pod containing NIMA’s proprietary reagents. When you close and twist the lid, the capsule automatically mixes your food sample with these reagents. The NIMA Sensor analyzes the chemical reaction inside the capsule and displays whether gluten is detected in the portion you tested.

NIMA is designed to test solid or semi-solid foods that can fit easily into the capsule and mix evenly with the testing liquid. You can test a wide range of foods, such as:

● Cooked or baked foods like bread, pasta, or pizza toppings

● Grains and cereals

● Sauces, dressings, and spreads with thicker textures

● Meats, vegetables, or mixed dishes when you can take a small, uniform sample

Your NIMA Sensor detects gluten from wheat, barley, and rye at 10 parts per million (ppm) or higher in the portion you test. For the most reliable results, take a pea-sized sample that represents what you plan to eat and follow the sampling tips in the User Manual.

Some foods and ingredients cannot be tested accurately because of their texture, composition, or how gluten proteins behave during processing. These include:

● Fermented or hydrolyzed foods and alcoholic beverages, such as soy sauce, beer, or vinegar

● Pure liquids, such as soups, beverages, or thin sauces

● Oily or high-fat foods, such as nut butters, oils, or melted cheese

● Very dry, powdery, or crumbly foods that don’t mix evenly in the capsule

● Non-food items, including gums, supplements, or vitamins

● Acidic foods CAN be tested, but be sure to put no more than a pea-sized amount and it is a good practice to dilute the sample with an equal portion of 2 - 3 droplets of water.

Your NIMA result reflects only the sample you test, not the entire meal. Gluten may be unevenly distributed in mixed dishes, so testing small samples from different parts of a meal can help identify hidden gluten.

No. Capsules are one-time use only and should be used immediately after opening. Reusing or saving a capsule can lead to inaccurate results and may damage your Sensor. Store unopened capsules in a cool, dry place away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight to maintain accuracy (recommended storage temperature 32°F (0°C) and 90°F (32°C).

Each box is printed with an expiration date on the packaging. Capsules remain stable for about 12 months from manufacture when stored properly. Always check the expiration date before testing — using expired capsules may reduce result reliability.

If you see liquid leakage, if the lid won’t twist fully closed, or if you feel unusual resistance when sealing, do not run the test. Please contact customerservice@nimanow.com with your order number and photos of the capsule. Our team will help you identify the issue and, if needed, send a replacement.

If you own a Sensor from a previous generation, it must be re-qualified before using new capsules. Requalification confirms that your Sensor’s firmware and calibration are compatible with the current capsule chemistry.

You can complete this process at home by following the Sensor Re-qualification Guide . You’ll need three capsules and the latest NIMA Now app. Once your Sensor passes re-qualification, it’s ready for capsules. If it doesn’t, our team can assist with next steps or replacement options.

Ordering

NIMA products are available exclusively at nimanow.com. This ensures that every customer receives the latest Sensor and capsules directly from our team with verified quality and support.

We process orders quickly to ensure fast delivery, but we’ll do our best to help if you contact us right away. If your order hasn’t yet shipped, email customerservice@nimanow.com with your order number and request. Once an order has shipped, it can no longer be changed or canceled, but you may still request a return once it’s delivered.

We take great care in packaging every NIMA order, but if your shipment arrives damaged or missing an item, please reach out to customerservice@nimanow.com within 7 days of delivery. Include your order number and photos of the packaging or damaged items so we can investigate and make it right as quickly as possible.

Shipping & Delivery

Orders typically ship within 1–3 business days from the time they are placed. You’ll receive a confirmation email with tracking information as soon as your order ships. Please note that processing times may vary slightly during high-demand periods or product restocks.

At this time, we currently ship to U.S. addresses only. Expanding international availability is part of our future roadmap — you can join our email list at nimanow.com to be notified when shipping expands to your region.

Once shipped, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a tracking number.

Returns, Refunds & Exchanges

We want your experience with NIMA to be completely worry-free. If you’re not fully satisfied with your Sensor purchase, you can return it within 30 days of delivery for a full refund — no restocking fee.

Applies to Sensor or Starter Kit purchases only.
Refunds are issued less the original shipping cost.
Sensors must be returned in their original packaging with all accessories.
Starters Kits must be returned with Sensors in their original packaging with all accessories and with any unopened Capsule Boxes from your Starter Kit.
To start a return, email customerservice@nimanow.com for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA).
Refunds are processed once your return is received and inspected.

For all other purchases, items are eligible for a refund within 30 days of delivery if the packages are unopened and unused. Customer is responsible for shipping charges. Please contact customerservice@nimanow.com to request a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) before sending your return. Refunds will be issued once the return is received and inspected.

Email customerservice@nimanow.com with your order number and reason for return. We’ll send you a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) and instructions for sending your items back. Once your return is received and inspected, your refund will be processed within 5–7 business days.

Warranty

Your NIMA Sensor is protected against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for one year from the delivery date. If your Sensor isn’t performing as expected, contact our support team — we’ll troubleshoot with you and replace the unit if needed.

The warranty doesn’t cover:

● Damage from drops, spills, or misuse

● Use with non-NIMA capsules or accessories

● Normal wear and tear (such as scratches)

● Consumable products like capsules or charging cables

If you’re unsure whether your issue qualifies, reach out to customerservice@nimanow.com and we’ll help assess it.

Pricing, Payments & Subscriptions

NIMA Capsules are precision-engineered, single-use tests that bring lab-grade gluten detection to your table. Our capsules have been validated to detect gluten from wheat, rye, and barley at 10 ppm with 99% accuracy, based on independent lab testing.

This level of performance requires advanced chemistry, strict quality controls, and high manufacturing costs — NIMA is owned by a group that is directly impacted by Celiac, and it is our goal to reduce costs as much as possible as we grow - so NIMA can be available to more people. In addition, many customers use payment plans, our subscription program, and/or HSA or FSA funds with a Letter of Medical Necessity to help offset the price.

We accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, ShopPay, and Venmo.

At this time, HSA and FSA cards cannot be used directly at checkout on our website. However, NIMA products are generally eligible for reimbursement through your HSA or FSA plan when used to help manage celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Simply complete your purchase with any accepted payment method, then submit your receipt — along with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your doctor — to your plan administrator for reimbursement.

A Letter of Medical Necessity is a brief statement from your doctor or healthcare provider explaining that the NIMA Sensor and capsules are medically necessary to help you manage your gluten-free diet. Your HSA or FSA administrator uses this letter to confirm eligibility for reimbursement.

Ask your doctor or specialist to complete a simple LMN form that your provider can fill out and sign. Submit this completed form — along with your purchase receipt — to your HSA or FSA plan administrator for review.

To receive reimbursement:

● Complete your NIMA purchase using a regular credit or debit card.

● Download and complete the Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) form with your doctor.

● Submit your LMN and purchase receipt to your HSA/FSA plan administrator.

Reimbursement eligibility and processing times vary by plan. Most administrators review and approve claims within a few weeks. Some may require you to submit a new LMN each year, so check with your provider for their specific policy.

Please note: NIMA cannot guarantee reimbursement. Final eligibility decisions are made by your HSA/FSA administrator.

Yes. Once you have an approved LMN on file, both your NIMA Sensor and your capsule refills are typically eligible for reimbursement. Keep a copy of your LMN and order receipts for your records, as requirements and renewal timelines can vary by plan.

Yes! You can adjust your delivery frequency anytime to match your needs. Log in to your NIMA account dashboard, select your subscription, and choose a new schedule — for example, monthly, every other month, or quarterly.

Absolutely. You’re in full control of your subscription:

● Skip a delivery: Select “Skip” for that month or delivery cycle.

● Add extra capsules: Add boxes to your upcoming order directly from your account dashboard.

● Cancel anytime: Cancel your subscription easily through your account — no hidden fees or commitments.

Your subscription discount applies to every active subscription order, even if you skip or change delivery frequency.

Yes. You’ll always receive an email or SMS reminder before each shipment so you can make changes, skip, or cancel before your next order is processed.

Route Package Protection

We’ve partnered with Route to offer premium package protection and real-time tracking for your order. When you add Route at checkout, your shipment is covered against loss, theft, or damage during transit.

Add Route Protection: Route is automatically selected at checkout. You can remove it if you choose not to insure your shipment.
File a Claim: If your package is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can easily file a claim through Route’s Resolution Center.

Lost:
If your package hasn’t arrived after 7 days (or 20 days for international shipments), you can file a claim.

Stolen:
If your package shows “Delivered” but hasn’t been received within 5 days, you can file a claim.

Damaged:
If your order arrives damaged, you can file a claim within 15 days of delivery.

Once your claim is approved, Route will issue either a replacement order or a refund—depending on product availability and your preference.

You can submit your claim directly through Route’s Claims Portal.

For complete coverage details, visit Route’s Shipping Protection Policies.

Contact & Support

The fastest way to reach us is by emailing customerservice@nimanow.com. Our team typically responds within one business day. Please include your Sensor serial number (found on the back of your device) and a brief description of your question or issue so we can assist you quickly.

To help us resolve your issue faster, please include:

● Your order number (if applicable)

● Your Sensor serial number (on the back of your device)

● A detailed description of the problem or question

● Photos or screenshots, if relevant (for example, capsule issues or app error messages)

Our Customer Support team monitors messages Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time. We’ll do our best to respond within one business day, and messages received over the weekend or holidays will be answered the next business day.

You can download helpful resources directly from our website, including:

● The User Manual – step-by-step setup and testing instructions

● The Sensor Requalification Guide – for validating older Sensors

● The Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN form) – for HSA/FSA reimbursement

Each document is also available through links provided in your order confirmation email and on your My Account page. Visit our website for a comprehensive list of policies.