Can anyone order TLC dinners?
Yes, anyone can order a TLC meal. Whether you are a senior, a time-poor parent, a busy professional, a recuperating patient, a community organisation, or a student - a meal made with TLC is for you.
What days do you deliver to my suburb?
Just type in your Suburb and State into the screen on the Home Page or Delivery Page to check your local delivery schedule.
Can I pay by cash or cheque?
No. Please check with the office on 1800 801 200 for alternative payment options.
What credit cards does TLC accept?
TLC accepts Visa, MasterCard, Credit or Debit Cards and American Express.
How does TLC provide online transaction security?
TLC uses secure servers and secure socket layer (SSL) data transfer for strong encryption of online transactions. When you pay for your order, you enter a secure area indicated by the padlock symbol in your browser and 'https' in the address bar.
How does the 100% money back guarantee on my 1st order work?
TLC is confident that you will be happy with your meals, so we offer an unconditional money back guarantee on your first order for up to 7 meals. If you are unhappy with your first delivery please contact us on 1800 801 200 to arrange a refund.
Are the dinners Heart Friendly?
We have moved away from the term "Heart Friendly" because it is not clearly defined and can mean different things to different people. Instead, we now use evidence-based, measurable nutritional claims that give you accurate information to make informed choices.
The Heart Foundation's current guidance on heart health focuses on an overall eating pattern - one that is rich in wholegrains, fibre, vegetables, fruit, healthy proteins and healthy fats, and naturally low in unhealthy fats, salt and added sugar. Our meals are developed with these principles in mind. All meals are developed under a sodium target of under 250mg per 100g, placing them in the lower range of moderate sodium. Many meals carry a Good source of fibre or Excellent source of fibre claim, supporting the kind of balanced, varied diet that the Heart Foundation recommends.
If you are looking for meals to support heart health, our in-house nutritionist is available to help guide your selections. Call us on 1800 801 200.
Do the meals qualify as Diabetes Friendly?
We have moved away from the term "Diabetes Friendly" because it is vague and can be misleading. Diabetes Australia now aligns its dietary guidance with the Australian Dietary Guidelines (eatforhealth.gov.au), which recommend a balanced, varied diet based on the latest scientific evidence - focusing on what Australians need more of, and what to eat less of, for long-term health and wellbeing.
Rather than making a broad "Diabetes Friendly" claim, we now use clear, measurable nutritional language. Our meals are designed to support a balanced diet, with all meals developed to a protein target of at least 10g per serve and a fibre target of at least 4g per serve. These nutrients are particularly important for blood glucose management and overall health.
If you have specific dietary requirements related to diabetes, we encourage you to speak with your healthcare professional and our in-house nutritionist, who can help identify the most suitable meals for your needs. Call us on 1800 801 200.
Am I required to sign a contract?
No contracts are required. If you enjoy your meals, simply re-order when you need them!
What days and how often do you deliver? Do I have to be home?
You can check your delivery day online, or call our team. Most areas have at least one delivery per week. If you will not be home, please contact us in advance to make arrangements.
What if I am not home when you deliver?
Simply advise TLC of a suitable, safe and cool location to leave your delivery in advance, and our driver will leave it there for you.
Are the meals already cooked?
Yes, all meals are fully cooked and only need heating. Heating instructions are printed on the lid of every meal. Please do not overheat.
How can the meals be heated?
Our sugar cane trays can be heated in a conventional oven or microwave.
Preheat to 180°C. Heat from frozen with the lid on for approximately 25 - 30 minutes, or until heated throughout to 65°C. Do not lift or puncture the lid until heated. The meal can be eaten directly from the tray. Soups require less heating time.
Microwave Oven Heating
Heat from frozen on high with the lid on for approximately 6-8 minutes, or until heated throughout to 65°C. Microwaves over 800W will need less heating time. Do not lift or puncture the lid until heated. The meal can be eaten directly from the tray. Soups require less heating time.
For further information click to view details.
Can I cancel an order?
You can cancel an order with at least 2 working days' notice prior to your delivery date.
Does your commercial kitchen have HACCP approval?
Yes, all meals are prepared under a certified food safety system and we hold HACCP approval - the international food safety standard. We are also licensed by the NSW Food Authority (Licence 24521).
Can the vegetables be changed or the meals modified?
Once a meal has been tested and accredited we cannot alter any part of it - changing the vegetables would alter the nutrient content and nutritional claims. If you have specific dietary requirements, please speak with our nutritionist who can help guide your meal selections.
Is everything delivered frozen? Can you help unpack the delivery?
Yes, we cook, chill and snap freeze all meals to lock in flavour and nutrition. Our delivery drivers are happy to assist by packing your meals into the freezer if you are home when we deliver. Please let us know if you require this service when you place your order.
How long do the meals keep?
YOur meals stay fresh-frozen in the deep freezer for up to 12 months, so you have plenty of time to enjoy them.
Are there any contracts or any minimum order? Who can order?
There are no contracts. The minimum delivery is 7 meals but there is no obligation to order on a regular basis. Anyone can order with us.
Are there any discounts available?
If you receive Support at Home or NDIS funding, your government-funded budget or plan may cover the cost of meal preparation and delivery, meaning you pay only a small co-contribution or co-payment towards ingredients. This can represent a significant saving on the full cost of your meals. Speak with your Support at Home provider or NDIS Support Coordinator to find out whether you are eligible, or contact our team who can help guide you through the process.
How do I claim my free 3 course birthday offer?
Call us on freecall 1800 801 200 and we will arrange to have your complimentary 3 course birthday meal delivered with your next order. If you order online, please contact our office to redeem the offer.
Can I find out the ingredients? 
All TLC meals, soups and desserts display a nutritional information panel and ingredients list on the packaging. You can also find full ingredient and allergen information on our website or by calling our team on 1800 801 200.
Can an order be placed if the client is still in hospital?
Yes, please contact our team to discuss. An arrangement will need to be made for someone to accept the delivery and payment will need to be made by credit card in advance.
Can the meals be puréed?
Yes. Heat the meal as per the instructions, then we suggest puréeing the vegetables separately from the protein component to retain the variety of flavours.
I receive Support at Home funding - can TLC meals be covered?
Yes. If you are an approved Support at Home participant, your government-funded budget can cover the cost of meal preparation and delivery. You pay a small co-contribution for the ingredient cost - depending on your meal choice, this is $4.83, $5.17, or $5.34 for our premium specialty selection. Please speak with your Support at Home provider or contact our team on 1800 801 200 for more information.
I receive NDIS funding - can TLC meals be covered?
Yes. If you are an approved NDIS participant, your plan may cover the cost of meal preparation and delivery. You pay a small co-payment for the ingredient cost — depending on your meal choice, this is $2.75, $2.92, or $3.00 for our premium specialty selection. Ask your Support Coordinator to authorise Tender Loving Cuisine meals as part of your approved services, or contact our dedicated NDIS team on 1800 801 200 or at ndis@tlcmeals.com.au
What do the Meal Icons stand for?
 | laboratory tested with no gluten detected to 5 parts per million (industry standard). |
 | contains no milk or dairy products. |
| meet specific dietary requirements for individuals with dental issues. It is based on the NSW Government (ACI) advice on Texture Modified Diets (updated February 2025), which specifies foods that are soft, tender, and easy to chew with minimal biting required. |
| suitable for vegetarians. May contain dairy or egg products. |