The Flower Farm – a plant-based, palm oil free margarine alternative

Just because a margarine can proudly declare itself to be 100% vegetable-based doesn't mean that it's good for the environment, good for you or that it is vegan-friendly.

For example, did you know that many traditional vegetable margarines include up to 50% palm oil? And palm oil is one of the world's biggest causes of rainforest deforestation and habitat and wildlife loss.

Unfortunately something in the order of 85% of palm oil is produced unsustainably, with millions of hectares of rainforest in Asia being systematically burned away to make way for oil palm plantations.

Deforestation accounts for 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions and is a major contributor to global warming.

This is not only devastating for the environment, but is also the leading cause of orangutan extinction, with up to 5,000 orangutans killed each year in palm oil concessions. This is simply not sustainable.

That isn’t the case for The Flower Farm.

Unlike traditional margarines, The Flower Farm spread swaps palm oil for shea butter, a sustainable alternative extracted from the nuts of the Karité tree, 2 billion of which grow naturally in the African Savannah, with no deforestation required.

Eat plants, not palm!

Free from palm-oil, gluten, lactose, and cow’s milk protein, The Flower Farm is an absolutely delicious, vegan spread made using shea butter, sunflower oil, lemon juice and carrot juice, with a pinch of sea salt and vitamins A and D.

You'll find it stocked at Sainsbury’s at a RRP of £2.95 for a 450g tub.

An ideal way to ease yourself into Veganuary. 

You can learn more about Flower Farm spread here https://theflowerfarm.world

New Delicious Spreads from Bonne Maman

It's always a good day when Bonne Maman announces new products! 

Complementing their delectable Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, these new Bonne Maman products form a sophisticated new range of delicious spreads from the top specialist French conserve brand. 

Carefully crafted using only simple ingredients and thankfully containing no palm oil, each of the flavours can instantly transform an everyday snack, -maybe a plain brioche or a shortbread or digestive biscuit, -into an absolutely indulgent, special moment all of one's own.

Inspired by the French Orangettes (candied orange peel) new, smooth and indulgent Chocolate & Orange Spread is made with 39% crushed oranges and orange zest stirred into melted dark chocolate and, as we say, contains no palm oil. 

The tart citrus contrast of the bitter orange flavour with the deep, dark chocolate means the Chocolate & Orange Spread can be delightful spread onto a shortbread biscuit or a slice of madeira cake for a delectable little treat. (Or on some freshly baked French sticks?)

Only made with 80% apple plus fresh butter and no palm oil, new Caramelised Apple Spread is like a classic homemade French 'tarte tatin' in a jar – deliciously rich and buttery in texture with a deeply satisfying apple taste and scent of an Autumn orchard. Caramelised Apple Spread pairs beautifully with toasted fingers of brioche and makes a perfect, indulgent snack for the afternoon when topping crumpets, pikelets and fruity tea cakes or malt loaves. 

Presented in striking glass jars complete with the iconic Bonne Maman red gingham lid, the new spreads are available nationwide from mid-October, sitting alongside Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread at Sainsbury's, Waitrose & Partners, Morrisons and ASDA nationwide plus Ocado.com. Chocolate & Orange Spread can also be found at the Co-op. Caramelised Apple Spread 275g jar and Chocolate & Orange Spread 275g jar both at £2.90 rrp.

Once opened, both new spreads should be refrigerated and consumed within three weeks. Both products are made with simple ingredients, contain no palm-oil, are suitable for vegetarians and the packaging can be widely recycled.

(If they last three days in our home, I'd be shocked, to be honest, let alone three weeks!)

FACTFILE: For further information, tips and recipes see www.bonnemaman.co.uk.