B'liev launches new plant-based protein shake in three interesting flavours with 20g of protein

B’liev is a new completely plant-based protein shake that is now available in three interesting and utterly delicious flavours. Each flavour boasts a fairly hefty 20g of protein.

Many other brands of protein drinks have fallen into the trap of offering the three standard flavours. Chocolate,  vanilla, or strawberry. Don't get me wrong, those can be nice flavours but perhaps they are somewhat samey and a bit of a bore? When drinking the same flavours day after day, that can become something of a chore. Something to be endured rather than enjoyed. And that's a shame. 

But B’liev is designed to be utterly different. And utterly enjoyable. Their team of experts has taken the bold and bright decision to introduce three delicious flavours: Blueberry Muffin, Cookies & Cream and Chocolate Brownie and all are crammed with vital protein to enhance and support a flexitarian or fully plant-based lifestyle.

Developed in the UK and prepared in the EU, each 330ml bottle is high in fibre, contains 100% recommended daily intake of calcium and vitamins D3, B5, B6 and B12, is importantly low in sugar (ideal if like me you are a diabetic, and contains 20g of pure plant-based protein from a mix of Fava Bean, Pumpkin Seed and Pea Protein Isolate.  So it's 100% plant-based and therefor is simple for the body to digest and utilise.

Today’s active and health-conscious consumers are seeking out drinks that deliver the nutrients they need without any unpleasant additives.

Ever conscious of this desire,  B’liev aims to delivers a protein shake that tastes wonderful, gives you 20g of protein and is also boosted and fortified with extra vitamins and minerals, and all without any added sugar. It's also 100% natural with no nasties and nothing artificial.

Aria Beheshtaein, founder of B’liev said: “B’liev is designed to support our busy lifestyles and recognizes that it is not always easy to get all the nutrients we need into our diet each day. B’liev is 100% natural and can be consumed any time of day, safe in the knowledge you are getting a flavourful burst of goodness with your hydration.”

Aria added: “B’liev is inspired by the belief we are all capable of so much, we just need to believe in ourselves. We all face different challenges, some harder than others, but the most important element is the belief we have within ourselves to go the extra mile and work harder for what we want to achieve. I want B’liev to inspire people to aim for whatever they want in life and to live their best life.”

Each bottle is packed full of healthy ingredients to support your plant-based lifestyle, your workouts, and your taste buds. It's also pretty good for those of us who aren't following a vegan lifestyle, but who know a good thing when we see or taste it!

Cookies and Cream protein shake

It's thick, creamy and utterly indulgent, B’liev Cookies & Cream plant-shake makes a creamy high protein drink and is a perfect alternative to milk-based drinks. Drink on-the-go between meals, for additional protein with a deliciously great cookies and cream taste, all with low sugar and high fibre. With 20g of plant protein power from four different sources (fava bean, flax seed, pumpkin seed and Pea)

Nutritional Information (Per 330ml bottle)

Energy 620kj (184kcals); Fat 4.4g (of which saturates 0.3g); Carbohydrates 20.6g (of which sugars 8.0g); Protein 20.2g; Fibre 11.6g; Salt 0.48g; Niacin 16mg (100% NRV); Pantothenic acid 6mg (100% NRV); Vitamin B6 1.4mg (100% NRV); Vitamin B12 2.5μg (100% NRV); Vitamin D3 5μg (100% NRV); Calcium 120mg (15% NRV)

Ingredients

Water, Vegetable protein blend (Fava bean, Pumpkin seed, Pea protein isolate) (74%), Oligofructose syrup (from chicory root), Date nectar, MCT powder (from coconut), Flax seed, Natural flavouring, Emulsifier: Sunflower lecithin, Stabiliser: Guar gum, Salt, Vitamins and Minerals: Calcium, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, B6, B12, D3

Blueberry Muffin protein shake

A blueberry muffin plant-shake offers a dessert and drink all in one, packed with 20 grams of plant-protein, high fibre from chicory root and is low in sugar. The blueberry muffin plant-shake is high in antioxidants, low in calories but most importantly high in flavour, too.

Nutritional Information (Per 330ml bottle)

Energy 634kj (186kcals); Fat 4.4g (of which saturates 0.3g); Carbohydrates 20.9g (of which sugars 7.5g); Protein 20.2g; Fibre 11.7g; Salt 0.52g; Niacin 16mg (100% NRV); Pantothenic acid 6mg (100% NRV); Vitamin B6 1.4mg (100% NRV); Vitamin B12 2.5μg (100% NRV); Vitamin D3 5μg (100% NRV); Calcium 120mg (15% NRV)

Ingredients

Water, Vegetable protein blend (Fava bean, Pumpkin seed, Pea protein isolate) (74%), Oligofructose syrup (from chicory root), Date nectar, MCT powder (from coconut), Flax seed, Natural flavouring, Emulsifier: Sunflower lecithin, Stabiliser: Guar gum, Salt, Vitamins and Minerals: Calcium, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, B6, B12, D3

Chocolate Brownie protein shake

Each day will be a brownie day with this deliciously creamy brownie plant-shake! Great for drinking on the go or perhaps if you are on your way to work, or to get your daily intake of vitamin B6, B12 and D3 plus an additional 20 grams of plant protein power which can contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue throughout the day!

Nutritional Information (Per 330ml bottle)

Energy 702kj (202kcals); Fat 5.9g (of which saturates 0.4g); Carbohydrates 21.2g (of which sugars 7.8g); Protein 20.7g; Fibre 11.9g; Salt 0.52g; Niacin 16mg (100% NRV); Pantothenic acid 6mg (100% NRV); Vitamin B6 1.4mg (100% NRV); Vitamin B12 2.5μg (100% NRV); Vitamin D3 5μg (100% NRV); Calcium 120mg (15% NRV)

Ingredients

Water, Vegetable protein blend (Fava bean, Pumpkin seed, Pea protein isolate) (74%), Oligofructose syrup (from chicory root), Date nectar, MCT powder (from coconut), Flax seed, Natural flavouring, Emulsifier: Sunflower lecithin, Stabiliser: Guar gum, Salt, Vitamins and Minerals: Calcium, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, B6, B12, D3

B’liev is now available from  independent health food stores, gyms, or direct from https://bliev.com.

 

That's Christmas: The best advent calendar ever!

That's Christmas: The best advent calendar ever!: Hoppy Holidays! The Bier Company has released a gigantic advent calendar that is stuffed full of craft beer and is a whopping 90 cm tall! (F...

Bier Company launches Football-Themed Beer Box for 2022 the World Cup

To help you celebrate the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Bier Company has released its latest limited-edition beer box with all that football fans need to enjoy the footie, including 32 delicious craft beers. That's one for each nation, knock-out drinking game, and 22 tricky trivia questions.

Football fans can kick-off the 2022 FIFA World Cup in style with Bier Company's spectacular Craft Beer World Cup Box, jam-packed with 32 thirst-quenching beers from award-winning craft breweries across the world. 

Available to purchase online now, Bier Company has designed every last detail of the pitch-shaped box to delight beer and footie fans, making sure 2022’s World Cup will be one to remember.

The beer and snack experts have once again hit the ball in the back of the net with their latest box set, packed with everything footie-lovers need, whether they are cheering on Gareth Southgate’s England squad or backing teams from across the world in the Qatar competition. Bier Company is even offering an early bird £50 off deal the first 3,000 boxes sold at just £99.95 (RRP £149.95).

A refreshing team of the finest craft beers, the box set includes mixed beer styles for authentic flavour including IPAs, Pale ales, and lagers. Each beer has been specially designed and themed based on the flag colours and culture of the corresponding nation, giving beer-lovers a real treat as they open each nation’s door and get to experience flavours from around the world. 

The box comes complete with a knockout elimination beer World Cup game. When a country is eliminated, drink the beer of that nation and on the back of its door is an ‘eliminated’ sign. Experience the variety of beers on offer as more teams are knocked out, saving the champion until last. Plus test your football trivia knowledge with a 22-question quiz.

Bier Company has even devised an EPP (Emergency P*ss Up Policy) for customers who get carried away with the return of the most prestigious football tournament and ‘accidently’ guzzle their beers early - reorder all the beers included for a huge discount.

 Bier Company Co-Founder Stefan White says: “At Bier Company we are HUGE football fans, and we are beyond excited to see the World Cup return.

“We have spent months designing the ultimate World Cup beer box with everything you need to enjoy the World Cup in style.

“We carefully selected 32 fantastic beers from our favourite award-winning craft breweries to represent each nation competing to give you the very best beers to watch the match with.” 

Bier Company is an online shop stocking the finest independent craft beers from breweries worldwide including new and exclusive brews, paired with its signature own-brand Bier Nuts and Bier Crisps.

The Craft Beer World Cup Box is available to purchase now from Bier Company’s website. https://biercompany.co.uk/ 

Larkids By Bulow. Organic delights and delicious

It was 15 years in the making, Danish confectionery brand LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW has unveiled its super premium organic range, SLOW CRAFTED.

Continuing to push the boundaries of gourmet chocolate coated liquorice creations, the deliciously SLOW CRAFTED range is carefully slow-cooked to create a rich caramel-like texture, and is available in three delicious flavours; Mango Vanilla, Caramel Date, and Dark Truffle. The luxury range comes in recycled glass packaging designed for reuse. 

Please see further information below on the SLOW CRAFTED range available to purchase on lakridsbybulow.co.uk. 

I asked two members of our tasting team to taste this confectionary and they both declared that these were amongst some of the best chocolates that they had ever tasted.

I also tasted them myself and found myself in full agreement with them. My wife was excused duties, as she is allergic to chocolate! 

Although we are running this review as part of Organic September, we quickly realised that this will be a wonderful purchase for Christmas as gifts and for your Christmas goodies cupboard!  

LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW invites you to experience a luxury indulgence of extraordinary flavours and textures with the SLOW CRAFTED range, sold in recyclable and reusable glass jars and available to purchase from July 7 at lakridsbybulow.com (RRP: £27.00) and select retailers.

A permanent addition to the LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW portfolio, the SLOW CRAFTED collection is based on the original recipe founder Johan Bülow cooked when the confectionery brand was first founded, in Bornholm, 2007. Bülow had a dream of re-inventing liquorice and spent an entire year, tucked away in his mother’s kitchen, trying to perfect the ultimate recipe and elevate the sweet into a gourmet experience.

Bülow’s SLOW CRAFTED liquorice is gently cooked in an open batch for four hours, rested for 24 hours, and then kneaded by hand to create a rich caramel-like texture. It is because of the long, slow, and delicate way in which the liquorice is made that the collection was named: SLOW CRAFTED. Using only the finest, carefully sourced organic ingredients, SLOW CRAFTED captures the authentic taste of LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW for an unrivalled taste experience, loved by true liquorice connoisseurs.

With sustainability front of mind at each stage of production, LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW proudly presents the SLOW CRAFTED range in premium, recycled glass packaging. A first of its kind for LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW, the glass jars have been designed for reuse; when you’re done with the products, simply remove the labels with warm water and cleanse them in the dishwasher or soak in warm water before reusing it for just about anything – the lids close tight, so you can bring your daily juice, smoothie or iced coffee on the go, or use them to store your homemade granola, pulses and more. The glass jars even have functional measurements engraved, so you know just how to mix your kitchen creations. 

Not only is the SLOW CRAFTED range packed sustainably, the organic ingredient of cocoa is ethically sourced via the Cocoa Horizons program. Still producing all liquorice products in Copenhagen, the LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW factory continues to run on 100% green energy, produced by Danish windmills.

With the launch of its global #ShareItWithAHater campaign in 2021, LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW continues its mission to make the world love liquorice, introducing the unrivalled SLOW CRAFTED range to capture the true potential of the unique ingredient of liquorice. Spreading the joy of the Nordic flavour around the world, LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW has landed in prestigious UK stores including Selfridges, Harrods, Fenwick and Harvey Nichols.

https://lakridsbybulow.co.uk/all-products/

https://www.instagram.com/lakridsbybulow/

Nairn's Oatcakes organic and very tasty

As part of our celebration of Organic September, That's Food and Drink is taking a look at Nairn's organic oatcakes. Which are also gluten free, too.

To my mind, Nairn's have been the accepted kings of Scottish oatcakes for many years and they are now becoming justifiably famous for their organic Scottish oatcakes.

They are tasty, good for the environment and 100% natural. 

They are made from certified organic wholegrain oats and are also very modest in price, too.

So, what is available?

Nairn's, Organic Scottish Oatcakes, £1.10, at Sainsbury's.

I believe that they are very good for you, because they have added organic oat bran, so they are even higher in fibre, are perfect for vegans and are guaranteed to be free of artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. 

They are simple and utterly tasty. They are perfect for any topping, savoury or sweet. I actually like to nibble them with no toppings. Is that just me? 

Nairn's, Super Seeded Organic Oatcakes, £1.40, Sainsbury's

Wow! These are my favourites! The super seeded Organic Oatcakes are a mix of delicious flax, sunflower and chia seeds which are all a great natural source of protein and rich in omegas 3 & 6. They are deliciously crunchy and are ideal with any topping, or can also be used with any dips or hummus. Or cream cheese. My favourite idea, as it happens.

Incidentally, you really do need to get Nairn's Oatcakes in for your Christmas feasting. 

Soko Patisserie Launches a Halloween Chocolate Collection, by Michelin Star Chef Andreas Antona & Bharat Chandegra

Soko, the Birmingham-based chocolaterie and patisserie supported by Michelin-starred chef Andreas Antona and headed up by Bake Off: The Professionals finalist Bharat Chandegra, has launched a new range of artisan chocolates for spooky parties and trick-or- treating fun.

Finest ingredients

As much an artform as a culinary creation, each chocolate is handmade and takes three days to produce.  The moulds are carefully crafted and painted with the finest cocoa butter before the product is painstakingly layered, the silky-smooth chocolate complemented by sumptuous fillings sourced with equal care and passion. 

Following the launch of the debut range, Bharat and Andreas have plenty of ideas for future selections.

“We're delighted to be launching a selection of enrobed in all-milk chocolate, a Christmas bonbon range with the option to add Champagne, and a limited-edition festive hamper,” said Bharat.  

Soko's Halloween Bonbon Selection, Available Now for Nationwide Delivery

Soko's artisan bonbon selection features six contemporary flavours and is available in boxes of 12 (£16) or 24 (£28)

Peanut Butter & Blackcurrant Jelly, With a Ghost Design 

This is a classic American pairing that is bound to be popular during Halloween. The chocolate brings together peanut butter, with a homemade peanut praline and a layer of blackcurrant jelly to help cut through the sweetness - all enrobed in milk chocolate. 

Pumpkin Cheesecake with a Gory Design

A surprisingly delicious combination of pumpkin purée, pumpkin and cream cheese ganache with a digestive biscuit base. This playful combination brings out the sweetness of pumpkin with hints of vanilla and a white chocolate casing. 

Toffee Apple & Popping Candy

Has the eye-catching colours associated with apple bobbing often played at Halloween. The chocolate is made using caramelised apple to create a purée, then added to apple ganache and a layer of white chocolate mixed with popping candy to surprise and delight all ages. 

Raw Materials

The team has been careful to obtain their chocolate from a reputable and trusted source. Cacao Barry prides itself on using only the highest-grade beans, produced sustainably, and is aiming to be deforestation-free and carbon positive by 2025. 

A Perfect Gift

Developed from exclusive recipes to the highest of standards, the chocolates make a luxurious gift - the perfect present for any discerning friend or family member who appreciates the finer things in life. 

For special occasions, corporate, retail or hospitality orders, Andreas and Bharat can create bespoke chocolates, tailored to a customer's specific requirements.

To discuss the options or order a selection, visit www.sokopatisserie.co.uk.

Christmas Collections

New Soko collections include a Christmas chocolate bon bon range and Christmas Hampers.

www.sokopatisserie.co.uk.

Nationwide UK Chocolate Delivery

Orders placed before 12noon are dispatched the next working day. Please allow 2 days for delivery. Please be advised any orders placed on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday (before 12noon) will be dispatched on Monday.

Soko Patisserie, Birmingham Collection Address: 

SOKO Patisserie, Unit 14, Radway Road, Solihull, Shirley, B90 4NR.

Top Vegan & Gluten-Free Brand Positive Bakes Launches Across All London Whole Foods Stores

Top vegan and gluten-free e-commerce brand Positive Bakes is genuinely thrilled to announce it has launched a range of delicious gluten-free and vegan bakes in all Whole Foods Market stores across the  London region.

This is the first retail outlet to stock products by the award-winning, family-owned brand, since its launch in early 2020.

Positive Bakes was begun by husband and wife team Aatin and Helen Anadkat, after they learned that  their son had a dairy allergy. 

Their mission was to produce the most delicious free-from, natural and handmade products available in the UK, whilst also having the least impact on our environment.

Currently available at all seven of the Whole Foods stores across London are a range of Positive Bakes products including seasonal pumpkin pie, pecan pie, apple pie, and a range of delicious loaf cakes including carrot cake and chocolate cake, plus the brand's best-selling brownies and blondies. All Positive Bakes products are packed in 100% plastic free packaging.

Positive Bakes co-founder Aatin Anadkat BEM said: “We are thrilled to see our products on the shelves of Whole Foods. Taking our brand to the premium retail market gas always been a part of our master plan, and to have Whole Foods to become our first retail brand partner to stock us, is a huge achievement.

"It took us many months of hard work and new product development by our awesome team, and we are really pleased with the results we have achieved. It's a great step forward for us as we continue to expand our brand.”

Positive Bakes products are free from dairy, gluten, soya, eggs, palm oil, preservatives, flavourings, yeast and GMOs and produced in the brand's dedicated and fully energy-efficient bakery in Leicester and delivered in plastic-free compostable packaging.

Aatin added: “Positive Bakes is a truly purpose-led brand. We take our commitment to sustainability and the planet very seriously and have done since our inception in 2020. Sustainability is at the core of everything we do, from our energy efficient bakery to our ingredients and compostable packaging.”

To learn more please visit www.positivebakes.com.

Women loses 30kg in 9 months with a ‘miracle’ lifestyle change!

Doli Hiralal, 36 is a banker from North West London. She no longer enjoyed dressing up and always found  excuses to avoid social events.

She had a consultation with her doctor which highlighted her high blood sugar levels, and she realised immediately that she needed to enact a drastic change to her diet to get her health back on track.

 Speaking exclusively to plant-based drinks brand, Plenish (https://www.plenishdrinks.com) Doli reveals how changing her lifestyle habits has made her feel the best she ever felt in her life.

Describing her pre-diet as extremely carb-heavy, Doli had a couple of key factors that made her reconsider her diet and overall wellbeing. 

“Pre my body transformation I had a very carb-heavy diet. I would typically eat whatever I felt like with little knowledge of Macro contents. I would also rely on a lot of takeouts and easy meals. I had a lot of snacks, sweets, chocolates, and socially drank alcohol.”

She went on to say: “A couple of key factors made me reconsider my diet and that of my overall wellbeing. All my clothes were becoming tight, I no longer enjoyed dressing up, and would find myself making excuses to avoid social events.

"My NHS doctor had also pointed out my blood sugar levels were high which was putting me at risk of  developing diabetes (and we have a family history of this which did, of course, cause me concern). I’d tried a number of fad diets which hadn’t really benefited me. 

I ended up on a body transformation coach’s Instagram and booked a call. 24 hrs later, I’d signed up! 9 months later 30kg down! Best decision I’ve made in my life! And I’ve sustained it!”

Doli was already leading a vegetarian lifestyle and she knew Plant-based was the best option for her, based on how her body reacted.

“I was already a veggie and plant based in the main.. Working with my body transformation coach made this easier for me as all my meal preps were pre-planned. As the months progressed I grew an interest in food types, macros, and what suited me and my gut, best. As I said, I knew plant based was best for me, based on how my body reacted.” 

Changing your lifestyle habits can be a challenging process, but Doli was lucky enough to have her friends and family supporting her on every step of the way. 

”The most challenging part was sticking to a plan, and actually having to make adjustments to socials. I still went but made different choices with food and drink. It was hard to explain to people what I was doing and why I was doing it, but I am truly blessed to have some fantastic people around me who understood and helped me!”

“Positively, I feel the best I have ever felt! I’m more confident and more aware. I have more energy, I’m calmer and happier. It took me a solid year to drop the weight, and then to ustain it, but I believe in learning and growing everyday, so my habits are evolving as I learn more. It’s fantastic to see that my changes have had a ripple effect on those close to me, also taking their health and well-being in their hands!”

Finding the time to prepare fresh, healthy meals can be a difficult task after a long working day, but Doli made sure she planned her meals prior, stopping her from any unhealthy temptations. 

“Being healthy can be expensive at times. What’s worked for me is planning and batch cooking some of my meals. Not only do I save financially but it keeps me on track and ensures I’m not tempted to make poor decisions when I’m tired after a long day at work!”

“I want to feel good and I want to be in control of my health. Eating well, and training helps me feel good.”

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