Nutrigums

Nutrigums are declared to be "the softer side of nutrition" and we can definitely confirm that!

My wife tested the Premium Series Mind Rescue Bears Gummy Bears that have zero added sugar.

She felt that the pineapple flavour was "obviously natural and tasted nice."

What pleased her more was the fact that the Rescue Bears are guaranteed to be suitable to be suitable for vegetarians and vegans, as she doesn't like the fact that some gummy nutrition products can, sometimes, contain beef gelatine. Which Nutrigums are guaranteed to not contain. 

She is a health professional and felt confident enough in saying that she was sure that the Rescue Bears were really benefiting here.

What's in them? "Green Tea, Taurine, Glycine, Iodine, Chamomile and Lemon Balm with Vitamin B3, B6, B12, Folic Acid and Biotin which all contribute to normal psychological function.  In addition, we have added Vitamin B5 which contributes to our normal mental performance. Fibre & Fruit pectin based with no added sugars. Suitable for Halal and Kosher. Developed to support Mind & Mood. Suitable for Adults & Children Age 5+ Years."

To learn more or to order visit https://www.nutrigums.co.uk.

The normal price is £19.99 for a 60 tablet bottle, but the current price is £16.99.

Check out their other products on their website.

 

Mineralise your water with Wassen

You are living your life in the fast lane and perhaps trying to be vegan, especially during veganuary, and you really do need to make sure that you are being properly feed and that your nutrition is as good as it should be.

And you really need to make sure that you are properly hydrated, too. With Wassen you get all the hydration that you require and much, much more besides, too.

What does Wassen do? It enables you to boost up the mineral content of your own tap water. Each mineralise sachet is packed full of what ever minerals you need for your particular requirements.

You need to hydrate and replenish? Then Wassen can help you to do exactly this. Their Hydrate and Replenish product will help you to give you morning a great start. It has magnesium, zinc and chromium to work with your electrolytic balance and your metabolism and selenium and vitamin C to boost your immune system. Ideal with the cold and flu season that is upon us! It also has spirulina and extract of green tea.

Or perhaps you need some help with your energy and cognition? Then Wassen has exactly what you need. For energy release there is magnesium and vitamin C, for boosted cognitive functions there is Zinc and Iodine and to help with your blood sugar levels there is Chromium. Plus there's Maca Powder and Green Tea Extract. All together these will banish your afternoon slump.

At night after a hard day of working (the factory, the office, housework, children, etc) you might require something to help you relax and unwind.

Help your nervous system with iodine and copper, to help with your psychological function there is magnesium and to help boost your relaxation there is lemon balm.

There's a nifty black cherry and chamomile and lemon balm powder, plus a premium nutrients blend.

The great thing is that they'll be ideal for vegans and vegetarians as they contain no dairy and no lactose, plus people who are coeliacs because they are guaranteed to be gluten free and vegan friendly.  

There are no artificial colours, no preservatives and no artificial flavours, no bulking agents such as talc, iron oxides or titanium dioxide. Also all nutrients are premium sourced.

Learn more here https://www.wassen.com.

Ginsters serve up slices of meat-free pastry tastiness for Veganuary

Two iconic British flavours, new Cauliflower Cheese and, back by popular demand, Creamy Garlic Mushroom

With 7.2m million of us Brits now following meat-free diets, and 620 million taking part in Veganuary 2022 around the world, Ginsters is bringing two new flavour-packed plant-based slices to supermarket shelves: Ginsters Cauliflower Cheese Slice and Ginsters Vegan Creamy Garlic Mushroom Slice, both just £1.65 RRP each.

Lovingly created by Ginsters chefs to provide a satisfying and convenient meat-free lunch, both slices have been launched to help Brits who have made meat-free new year’s resolutions, or who are simply fans of a warming pastry packed full of flavour.

Perfect for cheese-lovers, the brand new winter classic Cauliflower Cheese, combines cauliflower florets with a creamy West-Country Cheddar cheese and onion sauce, with a hint of nutmeg, wrapped in golden flaky puff pastry and topped with a mature cheddar and black onion seed crumb. 

What’s more, the Creamy Garlic Mushroom slice was a vegan sensation when it launched last year as a Limited Edition flavour and is now returning to shelves due to popular demand. Featuring golden, light puff pastry and a filling of sliced white and chestnut mushrooms in a creamy coconut milk and white wine sauce, including roasted garlic, potato, onion, herbs, and a hint of lemon zest.

Costing under £2 each, both slices also make a wallet-friendly lunch, and are best enjoyed hot.

Sarah Babb from Ginsters said: “January can be a tough month with post-festive blues settling in and wallets feeling even tighter than usual, so we wanted to launch a couple of delicious slices which are warming, satisfying, and made with British ingredients. Both the Cauliflower Cheese and Creamy Garlic Mushroom slices make a tasty, quick and fulfilling lunch – especially once warmed in the oven or air fryer on those nippy winter days”.

Meat-free doesn’t need to equal ‘taste-less' or ‘cost-more' this January. Both the Ginsters Cauliflower Cheese Slice and Creamy Garlic Mushroom Slice will be available to purchase from supermarkets nationwide from 2nd January 2023.

 The Ginsters Cauliflower Cheese slice will be available to purchase from Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, and Sainsburys from 2nd January 2023. The Ginsters Vegan Creamy Garlic Mushroom Slice will be available at Tesco from 2nd January 2023.

Heinz introduce new plant-based varieties for Veganuary

Heinz has launched its first plant-based versions of its iconic Cream of Tomato Soup and Beanz and Sausages, just in time for Veganuary!

Foodie favourites for well over 100 years, the brand-new Heinz Creamy Tomato Soup and Heinz Beanz and Vegan Sausages offer the iconic Heinz taste, but they are now also plant based, too!

The new varieties are already available to buy from Ocado, followed by Sainsbury’s from 8th January.

Not only are they warming, delicious and comforting, they are also vegan, too! 

The new Heinz Creamy Tomato Soup and Heinz Beanz and Vegan Sausages are ideal for all flexitarian and plant-based eaters as the winter nights draw in, and of course, for all those taking on the challenge of Veganuary 2023.

Packed with the taste of Heinz that we all admire, know and love, the plant-based take on two much loved classics comes after numerous Heinz fans called for Heinz to make vegan versions of its favourites over the last several years.

Announcing the launch, Manel Jordao, who is the Brand Manager at Heinz, said: “Since 1869, Heinz have been at the heart of food innovation and our founder, Henry J. Heinz, was truly one of the first plant-based food pioneers. Not only did he develop some of his first products from ingredients grown in his mother’s own garden, iconic products like Heinz Tomato Ketchup and Heinz Beanz have always been plant-based from the very beginning.

“And now, over 150 years later, we’re continuing to honour Henry’s legacy by finding new ways to bring some of our most loved classic varieties, including Heinz Cream of Tomato Soup and Heinz Beanz and Sausages, to the table. 

“Our incredibly exciting (and also incredibly delicious) Heinz plant-based innovations have been several years in the making to provide giving the iconic taste of Heinz, but now plant-based! We’re sorry it’s been such a long time coming but trust us when we say they’ve been well worth the wait. And just in time for Veganuary too!”

Commenting on the announcement, Dr. Toni Vernelli, International Head of Communications and Marketing at the charity Veganuary, said: “This is SUCH exciting news! These products are British staples and our participants have consistently told us they would love vegan versions so it’s wonderful to see Heinz responding to this growing demand for plant-based options. 

“Veganuary’s role is to help people choose plant-based foods, whether their motivation is health, planet, people or animals. And our job is made much easier when people can simply choose vegan versions of their favourite foods. Thank you, Heinz!”

Both recipes make up one of your five a day, have no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives and are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

NEW Heinz Creamy Tomato Soup (RRP £1.70) and Heinz Beanz and Vegan Sausages (RRP £2) are available to buy from Ocado from 28th December 2022 and Sainsbury’s from 8th January 2023.

Thatchers 2023 Community Orchard Project Is Open for Applications for trees

Somerset cider maker Thatchers is opening applications for its 2023 Community Orchard project today, 4th January 2023.

In the third  year of the project, the fourth-generation cider maker has increased the number of apple trees it has to give away, with 500 available to community groups up and down the country.

The project aims to encourage tree planting in both inner city and rural communities by community groups and charities.

Groups can apply to be considered for a bundle of 5 apple trees each by visiting www.thatcherscider.co.uk/thatchers-community-orchard.

Applicants will be asked to fill in a simple form, with details of their community group, describing how the trees will be of benefit to them. Applications close on 3rd February 2023.

“Planting trees means so much to us as cider makers, and we want to spread our passion far and wide,” says fourth generation cider maker Martin Thatcher, who planted his first apple tree aged five.

“We all know planting trees helps the environment and supports biodiversity, but being out in nature is so good for our wellbeing, too. Over the last two years our project has been able to help residential groups rewild their local communities; provide schools with trees for their pupils to learn from; and help care homes create peaceful havens for their residents.

“We're looking forward to hearing from community groups again this year, 2023 and help spread our love of apple trees far and wide.”

In 2022, Thatchers were able to give away 350 apple trees, to over 50 organisations from all across the UK, doubling the number it was able to support in the project's first year.

Thatchers is once again looking for groups, large or small, schools, care homes, communities, who believe they would benefit from growing apple trees, to take part in this project.

Thatchers orchard manager, Chris Muntz-Torres has chosen the varieties of apple trees to be donated to the groups very carefully.

Explains Chris: “We've carefully chosen varieties suited to easy growing and which require the minimum of upkeep in whatever parts of the country the recipients live.” explains Chris.

He added: “Varieties will include Bramley, Scrumptious, Dabinett and Katy, that could be pressed into juice, or of course enjoyed as eating or cooking apples, too. We'll provide stakes, guards and ties to assist in planting, plus detailed instructions on how to plant a tree.”

Love is in the Air at Mandira's Kitchen for Valentine's Day

Evenings are still dark and there is nothing more romantic than a cosy night in! What is unromantic is spending all your time in the kitchen, so Mandira's Kitchen are determined to keep romance alive – and spicy without time out in preparation. 

Mandira's Kitchen have put together a romantic Indian meal for two that can be delivered frozen to any UK Mainland address.  It can be heated from frozen in just 4 minutes so there is no need to waste ages in the kitchen. Every menu comes with a Bollywood playlist, a Kama Sutra sheet and a movie suggestion.

Bringing some spice to Valentine's Day, Mandira's Kitchen have prepared a set menu which includes: - Classic Meat dishes or Vegetarian or Vegan options with crispy samosas and pakoras and a selection of dishes cooked with love.  

Gulabi Pulao (a fragrant basmati rice cooked with beetroot to give it a delicate pink hue). Shah Jehani Dal (from the dining table of Emperor Shah Jehan, a mix of lentils and spices cooked with coconut milk) with sweeting endings of Gajar Halwa – a mouth-watering carrot pudding, Masala Chai and Chilli Chocolates.

Mandira Sarkar, owner and founder of Mandira's Kitchen is very keen to spread a little love at this special time of year with her delicious food and says:- “You cannot love well if you have not dined well goes the old saying. So, our Valentine's Day menu woos your eyes and your tastebuds.  Clearly all designed to recreate the perfect romantic meal at home.”

All items can be ordered online from https://www.mandiraskitchen.com/collections/valentines-day and either collected from Mandira's Kitchen at The Silent Pool Guildford or delivered to any UK Mainland address.  Special allergy and dietary requirements can be catered for by telephoning 01483 940798 in advance of placing your order.

Celebrate Veganuary With Delicious Vegan Breakfast Options Delivered Directly to Your Door

Homeowners can upgrade their breakfast routine this Veganuary with mouthwatering vegan brownies, creamy oat drinks, cold-pressed juices and real oaty porridge, all delivered direct to their door, single-use and plastic free, too!

How? This is all down to sustainable grocery delivery service, Modern Milkman, has highlighted its best vegan options, which are available for delivery right to doorsteps nationwide.

The typical breakfast fare often includes everything from eggs and pancakes to milky porridge and all the meaty trimmings of a classic English fry-up, which is limiting for those choosing who are following a vegan or flexitarian diet. 

To help make mornings a bit easier, but just as delicious this Veganuary, Modern Milkman - the 21st century’s answer to the traditional milkround - is showcasing its delicious range of vegan options, offering plant-based fans a convienient and eco-conscious breakfast choice - delivered directly to their doorsteps.

From velvety oat drinks and fresh fruit juice classics to real oaty porridge and indulgent dark chocolate brownies, the award-winning grocery delivery service has teamed up with independent British food brands in a sustainable effort to offer a plant-based selection of guilt-free, environmentally-friendly treats that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home.

Available to order from themodernmilkman.co.uk, the plant-based drinks are delivered in returnable glass bottles, which are collected, washed, and reused or in single-use plastic free, recyclable, or home-compostable packaging, offering a convenient way to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle and preserve our planet’s resources.

Oat Drink

Modern Milkman’s perfect oat drink comes from Oato, the original oat-based dairy alternative. For those seeking a dairy-free option without missing out on vital vitamins and minerals including; calcium, D3, B12. B2 and iodine, this deliciously creamy, sustainably dreamy oat drink works just like dairy milk. Whether it’s for your coffee, tea or cereal, it uses 100% British oats, providing an original milky texture for both new and experienced vegans as well as those who are lactose intolerant. Plus, it’s delivered in a reusable glass bottle! Who knew being sustainable could be so tasty?

Yockenthwaite real oaty porridge

The ultimate cosy comfort food, Yockenthwaite Farm real oaty wholegrain porridge, has a multitude of goodness. The freshly rolled oats have a high fibre layer and retained natural oils and flavours, which make them creamier than ever and a delectable start to the day! Packaged in home compostable, plastic-free packaging the real oaty porridge is perfectly paired with the oat drink.

Cold-pressed Fruit Juice Bundle

Packed with nutritious fruity flavours suitable for everybody’s lifestyle, the Flawsome Cold-pressed Fruit Juice Bundle comes in three mouthwatering flavours; apple and strawberry, apple and superberry and sweet and sour apple. These eco-friendly drinks not only arrive in returnable glass bottles but prevent fruits going to waste, with each wonderful bundle saving seven-and-a-half apples, 45 chokeberries and five strawberries from being wasted.

Vegan Dark Chocolate Brownies

For those with a sweet tooth who don’t want to give up their chocolate fix, the Modern Milkman and Grazed Brownies has the perfect vegan option, guarenteed to provide a very special treat for the tastebuds. These luxuriously decadent vegan dark chocolate brownies are available on the milkround,  which delivers up to three times every week. So, the chocaholics among us can devour these guilt-free, gooey brownies whilst taking care of the planet, as they’re delivered in eco-conscious paper packaging, with home compostable lining!  

Simon Mellin, who is the CEO and Founder at Modern Milkman, said: “We believe it’s vital everyone can enjoy sustainably sourced and eco-conscious products, no matter their lifestyle. Sustainable choices should be convenient and accessible to all – no matter your diet.”

For more information and to join the Modern Milkman milkround, visit: themodernmilkman.co.uk or sign-up via the Modern Milkman’s easy-to-use free app which is available on iOS or Android.

Will your cocktails be vegan too?

That's probably something you might not have thought of, but if you are taking the time and effort to make some tasty vegan meals, what about the drinks that will accompany then?

Well, here are some vegan cocktails you can make at home.

We are becoming increasingly conscious of what we are putting into our bodies and the impact the animal industry has on the environment. Veganism was once considered a niche fringe movement – herbivores had to scour health food stores for plant-based food. Now, there are more vegan food and drink products available than ever before.

Check out how you can serve up drinks to suit every taste while avoiding animal-based products.

Refreshing grapefruit paloma

Grapefruit can be an acquired taste, but in a cocktail, it is refreshing and light with a little fizz – perfect for summer. Mixing this drink also creates a beautiful light pink hue that looks brilliant in the sun. Similar to a margarita cocktail, the paloma is a popular drink in Mexico.

Ingredients:

45ml tequila

Fentimans soda water

60ml squeezed grapefruit juice

1 tablespoon sugar

Kosher salt

Cubed or crushed ice

Method:

Run a wedge of grapefruit around the rim of a margarita glass and then dip in salt. Fill the glass with ice to keep it cool.

Mix and stir the grapefruit juice with the sugar and then add the juice and tequila to a cocktail shaker filled half with ice. Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously.

Pour into the margarita glass and top off with Fentimans soda water to taste. Stir and garnish with a slice of grapefruit.

Strawberry lemonade

Full of fruity flavour with the perfect kick of alcohol, this cocktail might go down just a little bit too easily. The Fentimans Victorian Lemonade has the juice of one and a half lemons in each bottle and is botanically brewed for a unique kick – it is certainly more than just your typical lemonade, which makes this drink extra special.

Ingredients:

35ml berry vodka

Fentimans Victorian Lemonade

Dash of sugar syrup

2 strawberries, diced

Fresh mint

Method:

Muddle the strawberries in the sugar syrup. Then, add mint and vodka and stir.

Add ice and top up with Fentimans Victorian Lemonade. Garnish with mint and strawberries.

If you want to remove bits, shake all the ingredients apart from the lemonade in a cocktail shaker and strain into the glass.

Indian summer cup

Having a few people over? Impress them with this aromatic, sweet cocktail that they can help themselves to. Packed with many different flavours, this drink is sure to get the party started.

Ingredients:

1 litre bottle London dry gin

1 litre bottle of vegan-friendly sweet vermouth

240ml elderflower liqueur

240ml peach liqueur

710ml lemon syrup

460ml apple juice

1000ml chilled Fentimans tonic water

460ml chilled sparkling water

Ice

1 sliced green apple

2 sliced peaches

6 long and thin cucumber slices

30g torn mint leaves

Method:

In a large bowl, combine the gin, vermouth, elderflower, peach liqueurs, lemon syrup, and apple juice. Refrigerate for about four hours until it is chilled.

When chilled, stir in the tonic water and sparkling water.

Add ice and garnish with the apple, peaches, cucumber, and mint leaves.

Black cherry bourbon cola

Sweet, simple, and popular with everyone. It's well known that cola and cherries go well together. Just add bourbon and you've created the perfect summer drink for later in the day. The bonus is that if cola makes it that little bit too sweet for you, Fentimans Ginger Beer or soda water make for the ideal mixer to change up the flavours.

Ingredients:

30ml bourbon

15ml cherry brandy

3 black cherries, pitted

1/4 a lime, juiced (and a wedge to garnish with)

Chilled Fentimans Curiosity Cola

Ginger beer and soda water, optional

Method:

Muddle the cherries and then mix in a cocktail shaker with the cherries, bourbon, brandy, lime juice, and ice.

Strain the cocktail over a glass with ice in.

Top up with cola (and ginger beer and soda water, if desired, to taste) and serve with a wedge of lime.

Raspberry mojito

Everyone loves a mojito, and the best thing about this recipe is that you can simply change the fruit for different flavours. Easy to drink and very refreshing, this cocktail is one of the easiest to make.

Ingredients: 

60ml white rum 

Fentimans Soda Water 

5 raspberries 

1 lime, freshly squeezed 

1 tsp sugar 

Small handful of mint leaves 

Ice 

Method: 

Muddle the raspberries, mint, and sugar together in the juice that you have freshly squeezed from the lime.

Pour the cocktail over ice into a tall glass. 

Add the rum while stirring with a spoon. Top up with soda water to taste and serve with mint.

Celebrate summer right with our vegan cocktail recipes, using the finest mixers and tonic that complement the spirits and give them a kick of flavour.

To learn more about Fentimans visit https://www.fentimans.com.

Ramona falafel and humous are ideal for Veganuary and beyond

RAMONA's produces the most delicious and authentic falafel and houmous that make perfect dips, salad toppers or sandwich or wrap fillers during veganuary. 

For those taking on the challenge of veganuary, it’s easy to turn to unhealthy processed foods to get you through the month, but because RAMONA’S is so versatile it can provide a welcome snack, lunch or dinner choice to ensure veganuary is good for you as well as the planet. 

Be bold and colourful and the abundant this Veganuary with RAMONA’S, a delicious range of vegan-friendly products that are perfect for sharing and designed to be eaten joyously and plentifully with our favourite people. 

If you’re looking for something to bring flavour to mealtimes this Veganuary, then keep a pot of RAMONA’S Heavenly Houmous to hand. Perfect for easy lunches, as a snack with colourful veggies, or as a topping for salads, or pasta dishes, RAMONA’S Heavenly Houmous will be your easy go-to in your quest for a vegan lifestyle and perfect for sharing with friends and family, vegans and non-vegans alike.

Available in four tempting and delicious flavours: mighty Original, kicking Jalapeno, refreshing Red Pepper and tangy Beetroot. RAMONA’S Heavenly Houmous is made from the finest ingredients in great, big bountiful sizes to ensure the fullest and tastiest flavours to make your mealtimes with friends and family as delicious as possible. 

For a perfect companion, choose RAMONA’S Fabulous Falafel. Served as part of tasting plate, with a salad or stuffed into a wrap, these authentic Fabulous Falafels are a filling and wholesome choice. Tuck into RAMONA’S Fabulous Original Falafel available from Sainsburys and Ocado in the frozen and chilled section and Fabulous Spinach and Kale Falafel in Ocado in the frozen section (RRP £3.25).   

With RAMONA’s, Veganuary will be an utter breeze as you bombard your senses with delicious Mediterranean-inspired flavours that will make mealtimes shared with our favourite people both delicious and memorable.

RAMONA’S Heavenly Houmous is available from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Ocado and Costco, RRP £3.00 for a 500g tub. The RAMONA’S range is vegan and gluten free. 

For more information on RAMONA’S and recipe inspiration visit www.ramonaskitchen.com.

Boost your Vegan Meal Times with Seggiano

Wow! Last year over 629,000 people joined the Veganuary challenge, with many continuing their vegan journey beyond the 31 days.

If you want to really breeze through Veganuary, the key to success is to be armed with the most flavoursome dressings, drizzles and sauces to make mealtimes delicious, and to seek out some tasty treats to keep you on track.

With Seggiano’s range of vegan products, sourced directly from Italy, you can evolve every plate of food into a true taste sensation.

Whether you’re looking to add flavour to a simple vegetable or mushroom pasta dish, or playing around with tofu, seitan or vegan proteins, Seggiano’s selection of vegan pestos made using extra virgin olive oil and free from chemicals or pesticides, taste so good you won’t even notice the cheese is missing. 

Choose Raw Basil Pesto, Black Kale Pesto or Tomato Pesto as a simple stir-and-serve for pasta, added to dips, spread on wraps or sandwiches or used as a drizzle for pizza. 

And when you’re craving that flavour hit often associated with meat or dairy, Seggiano’s Organic Single-estate Semi Dried Herbs can provide that extra kick to totally elevate your vegan dish. Partially-cured in Italian rock salt using an innovative process that captures all of the fabulous aromatic flavours of fresh herbs, with all the convenience of long shelf-life dried herbs, these simple combos are the perfect side-kicks for mouth-watering meals. Choose from Italian Mix, Basil, Dill, Mint, Parsley, Oregano, Sage, Rosemary and Coriander to complement a range of dishes. 

Or, perhaps you’re venturing into Veganuary with a view to losing a few pounds along the way? The Seggiano range of Balsamic Glazes, will add sass to salads, raise the bar for roasted vegetable dishes and can even be used to cook up a thick and flavoursome healthy sauce that packs a powerful punch. For a hint of sweetness, the Organic Super Dense Balsamic Glaze is a kitchen staple, or for extra spice, use the Organic Super Dense Chilli Balsamic Glaze. Desperate for a dressing without the hefty calories? 

Try the Organic Super Dense Fig Balsamic Glaze or the Organic Super Dense Raspberry Balsamic Glaze. All four glazes will provide a flavour boost that can transform a simple dinner into a show-stopper.

Similarly, Seggiano’s selection of flavoured Organic Oils: Lemon, Basil, Chilli, Garlic and Mandarin are a great addition to a salad dressing or for drizzling over pasta dishes, using in bakes or as a stylish decoration before you plate up.

The most difficult thing about embarking on a new eating plan is missing those creature comforts. Perhaps it’s your morning toast with butter? Or that mid-arvo biscuit with your coffee? To help you on your quest to a vegan January, Seggiano’s Organic Smooth Dark Cacao Hazelnut Spreads are perfect for topping for toast or can be spread on vegan crackers or drizzled over vegan pancakes or waffles to give you that sweet treat that will help you get through the month and beyond. 

Choose from three delicious combos: Organic Smooth Dark Cacao Hazelnut Spread, Organic Crunchy Hazelnut Cacao Spread and Organic Smooth Hazelnut & Cacao Spread.

Seggiano’s vegan range is available to order direct from Seggiano.com for home delivery in the UK & NI.