Free Armed Forces breakfasts at Tesco

Members of the UK Armed Forces will be able to get a free hot breakfast at Tesco cafes across Great Britain to mark the Armed Forces Day celebrations.

As a thank you for their service, on Sunday June 25, all serving Armed Forces personnel, that's around 159,000 regulars and 32,000 reservists, can present their MOD90 identification card at any Tesco café and get a free full cooked breakfast, vegan cooked breakfast, sausage bap or a bacon bap.

All 295 Tesco cafes across England, Scotland and Wales will be offering the promotion, which is limited to one free breakfast per cardholder.

The initiative is part of Tesco's sponsorship of Armed Forces Day for the second year running. The event took place in Falmouth today, Saturday June 24, to recognise the incredible contribution that members of the Armed Forces community make to our lives.

Ashwin Prasad, Chief Product Officer at Tesco and Exec Sponsor of the Armed Forces Network, said: “Once again, we’re proud to be the headline sponsor of Armed Forces Day. Everyone loves a free breakfast and it’s a great way of showing how much we value members of the Armed Forces.”

Rhys Little, Chair of the Tesco Armed Forces Network, said: “We take great pride in our connection with the Armed Forces and we're the number one employer in the UK for veterans when they leave the armed forces."

He went on to say: "We've received the Gold award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme twice now (in 2016 and 2020), and we were also the first retailer to sign the Armed Forces Covenant in 2014.”

Over the weekend of June 24 and 25, Local events are taking place in towns, cities, and villages up and down the country, with Falmouth at the heart of the celebrations. It promises to be a spectacular event, with parades through the town, displays by the Red Arrows, the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team, and a series of thrilling flypasts.

As well as sponsoring the event, Tesco stores will be holding a nationwide collection for Help for Heroes the weekend prior on June 17 and 18 including a round-up at till option so customers can easily donate while shop with us.

For more information on Armed Forces Day please visit https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk

Charity urges supporters to send Eid eCard to raise funds for clean water

Clean water advocacy charity, Hope Spring, has urged its supporters, Muslim and non-Muslims alike, to send Eid Adha electronic greetings cards, to wish people celebrating the Islamic festival a happy Eid. 

The lunar calendar based annual festivity, is expected to be on the 29th or 30th of June 2023. It is the second most important festival in the islamic calendar, after the Eid Kabir, celebrated at the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Hope Spring eCards raises a significant part of the donations Hope Spring Water is used to fund their clean water, sanitation and hygiene advocacy projects. Such donations have helped the charity to build five boreholes, they have also run a number of menstrual hygiene workshops. Communities in West Africa with strong clean water and sanitation challenges tend to be Hope Spring beneficiaries.

The charity hopes the Eid Adha fundraising campaign will raise enough money to build a borehole or a well for one of the communities they hope to help with clean water later this year. Significant religion linked celebrations such as Eid Adha and Christmas tend to be the most successful fundraisers for Hope Spring. A significant portion of the funds used to complete their projects this year came from funds raised by their corporate charity ecard campaign last year.

According to Hope Spring eCards platform manager, Seun Olonade her organisation had a great Eid Fitr fundraising campaign, they are looking to top it off with an equally successful Eid Adha campaign. She urged their supporters and visitors to their website to send Eid Adha eCard and make a donation. She added that people may also send an Eid Adha card without making a donation via their free ecards page.

You can find more information about Hope Spring Eid Adha, their projects and other information about the charity on their website and social media page.

hello@hopespring.org.uk

http://www.hopespring.org.uk

Living off the grid? Jackery could help you

Some readers of That's Food and Drink live off the grid, meaning that they aren't connected to power systems or, sometimes, even water or sewerage systems.

This can cause problems because a lack of electrical power can mean that they are limited in storage of food because refrigeration and freezing isn't readily available. 

However, there are options that are available to provide off grid homes with mains quality electricity supplies so that using fridges, freezers and even cooking with electricity is possible.

Jackery, which is a truly global leader in innovative portable power and green outdoor energy solutions, is genuinely pleased and thrilled to announce their Solar Generator 2000 Plus has been awarded the esteemed SEAL Sustainable Product Award for 2023. 

This prestigious accolade brings great emphasis that Jackery's dedication to offering sustainable energy solutions that empower individuals and contribute to a greener future is well-deserved.

The SEAL Sustainable Products Award is a globally recognised honour that celebrates products and services with outstanding sustainability attributes. Annually, the SEAL Awards organisation conducts a rigorous evaluation process to identify and honour companies and products which prioritise sustainability, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.

The SG 2000 Plus is a revolutionary solar generator that employs the sun's energy to provide clean and renewable power for a variety of applications. Equipped with high-efficiency IBC solar panels and a durable LiFePO4 battery for storage of electrical energy, this advanced generator offers a reliable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional petrol generators.

"We're truly honoured and pleased to receive the SEAL Sustainable Products Award 2023 for our SG 2000 Plus," said Lara Luo, Head of Branding at Jackery. 

"Here at Jackery, we believe in the power of innovation to drive positive change. This recognition underscores our commitment to developing sustainable, portable power solutions that enable individuals to embrace renewable energy sources and reduce their carbon footprint."

The SG 2000 Plus is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts, home backup, emergency preparedness, and off-grid adventures. Its versatile AC, DC, and USB ports provide ample connectivity options for a wide variety of electronic devices and equipment, making it an all-in-one power solution for any situation. 

It's carefully designed for user convenience and the transportation-friendly generator is easy to use and offers reliable performance in challenging environments.

For more information about Jackery's Solar Generator 2000 Plus and other innovative portable power solutions, please visit uk.jackery.com.

Incidentally, I first became aware of the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus by chance when a YouTuber I follow, Nate Petroski of @Narrowayhomestead, described setting up and using one of these devices.

Food producers. Please DO NOT use pea protein in your products if you can avoid it

Why are we at That's Food and Drink asking food producers to avoid using pea protein in your products?

Firstly, yes we recognise that pea protein is a very important source of protein and is very good for people who are on vegetarian or vegan diets and for ecological reasons, too.

However! This evening I was having a drink of potato-based milk. It was OK, it sort of looked like cow's milk, had a reasonably good mouthfeel but there was something that I was not enjoying. Why? The taste! Because it had an under taste of weak, wishy-washy pea soup.

I took the carton out of the 'fridge and yes, listed right there was pea protein.

But that, dear readers, is the problem with anything that has pea protein in. It always tastes of pea soup, sometimes stronger, sometimes weaker.

I like milk on my breakfast cereals. Cow's milk, ewe's milk, oat milk are all tasting reasonably fine on my breakfast cereal. But if I wouldn't put weak pea soup on my breakfast cereal I'm certainly not going to pour pea protein milk on them!

Pea protein belongs in savoury items including pea soup. But please not in milk and not in flour. 

There are alternatives that you could get your development kitchen chefs and food scientists to use, instead, including: Hemp protein, Pumpkin Seed Protein, Brown Rice Protein, Soy Protein, Sunflower Seed Protein, Sacha Inchi Protein, Chia Protein and others, too.

(Image courtesy of StockSnap and Pixabay)

Asda earns 86 product awards in Free From Awards

Asda was awarded a very impressive 86 product awards at this year’s Free From Food Awards including 4 Golds, 27 Silvers, 36 Bronze, 19 Commended as well as the top accolade of the night, Free From Retailer of the Year.

The awards mark a celebration of Asda’s own brand Free From products, which strive to offer great quality and value for all customers. 

Judges were reportedly wowed by Asda’s impressive range, stating: “Between their vegan and their free from ranges Asda now offer a really impressive selection of foods for the allergic community - and at really competitive prices while still maintaining the quality of their products. A massive step towards including those on free from diets in the general community.”

Asda Free From, Chow Mein Stir-Fry Sauce

Free From: Gluten Free, Soya Free

Retail: £0.50

Asda’s Free From, Chow Mein Stir-Fry Sauce, with a hint of garlic and warming ginger is bound to spice up a mid-week dinner. Awarded Gold, this product was described by the judging panel as: “Lovely colour, aroma, consistency & flavour profile. A great balance of flavours with the perfect spice heat at the end. Very impressive to be gluten free, sesame free and soya free. And the price point is equally impressive”.

Asda Free From, Salad Cream

Free From: Egg Free

Retail: £1.10

The perfect condiment to accompany a summer salad in this hot weather, Asda Free From Salad Cream was awarded Gold by the expert panel, described as:

“This tastes just like the real thing. Impressive that this delivers the same flavour and consistency whilst being gluten free, milk free and egg free! Great price. A credible & accessible alternative”.

Asda Free From Extra Special, 8 Sicilian Orange & Belgian Dark Chocolate Cookies

Free From: Gluten

Retail: £2.00

Looking to brighten up your coffee break? made using an all-butter recipe and studded with Belgian chocolate this gold awarded product really is an extra special treat!

Asda Extra Special, 12 Classic Pork Chipolata Sausages

Free From: Gluten Free

Retail: £3.25

The perfect banger on your BBQ, full breakfast or roll to go, Asda’s Extra Special Classic Pork Chipolata sausages are gold awarded by Free From Food Awards panel. As well as great quality, customers can also pick up a bargain, two packs for only £5

Asda Free From, Vanilla Flavoured Ice Cream

Free From: Gluten, Milk and Soya

Retail: £2.20

Everyone can cool down this summer and enjoy Asda Free From Vanilla Flavour Ice Cream.

 OMV! Deliciously Vegan By Asda,  Burger Mayo

Free From: Egg

Retail: £1.50

The perfect accompaniment to BBQ season, this 100% vegan burger mayo with flavours of gherkin, American style mustard and tomato impressed judges and won Silver at the Free From Food Awards. It’s sure to be a winner with all guests at summer gatherings.

OMV! Deliciously Vegan By Asda Saag Masala Cooking Sauce

Retail: £2.00

Everyone can enjoy curry night with OMV! Deliciously Vegan Saag Masala Cooking Sauce. A tomato, spinach and creamed coconut sauce with a blend of spices, guests will be left wanting more!

Asda Free From 4 White Rolls

Free From: Gluten, Milk and Egg

Retail: £1.75

BBQ, picnics or mid-week lunch, enjoy all the flavour without missing out with Silver awarded Free From White Rolls.

Shop in store and online at asda.com.

(That's Food and Drink says: "It's good to know that major retailers are working so hard to provide good quality Free From Foods. My wife needs to avoid gluten and soya, so we are aware of the Free From struggle. Well done, Asda!)

That sounds sweet! Sainsbury’s Nectar Prices now available on fresh fruit and vegetables

Following the launch of Nectar Prices earlier this year, Sainsbury’s is now expanding its loyalty programme by introducing offers on fresh produce for the first time ever.

Nectar’s 18 million users can now access a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables at a lower price, helping them make big savings when shopping in Sainsbury’s supermarkets or online.

As of now, customers can get great Nectar Prices on a variety of popular fresh fruit and veg items including by Sainsbury’s Strawberries (usually £2.25, Nectar Price £1.75), by Sainsbury's Easy Peelers (usually £1.35, Nectar Price £1), Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Vittoria Cherry Vine Tomatoes (usually £2.25, Nectar Price £1.75) and by Sainsbury’s Medium Ripe & Ready Avocados (usually £1.60, Nectar Price £1.20).

Customers will also be able to enjoy up to half price on selected products like household staples such as by Sainsbury’s Best of British apples (usually £1.70, Nectar Price 85p) and Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Jersey Royal Potatoes (usually £3, Nectar Price £1.50).

For the first time ever, Nectar Prices will also be available on a selection of branded ready meals like Wasabi Chicken Katsu Curry with Rice (usually £4.25, Nectar Price £3.75) and Charlie Bigham's Lasagne (usually £9.50, Nectar Price £7). 

Sainsbury’s own-brand ready meals including Taste the Difference and by Sainsbury’s products will also be included with great offers on family favourites like Taste the Difference Fish Pie (usually £4.25, Nectar Price £3.75), by Sainsbury’s Chicken Tikka Masala (usually £4.25, Nectar Price £3.75) and by Sainsbury’s Stonebaked Margherita Pizza (usually £3.50, Nectar Price £1.75).

As a result of the expansion into two new categories Sainsbury’s now has over 2,800 products included in Nectar Prices, helping millions of customers to save money whenever they shop with the retailer. Since the launch of Nectar Prices in April, shoppers have saved over £83 million, with customers saving an average of £3.20 each and every time they shop.

Sam Burston, Director of Nectar & Loyalty at Sainsbury’s, said: “We’re always looking for new ways to provide great value to our customers all-year round, helping customers make their money go further. With new offers now available on fresh produce and ready meals, shoppers can now access lower prices on a wider range of essential everyday items. We’re delighted that Nectar Prices has proven popular with our customers so far, and we’ll continue to expand it further in the future.”

Already a Nectar customer? All existing Nectar customers need to do to benefit from Nectar Prices is scan their app or swipe their card at checkout to save. Customers shopping online will have their discounts applied automatically if their Nectar and Sainsbury’s accounts are linked.

Want to become a Nectar customer? Shoppers can sign up to Nectar Prices by joining on the Nectar app, online at www.nectar.com, or by picking up a Nectar card in store.

Tesco backs healthy eating

Tesco has announced its voluntary commitment to not sell HFSS products through volume-led promotions, as part of its ongoing plans to help customers eat a more healthy diet.

Following the Government announcement that restrictions on multibuy deals on foods high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) are to be delayed further until 2025, Tesco confirmed it will continue to keep volume-led promotions on HFSS products off its shelves. This will support its commitment to make Tesco the easiest place for customers to shop for affordable, healthy, sustainable food.​

While Tesco will continue to offer value on products across the entire store, this move means customers will not have to purchase more HFSS products than they need to access great value. 

A spokesman said: "With household budgets stretched, it’s more important than ever that Tesco invests in competitive prices. In response, Tesco has further increased Aldi Price Match to around 700 products, price-locked over 1,000 products at Low Everyday Prices and extended Clubcard Prices to over 8,000 lines.

"Also, we’ve made it even easier for customers to access healthy and affordable food through our Better Baskets campaign, which helps remove price as a barrier to making healthier, more sustainable choices. The majority of products highlighted as part of the Better Basket’s promotion will be at Clubcard Prices, Low Everyday Prices or in Aldi Price Match items".

Today’s announcement is part of its broader commitment to support customers to lead healthier and more sustainable lives and achieve the goal to boost sales of healthy products to 65% as a proportion of total sales by 2025. 

It's consistent with the work Tesco has been doing for many years, including Reformulation of its Own Brand ranges which has contributed to the removal of 71 billion calories so far, putting it well on track to delivering its 100 billion calorie reduction ambition by 2025. 

Tesco Group Chief Product Officer Ashwin Prasad said: “ Tesco will continue to offer great value on products across the entire store, so customers won’t have to purchase more food than they need to access great value. Our mission is to make Tesco the easiest place to shop for a healthy, more sustainable basket – while keeping the cost of the weekly shop in check. We know that customers want to eat a more healthy, sustainable diet, but without having to stretch the weekly shopping budget and we are really proud to be leading the way in maintaining our commitment”

www.tesco.com

Price cuts in Morrisons

In line with a number of other supermarket chains, Morrisons has announced cuts in the prices of nearly 50 food items, with an average price cut by over 25% 

As part of what it's dubbing "a rolling wave of price cuts to help with the cost of living", Morrisons has announced a new round of reductions, the sixth so far this year, which will apply to products in all its supermarkets and includes summer favourites, cupboard fillers and fresh essentials.

47 high-volume products have been cut in price by an average of over 25%, with the new prices being held for a minimum of eight weeks to help customers get more for their money.  Morrisons has invested £26 million in today's cuts to deliver market leading prices on key products and reinforce its commitment to saving customers money wherever possible. 

The price cuts include fresh items such as mince, tomatoes and butter, cupboard staples such as squash and cereal and picnic classics like pitta breads and scotch eggs.

Last month, Morrisons reduced or held the price of a further 1,000 products which will remain locked low until mid July. Offers have also been applied to fuel in recent weeks with customers being able to get 5p off every litre after spending £35 in store or online. 

As well as cutting the prices on products, Morrisons recently relaunched its More Card loyalty programme to allow customers to collect points on fuel and selected products in store which can be converted into ‘Morrisons Fivers’ and spent in store or online.  Morrisons programme of market-leading exclusive offers, which launched last October for loyalty card members, also remains a key feature of the new scheme.  

Rachel Eyre, who is the Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at Morrisons, said: “Providing great quality products at affordable prices for our customers is a key priority at Morrisons. Our steady flow of deep and broad price cutting programmes, together with our new More Card loyalty scheme, are helping customers save money on their weekly shop. Today’s price cuts include picnic items to help our customers make the most of the warm weather and we’ve not forgotten the fridge and cupboard essentials either.”

www.morrisons.com

Armed Forces Day special deal from Morrisons

Morrisons has announced it's offering servicemen and women and veterans 50% off in cafés nationwide for Armed Forces Day. 

On Saturday June 24th, anyone who comes into a Morrisons café dressed in their armed forces uniform or with a valid form of ID or a medal/badge can receive 50% off all hot meals, hot drinks and cakes. 

Available for one day only, this heroic deal is to thank the thousands of military personnel who have gone above and beyond for their country. 

Military personnel can enjoy hot menu favourites including a Roast Beef or Half Roast Chicken Dinner for just £3.74, Fish and Chips for £3.49 or Bangers and Mash for just £2.49.  

To make the deal even sweeter, those in the forces and veterans can choose from a selection of cakes such as Victoria Sponge or Chocolate Fudge cake for just £1.44.

Chris Strong, Morrisons Café Buying Manager, says: “We’re honoured to be offering those currently serving in the armed forces and veterans 50% off all hot meals, hot drinks and cakes in our cafés as a thank you for all that they have done and continue to do for us all.”

Customers who scan their Morrisons More card at the till will also receive 600 points when spending £6 or more in a Morrisons café.

Morrisons Armed Forces Day deal will be available in all Morrisons cafés on Saturday June 24th and can't be used with any other offer or promotion. 

Something different for single malt fans. Morris Single Malt Australian Whisky

Lovers of single malts can indulge in a taste of Australian sunshine with Morris Australian Single Malt Whisky this summer, launching with two exceptional core expressions: Morris Whisky - Signature and Morris Whisky - Muscat Barrel. 

Crafted using 100% Australian only ingredients, then finished in award-winning Morris fortified wine barrels producing an extraordinary and unique flavour, typically found in fine aged spirits.

Crafted in Victoria, at their world-famed distillery Morris Whisky is the creation of the Morris Family, recognised and famed for making award-winning fortified wines since 1859, regarded as one the best fortified wine producers in the entire world. 

The Morris distillery boasts an impressive history, housing an original 1930's hybrid copper-pot and column still, blending tradition with cutting edge distilling techniques.

What truly sets Morris Whisky apart is their eagerness and commitment to excellence in aging to create a distinct style of Australian single malt whisky. The whiskies use100% premium Australian malted barley, distilled with pure water from the Snowy Mountains, matured in wine barrels sourced from their very own family-owned Barossa and Coonawarra wineries which are prepared to a specific method by the Morris' own private cooperage. Finally, Morris whiskies are skilfully matured in carefully selected award-winning Morris fortified wine barrels.

A team of highly regarded whisky experts united to craft this distinct style of Australian single malt whisky in 2016. Morris enlisted the support of John McDougall, one of the world's most renowned whisky makers, with previous experience with Balvenie, Laphroaig and Springbank, as well as the late Dr Jim Swan, described as the 'Einstein of whisky' for his technical expertise in wood selection and barrel preparation.

Darren Peck (ex-Diageo) is the Morris Head Distiller and has worked under the tutelage of McDougall for the last seven years to craft the whiskies. 

Morris Australian Single Malt Signature Whisky:

The Signature Whisky is finished in a combination of Morris fortified barrels. The Signature expression shows bright topaz hues on appearance which open a door to orchard fruit profiles, macerated black cherry and biscuit notes balancing the zest of marmalade jam, lingering cocoa and dark-berry flavours.

It's distilled in an original 1930s Whitehill hybrid copper-pot and column still. Aged in a combination of French and American oak ex-wine barrels and finished in premium Morris Fortified barrels.

Morris Whisky Highball – Signature Serve

45ml Morris Whisky Signature Malt 

Topped with sparkling water 

Garnish with a lemon wedge

Morris Australian Single Malt Muscat Barrel Whisky:

The premium Muscat Barrel Whisky is finished in rare Morris Muscat barrels, that gift remarkable flavours. Creamy mouthful packed full of rich dark fruits and sweet malt notes, which give way to sweet vanilla and cocoa interspersed with cinnamon spice. The Whisky is matured in a combination of French and American oak ex-wine barrels plus finished on rare Morris Muscat barrels, previously used to create multi-award-winning Muscat.

Morris Whiskies offer an unrivalled Australian Whisky experience, showcasing authentic character and a true expression of Australia.

www.morriswhisky.com

Morris Australian Single Malt Signature Whisky, 40% ABV 700ml, RRP: £51.00 

Available from Master of Malt, The Whisky Exchange and Ocado

Morris Australian Single Malt Muscat Barrel Whisky, 46%ABV, 700ml, RRP: £74.00 

Available from Master of Malt, The Whisky Exchange and Ocado