Thursday, 6 July 2023

Kids Eat Free scheme returns to Tesco cafés for school summer holidays

Tesco has announced it will be re-launching its Kids Eat Free scheme to its 310 cafés across the UK over the school summer holidays.

The scheme will run in cafés between the following dates:

England & Wales: Start 24th July – Finish 1st Sept

Scotland: Start 3rd July – Finish 11th August

Northern Ireland: Start 3rd July – Finish 1st Sept

Tesco's cafes will be offering one free Kids Hot Meal Deal, Kids Breakfast or Kids Pick ‘n’ Mix deal with each item bought by an adult from as little as 60p when showing their Tesco Clubcard at the till.

Jason Tarry, Tesco UK CEO, said: “We know the extra costs of keeping children fed and entertained during the long summer holidays can stretch household budgets, so we’re bringing back Kids Eat Free to give our families a helping hand.”

Popular menu items include beans or avocado on toast, fish fingers, baked chicken goujons or a sandwich. Hot main meals include a vegetable side dish, and the sandwich pick n mix includes a piece of fresh fruit and two snacks, so there’s something healthy and satisfying to feed hungry children from breakfast 'til dinner.

Kids Eat Free is just one of the many ways that Tesco is helping families spend less. Tesco has recently announced price cuts on essential products including spaghetti, cooking oil and yoghurt.

Families can also save thanks to Aldi Price Match, which matches the price of hundreds of products to Aldi, including both Tesco own brand products and big brands, and thanks to Clubcard Prices, more than 20 million Clubcard households have access to thousands of exclusive deals on everything from everyday staples like fruit and veg to treats like prosecco or ice cream.

Introducing Sparklean: Innovative Pea Protein Sparkling Drink Now Available in 1,400 UK Boots branches

Sparklean offers a delightful taste and smoothness that rivals traditional soft drinks, providing an enjoyable experience without any compromise.

Vow Sports Ltd, which is a pioneering force in the health beverage industry, is pleased to announce the eagerly awaited launch of Sparklean, the world's first pea protein sparkling drink, in 1,400 UK Boots stores. 

This significant milestone represents a major stride in bringing this ground-breaking product to health-conscious consumers nationwide.

Sparklean distinguishes itself as a game-changer in the market by offering a refreshing, delightful beverage that combines the goodness of pea protein with an nifty effervescent twist. What truly sets Sparklean apart is its ability to utilise this innovative pea protein to create a completely clear drink, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing experience for consumers.

Unlike many plant-based protein drinks that often compromise on taste and texture, Sparklean presents an extraordinary. modern breakthrough. Consumers who have previously settled for subpar taste and grainy textures with plant-based proteins can now enjoy a gratifying and pleasurable experience. Sparklean delivers an delicious taste and smoothness that rival traditional soft drinks, providing an enjoyable experience without anyone having to compromise.

"We are really thrilled to introduce Sparklean to the UK market in partnership with Boots," said Simon Stevens, CEO at Vow Sports Ltd. 

He added: "This exclusive launch in 1,400 Boots stores showcases their commitment to offering innovative, sought-after products to their valued customers."

"This marks the culmination of two years of hard work to develop a sparkling protein drink that matches the taste of consumers' favourite canned soft drinks," pointed out Ray Brilus, who is Head of NPD at Vow Sports. "Sparklean represents a new era in plant-based protein drinks, offering a delightful taste, refreshing fizz, and a visually captivating, totally clear appearance."

The unique blend of this new type of pea protein in Sparklean will appeal to a wide range of consumers, including those following keto and low-carb diets, individuals focused on weight loss, fitness enthusiasts aiming to build muscle, and those embracing plant-based and vegan lifestyles. 

Sparklean meets the needs of active lifestyles, providing on-the-go hydration in a convenient can whilst being free from artificial additives and preservatives.

Each can of Sparklean contains an impressive 15g of protein and only 1g of carbs, making it an excellent source of protein with minimal impact on carb intake for individuals who are seeking to support their active lifestyles and nutritional goals.

Sparklean will be available in 1,400 Boots stores starting from July 3rd, 2023. Consumers can experience the distinct blend of taste, health benefits, and convenience first-hand, and discover why Sparklean is a true breakthrough in the health beverage market.

Priced at £2.50 per can, Sparklean offers exceptional value compared to other protein drinks in the market. With each purchase, consumers can enjoy the delicious flavours of Strawberry & Lime and Tropical, with more exciting flavours scheduled to be released later this year.

For more information about Sparklean and Vow Sports Ltd, please visit www.vownutrition.com. For media inquiries, please contact Ray Brilus at ray@vowsports.co.uk or 07823 555 691.

About Vow Sports Ltd: Vow Sports Ltd is a leading innovator in sports fitness supplements and foods, delivering groundbreaking products that blend taste, health benefits, and convenience. Trusted by professionals, Vow Sports offers elite-level quality at affordable prices, empowering individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.


What about Amazon Prime shopping?

As consumers continue to navigate through the uncertainty of the financial climate, alongside the rising cost of groceries, rent/mortgage payments, and household bills, budgets remain tighter than ever before.

 The upcoming Amazon Prime Day, set to take place between July 11th-12th, can help shoppers secure some of the best possible online deals available. 

But what items are historically not as competitively priced when it comes to finding the cheapest prices?

Discussing some of the items we consumers may want to steer clear of purchasing during this year's Prime Day event, Nick Drewe, retail expert and founder of online discount site wethrift.com, says: “As we navigate through the cost of living crisis, it’s important to think of events like Prime Day as an opportunity to secure the best deal on items you are already planning to buy, rather than merely spending for the sake of it, on purchases you don’t really require or need out of temptation, or the fear of missing out on some bargains."

Nick went on to say: “Bearing this in mind, here are three items I would discourage Amazon Prime subscribers from spending their money on next month, as well as the reasons why:"

Here are Nick's top hints for getting the best out of Amazon Prime:-

Televisions

Unless you are in need of a new TV due to your current set being broken or faulty, I’d suggest avoiding the temptation to purchase one brand new during Prime Day. 

Brand new televisions are a hefty financial investment, and Black Friday is historically a much better time of the year to secure the cheapest deals on the latest makes and models from the likes of Samsung, Panasonic or Sony. It’s worth doing your research into the size and model that will be the best fit for your family and home life, and wait it out until November to benefit from the cheapest deal to ensure your home entertainment needs are being met. 

Branded Apple products

Apple’s products are a direct competitor to Amazon’s in-house electrical goods, so it wouldn’t make sense for them to reduce their Apple offerings to a price where they are dissuading consumers from opting for their own tablets or TV fire sticks. 

For those eager to secure the cheapest possible prices on new iPhones, iPads or Air Pods, it’s much more sensible to shop further afield or with Apple directly. 

Home furniture

If you are currently looking to upgrade your bed, you dining table or any other large items of furniture, Prime Day deals may not be all they are cracked up to be once you take delivery fees into consideration. 

When delivery fees for heavier items are added onto sale prices, the furniture that seems so appealing on screen may just turn out to be more expensive, overall. Instead, local furniture retailers, who regularly hold seasonal sales and offer special deals, may just work out cheaper in the long run, especially if you can arrange to pick up the items yourself or the delivery fees are calculated by how far away your home is located. 

Commenting on how this years Amazon Prime Day event may differ from previous years, Nick adds:

“There is unfortunately no surefire, certain method to inform us of how Amazon and its retailers will choose to approach this year's Prime Day event, and on which items the very best deals are to be had.

“All we can do is look at the evidence and price points from years gone by for guidance when advising consumers looking to spend their money as wisely as possible. If a luxury item or product that traditionally hasn’t been reduced significantly in price during the event is urgently required, then of course Prime Day will offer some of the best current deals on the market. However, for things earmarked more as a ‘nice to have’ for the near future, it’s worth waiting to see how prices fare come Black Friday or during the Boxing Day sales. 

“Having said all that, increasing numbers of consumers are keeping an eye on their financial budgets and spending as cautiously as possible in the current economic climate. As a result, Amazon will be aware that, in order to replicate the levels of sales and profits they’ve witnessed during historical Prime Days, they'll need to work extra hard to entice their shoppers with deals they can justify spending their hard earned money on.” 

Also, look out for grocery and drink Amazon Prime Deals which are, of course, of more interest to us at That's Food and Drink!

We'd like to thank Nick and his team for helping with this feature.

https://www.wethrift.com


Frankie & Benny’s announce series of ‘always on’ summer savings just in time for the holidays!

Top Italian American restaurant Frankie & Benny’s has announced a series of summer super saving meal deals for their customers.

Frankie & Benny’s, which is the ultimate family friendly restaurant, want families and friends to enjoy meals out this summer on a budget.

Just weeks before schools break for the long summer holidays the top restaurant has introduced deals which are designed to help families still facing the cost of living crisis.

Frankie & Benny’s is offering two ‘always on’ summer promotion offers which are available now and right through until the end of August.

The first is a weekday offer available Monday through to Friday after 7pm allowing guests to have two main courses of pizza, burgers and or pasta dishes for just £20. This will give a saving of up to £15.

Main courses available include the double bacon cheeseburger with fries, and the creamy chicken and ‘nduja fettucine, both solid favourites with Frankie & Benny fans.

The second deal is designed for family and friends dining out over the weekend. Throughout the summer Frankie & Benny’s is offering two for the price of one main meals all day Sunday, saving up to a respectable £21.90!

Dishes available include the New York BBQ chicken loaded up with bacon, cheese, onion rings and fries, as well the classic Mac & Cheese (with, or without, bacon!)

Frankie & Benny’s MD, Andreia Harwood, said: “We recognise the cost of living crisis is hard on us all but we wanted this summer to be about our customers still being able to enjoy great meals out with the family particularly over the summer months when kids are at home. We're really looking for treats to entertain them. These summer savings are all about Frankie & Benny’s putting our customers at the forefront of everything we do and making sure that they can have an amazing summer.”

Frankie & Benny’s terms and conditions: https://www.frankieandbennys.com/terms

Wednesday, 5 July 2023

Award-Winning Cider Maker, Sandford Orchards, Is Thrilled to Launch their special Figgy Pudding Ice Cider

Award-winning cider maker, Sandford Orchards, is absolutely thrilled to launch Figgy Pudding Ice Cider (ABV 15%). 

It's a special limited edition, oak aged ice cider steeped in dried fruit and a fabulously festive English alternative to fortified wines. It will be available from the end of October in 500ml bottles RRP £25.00 and in gift boxes, complete with two brandy style serving glasses, RRP £29.50 from www.sandfordorchards.co.uk as well as selected retail outlets.

Limited Edition Figgy Pudding Ice Cider (ABV 15%) is an indulgent oak aged ice cider which has been produced using English apples, dried fruit and spices. The rich apple is wrapped up in layers of Christmas aromatics including clementine, cloves, allspice and star anise. Each mouthful releases notes of caramel, mince pies and the glorious decadence of the festive season.

Barny Butterfield, who is the Chief Cidermaker at Sandford Orchards said: “Our new Limited Edition Figgy Pudding Ice Cider will be the perfect festive tipple. Icing is a method used widely in wine-making, and we have introduced it to cider from our beautiful Devon orchards. 

"During the specialist process the cider apple juice becomes intensified, sweeter and richer. We have used dried fruit and spices to give this limited edition cider a truly fabulous festive twist. Figgy Pudding Ice Cider can be enjoyed as a luxurious aperitif or as a rich and delicious alternative to port, alongside your cheese course. We've also created a gift boxed bottle, complete with two brandy style serving glasses, which will make for a very special, unique Christmas gift.”

Founded in 2002, independent, family-owned Sandford Orchards is based in Crediton, Mid Devon and is housed comfortably in the oldest working cider mill in the UK. 

The area has long been known as one of the most fertile parishes in all of Britain, both for its grazing and ability to grow apples. Crediton sits in the lee of the moors, so receives the right amount of rain and the right units of heat in summer.

Sandford Orchards takes a fresh, natural and low impact approach to producing cider. Combining tradition and innovation, Sandford Orchards produces an award-winning range of core session, traditional, fine and fruit ciders.

For further information on Sandford Orchards please visit www.sandfordorchards.co.uk, follow Sandford Orchards on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

Celebrate World Chocolate Day With Darts Farm's Cow & Cacao

Darts Farm's artisan chocolatier, Cow & Cacao, has everything you could possibly require to celebrate World Chocolate Day on 7th July. 

They are justifiably proud to be one of the few UK producers to craft chocolate from bean to bar and their handcrafted treats are available to buy in their Devon-based store and online for nationwide delivery from www.dartsfarm.co.uk.

Darts Farm believes in chocolate that's not only environmentally but also economically sustainable, from forest to food hall. Their priority is sourcing incredible cacao from smaller scale growers in rare origins around the world to use with milk from their own local dairy and other ingredients from their own farm.

In small batches, their chocolatiers, Louise & Molly, carefully roast the beans, before cracking the shell to release the nib. They then grind the nibs in a granite mixer, the 'conche', for up to fifty-five hours before ageing the chocolate in 5kg bricks for up to three weeks. Finally, they melt it down to create bars, truffles and incredible handcrafted artisanal chocolate treats.

When visiting the farm shop, you'll be able to see the whole chocolate making process taking place with Darts Farm priding themselves on educating their customers on single origin cacao and bean-to-bar chocolate. They even run regular chocolate making masterclasses, too!

For a taste of their amazing chocolate at home, indulge in their Chocolate Lover's Hamper (£29). It contains a selection of their Cow & Cacao bean-to-bar chocolate; from handcrafted truffles and a Single Origin Chocolate Bar to Chocolate Dipped Oranges. For real chocoholics try their Ultimate Chocolate Lover's Hamper  (£49) which boasts even more of their fabulous artisan treats including a White Chocolate & Strawberry Broken Slab.

For more information on Cow & Cacao visit the website

For further information on Darts Farm please visit www.dartsfarm.co.uk and follow Darts Farm on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.  

Buy Witt's Pizza Ovens via Amazon Prime Week

Top-selling and award-winning Scandinavian Witt’s Pizza Oven range has been wowing reviewers and customers with its ultra-fast heating and rotating technology since its launch earlier this year, receiving 5 STAR reviews and accreditations in publications like BBC Good Food, Ideal Home, and the Independent. 

This Amazon Prime week, Witt has wrapped up all the tools you'll require to make pizza like a pro in one convenient discounted package.

Buy the Witt Etna Fermo (RRP £579.00) or the Witt Rotante (RRP £699.00) and receive a free bundle of pizza making accessories worth over a cool £110, including the Witt Perforated Pizza Peel 14’ (RRP £54.99), Witt Wood Pizza Rolling Pin (RRP £29.99), and the Witt Pizza Oven Brush (RRP £29.99). 

This delicious offer kicks off on Monday 10th July and runs until Monday 24th July.  

https://www.wittpizza.com/


Tuesday, 4 July 2023

That's Christmas: Merry Christmutts! Duerr's & Sons Ltd's 'Peamutt B...

That's Christmas: Merry Christmutts! Duerr's & Sons Ltd's 'Peamutt B...: Long-established Manchester-based Duerrs & Sons Ltd is launching its first Peamutt Butter Christmas gift pack exclusive to Sainsbury&#39...

Eton Mess available at Humble Crumble

Founder of Humble Crumble Kim Innes was a student in Brighton when she realised that during the winter months, the town's ice cream parlours were virtually deserted. 

She bagan to wonder what kind of treat would go over well when it's cold outside? It was then she came up with the idea of the world's first crumble bar. 

Humble Crumble, which is the world's first crumble bar solely dedicated to making perfect British grab-and-go crumbles, has opened its largest premises ever within London's Old Spitalfields Market to cope with the demand for its delicious and delectable crumbles. 

You can even ask for unlimited custard! Londoners and visitors to the capital can't get enough of this traditional treat, with over half a million crumbles sold since the business launched fives years ago in 2018. 

Founder Kim Innes, 28, was named in the Natwest X Telegraph's 100 Female Entrepreneurs to watch in 2022 and there's absolutely no stopping her with two new sites planned this summer in Camden and Covent Garden. With a super cool slick iPad ordering system, you won't have to wait long for a taste of deliciousness. 

Humble Crumble only uses sustainably produced ingredients because of its commitment to knowing that where we buy our food has a big impact on the world. Follow Humble Crumble on Instagram @humblecrumble and visit the website https://www.humble-crumble.com/

You'll find the new Humble Crumble Bakery at:

Old Spitalfields Market, 105C Commercial St, London E1 6BG

Opening hours 10am - 9pm every day

Nearest Tubes: Liverpool Street, Shoreditch High Street.

All foods give you cancer?

If you follow the news it seems that all foods give you cancer and that the incidents of cancer are rapidly growing.

But if we are eating the same foods as we previously did, how come the risk of cancer is now rapidly growing?

Implicated by some campaigners are: Processed meats, tinned foods, fried food, "overcooked" food, eggs, dairy, sugar, artificial sweeteners and alcohol. 

But! Researchers for Cancer Research UK have completely refuted these claims. And casts doubts on certain superfoods as being helpful in warding off cancer.

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/diet-and-cancer/food-controversies

CRUK says: 

"Eating sugar doesn’t cause cancer."

"Eating burnt food does not cause cancer."

"Artificial sweeteners don’t cause cancer."

"Eating eggs does not cause cancer."

"Eating canned or tinned food does not affect cancer risk."

"Eating soy products does not affect cancer risk, including breast cancer."

Obviously eating a healthy diet is important, but many of the claims by some campaigners should be taken with a healthy pinch of salt. And don't get me started on salt! However, seeing as you asked... 

"5 Reasons Why Salt is Good for You According to Medicine by Dr Steven Lin"

https://www.drstevenlin.com/salt-good-for-you/

Image courtesy of PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay)