Clearspring Pledges 30k of Free Plant-Based Meals to Mark 30th Anniversary

Leading Japanese and organic fine foods specialist Clearspring is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and has teamed up with their long-term partner, plant-based community cookery school and food charity Made In Hackney, to donate 30,000 free plant-based meals to communities who are in need. 

Made in Hackney, which are celebrating their own 10th anniversary, will work with Clearspring to donate products and cooked meals to families and individuals who have emergency support needs.

Sarah Bentley, founder of Made in Hackney said: "Made In Hackney and Clearspring believe everyone should have access to high quality, healthy food that's good for people and the planet. Clearspring have supported our community cookery classes, meal service and fundraising activities with their incredible products for many years. 

"We're really pleased and delighted to partner with them now to provide 30,000 free plant-based meals to households with food support needs as part of Clearspring's 30-year anniversary."

Maria Dawson, who's the MD at Clearspring commented: “Reaching 30 years as an independent family business is a really great achievement to celebrate. We wanted to use this opportunity to make a concerted effort to give back to the community with our pledge to donate 30,000 free plant-based meals.” 

Alongside the food donation pledge, Clearspring will also be fundraising throughout the year to support the important work Made in Hackney is doing. Clearspring will also partner with other organisations including City Harvest, who help to distribute food to over 350 local charities offering food support to local communities.

Maria Dawson went on to say: “We also wanted to say thank you to everyone who's helped us reach this 30-year milestone. Thank you to the brilliant Clearspring team, the fantastic organic and Demeter certified farmers and artisan food producers, the committed wholesalers and retailers who stock our products and the loyal shoppers who choose to add Clearspring to their baskets every day. 

"Please know that your continued support is helping us realise our dream to create a more sustainable future and is enabling us to work and play to convert one more acre back to organic each day.”

Clearspring was founded in 1993 by award-winning organic Japanese and plant-based foods pioneer Christopher Dawson. Originally from New Zealand, he came to London to study organic and biodynamic farming and subsequently set-up and ran his own health food shop, East West Natural Foods, in London back in 1977.

Christopher decided to move to Japan in the 1980s to further his understanding of organic agriculture and made the country his home for the next 18 years, working with local artisanal producers to convert and comply with international organic standards. Clearspring was created as a way to help the producers he worked with share their unique traditional and organic products with a global audience.

From humble beginnings offering Organic Japanese Miso Soups, Teas and Tamari, Clearspring now offers a vast range of over 300 products across 30 categories, including Japanese specialities, Tofu, Seasonings, as well as European cold pressed oils, vinegars, snacks, purees, pasta and pasta sauces. All Clearspring products are plant-based, refined sugar free and made without the use of artificial additives or ingredients. Clearspring is available in over 60 countries around the world.

 You can find out more about the fundraising and food donation campaign by visiting https://www.clearspring.co.uk/blogs/news.

Own pet birds? Then you should not buy any non-stick items for your home

If you own pet birds you should resist buying non-stick items for your home.

Why? Because non-stick cookware and some other items are usually coated with a chemical known as polytetrafluoroethlyene (PTFE), the most popular brand of which is Teflon. 

"Teflon toxicity" which is usually quickly fatal to pet birds and occurs when Teflon coated products overheat. However, other household products that are frequently coated with PTFE include air fryers, oven units, frying pans, drip pans, heat lamp covers, irons, and ironing board covers, etc. Although cookware and associated kitchen items are more often to blame as they are more likely to overheat.

Teflon toxicity acts quickly and is deadly to birds. Very, very few birds survive this deadly scourge and the best way to deal with it is to make sure that your house is free of all PTFE coated items.

My wife and I would love to own an air fryer for our kitchen, but as they all contain at least some PTFE components we have decided that we will not be buying an air fryer as we love our pet bird and value her much higher than being able to use an air fryer. 

We have also made certain our bakeware like biscuit/cookie sheets, cupcake sheets, cake tins, frying pans, pans, saucepans, bread tins, cooking pots, roasting pans, egg poaching pans and other kitchen items such as non-stick coated appliances,  such as ovens, grill plates, electric pans, space heaters and drip trays are all non-PTFE.

https://www.teflon.com/en/consumers/teflon-coatings-cookware-bakeware/safety/bird-safety

https://birdtricksstore.com/blogs/birdtricks-blog/non-stick-cookware-kills-another-parrot

(Image courtesy of Gabriel Vera from Pixabay)

Incidentally I'm dubious of using PTFE items even if people don't have pet birds.

Waitrose Cooking Report Released

The Waitrose new ‘Cooking Report’ on the nation’s cooking habits published has found we’re a nation of quietly confident cooks with more than one third (35%) rating themselves as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent cooks’, and a more modest 45% rate themselves as ‘fairly good cooks’.  

One third of UK adults polled would go so far as to say they’re better cooks than their parents but despite this high level of confidence more than one in four UK adults have never boiled an egg and don’t know how to, fewer than a fifth (18%) have made a salad dressing and only 45% of those surveyed have baked a Victoria sponge cake.

Cost of living impact

Nearly two-fifths of UK adults wish they could spend more time in the kitchen than they do at the moment. 

The greatest motivation for cooking is to be healthy followed by the enjoyment of tasting new flavours and recipes. The cost of living crisis has added an additional incentive to cook with one third of UK adults cooking because it ‘helps them stick to a budget and save money’.

Due to financial pressures one in five say they’re entertaining more at home at present. Four in 10 are happy to choose cheaper cuts of meat and more affordable ingredients to economise when they are entertaining. 

One in eight say they’re prepared to economise during the week so they can spend more on their guests, and 7% are happy to ask friends to bring a dish or course. 

Kitchen gadgets we can't live without

Airfryers have become firm favourites in many kitchens this year. However, it’s the humble microwave that has emerged top of a list of 24 kitchen gadgets that most adults said they couldn’t live without.

Nearly three times as many people said they couldn’t live without their microwave as feel the same about air fryers (32% and 12% respectively); though they’re both energy saving appliances compared to more traditional ovens.  

Searches for ‘microwave meals’ on waitrose.com are up 71% and sales of microwaves are up 13% at John Lewis (compared to the same time last year).

Top 10 Kitchen Gadgets we couldn’t live without (people were asked which single gadget they couldn’t live without):

Microwave

Air fryer

Slow cooker

Coffee Machine

Food mixer

Food processor

Blender

Electric whisk

Hand blender

Rice cooker

Martyn Lee, who is the Waitrose Executive Chef said: “Food is a daily joy and the cost of living crisis has hastened a change in how we cook. 

“For too long we’ve been looking down on microwaves. You can do so much more in them than just heat a cup of coffee. I make a great sponge in mine. I think it’s time to remember the enjoyment we get from the anticipation of their pinging.

“When you reheat a stew, or a slice of lasagne in your microwave after the flavours have had time to develop, you enjoy what’s known as the 6th taste sensation  ‘kokumi’, which is lesser know than the other five tastes - sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami.”

Kitchen confessions

Martyn Lee continued; “Whether you’re a whizz in the kitchen or not, our research found that sometimes we all make mistakes.”

Nearly half (46%) divulged that they often get distracted and let pans boil over and nearly two-fifths (38%) revealed they have burnt something so badly the smoke alarm went off. More than a quarter (27%) have put too much salt in something and 23% have undercooked or overcooked a dish so it’s inedible. 

Even the most confident cooks aren’t immune to the odd kitchen slip up – a quarter of those who rated their skills as ‘excellent’ admit to having left a bottle of wine or Champagne in their freezer and ‘forgotten about it until it exploded’, while around a fifth (18%) have failed to remember they've cooked something in the microwave and found it the next day. 

Mishaps aside, we also like to bend the rules: 46% ignore the sell-by dates on the packet, 38% use the ‘five-second rule’ for picking up food that has dropped on the floor, choosing to believe that food is less likely to get contaminated and therefore ‘safe’ to eat, while 16% are happy to scrape the mould off food to ‘eat or cook with it’.

Entertaining

Entertaining has become a more relaxed affair with over a third (34%) thinking that the term ‘dinner party is old fashioned, and 29% always want their gathering to feel ‘effortlessly casual’. A priority for half (49%) of cooks surveyed is for the food to be quick and easy to cook.  It’s no longer the norm to serve a formal plated starter as only a third (35%) of respondents say they ‘sometimes’ serve them. Instead of individual plated-up food, one in 10  like to serve charcuterie boards or buffet-style or Middle Eastern mezze-style dishes for guests to serve themselves.

Martyn Lee said; “We’re wanting to spend more time with our guests rather than with our backs turned at the stove, so food that keeps conversations flowing is key.”

Guests giving a compliment on the food is seen as the greatest sign of a successful get together, and one in ten hosts would be delighted if their guests thanked them on social media posting a photograph of the food. 

While we’re mostly fairly confident cooks the most popular way to share photos of food we’ve cooked, or eaten is privately via Whatsapp.  

Cooking Inspiration

For inspiration we’re most likely to turn to the internet and the explosion of recipes and technique tutorials available. One third get their ideas on what to cook from TV programmes and 5% have turned to Chat GPT for recipe inspiration. The average person owns just eight cookery books, though 7% own 20, or more. 

https://www.johnlewispartnership.media/lookbook/waitrose?type=Report

Aldi named cheapest supermarket for thirteenth month in a row

New research from consumer group Which? has found Aldi to be the UK’s cheapest supermarket for the thirteenth consecutive month.

It's revealed that shoppers can save a significant sum of £16.55 compared to the most expensive supermarket, for the same basket of items.

As UK families continue to try and keep household costs down, Aldi shoppers can be confident they’re getting great quality products at the best possible price as the supermarket is named the cheapest in the UK – for the thirteenth month in a row!

Consumer group Which? conducted its monthly Cheapest Supermarket price comparison, looking at the cost of a basket of items, including groceries and household essentials.

The latest research shows in June Aldi was a huge £16.55 cheaper than the most expensive supermarket, Waitrose, for an equivalent basket of items. 

Which? also revealed Aldi to be £7.42 cheaper than Tesco and £10.73 cheaper than Morrisons.

The full results are below: 

Retailer Average basket price 

Aldi         £75.25

Lidl         £77.18

Asda £82.55

Tesco £82.67

Sainsbury’s £83.46

Morrisons £85.98

Ocado     £89.20

Waitrose    £91.80

Julie Ashfield, MD of Buying at Aldi, said: “We know it’s a difficult time for many people and we’re proud to have been consistently named as the UK’s cheapest supermarket. In the face of an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, we continue to support our customers when it matters most.”

The news comes as Aldi announces the return of its popular school uniform bundle. Available in stores only from 6th July, Aldi’s school uniform bundle includes two polo shirts, one sweatshirt, and a choice of trousers or a pleated skirt, all for just £5. With a huge six-month satisfaction guarantee, Aldi are also introducing a price match guarantee for their school uniform bundle allowing shoppers to purchase the school uniform at the lowest price.

T&C apply.

Sainsbury’s introduces cardboard trays to its by Sainsbury’s steaks, saving over 10 million pieces of plastic annually

Sainsbury’s has announced it is to remove plastic trays from its by Sainsbury’s steak range, replacing them with a cardboard alternative which uses 70% less plastic.

The new trays will launch across 10 products in the range and is now available in all stores and online. They can be recycled at home by rinsing the cardboard tray before placing it your kerbside recycling bin or container.

Sainsbury’s introduced cardboard tray packaging to its Taste the Difference and So Organic steaks previously.

The announcement is the latest in a range of changes made by the retailer on packaging. In April, Sainsbury’s went trayless on whole chickens and also removed plastic bags from its entire banana range earlier this year saving 192 tonnes of plastic. 

Sainsbury’s was the first UK retailer to introduce cardboard cartons to its own-brand liquid laundry detergent range saving a further 22 tonnes of plastic a year.

Claire Hughes, who is Sainsbury's Director of Product and Innovation said: “As part of our Plan for Better commitments, we are trying to reduce plastic packaging across our own brand ranges, as we know that reducing plastic is important to our customers but also on our environmental impact. 

"It’s why we are always looking at ways to innovate our packaging and reduce or replace plastic wherever we can, as quickly as we can. We’re pleased to save another 10 million pieces of plastic a year by swapping our by Sainsbury’s steak trays to cardboard following the changes we have already made on So Organic and Taste the Difference packaging . While we are making good progress, we know there is more to do and we are committed to making bold changes that help us achieve our plastic reduction targets.”

www.sainnsburys.co.uk

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

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.