Meet Isla the future of freshly prepared fruit in mere seconds

iSqueeze the fruit juicing masters, has added striking Isla to its portfolio of self-service technology, a machine which slices a whole pineapple in seconds, boxed up fresh in front of customers eyes. 

Always pushing the boundaries of innovation to provide ‘health for the nation,’ the future of fresh fruit is here.

Isla, meaning Island in Spanish, is set to bring its exotic fruit to shoppers to transform the way people consume natural pineapple. Gone are the days of  pre-packaged fruit hanging around on the shelf, instead iSqueeze is serving up machine cut and prepared pineapple on the premises to guarantee ultimate freshness.

The new machine recently launched into Jempson’s, prepares a whole pineapple in just 15 seconds! First the crown is removed, followed by the peel and the core of the pineapple, before being packaged in a fully recyclable cardboard box to enjoy anywhere in slices, chunks or sticks! 

The machine is adaptable to varying sizes of fruit, thus meaning retailers will get the most out of their pineapples. Customers will also be quids in, as one whole pot of pineapple 600g (on average) will retail for just £3.49 whereas pre-cut pineapple is sold at £2.30 (on average) for 300g. Pineapple should be kept refrigerated and consumed within three days.

Who said sliced bread was the best thing? iSqueeze has now gone one better with the juiciest fruit money can buy, prepared on the spot, offering businesses a reason to keep shoppers coming back! Isla is compact, comprising a single block, to guarantee that it remains sealed to prevent contamination.

Customers won’t be able to miss Isla with its vibrant yellow exterior, to make people thirsty for exotic juice-filled fruit pieces just by looking at it! And what’s more supermarkets can customise machines to fit in with an establishment’s identity, with bespoke graphics and stickers to match the aesthetics of any location.

Pineapple slicing machine Isla continues iSqueeze’s mission to bring health to the nation adding to its existing range of products including fresh juice machines, premium blenders, smoothie makers, and slush machines. The brand is pioneers of providing healthier vending machine choices suitable for everyday consumption unlike the more traditional confectionary vending options on the market. 

iSqueeze has installed machines in retailers across the UK, including convenience stores, supermarkets, cafes/restaurants, gyms and more. Leading partners include Jempson’s, Asda, Sainsbury, Co-Op, Euro Garages, Costcutter, Spar, Nisa stores and many more.

15 seconds and a whole pineapple later, Isla will be shoppers new best friend for healthy convenience.

To learn more please visit https://isqueeze.co.uk/isla-pineapple-slicer

 

Seasonal Spuds are ideal for Veganuary

At Seasonal Spuds, their aim is to share their obvious and very genuine passion for potatoes and provide ideas and inspiration to help you get the best out of them. 

There are two aspects to the seasonality of our spuds here in the UK. The first is about celebrating the arrival of our freshly harvested new season crops. The second is about welcoming the changing of the seasons with different flavours, textures and food combinations so that you can enjoy spuds in a myriad of interesting ways throughout the year. Try our favourite seasonal potato recipes and get potato cooking advice from the experts.

And as the not-so-humble potato was introduced to Britain by Sir Thomas Harriot in 1586 (that's nearly 440 years ago) the potato has made itself very comfortably at the heart of the British diet. And it's an ideal ingredient for vegan meals, so is a wonderful menu item for Veganuary dishes, especially for those who haven't yet tried their hands at vegan cooking and dining.

And Seasonal Spuds have invited That's Food and Drink to share some exciting recipes for you to try for Veganuary, using sweet potatoes.

Sweet Potato Waffles, created by Emma Hatcher.

Ingredients

1 large, sweet potato (300g)

300ml almond milk

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

3 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for cooking

180g gluten free plain flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika

2 spring onions, finely sliced

Small bunch dill, finely chopped

Small bunch parsley, finely chopped

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the spinach

2 tablespoons olive oil

400g frozen spinach, defrosted and drained

¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg

1 tablespoon dairy-free butter

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Dairy-free crème fraîche, sour cream or yogurt, to serve

Method

1

Preheat the oven to 220ºC / 200ºC fan / Gas mark 7. Prick the sweet potato all over with a fork, place on a tray and bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes, or until tender. Let cool, then cut in half and scoop out the flesh. Place in a bowl to one side.

2

Pour the milk into a jug and stir through the apple cider vinegar. Leave to one side for 5 minutes, then stir in 3 tablespoons of olive oil.

3

Sift the flour, baking powder and smoked paprika into a large bowl, then stir through the chopped herbs. Make a well in the centre of the flour mix and pour in the milk mixture.

4

Mash the sweet potato flesh well with a fork, add to the batter and whisk to combine.

5

Preheat a waffle maker and brush with a little olive oil. When ready, pour the batter into the waffle maker and cook for 6 minutes, or until the waffles are puffed and golden all over. Keep the cooked waffles warm while you repeat with the remaining batter.

6

While the waffles are cooking, prepare the spinach. Add the oil to a pan and place over a medium heat. When glossy, add the spinach and cook gently until warmed through.

7

Add in the nutmeg and dairy-free butter and season well. Serve alongside the waffles with a few dollops of dairy-free crème fraîche, sour cream or yogurt.

Sweet Potato Tortilla,  recipe created by Luke Willcox - New Product Development team.

Ingredients

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed

1 small red onion, finely diced

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp oregano

250g chickpea or gram flour

250ml water

50g vegan cheese, cubed

1 roasted red pepper, from a jar, roughly chopped

Method

1

Preheat the oven to 200ºC / 180ºC fan / gas mark 6. Place the cubed sweet potato and diced onion on a baking tray and toss with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and oregano. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.

2

Whisk together the chickpea flour with the water, adding a pinch of sea salt. When the sweet potato is cooked combine with the chickpea flour mix and the vegan cheese and roasted pepper. Season to taste.

3

Preheat the grill. Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet or oven-proof pan. Fry on the hob over a medium heat for 5 minutes or until browned and bubbles are beginning to appear on the surface. Place under the grill and cook the top until browned and puffy. Leave to cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan and slicing into wedges. Serve with a side salad.

Sweet Potato Burritos,  recipe created by Laura Higgins .

Ingredients

For the dressing

1 large avocado, chopped

1 garlic clove, chopped

Juice 1 lime

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp coconut yoghurt

Pinch cayenne pepper

For the sweet potato & assembly

600g sweet potato, peeled and cubed

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

4 tortilla wraps

100g warm cooked wild rice

100g warm cooked kidney beans

2 spring onions, finely sliced

Method

1

Preheat the oven to 200ºC / 180ºC fan / gas mark 6. Place the cubed sweet potato on a baking tray and toss with the olive oil and spices. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.

2

To make the dressing, whizz together all of the ingredients in a small food processor or with a hand blender, until smooth. Season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Add a little water until you achieve the consistency you want, a tablespoon at a time.

3

To assemble the burritos, warm the tortilla wraps according to the packet instructions. Place on the work surface and divide the sweet potato between the 4 wraps. Top with the rice, kidney beans and spring onions, then drizzle with the avocado dressing. Fold in the outside edges, then roll to enclose the filling.

You can learn more and find loads more recipes at https://www.seasonalspuds.com

Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic: Fuelling the Dry January Movement for the Third Year Running

Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic, a trailblazer in the realm of alcohol free beverages, is thrilled to announce its third consecutive year as the Official Wine & Spirit of Dry January®, an initiative organised by Alcohol Change UK. 

As a renowned brand in the global non-alcoholic beverage industry, Lyre’s offers an exceptional range of sixteen alcohol free classic spirits, five ready-to-drink options, and Classico, which is a sparkling wine alternative. 

Lyre’s remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting mindful drinking and providing consumers with sophisticated alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages, which aligns perfectly for those looking to partake in Dry January®, or simply the sober curious. 

Dry January® is a global phenomenon, with millions of participants worldwide opting to abstain from alcohol for the entire month. The initiative which is led by Alcohol Change UK, focuses on raising awareness about the effects of alcohol and supporting individuals in their journey towards better health and well-being. 

Of note in the U.K. almost nine million people took part  in Dry January® in 2023, with a staggering 88% of participants feeling a profound sense of accomplishment as well as financial savings, too. As well as this, 70% reported experiencing improved sleep, while 63% found themselves with increased energy levels after completing Dry January®. 

Lyre’s sponsorship of Dry January® underscores its commitment to empowering consumers to enjoy their favourite cocktails in a non-alcoholic format, all while nurturing a sense of community and well-being. As the official sponsor for Dry January® 2024, Lyre’s will continue to play a pivotal role in championing this global movement, supporting individuals in the quest for healthier and more mindful choices and highlighting the delectable, tasty alcohol free possibilities.  

As part of Lyre’s activation around Dry January®, the brand is joining with renowned adventurer and TV personality Ollie Ollerton, in partnership with Alcohol Change UK to present the Dry January® 10k. 

This event provides an opportunity for participants to shift their focus from traditional bar experiences to a more health-conscious lifestyle. Engaging in Dry January® 10k offers several tangible benefits, such as improved sleep, increased energy, heightened mental acuity, and financial savings. 

This event represents the commitment to personal growth and a healthier, alcohol-free beginning to the year. It stands as a testament to the rewards of embracing a mindful and balanced lifestyle. Lyre’s will be hosting dedicated offers for people to sign up to complete the challenge with Alcohol Change UK, including a giveaway of 10,000 free cocktails of its award-winning spirits in select on trade venues across the country. 

Lyre’s award-winning range of non-alcoholic spirits is designed to captivate the senses and redefine the art of alcohol-free mixology. From capturing the rich depth of whiskey to delivering the refreshing essence of gin and the tropical vibes of rum, Lyre’s offers a sophisticated alcohol-free experience. The diverse portfolio aligns directly to the brand’s vision of changing the way the world drinks.  

By providing a compelling. flavourful alternative to traditional spirits, Lyre’s is rewriting the narrative of mindful drinking, inviting individuals to relish life’s memorable moments without compromise. Hero products include Classico Grande (£9.99 per bottle), Negoni Set (£63.50),  Amaretti (£23.50), Amalfi Spritz (made from Lyre’s Italian Spritz £23.50 & Classico £9.99 per bottle), Espresso Martini Set (£44.65), Mojito (made from Lyre’s White Cane Spirit £23.50) and Passionstar Martini (made from Lyre’s Dry London Spirit £23.50 and Classico £9.99 per bottle) which can be purchased on Amazon, or the Lyre’s website. 

Paul Gloster, CEO Lyre’s comments:“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Dry January® and Alcohol Change UK for a third year running. It is a natural fit for us, as we share the same mission of helping individuals make more mindful choices about their alcohol consumption while enjoying the flavours they love. We look forward to another year of supporting this impactful movement.” 

Richard Piper, CEO, Alcohol Change UK comments: “I am so delighted that Lyre’s are the Official Spirit and Wine of Dry January®, supporting Alcohol Change UK to reach even more people as they take part in our incredibly effective, digital behaviour change intervention. Lyre’s is a brilliant company with stunning products and we are so proud of our partnership.”

Consumers who wish to Try Dry this Dry January® can do so by registering on the Alcohol Change UK website or by downloading the Try Dry app. Here, users will find a host of useful tips and tricks to help them get through the month, as well as more information on Lyre’s official sponsorship. 

For more information, visit www.lyres.co.uk and follow @LyresSpiritCo on Instagram with #LyresSpiritCo, #Lyres and #stayspirited, and Facebook.

Kelly Loves loves to offer you their fantastic range of vegan snacks

Kelly Loves is a leading Japanese snacks and drinks brand They offer discerning consumers a wide and highly delectable range of vegan snacks which are perfect for Veganuary and for taking on board for healthier eating throughout the rest of the year, too.

What do they have to tempt your fancy?

Seaweed Rice Crisps 

An authentic Korean snack of delicate Rice Crisps coated in a delicious layer of Seaweed to create the ultimate light and healthy grab and go snack. 72kcal per packet.

The product is available online and in various pack sizes: 1 x 20g pouch- £2.35 20 pack- £47.00

 

Brown Rice Snacks 

Made with brown rice for a healthier and lighter snack, it gives you the feeling of being fuller for longer, packed full of fibre and fat-free. And so versatile: sprinkle on yoghurt or overnight oats, spruce up your muesli or stir them into your smoothie bowl. 190 kcal per 50g packet.

The product is available online and in various pack sizes: 1x 50g Bag- £2.05 12x 50g bag- £24.60

Kimchi Sachet 

A veritable foodie favourite! Kimchi is a traditional mainstay of a Korean diet and it’s easy to see why — it’s just so deliciously addictive! Fermented cabbage is mixed with red pepper, onion and garlic to create a delicious treat. Kimchi is so versatile that it can be eaten on its own, with rice, or fried up in a wok with noodles. 31kcal per 100g in a packet.

The product is available online and in various pack sizes: 1 x 80g sachet- £1.79 8 pack- £14.32 32 pack- £57.28  

Rice & Peanut Crackers

Rice crackers and crispy-coated peanuts, combined with gentle spices come together in a delicious snackable mix. A perfect snack for vegans on the go! 

The product is available online and in various pack sizes: 1 x 80g sachet- £2.05 12 pack- £24.60

 

Aloe Vera Drink 

Hydrating and refreshing, our delicious aloe vera drink is jam-packed full of real, juicy chunks of aloe vera. And, setting it apart from others, it’s happily sugar-free! With only 10 kcal per serving, you can have a guilt-free refresher that still packs a punch. Real aloe gel makes this beverage a time-honoured favourite across Asia, where it's been used to aid in wellness for centuries — it’ll leave you feeling energised. 

The product is available online and in various pack sizes: 1 x 500ml bottle- £2.10 20 pack- £42.00

Matcha Green Tea Powder 

If you are in the mood for a nice, cosy cuppa? Then this versatile green tea powder can be used for making delicious teas or lattes. If you're feeling even more adventurous why not try Matcha cupcakes or even use it to create revitalising facemasks. 

The product is available online and in various pack sizes: 1 x 50g tin- £6.99 12 pack- £83.88

To order online (don't forget to sort out your 10% discount when you subscribe!) and to obtain information and some nifty recipes you can visit Kelly Loves here https://kellyloves.com

Go nuts for Veganuary with Proper Nutty Peanut Butter

Many people who are only thinking about dipping their toes into the waters of veganism this Veganuary might not be aware that peanut butter is an option for vegan eating and cooking.

Whether you spread it on bread or on crackers or use it in recipes, peanut butter is not only packed with 100% vegan protein, if it comes in the form of Proper Nutty Peanut Butter it not only tastes absolutely delicious it also has the added advantage of having the highest percentage of nuts possible for the best nut butter experience, and its 100% vegan, too!

Google topical searches for Veganuary are up by 16% and Google news searches for vegan snacks have increased 41% over the last 40 days. 

Embrace Veganuary with Proper Nutty whether it's to spread it on toast or crackers, or as a quick protein hit post exercise or if you are using it as a cooking ingredients. Think of peanut biscuits, peanut brittle, peanut bread peanut butter fudge, or peanut butter cake (just Google them) Proper Nutty is the only ‘bean to cup’ peanut butter and coined ‘Smunchy’ so you don’t even have to choose between Smooth or Crunchy. And it's only slightly salted, too.

 

Proper Nutty ‘Smunchy’ is priced at £3 and is available at Morrisons.

https://groceries.morrisons.com/products/proper-nutty-peanut-butter-slightly-salted-472680011

Real Bread Week is coming soon. Matthews Cotswold Flour wants you to be ready for it

Matthews Cotswold Flour, Britain's leading speciality flour producer, is eagerly anticipating Real Bread Week (17th-25th February 2024) and hoping to share their genuine passion and  love for real bread with an even wider audience than ever before. 

Here are some things that they feel readers of That's Food and Drink  should try this Real Bread Week.

Test out the theory that baking is a great form of relaxation and mindfulness

Get the whole family, including kids of all ages, involved in making bread

Compare the ingredients in your home-baked loaf to those listed on your shop bought loaf (and see how healthy and cost-effective your home-baking is by comparison)

Try adding grains or swapping in a speciality flour to add new flavours and extra nutritional value to your bread

Pick up a loaf from your local artisan baker and appreciate their expert craftsmanship

Try a new recipe such as this one for a delicious Cotswold Crunch Bloomer http://tinyurl.com/47sr82e9

Join an online baking community such as the Cotswold Flour Baking Club for inspiration, recipes, discounts, competitions and baking support http://tinyurl.com/bdw4nfr5

Real Bread Week is the annual, international celebration of additive-free loaves and the people who make them. Real bread is bread made using just the four key ingredients of flour, water, yeast and salt. This is a great opportunity to celebrate these perfectly natural ingredients, the fantastic bread that can be made using them and the artisans and home bakers creating amazing loaves all over the country.

Matthews Cotswold Flour is a family business that has been trading grain and milling flour in the heart of the Cotswolds since the 1800s. Matthews Cotswold Flour is committed to supporting regenerative food sources, developing an unparalleled range of top quality, award-winning, products and inspiring, educating and partnering with the nation's artisan and home bakers. For more information and inspiration, visit www.cotswoldflour.com or follow @CotswoldFlour on Instagram or Facebook.

Weeknight Dinners Made Easy With Two NEW Recipes From Squeaky Bean®

If you're looking for weeknight dinner inspiration, especially during Veganuary, look no further. Here's a great kitchen hack for making convenient meat-free meals in minutes from our friends at Squeaky Bean.

Squeaky Bean, famous for its ready to eat vegan products from Pastrami (YUM!) to Tikka pieces ALSO, YUM!), has created frozen Steak and Chicken Style Pieces with the same impressive taste and texture profiles. 

The pieces are perfect for a range of cuisines from Asian stir fries and curries to Mexican tacos and Italian pasta dishes, Squeaky Bean has got you covered. 

NEW Squeaky Bean Steak Style Pieces (240g) RRP £3.25, and Seasoned Chicken Style Pieces (240g) RRP £3.25, are available in Waitrose nationwide from January 2024.  

NEW Squeaky Bean Steak Style Slices (240g RRP £3.25

For a tasty, convenient mid-week meal; heat in a wok with some toasted sesame oil, crushed garlic and ginger for three minutes. Add in some pak choi and sliced tenderstem broccoli with lashings of soy sauce, stir fry for five minutes and serve garnished with chopped spring onion.  

Or try making quick and easy Mexican plant based steak tacos; Simply pan fry Squeaky Bean Steak Strips in oil, add Mexican fajita spices and pan fry for a further two mins. Add sliced red & yellow pepper and sliced red onion and stir fry until softening slightly. Serve in Tacos or tortillas with all your desired Mexican accompaniments, sour cream, guacamole and tomato salsa. 

Made with wheat and pea protein and frozen for convenience; pieces are low in saturated fat and a source of protein. (kcal: 189, 26g protein, 0.6g saturated fat, per 100g).

NEW Squeaky Bean, Seasoned Chicken Style Pieces (240g) RRP £3.25

Totally versatile, these tender strips are seasoned with salt and black pepper and can be enjoyed in a stir fry, one-pot pasta, or a curry from Brazilian to Thai, served on a bed of basmati rice or with noodles. Pieces can even be enjoyed in a wrap with salad. 

As well as being quick and easy, stir-frying is also a great healthy meal. What's not to love? tender, crisp vegetables coupled with your favourite protein. 

Made with wheat and pea protein and frozen for convenience; pieces are low in fat and a source of protein. (kcals 215, 26g protein, 0.9g saturated fat, per 100g).

Both products are suitable for vegans, high in protein and low in saturated fat. Cook from frozen in just three minutes, for a mid-week meal you can trust the whole family will enjoy; from little meat eaters or those who prefer to keep it plant based.

Teriyaki Beef Stir fry 

Ingredients

1 pack of Squeaky bean Steak strips

1 tbsp of toasted sesame oil 

1 clove of garlic, crushed

1 x 1cm piece of ginger finely diced

2 x Pak choi sliced in half

50g green beans, quartered 

2 x Finely sliced carrots 

50g baby corn, sliced in half 

4 tbsp of Teriyaki sauce 

½ a red chilli diced 

Method 

Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan, add the garlic and ginger fry for 1 min

Add the chopped vegetables and stir fry for 5 mins until veg starts to soften slightly 

Add the Squeaky bean steak strips and pan fry for 3 mins 

Drizzle over the teriyaki sauce and mix thoroughly for 2 mins

Garnish with chopped red chilli and serve 

Serve with steamed rice or add noodles to the stir fry and mix through with a tbsp of sauce  

Squeaky Bean's new frozen range joins an impressive line-up of chilled products including: Chicken Style Pieces, Chargrilled Mini Fillets, Chargrilled Steak Style Strips, Sandwich Slices; NYC Deli Pastrami, Spanish Chorizo and Salami Style Slices.

Squeaky Bean® NEW Steak Style Slices and Chicken Style Slices are available at Waitrose nationwide from this month, January.

https://www.squeakybean.co.uk

Vegans, are you missing your Laughing Cow Cheese? Not any more! Laughing Cow has released a Vegan alternative

As we are moving through Veganuary, there's some exciting news about the cheese spread sensation The Laughing Cow. They have launched a NEW and utterly delicious plant-powered creation.

It's earned the approval of the Vegan Society and The Laughing Cow Plant Based Triangles bring their signature, spreadable goodness to everyone this year. 

Two in five of us are hungering for plant-based cheese options and The Laughing Cow is the first brand in the UK to offer a plant-based alternative to cheese triangles!

Not merely dairy-free; it's also packing a healthy punch with added calcium and Vitamin B12, only 34 calories per triangle, it's satisfying snacking at its finest.

The Laughing Cow Plant-Based 128g is vailable at both Sainsbury's and Asda stores at a RRP of £2.50.

Strong Roots unveils five tasty plant-based ready meals for Veganuary

Strong Roots, the pioneers of plant-based frozen food, have done it again! Setting out the next step in their mission to make tasty, plant-based food for busy people, they are launching five bold, veggie-packed meals. 

Absolutely delicious and designed for those living very busy lives, each features only the best quality ingredients that are all sustainably sourced.

With their belief that food can be better and that vegetables are the best way forward, Strong Roots' goal is to make eating them as easy and delicious as possible, while also reducing people’s carbon footprint. Making the perfect solution for a quick and healthy midweek meal, each takes just eight minutes to cook from frozen, so just pop in the freezer and you’ll always have a super convenient and super tasty, plant-based meal on hand.

Here’s a rundown on each of the new Good Made Easy Meals:

Thai Green Veg Curry

Combining crispy, crunchy veg with aromatics of lemongrass, Thai basil and kaffir lime leaf, this meal has all the greens, along with some tasty Thai flavours with a mildly spicy bite. Just 329 calories and a punchy 9.5g of protein per serving, this meal is also low sugar, low salt and low in saturated fat, with a climate footprint of just 1.5kg CO2e/kg.

Veggie Masala

This plant-based cauliflower and chickpea curry is full of goodness. Rich in flavour, it’s packed full of veggies and has up 12g of protein per serving, all with just 326 calories. What’s more it’s high in fibre, low in saturated fat and low in sugar. Climate footprint of 2.2kg CO2e/kg.

Creamy Mac

The Big Daddy of comfort food just got a plant-based glow up. A food favourite with a vegan twist, this meal features a great tasting vegan cheese sauce and has a great texture. It comes in at just 448 calories, is low sugar, with a climate footprint of 2kg CO2e/kg.

White Bean & Lentil Tomato Stew

This white bean and lentil tomato stew comes with a protein punch that’s sure to sate your winter comfort food cravings. It’s vibrant with veggie colours and rich in wholesome flavour. Packed full with protein, at 19g per serving, it has just 280 calories, contains 3 of your 5 a day and, once more, is low in saturated fat and sugar, with a climate footprint of 1.6kg CO2e/kg.

Mediterranean Orzo Bake

Featuring grilled Mediterranean vegetables, premium Orzo pasta (which is rarely seen in the frozen aisle) and rich tomato sauce - this meal is pure comfort. Once heated it releases a bloom of spices that deliver big fresh flavour, and it also delivers on low calories (329), protein (12g) as well as being low in saturated fat and sugar. Climate footprint on this dish is calculated at 1kg CO2e/kg – the lowest in the range.

Sam Dennigan, Founder of Strong Roots says “We believe in going back to our roots to secure our food future by making easy and delicious veg-forward frozen food that is good for you and good for the planet. 

"With the time pressures of modern life it can be hard to make good choices all the time but that’s where we come in. Our five new plant-based meals deliver exciting flavour profiles and provide healthy and convenient plant-based options, all made with sustainable, quality ingredients. It’s ‘Good Made Easy’.”

On a mission to fix the freezer aisle, Strong Roots prides itself on providing a gateway to easier plant-based consumption, revolutionising the food industry in a sustainable and responsible way. A certified B Corp, its range of delicious plant-based options, are all sustainably farmed, shipped and sold, better for people and the planet. The brand also proudly displays its climate footprint on front of pack, showing all emissions generated from soil to shelf, ensuring it is fully accountable as a business and to its consumers.

In the UK the RRP. is a (in our opinion!) very reasonable £3.50.

In the UK all meals are available now from Ocado, Booths, Amazon and selected independent retailers.

Thai Green Veg Curry and Veggie Masala launch into Sainsbury’s during Veganuary.

In Ireland the RRP is €3.99

In Ireland meals are available in Dunnes, Tesco, SuperValu, Centra & Spar stores nationwide.

Find out more: https://strongroots.com

Nutritionist Dr Naomi Beinart writes on ’Seven things to consider if you’re going to embrace Veganuary'

That's food and Drink would like to thank Dr Beinart for writing this feature for us as part of our series of Veganuary features.

1. Don’t neglect your thyroid health

Your thyroid is a small gland at the front of your neck. It uses iodine to make thyroid hormones, but if you are deficient in iodine then your body can’t make enough thyroid hormones. 

When this happens, your thyroid starts to work overtime to make these vital hormones and can result in overgrowth of the thyroid gland, called goiter. Luckily, if caught soon enough this can be reversed by improving iodine intake. 

Thyroid hormones are vital for so many of our body’s natural processes including bone health, metabolism, reproductive health, and brain health. As a nutritionist I have seen numerous women over the years who struggle with low energy, weight gain, dry skin and feeling cold all the time. While there is a lot to consider when someone presents with these symptoms, iodine status is the number one place we start and is often found to play a role in some of these issues. 

The primary sources of iodine are white fish and dairy making it challenging for vegans.  Seaweed is the only natural and plant-based source that provides adequate amounts of iodine for optimal function. Try Doctor Seaweed’s Pure Organic Seaweed.  Each 500mg capsule contains similar levels of iodine as one portion of haddock.

2. Make sure you are eating a good diet

Eat lots of brightly coloured fruits and vegetables which are high in antioxidants, which help to to protect against free radicals and keep us healthy. We tend to eat less fruit and veg in Winter, but there are so many tasty Winter vegetables and brightly coloured root vegetables (e.g. butternut squash, sweet potato and carrots) contain carotenoids which reduce inflammation and boost immune function by increasing disease-fighting cells in the body. 

So, if you enjoy being outside on these cold, sunny, Winter days, don’t forget your root veg soup.. One of the main challenges with a vegan diet is getting enough good quality protein. Vegans can get protein from plant based sources like peanut butter, seeds, grains, and legumes, and alternative products like tofu and soymilk also provide protein. 

Include healthy starches like  potatoes, rice, and pasta (choose wholegrain where possible) and have some fortified dairy alternatives, such as soya drinks and yogurts (choose lower-fat and lower-sugar options).

3. B12 is one of the most important vitamins for Vegans

Ensuring you have enough B12 you can make a big difference to how you feel, your energy levels and your overall well-being. So how can you make sure you have enough B12? This is far easier for people who eat animal products, such as meat, fish and dairy. However, even if you are eating the right foods, Vitamins B12 is notoriously hard to absorb. 

Also, B12 can be difficult to find if you are vegetarian or vegan. Some vegan foods and drinks are fortified with B12, and you can find some in vegan foods like nori and nutritional yeast. However, research shows that our B12 needs cannot be met from vegetarian / vegan sources alone (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5188422/) So, what can you do to make sure you are getting enough B12? Since your body can’t make B12, I always recommend a good quality B12 spray.  BetterYou B12 Spray - uses the most bio-available form of B12 (methylcobalamin) which is a naturally active form found within human metabolism. It is really easy to use and can be applied directly onto the inner cheek of the mouth. 

4. Ensure your immunity isn’t compromised 

If you’re someone who works long hours, with busy personal and family schedules, travel and frequent commuting, you will find that you are more susceptible to any viruses that are going around. Taking care of your immune system by ensuring that you aren’t lacking any vital vitamins and minerals, is essential. 

Public Health England recommends that we all supplement with Vitamin D to support and strengthen our immune defences and to support energy levels and mood throughout the Winter. Plus, Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, muscles and teeth. Mushrooms are one of the best sources of Vitamin D, together with some fortified foods. But it's best to ensure you have adequate Vitamin D levels by taking a good quality daily supplement, especially throughout the Winter months.  I like BetterYou Vitamin D Oral Spray

5. Don’t let your energy levels fall

Due to the absence of red meat in a plant-based diet, vegans (and vegetarians) are typically deficient in vitamin B12 and iron. This can lead to fatigue, headaches, dizziness and if left untreated, anemia. As well as eating a healthy diet, as outlined below make sure you are eating lots of energy dense foods that are rich in iron - nuts and nut butters are especially good for this. As well as diet, make sure you are adapting lifestyle changes to make sure you are staying healthy and well. 

Fresh air is always the best thing when you're feeling a little lethargic or mentally low. Getting outside and going for a walk in green space will allow you to clear your mind and get a bit of exercise whilst you're at it. Dr Naomi recommends, if you live in a city, try to head to a park or a larger green space so you can really immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the sunny weather, and perhaps listen to a motivational or inspirational podcast whilst you're out and about. 

Most likely you will come home feeling more positive and upbeat.  Also if you are just starting a vegan diet, try a  relaxing exercise like a yoga class, which is gentle but can leave you feeling really energized, upbeat and centered. Swimming is also a great relaxing exercise that is low impact and you can take as gently as you like - swim in the morning to feel energised for the rest of the day

Readers might like to check out the following links for further help and inspiration:-

https://doctorseaweed.com/collections/supplements/products/pure-organic-seaweed-30-day

https://betteryou.com/collections/all/products/boost-b12-oral-spray

https://shorturl.at/KY135 (Link for Vitamin D 3000 IU Oral Spray)