Food and drink news for the discerning consumer
Wednesday, 8 January 2025
That's Christmas: That's Food and Drink: BlueIron. Ideal for Veganuary
That's Christmas: That's Food and Drink: BlueIron. Ideal for Veganuary: That's Food and Drink: BlueIron. Ideal for Veganuary : BlueIron Liquid Iron: Say goodbye to the common and rather nasty metallic taste o...
Tuesday, 7 January 2025
New Plant Based Products to Fuel Your New Year
The Happy Pear are Irish twins, Dave and Steve Flynn, who are on a singular mission to help people to eat more vegetables and increase their fibre intake in the tastiest way possible!
Authors of seven cookbooks, promoting the benefits of a wholefood, plant-based diet, alongside online courses, an app and a recipe club, the brothers are now making it even easier for people to follow a healthy and vitamin-packed plant-based diet with their new product collection which currently includes a range of granolas and drinks.
There are three delicious granolas to choose from:
Dave’s Cocoa Crunch - a healthier take on traditional sugar-laden chocolate flavoured breakfast cereals with a mix of oats, sunflower seeds, coconut and cocoa powder. RSP £4.99 for 350g or eight packs for £35.99
Steve’s Dreamy Granola - the ultimate high fibre, low sugar version of granola Nirvana featuring oats, seeds, nuts, coconut and raspberries. RSP £4.99 for 350g.
Cool Jim’s Granola - a flavoursome mix of oats, seeds, sultanas, coconut, goji berries and cashews. £4.99 for 400g or eight packs for £35.99
All three granolas are loaded with fibre and all-natural ingredients, with no added sugar and free from artificial preservatives or colours.
Or if you’re looking for the ultimate in healthy hydration, then The Happy Pear’s delicious Vita Vibe spring water based drinks, are the perfect refreshment with added vitamins and zero added sugar.
Packed with 100% of the daily dose of recommended B vitamins and free from artificial ingredients, Vita Vibe is sweetened with natural stevia leaves rather than the commonly used artificial ingredient sucralose. The range includes three fantastic flavours, Raspberry, Pink Grapefruit & Apple; Blood Orange, Mandarin & Ginger or Apple, Elderflower and Lime. RSP £26.99 for 12 x 500ml.
Great for anyone looking to up the ante on healthy eating, not only do The Happy Pear products taste amazing, but they are also full of natural ingredients and presented in the most sustainable packaging solution available to combine kindness to the planet without compromise to food quality.
The Happy Pear’s delicious new product range is available via The Happy Pear website www.thehappypear.ie (be sure to click on the tab for UK delivery, if you are in the UK!), from Amazon and will be coming to UK supermarkets and independent retailers very soon.
Learning to Cook from Scratch: A Journey Worth Taking
In a world dominated by convenience foods and takeaways, learning to prepare meals from raw ingredients can feel daunting.
However, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, here’s why cooking from scratch is worth it and how to get started.
Why Cook from Scratch?
Health Benefits
Cooking from scratch allows you to control what goes into your meals. You can avoid unnecessary additives, reduce sugar and salt, and prioritise fresh, whole ingredients. It’s a step towards a healthier lifestyle that nourishes both body and mind.
Cost-Effectiveness
While pre-packaged meals might seem cheap, cooking from scratch is often more economical in the long run. Bulk-buying staples like rice, pasta, and fresh vegetables can significantly lower your grocery bills.
Culinary Creativity
When you cook from scratch, you’re not bound by pre-set flavours or recipes. You can experiment with spices, herbs, and techniques to create dishes that suit your taste.
Sustainability
Preparing meals from raw ingredients often means less packaging waste and a reduced carbon footprint. It’s a small but impactful way to live more sustainably.
Getting Started: Tips for Beginners
Start Simple
Begin with recipes that require only a few ingredients and basic techniques. Soups, pasta dishes, and stir-fries are great starting points.
Stock Your Pantry
Keep essentials like olive oil, flour, sugar, salt, pepper, and a selection of herbs and spices on hand. These staples form the foundation of countless recipes.
Learn Knife Skills
Proper knife skills can make chopping vegetables faster, safer, and more enjoyable. Look up tutorials or take a local cooking class to master the basics.
Follow Recipes
Start by following recipes to the letter. Once you’re comfortable, you can tweak them to suit your preferences.
Invest in Quality Tools
A good knife, a sturdy chopping board, and a reliable set of pots and pans can make cooking much more enjoyable.
Overcoming Challenges
Time Constraints
Batch cooking is your friend. Prepare meals in advance and freeze portions for busy days.
Fear of Failure
Mistakes are part of the learning process. Burnt toast and overcooked pasta happen to everyone. Each misstep is a lesson.
Limited Budget
Seasonal produce and cheaper cuts of meat or plant-based proteins like beans and lentils can keep costs low while still delivering delicious meals.
The Joy of Cooking
Cooking from scratch isn’t just about feeding yourself; it’s about the experience. The scent of garlic sizzling in olive oil, the satisfaction of kneading dough, and the pride of serving a dish you made with your own hands are unparalleled joys.
Learn for free
Many local authorities, churches, etc offer free food cookery courses. Check what is available in your local area. Or seek out YouTube-based courses, or look at the BBC website.
Final Thoughts
Learning to cook from scratch is a skill that pays dividends for a lifetime. It’s not about perfection but progress. Start small, be patient with yourself, and savour the process as much as the meals you create. Before you know it, cooking will become a cherished part of your daily routine.
BlueIron. Ideal for Veganuary
How? Because BlueIron delivers a gentle, delicious liquid formula packed with iron and Nordic blueberries to support energy and combat fatigue effectively.
This could be useful for Veganuary as vegans are often Iron Deficient due to not consuming red meat.
Iron is an essential mineral, and it’s in every cell of the human body. Which is one of the reasons it’s so important to make sure that your body has the correct levels of iron.
Iron plays an important role in how our bodies function. For example, it's important for maintaining energy metabolism and supports efficient cognitive function.
As you can imagine having important aspects of our bodies working and feeling energised as they should is important for our overall health, wellbeing and feelings of wellness.
To learn more please visit https://www.blueiron.co.uk.
Warrior® Protein Water from leading sports nutrition brand, Warrior®
With the added benefit of 10g of Collagen Peptides, this healthy drink will not only boost your protein intake, but will also nourish your skin, hair and nails, too.
Whether you are looking for a tasty way to keep hydrated on the go, or to enjoy during or after your workout, Warrior® Protein Water is a convenient alternative to regular protein powders.
It's sugar-free with under 50 calories per bottle, and available in two refreshing flavours; Tropical and Berry, Warrior® Protein Water is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and free-from genetically modified ingredients, so is ideal for Veganuary.
Warrior® Protein Water is available to buy from www.teamwarrior.com, RRP £19.99 for 12 x 500ml bottles and select SPAR stores nationwide.
But there's more! A new range of convenient, on-the-go wellness shots, perfect for busy lifestyles. These vegan-friendly, fruity shots are designed to support your health and fitness goals with zero prep—just grab, shake, and go! Free from added sugars, artificial flavorus, and colours, they’re a clean, quick option for a variety of needs.
Warrior® Immunity Shots
Support your immune system with Orange & Mango or Tropical flavours. Each 60ml shot contains 9 key vitamins and minerals, including 100% of your daily Vitamin C, E, B6, A, D3, and B12.
RRP: £1.25 per shot | £14.99 for 12
Warrior® Multivitamin Shots
Get a full nutritional boost with Mixed Berry or Citrus, delivering 19 essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins for energy.
RRP: £1.25 per shot | £14.99 for 12
Warrior® Rage Pre-Workout Energy Shots
For a powerful energy boost, these shots in Blue Raspberry, Tropical Sourz, and Lemon & Lime pack 200mg of caffeine, Beta-Alanine, and AAKG.
RRP: £1.25 per shot | £14.99 for 12
Want something to chomp on? Then you'll love their range of Warrior® CRUNCH bars which are ideal for those on a low carb, low sugar diet, as well as anyone wanting to improve their healthy snacking habits with additional sources of protein in a tasty, convenient format.
Both new flavours of the 64g are absolutely brimming with protein and contain less than 3g of sugar, helping to keep blood sugar levels low and maintain energy levels for longer.
Aiming to bring the best sports supplements to the market and improve the athletic performance and mental focus of those who consume them, Warrior® is committed to helping those from all walks of life. Their range of Warrior® CRUNCH bars are ideal for those on a low carb, low sugar diet, as well as anyone wanting to improve their healthy snacking habits with additional sources of protein in a tasty, convenient format.
Are you a "No time to cook" Vegan? Then you'll be interested in Cauldron's five minute feast!
Key points to remember:
• Easy - cooks in only 5 minutes!
• Tasty - delicious base for any dish, perfect bitesize pieces
• Affordable - £2.75 for 160g, serves two, but check with your chosen retailer for their pricing.
Plant-based delicious food pioneers at Cauldron are seeing in the new year with a protein-filled bang, as it launches its new Tofu Pieces.
Explained Gill Riley, Consumer Director at Cauldron Foods: "A product like no other on supermarket shelves, this tofu has already been carefully chopped into perfect bitesize cubes, then lightly fried so they take you just five minutes to cook, saving hours in the kitchen every week. Quick, easy and totally effort-free."
The new Cauldron Tofu Pieces join the existing tofu range which includes Cauldron Authentic Tofu, Extra Firm Tofu, Marinated Tofu Pieces and Hoisin Tofu Pieces.
Gill went on to say: "We Brits are busier than ever and always on the lookout for convenient, tasty, nutritious meals that don’t cost us the earth. And even more so in January. Research shows more people are looking for easy dinners in the evening, with nearly 3/4 meals being assembled or convenience meals.
"The new Cauldron Tofu Pieces are the perfect addition to our range, providing a truly adaptable base that lets you create a quick and nutritious meal, without spending all night in the kitchen.
"The delicious bites are totally naked, so you can dress them up however you wish. Toss into a stir-fry with veggies, pop in a wrap or dish up a plant powered Pad Thai."
Gill added: "We believe our new Tofu Pieces are a genuine game-changer. Everyone is on the go, with very little time in the evenings to make sure we are cooking delicious and nutritious meals. They’re completely versatile and, because they only need five minutes to cook, they’re the perfect option for a quick and satisfying yet easy meal.
We wanted to build on the increasing popularity of tofu and create an ingredient which leaves plenty of room for creativity, and these Tofu Pieces definitely deliver that.
Newly minted vegetarian missing your tasty BBQ treats? Quorn has you covered with Brand New Smoky BBQ Bites
The UK’s No. 1 meat alternative brand is adding a mouthwatering new flavour to its star line up of delicious snacks.
Available now in the chilled aisles of Asda and Tesco (RRP £2.50, 180g), these delicious Bites are bursting with flavour, with a smoky BBQ filling that everyone will adore.
And because they are made using Quorn’s super-ingredient Quorn mycoprotein, they are high in protein, low in saturated fat and a great source of fibre.
Less faff, more flavour!
Quorn Smoky BBQ bites are ready to eat and come in a handy resealable pack, so they are the perfect snack to have in the fridge when you need to grab and go.
Gill Riley, who has the enviable job of Consumer Director at Quorn Foods UK, said: “Our ready to eat range is already the top choice for snack lovers, who love the great taste, high protein and convenience of these little bites which are absolutely packed with big flavour.
“We have no doubt this flavour will be a firm favourite for all. During flavour testing, the Smoky BBQ Bites flavour was a hit, a close second after our incredible Quorn Garlic and Herb Bites.
“Our brand-new Bites provide a delicious snack that we know Brits are craving for. Packed with protein and a deliciously rich BBQ centre, these snacks offer a tasty alternative to meat-based on the go options, giving a smoky yet sweet taste explosion in every mouthful.”
https://www.quorn.co.uk/products/smoky-bbq-bites
We at That's Food and Drink are certain these BBQ Bites will prove to be a big hit with vegetarian and non-vegetarian alike.
Pumpkin Crunch Bowl. A Veganuary feast
Featuring seasonal produce, it not only packs a punch of flavour, but is also jam-packed with immune-boosting vitamins and locally sourced ingredients, as well as being 100% vegan. And 100% tasty, too!
https://www.islandpoke.com/the-pumpkin-crunch/
This looks like a really tasty addition to the Veganuary offerings and we at That's Food and Drink feel sure it will become a firm favourite with vegans and non-vegans alike.
Sunday, 5 January 2025
"What to consider if you’re going to embrace Veganuary” by Nutritionist Dr Naomi Beinart
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 Pure Seaweed by Doctor Seaweed. Each 500mg capsule contains similar levels of iodine as one portion of haddock. https://doctorseaweed.com/collections/supplements/products/pure-organic-seaweed-30-day
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
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/)
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. https://betteryou.com/collections/all/products/boost-b12-oral-spray
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+K2 spray Vitamin D and Vitamin K2 work synergistically with each other to ensure that calcium is directed out of the arteries and into the bones where it helps improve bone density. Without enough vitamin K2 calcification within the arteries can occur, so it is important to take a supplement that provides both. https://betteryou.com/products/vitamin-d-k2-oral-spray?srsltid=AfmBOorHKIjqCr9KzJ8nG3dxFNP_Xb7wJi4Fwvt186k-9-gmBCHSiKPu
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 energized for the rest of the day
Again, we would like to express our thanks to Dr Naomi Beinart.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-naomi-newman-beinart-19696631/
Saturday, 4 January 2025
3Bears Oats, now hitting breakfast tables in the UK
The oat revolution has officially arrived in the UK! Introducing 3Bears, the brainchild of dynamic husband-and-wife duo Tim and Caro, who have mastered the art of a delicious breakfast since their inception in Germany.
Tim’s passion for extreme sports, including marathons, IronMan challenges, and long-distance cycling, combined with two kids and a busy family life, meant that when creating 3Bears, it was important for them to have a product that would be a quick, substantial meal and work for everyone.
With a commitment to clean ingredients and a sprinkling of fun, 3Bears - yes, it's named for the iconic and famous fairy tale - is here to transform your mornings - one Delicious oat at a time.
With accolades pouring in from German breakfasters, 3Bears has established itself as the industry leader in oat-based breakfasts.
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Whether you're a breakfast purist or an extremely busy parent, there's something magical about 3Bears' offerings. What's in their core range? This includes:-
Overnight Oats
An absolute game-changer for those who want convenience without compromising on taste! 3Bears have created a secret blend of different oats for that perfectly creamy texture. With flavours inspired by customer cravings including Splendid Strawberry, Banana Split, Iced Coffee, Golden Mango and Coconut Cocoa.
They are super easy to make, all you need do is just add the milk of your choice, pop in the fridge the night before and in the morning you will have the perfect, yummy cold breakfast.
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| Harry Kane & 3Bears |
Porridge
Not too big and not too small—these oats are just right! 3Bears’ recipe developers have fine-tuned the ideal oat for a bowl that boasts a satisfying bite and a smooth finish.
Available in a range of delightful flavours including Original, Finest Cocoa, Apple & Cinnamon, Triple Berry, Banana & Poppy Seed, Fruity Coconut, this porridge is anything but boring!
Pocket Porridge
Born from Tim and Caro’s need for a quick yet nutritious meal on-the-go as busy parents, Pocket Porridge is the perfect partner for your hectic day. Packed with the same incredible ingredients and ethos as their other products, this convenient option promises to keep you fuelled and focused. The bars come in six delicious flavours including Triple Berry, Triple Nut, Splendid Strawberry, Finest Cocoa, Banana & Poppy Seed, Apple & Cinnamon.
All of the products have short, easy-to-read ingredient lists, are rich in fibre, free from added sugars, and made with love and care in recyclable packaging.
Co-founder Caroline shares her excitement: “I can't express how thrilled we are to introduce our delicious porridge to the UK. With Harry Kane as our investor and brand ambassador, this is more than just an expansion; it’s a heartfelt venture into a market that we truly believe will resonate with our values.”
3Bears Overnight Oats, Porridge, and Pocket Porridge are available online at https://3bears.co.uk.
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