Why You Should Consider Swapping Your Regular Crackers for Rice Cakes

Let’s be honest – crackers are a cupboard staple. They're the go-to base for cheese, the trusty companion to hummus, and an easy snack to grab when you’re peckish. But have you ever thought about swapping them out for something a little lighter, a little crunchier, and possibly a little better for you? Enter: the humble rice cake.

1. Lighter on Calories (but still satisfying)

Crackers can be surprisingly calorie-dense, especially the buttery or flavoured varieties. Rice cakes, on the other hand, tend to be much lighter – both in texture and calories. A single rice cake typically clocks in at around 30-40 calories, depending on the brand. That means you can enjoy a couple without tipping the scales, making them a great option if you're watching your intake.

2. Gluten-Free Friendly

Many rice cakes are naturally gluten-free, as they're made from puffed rice and nothing else. This makes them an easy swap for anyone with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease. While there are gluten-free crackers on the market, they can be pricey and not always easy to find.

3. A Blank Canvas for Toppings

Think rice cakes are boring? Think again. Their neutral flavour actually works in their favour – they’re the perfect blank slate for whatever you're craving. Sweet or savoury, you can pile on nut butter and banana, avocado and chilli flakes, cottage cheese and tomatoes – the options are endless. You get full control over the flavour and nutrition.

4. Less Processed Ingredients

A lot of standard crackers come with a long list of ingredients – preservatives, oils, sugars, and additives you may not recognise. Plain rice cakes tend to be just that – rice. And maybe a bit of salt if you go for the salted version. If you're trying to clean up your diet or cut down on ultra-processed foods, this is an easy switch to make.

5. Better for Portion Control

Let’s be real – it’s far too easy to demolish half a packet of crackers without noticing. Rice cakes, with their size and crunch, slow you down a bit. They’re also easy to portion – one or two and you’re likely satisfied, especially when topped well.

6. Kid-Friendly (and surprisingly versatile)

They’re also a great snack option for kids. You can make rice cakes fun with spreads and toppings, or even choose flavoured varieties (just keep an eye on the sugar and salt content). Mini versions are perfect for lunchboxes or after-school nibbles.

Final Thoughts

Rice cakes might not be the flashiest food in your pantry, but don’t underestimate their potential. They’re light, versatile, and often a healthier alternative to traditional crackers. Whether you're looking to cut back on calories, reduce processed foods, or simply mix things up a bit, giving rice cakes a go could be a small change that makes a big difference.

So next time you're reaching for the crackers – maybe grab a rice cake instead. Your waistline (and your snack game) might thank you.

Our rice cakes of choice are from https://ibisrice.co.uk/organic-wildlife-friendly-rice-products/

10 Proven Free or Low-Cost Ways to Promote Your Food Business

Running a food business is a passion-fuelled journey, but let’s be real here, it can also be a tough gig, especially when budgets are tight. 

The good news? You really don’t need deep pockets to build a buzz around your brand. 

With a little creativity and consistency, you can attract new customers and grow your presence without breaking the bank.

Here are ten tried-and-tested methods to promote your food business for free—or very little cost.

1. Get Social (and Stay Active)

Social media is still one of the most powerful (and free) marketing tools out there. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are especially suited to food businesses thanks to their visual nature. But make sure not to get political.

Top tips:

Post consistently and use high-quality images.

Use stories and reels to showcase behind-the-scenes content.

Engage with followers—reply to comments, ask questions, run polls.

2. Leverage Google My Business

A must-have for any local business. It’s free, and it gets your business on Google Maps and in local search results. Make sure your profile is complete with your location, opening hours, menu, photos, and contact details.

Bonus: Encourage happy customers to leave a review. Social proof goes a long way!

3. Partner with Local Businesses

Team up with nearby shops, cafés, or events. For example, a bakery could offer samples at a local bookshop or farmer’s market. It’s a win-win—you both get exposure to each other’s customer base.

4. Offer Free Samples (Strategically)

People love to try before they buy. Offering samples in high-traffic areas like markets or festivals can generate interest and drive footfall. If you’re online-only, consider a giveaway on social media.

5. Email Marketing

If you’re not collecting customer emails, start now! A simple sign-up form on your website or till can help you build a list. Send occasional emails with news, discounts, and recipes to keep people engaged and coming back.

6. Encourage User-Generated Content

Happy customers are your best promoters. Ask them to tag you in their foodie pics, then re-share on your own social media. You can even run a “photo of the month” competition to boost engagement.

7. Get Involved in the Community

Sponsor a local sports team, donate to a school raffle, or take part in a charity bake sale. These low-cost gestures create goodwill and get your name out there.

8. Run a Loyalty Scheme

A simple stamp card or digital loyalty programme encourages repeat business. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just consistent and easy to use.

9. Join Local Online Groups

Facebook and Nextdoor groups are great for promoting local businesses. Just be sure to follow group rules—many allow self-promotion on certain days or in designated threads.

10. Blog or Vlog Your Journey

Share your story, recipes, tips, or behind-the-scenes content via a blog or YouTube channel. It helps build a personal connection and gives people a reason to support your business beyond just the food.

Final Thoughts

Promoting your food business on a shoestring budget is completely possible—it just takes time, persistence, and a willingness to engage with your community. Start small, keep showing up, and focus on building genuine relationships with your customers.

Remember: you don’t need to be everywhere. Choose a few methods that suit your style and audience, and do them well.

Have you tried any of these methods? Got a tip that worked wonders for you? Please share it in the comments!

Mexican and South American restaurant Las Iguanas announce biggest-ever menu refresh with vibrant flavours, exciting offers and fan-favourite dishes

Las Iguanas, the UK’s home of bold Mexican and South American cuisines, is launching its most ambitious menu overhaul to date.

The popular restaurant is introducing a fresh lineup of mouthwatering dishes, bringing back long-lost favourites, and unveiling a brand-new rhythm of the week packed with innovative, exciting offers. 

The new menu, launching tomorrow, Tuesday April 8, is designed to celebrate the fresh, exotic flavours that have made Las Iguanas a firm favourite for in excess of three decades. 

Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, there’s something for everyone, from sharing tapas with friends to indulging in a hearty Latin American classic or sipping on Las Iguanas’ legendary cocktails.

Tapas takes centre stage, making Las Iguanas the perfect place to meet, chat, and explore flavours inspired by the vibrant street foods of Brazil, Mexico, and beyond. We see the return of the viral £15 bottomless tapas deal which flooded Tiktok in January this year.

Guests can enjoy a selection of small plates, including new and improved nachos with freshly made guacamole, cheesy quesadillas, fiery patatas bravas, the return of the popular Pao de Queijo cheese dough balls, and a range of exciting new South American-inspired dishes. 

For those who have been waiting for the return of old favourites, the much-loved Xinxim curry is making a comeback, along with other long-requested classics.

With this menu relaunch, Las Iguanas is also redefining its dining experience and re-establishing itself as a must-visit destination for those of all ages, where great food, a lively atmosphere, and handcrafted cocktails create unforgettable moments. 

The new refresh also introduces unbeatable offers, including every day legendary 2-for-1 cocktails now available from 3pm-6pm and 9pm-close, Bottomless Tapas for just £15 Sunday to Thursday, and a weekday Lunch Menu offering a classic main and a drink for just £10. 

Bottomless Brunch is still available to book every day until 3pm, and students can enjoy an extended Bottomless Brunch every Wednesday until 9pm.

To celebrate the relaunch, Las Iguanas has offered fans the chance to be among the first to experience the new menu. From March 17, guests can enter via the website and social channels to win one of 10 £100 vouchers. Additionally, from April 8- May 29, My Iguanas app users and newsletter subscribers can enjoy £20 off their entire bill when spending £50 or more on food and drink (excluding Easter weekend).

Las Iguanas has been bringing the vibrant flavours of Mexico and South America to the UK since opening its first restaurant in Bristol back in 1991. Known for its colourful murals, upbeat music, and warm hospitality, the restaurant continues to be a go-to destination for those seeking bold flavours, great company, and unforgettable experiences.

For more information, visit lasiguanas.co.uk.

JING™ Awarded EcoVadis Gold For Their Sustainable Practices

As we near Earth Day on 22nd April, JING™ is delighted to share that, at the end of 2024, it was awarded EcoVadis Gold for its sustainable practices. 

This award places JING™ in the top 3% of companies rated by EcoVadis in similar industries and top 5% of companies globally.

Said Melanie Tricklebank, CEO of JING™: “We're thrilled to have been awarded an EcoVadis Gold. This highly prized award measures our sustainability achievements and recognises the hard work and passion shown by our tea gardens to produce in the right way and by our employees, who always put ESG at the heart of our decision making.” 

Melanie went on to say: ”JING™ travels the world to responsibly source the highest quality single garden teas directly from tea origins across Asia. 

"Our mission is to change how people think about tea. Our pioneering sourcing model, through direct relationships with inspiring tea producers, enables us to pay producers a fair price and support farming techniques that promote biodiversity. It has also introduced us to an intriguing world of special, distinctive teas.”

Melanie adds: “We want to thank our incredible customers, the leaders in hospitality who have supported us on our mission to change how we all think about tea, helping to ensure a sustainable and fair future for the tea industry, whilst delighting guests with exceptional tea experiences.”

EcoVadis is the world's leading sustainability ratings provider, offering independent and transparent evaluations of companies' sustainability practices to accelerate their sustainability journey. Their ratings cover key themes such as environment, labour rights, human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. By working with EcoVadis, businesses are able to monitor and improve their sustainability performance journey.

JING™'s focus on quality, sustainability and service together with over 20 years' experience in world-leading hospitality has made it the tea of choice for many of the world's greatest tastemakers, chefs and hoteliers and is proudly served in many Michelin star restaurants. 

The teas are complemented by a full service approach from teaware to a world class training program tailored to individual trade partners to enable them to create the perfect guest experience. 

Ole and Steen Celebrates Easter

Beloved Danish bakery Ole & Steen is celebrating Easter with the launch of its much-anticipated limited-edition seasonal treats.

This year, Ole & Steen is putting an indulgent twist on its most iconic pastry with the Easter Special Cinnamon Social.

The signature favourite features the bakery’s soft, sweet, and buttery cinnamon dough, but this edition is topped with moreish chocolate mini eggs for the ultimate Easter indulgence.

The iconic pastry is designed to bring joy, comfort, and a little extra hygge (Danish for relaxation) to every bite.

The Easter Social is available exclusively from April 1st- 21st in all Ole & Steen stores and is offered in three sizes - by the slice £4.65, half £12.45 and a whole Social costing £20.95.

For those looking for another festive treat, Ole & Steen is also bringing back a fan favourite from its very first Easter collection, the Easter Chick Whip. This delightful creation features a marzipan base topped with passionfruit-filled marshmallow, covered in white chocolate and yellow coconut shavings (£4.45).

And of course, Easter wouldn’t be complete without Hot Cross Buns. Ole & Steen’s takes them to the next level with their version of the seasonal classic featuring a soft, spiced bun filled with candied peel and raisins (£2.45 each, or a pack of four to take home for £8.50).

An Ole & Steen spokesperson said: “Easter is a time for togetherness, indulgence, and of course, great food. This year, we’ve reimagined our beloved Cinnamon Social with a festive twist, alongside the return of our much-loved Easter Chick Whip and classic Hot Cross Buns. Whether you’re gathering with friends and family or enjoying a quiet moment of hygge, our Easter collection is designed to bring a little extra joy to the season.”

Renowned for its dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and tradition, Ole & Steen has become a go-to destination for authentic Scandinavian baked goods. With a passion for seasonal flavours, the bakery regularly introduces limited-edition specials, and the Easter Social is the latest creation designed to bring an extra touch of indulgence to the celebrations.

Founded in Denmark in 1991, Ole & Steen brings decades of baking expertise to every loaf, pastry, and cake. Now with over 25 locations across London, as well as bakeries in Copenhagen and New York, the brand continues to grow while remaining true to its roots of exceptional baking and Scandinavian hospitality.

For more details on Ole & Steen’s app, latest menu offerings, and promotions, visit oleandsteen.co.uk/app.

Celebrate Spring & National Rosé Day With Sandford Orchards' Devon Rosé Cider & Katja Rosé

Whether you're looking to celebrate the arrival of spring or raising a toast on National Rosé Day on 8th June, award-winning Sandford Orchards has two perfectly pink options to quench your thirst for authentic cider.

Devon Rosé Cider (ABV 3.4%, 500ml bottles RRP £2.50 from www.sandfordorchards.co.uk) 

Devon Rosé is an elegantly clean and vibrantly fresh rosé cider, bursting with the fruitiness of Pinot Noir red wine grapes. 

It's a delicious, medium sweet cider made from Browns, Katja and Jane apple varieties which are fermented with grape skins to give the cider a fabulous depth of flavour and a beautiful natural blush colouring. 

Its relatively low alcohol content means it's a light and refreshing, summery drink, perfect for lunchtime tipples, picnics and BBQs.

Katja Rosé (ABV 8%, 750ml bottles RRP £11.00  from www.sandfordorchards.co.uk) 

Katja Rosé is a sumptuous sparkling skin-contact rosé cider, produced using the Martinotti method. Lovingly crafted in Devon from locally grown Katja dessert apples, the juice is fermented with Rondo grapes from a nearby vineyard.

This bestows wine notes and an unmistakable rosé finish. It is a fresh and fruity cider which tastes of sun ripened cherries and peaches, with hints of apple blossom and candyfloss, balanced with tannins from the wineskins. It is the perfect all-British alternative to a pink bubbly.

Cornish Firebrand Brewing Co. Launches New Father's Day Gift Box

Looking for an interesting and different Father's Day gift this year? Firebrand Brewing Co. has just launched a brand new Father's Day Gift Box packed with its summer favourites plus a branded glass to ensure Dad enjoys his beers in style.

Father's Day Gift Box (£29.00 from www.firebrandbrewing.co.uk, includes free shipping)

This fantastic gift box contains 4 cans of Summerleaze Hazy Pale, 4 cans of Helles Beach Cornish Lager and a Firebrand Brewing Co.branded ⅔rds pint mencia-style glass. Summerleaze Hazy Pale is a beer embodying the vibrant spirit of summer. 

It's brewed using a pale malt base, hopped with a copious blend of Citra and Nectaron for an explosion of fruity flavour with waves of peach and citrus. 

Helles Beach Cornish Lager is biscuity and floral with a hint of spice. It's made using Cascade hops to give a subtle citrus flavour for a super satisfying finish.

Firebrand Brewing Co was forged back in 2012 in a converted milking parlour on the untamed edge of Bodmin Moor, North Cornwall. 

The idea was born from a passion for beer made using only all-natural ingredients, Cornish spring water and American hops. 

Now based in a new, purpose-built brewery in Launceston, still using only the finest ingredients and a dedication to quality, their mission is to 'Go Beyond The Usual', encouraging drinkers to explore new flavours and discover something different with every sip.

For further information on Firebrand Brewing Co. please visit www.firebrandbrewing.co.uk or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. 

Meet the Experts: Branding, Marketing and PR Event for Food and Drink Businesses at the Food WorksSW

One-of-a-kind food and drink innovation centre, The Food WorksSW is prepared to host a totally free 'Meet the Experts: Branding, Marketing and PR' event on Thursday 22nd May at its Weston-super-Mare location. 

It's open to all UK-based food and drink businesses and will run from 10.30am - 1.30pm.

Designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food and drink sector, the expert-led event will focus on how to cut through and get brands noticed in a crowded market, and how to protect a brand's intellectual property. 

Attendees will gain valuable insights from industry specialists Mark Girvan, Creative Partner at Buddy Creative, Photographer and Video Content Creator Becky Craven, RAW PR's Co-Director Hayley Reynolds and Account Manager Harry Hook. 

Thatchers Cider Company made headline news in a recent high profile trade mark infringement case win against supermarket giant Aldi. Thomas Chartres-Moore, Head of Intellectual Property and Data Protection at Stephens Scown LLP and lead partner advising Thatchers in the case, will be sharing his knowledge of standing up to copycat cheaper products that hop on the coattails of the innovation and investment food and drink producers have put into their products.

Attendees will have the valuable chance to network with like-minded businesses on arrival as well as an optional tour of the centre's facilities afterwards. To book your place, visit www.foodworks-sw.co.uk. 

As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting food and drink businesses, The Food WorksSW will continue to offer a mix of webinars and in-person events throughout 2025. Businesses can sign up for their newsletter to be one of the first to know about their events. 

Created by North Somerset Council and operated by the Future Food Partnership CIC, a not-for-private-profit Community Interest Company, The Food WorksSW provides start-ups, established companies and hospitality businesses with the experience and equipment they require to grow and innovate. Located in Weston-super-Mare, less than 30 minutes from Bristol, the centre is the only one in the entire South West. 

The Food WorksSW features five development kitchens with dedicated specialist equipment, 12 food grade business units, in-house technical experts, a business lounge and coffee shop (open to all businesses), meeting room and conference facilities and hosts multiple industry training and seminar events throughout the year.

The development kitchens are available for flexible short-term contract hire for food and drink businesses of all sizes, along with the meeting room and conference facilities. 

Technical support packages are also available at the centre and are designed to help businesses navigate their way through a range of food disciplines – from new product development and quality assurance hygiene to food safety and efficiency.

The centre has also recently announced its first ever partnership opportunity that will give businesses the chance to support the team, provide advice and guidance to both existing and emerging food and drink brands, and become an integral part of the country's food, drink and hospitality scene.  To find out more about its partnership opportunities, visit www.foodworks-sw.co.uk/workingwithus.

For more information on The Food WorksSW visit foodworks-sw.co.uk, or follow @foodworks_sw on Instagram, Facebook and X. 

Voyager Coffee Launches Mocha Easter Egg and Coffee Gift for Easter

Perfect for all coffee lovers and chocolate lovers alike, this indulgent egg is rich and smooth, perfectly balanced with subtle coffee notes that enhance the chocolate's deep, natural sweetness. 

To make the Mocha Chocolate 40% Easter Egg, Barbers first source cocoa beans from the Peruvian Amazon, before pairing them with Peruvian coffee beans, sourced by Voyager. 

Voyager roasts the coffee beans to highlight their natural chocolate notes, adding depth and character to Barbers' mocha chocolate.

Voyager's Road Trip blend is a fruity, full-bodied coffee with berry acidity, dark chocolate and a caramel finish. A unique blend of three exceptional South & Central American coffees with the core Brazilian component from the award-winning Daterra Estate, renowned for their pioneering sustainable farming.

Voyager Coffee hand roasts sustainably sourced coffee from around the world in small batches, on the edge of beautiful, wild Dartmoor. To find out more, visit www.voyagercoffee.co.uk.

Barbers Bean to Bar is about good food that is good for the planet, minimising waste by using different processes to make their range of chocolate bars, cocoa teas and hot chocolates. Barbers let the cocoa speak for itself, low roasting the cocoa beans to keep all the natural flavours. To find out more, visit www.barberscocoa.co.uk. 

Research Shows Over-45s Drive Protein Boom

Scotland's top dairy brand, Graham's Family Dairy, has seen a record rise in shoppers prioritising protein, especially those of us who are over 45, as the trend moves beyond athletes and gym-goers. 

New research from Kantar (The Powerful Potential of Protein, 2025) confirms this shift, revealing 1 in 5 UK households (21%) now actively seek high-protein products. 

While younger consumers led the charge, the biggest growth is now coming from Generation X (44-59 age group) and Baby Boomers (60+), who are increasingly choosing protein-rich foods to support their health and wellbeing. 

With demand showing no signs of slowing, Graham's Family Dairy continues to see older consumers driving this protein boom firsthand, reflecting a fundamental change in shopping habits. 

Explains Robert Graham, Managing Director at Graham's Family Dairy:  "For some time we've been developing natural, high-protein dairy products, but it's exciting to see demand growing well beyond younger shoppers. Our range was designed to offer naturally nutritious options for all lifestyles, and it's fantastic to see more people embracing the benefits of real dairy. 

“There's a common misconception that protein is just for fitness enthusiasts, but in reality, it's a vital part of every diet. This shift in awareness presents a huge opportunity for natural dairy to support longer, healthier lives. What sets us apart is our commitment to real, wholesome ingredients, our dairy products deliver high-quality protein naturally, without additives or ultra-processing." 

Kantar's findings reveal high-protein dairy products including yogurts, drinks – which have seen a 23% increase in uptake - and desserts continue to expand their share in the grocery sector. While younger consumers were early adopters, the most significant growth potential now lies with older age groups, who are increasingly aware of protein's benefits for maintaining strength, energy, and overall health.  

The recent research also shows  76% of shoppers are willing to pay higher prices for products containing higher proportions of protein.  

Graham's Family Dairy became the Official Protein Dairy Partner of Loughborough Sport, at the start of this year, collaborating with nutrition lead Andrew Shepherd to fuel the university's athletes with natural high-protein dairy products. 

Andrew Shepherd, Nutrition Lead at Loughborough University said: "As we get older, our bodies naturally change and from the age of 30 we begin to lose muscle mass, strength, and function - a condition known as sarcopenia. Without proper nutrition, particularly protein, this process can speed up, increasing the risk of frailty, reduced mobility and chronic illness. 

“The good news is the message is getting across and that more and more adults over 45 are now recognising the importance of protein in maintaining their strength and overall health.  

“Research shows boosting protein intake can significantly slow muscle loss, especially when paired with resistance exercise. Though anyone with kidney concerns should seek medical advice before increasing their intake, those over 45 can feel a real difference by aiming for 1.2 to 2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day.” 

The family-run business was founded in 1939 by Robert Graham in Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire, where he reared 12 cows, milked them by hand, then made all deliveries by horse and cart.

https://www.grahamsfamilydairy.com