That's Christmas 365: How to Curate the Perfect Christmastime Cheese Board

That's Christmas 365: How to Curate the Perfect Christmastime Cheese Board: Nothing says festive indulgence quite like a beautifully curated cheese board at Christmas.  Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, thro...

Does Cutting Caffeine Out of Your Diet Lead to Weight Gain?

If you’ve ever wondered, “Does quitting coffee cause weight gain?” you’re not alone. 

Many people cut back on caffeine for better sleep, lower anxiety, or to break their dependence on tea and coffee, but they worry about unwanted side effects, especially changes on the scales.

The good news is that cutting caffeine doesn’t directly cause weight gain. However, the changes in metabolism, appetite, and daily habits that follow can sometimes result in a small weight increase. Let’s explore why.

How Caffeine Influences Weight

Caffeine affects more than just alertness. It has a subtle impact on metabolism and appetite:

Metabolism boost – Caffeine is mildly thermogenic, meaning it increases calorie burn slightly. When you stop drinking coffee or tea, this effect disappears, so your resting metabolism may slow a little.

Appetite suppression – Coffee and other caffeinated drinks can blunt hunger. Without them, you may feel hungrier and eat more.

Energy for exercise – Many people rely on caffeine for workout energy. Cutting it can make you feel more sluggish and less active, reducing calorie burn.

Why You Might Gain Weight After Quitting Coffee or Tea

If you’ve noticed weight gain after cutting caffeine, it’s likely due to knock-on lifestyle effects rather than caffeine itself:

Feeling more tired – Lower energy can lead to cravings for quick fixes like sugary snacks.

Replacing coffee with high-calorie drinks – Hot chocolate, sweet teas, or milky alternatives can add significant calories.

Temporary withdrawal – During the adjustment phase, you may feel lethargic, leading to less movement.

The Benefits of Cutting Caffeine for Weight Management

Interestingly, stopping caffeine may actually support weight control in the long term:

Improved sleep – Better rest helps regulate hunger hormones (ghrelin and leptin), reducing overeating.

Lower stress hormones – Caffeine can raise cortisol, which is linked to fat storage. Cutting back may reduce this effect.

Stable energy – Once withdrawal passes, many people find they have steadier energy levels without the caffeine highs and crashes.

Tips to Avoid Weight Gain When Cutting Caffeine

If you want to reduce or quit coffee without gaining weight, try these strategies:

Choose healthy alternatives – Swap coffee for herbal teas, green tea (lower caffeine), or sparkling water.

Snack smartly – Keep nuts, fruit, or protein-based snacks nearby to avoid reaching for sugary treats.

Stay active – Even light daily exercise helps balance the small drop in calorie burn.

Be patient – Withdrawal symptoms usually last about a week. Once your body adjusts, weight often stabilises naturally.

Final Thoughts: Caffeine and Weight Gain

So, does cutting caffeine cause weight gain? Not directly. Any weight changes usually come from changes in appetite, energy, or the types of drinks and foods you replace caffeine with. With mindful choices and a little patience, you can quit coffee or reduce caffeine without worrying about extra pounds creeping on.

How Scottish Distilleries Can Adapt to a Proposed Peat Ban

Single malt Scotch with peat smoke is iconic: its peat influence lends that characteristic smoky, earthy, maritime flavour that many drinkers love.

 But increasing environmental concern over peatlands, as carbon sinks, as habitats, and in terms of biodiversity, means pressure is rising on policy makers to restrict peat extraction or usage. 

In Scotland, the government has proposed or consulted on bans or strong restrictions on the sale of peat, which would have knock-on effects for whisky makers. 

So how might distilleries respond, adapt, survive — and perhaps even thrive — under such a change?

What the Stakeholders Say

Before talking solutions, it’s worth summarising what distilleries, regulators, and research bodies are saying now:

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has emphasised that peat-smoked malt is essential to peated single malts, and that a total ban would threaten jobs in rural areas. 

In government consultations, many whisky organisations argued for an exemption for the whisky industry, or for phased approaches, citing lack of current viable alternatives. 

On the environmental side, restoration of peatlands, improved extraction practices, and research into more efficient peat use or substituting materials are being proposed. 

Research at places like the Scotch Whisky Research Institute (SWRI) is underway looking at whether other biomass sources might replicate—or partially replicate—the flavour-profile peat smoke delivers. 

Some of the key obstacles they must overcome:

Flavour loss / identity risk

Peated single malts have built their identity on the smoke/peat phenols. Changes in peat source, intensity or eliminating peat altogether can alter that flavour in ways consumers will notice. The distinction is not just “smoky vs un-smoky” but subtleties: the type of peat, the phenol content, other chemical components. 

Regulatory constraints

Scotch whisky’s regulations are strict: you can’t add flavouring or smoke-imparting agents that aren’t part of the traditional process. Any alternative must fit within those legal definitions if the whisky is still to be called Scotch. 

Supply and cost of peat / alternatives

If peat becomes more restricted, the price may rise; supply chains might shrink. Also, any alternative (other biomass materials, technologies, different peat sources) might be more expensive or less well-tested. 

Consumer expectations

Many drinkers expect certain brands and styles to continue delivering a particular smoky profile. If flavours change, there’s risk of brand damage or loss of market segment.

Environmental and ethical pressures

Even without regulation, there’s growing consumer demand for sustainability. Distilleries will need to show they are minimizing environmental harm, restoring peatlands, etc.

Coping Strategies: What Distilleries Can Do

Given those challenges, here are some strategies distilleries might adopt (and some already are):

Phased reduction rather than abrupt ban

Gradually reducing peat usage, lowering phenol levels, sourcing peat more sparingly. Some distilleries already experiment with adjusting the malting schedules (time, airflow, amount of peat smoke) to use less peat while keeping as much flavour as possible. Highland Park, for example, has examined how “tiny adjustments to the schedule … meant they could reduce the amount of peat needed to achieve the right balance of phenols.” 

Peat provenance & “better peat” sourcing

Using peat from sources that allow more sustainable extraction, perhaps hand-cut peat rather than mechanically cut; selecting peat from less sensitive bogs; working with planning frameworks that limit or manage extraction. 

Peatland restoration & environmental offsetting

If peat is used, then restoring peatlands to help sequester carbon lost. Projects like the Peatland Water Sanctuary initiative by Beam Suntory (Ardmore, etc.) aim to restore peatland equivalent to or greater than that used by distillery operations. 

Scotch Whisky Association

Isle of Arran Distillers is restoring 325 hectares of peatland on Dougarie Estate, with long-term emission reduction goals. 

Alternative smoke sources / biomasses

Research into other kinds of biomass smoke (wood, heather, other organic matter) that might replicate some of the aroma or phenolic character of peat smoke. Whether these are acceptable under Scotch whisky regulations is another question, but as an area of R&D this looks promising. 

Using ex-peated casks or re-using smoke character

One creative idea is using casks that were previously used to mature peated whisky, allowing some of that peat character to transfer (or linger) in subsequent spirits, without using peat smoke in the malting. There has been at least some experimentation in this direction. 

Marketing & style diversification

As peat becomes more expensive or tightly regulated, distilleries might diversify: expand the non-peated lines, emphasise lighter smoke, or different flavour profiles (sweet, fruity, sherry finishes). This gives options for consumers and helps maintain sales if peated styles become less feasible. Some already exist in that space.

Regulatory engagement / exemptions

Whisky producers can engage with policy makers to seek specific exemptions, transitional periods, or carve-outs recognising that for some styles, especially peated single malts, peat use is not just tradition but a defining trait. Also, distilleries can work with regulators to define what count as acceptable alternatives.

Innovation in process efficiency

More precise control over the peat smoke in the malting process, improved kilning techniques, better control over moisture/airflow/etc to get maximum phenolic transfer with minimal peat. This could reduce the volume of peat needed while retaining flavour.

What Might a Future Distillery Landscape Look Like?

If bans or severe restrictions come into force, here are some possible scenarios:

Some distilleries will shift to producing lighter or no-peat whiskies; others will become more specialised, producing heavier peat whiskies but perhaps at smaller volumes, premium prices.

We might see greater segmentation: “peat-less” single malts, lightly peated, heavily peated, etc., with more transparent labelling about peat intensity or source.

Brands that can afford R&D and environmental concessions will lead; smaller distilleries may find the transition harder without financial or institutional support.

The regulation might allow some peat use under strict licensing, for heritage brands, or for small-scale distilleries, similar to how some other industries have special status during transitions.

Risks & Considerations

A substitute that fails (in flavour or in legality) could hurt reputation.

Costs of change: R&D, investment in new kilns or process modifications, sourcing alternative materials.

Potential loss of brand loyalty among consumers who expect strong peat smoke; balancing sustainability with tradition will require careful communication.

Challenges maintaining distinct regional “terroir” peat flavour is tied to where it comes from. If peat sources are restricted or replaced, flavour uniformity might increase, reducing diversity.

What will you do? Wait to see what the peat-free Scotch tastes like? Or buy as many bottles as you can afford in order to try to keep a good supply of peated Scotch for you to enjoy? 

Sandford Orchards Expands Capacity for Bumper Harvest

Devon-based Sandford Orchards has just installed 8 new 50,000 litre tanks ahead of a bumper harvest expected to be up to a third larger than normal. 

They plan to increase production of their core ciders and create new varieties from this year's exceptional apple yield.

Barny Butterfield, owner of award-winning Sandford Orchards told That's Food and Drink: “Anyone with fruit trees in their garden is likely to be experiencing a record crop this year and we are no different. 

"A mild spring and the sunniest summer for some time has left our trees groaning under the weight of fruit, and we're looking forward to a harvest around a third bigger than last year. 

"That's around 4,000 tonnes of apples! In fact, it looks set to be the biggest harvest I have experienced in my entire lifetime as a cider maker!”

He continues: “ The very un-British weather has also meant that the apples are ripening ahead of schedule and were already beginning to drop in late August, so it's all happening a lot earlier than normal. 

"We don't usually start harvesting our apples until early October but this year looks set to be different. 

"All our fruit comes from local orchards so we are able to make regular checks on them to identify the optimum moment to harvest. Our inspections throughout the summer have already indicated that this year is set to be an epic harvest and in anticipation of that we have invested in eight new tanks which will increase our capacity by 400,000 litres.”

He finishes: “The extra hours of sunshine that the apples have enjoyed this year should also have boosted sugar levels, which means this could be the sweetest and largest harvest on record for us. With our newly increased capacity and these fantastic raw ingredients, we will be pressing 6 days a week from 5am until 9pm to produce more bottles of our much-loved ciders for next summer's cider drinking. 

"We will be pressing at least 70 different varieties and, amongst them, there are going to be a lot more of the rare apples that we have been identifying in our DNA mapping project. So we'll be able to do some really interesting small batch blends with them too!”

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 X, Facebook and Instagram. 

Winners announced for the 2025 Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards

The Black Farmer, Nourish Communities and Club Soda were among the winners of the 2025 Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards, which took place on Ninth September at Olympia.

Launched to recognise excellence in the world of fine food & drink, the awards also recognise innovative new products, diversity champions and outstanding regional producers.

The winners were decided through a combination of public vote and through the deliberations of a line-up of leading industry judges.

Nicola Woods, Event Manager for Speciality & Fine Food Fair, told That's Food and Drink: “We were not only overwhelmed by the unprecedented number of entries but also by their exceptional quality. This truly highlights the incredible innovation happening within our industry.”

The winners were:

Large Independent Retailer of the Year, sponsored by WBC, in partnership with BIRA

Nourished Communities

Small Independent Retailer of the Year, sponsored by WBC, in partnership with BIRA

Club Soda

New Product of the Year – UK

Two Farmers 0.0% Apple Cider, Two Farmers

New Product of the Year – International

Kimchi Ketchup, Chimac

'Not Year on the Shelf' Award

Smoked Cornish Mackerel, Hevva!

Outstanding Regional Star

Joanna Morgan, Founder, Radnor Preserves

DEI Champion

Mex Ibrahim, Co-Founder, Women in the Food Industry

Outstanding Industry Champion

Wildfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE, Founder, The Black Farmer

Tea, Cakes and Creativity: Celebrating National Day of Arts in Care Homes

The National Day of Arts in Care Homes on September 24th is a wonderful opportunity to bring creativity, culture, and connection into residential and nursing homes across the UK. 

This annual celebration highlights the importance of the arts in supporting wellbeing, sparking joy, and nurturing community spirit among residents, staff, families and visitors.

And what better way to celebrate than with a classic British pairing—tea and cakes?

Why the Arts Matter in Care Homes

Art has the power to uplift, inspire, and connect us. For older people, especially those in care, creative activities such as painting, music, storytelling, and drama can boost self-esteem, improve memory, and encourage social interaction. The National Day of Arts in Care Homes reminds us that everyone deserves the chance to explore their creativity, no matter their age or circumstances.

Adding Tea and Cakes to the Celebration

A simple tea and cake gathering can transform an arts-based event into something even more special. Here are a few ideas:

Art Gallery Tea – Display residents’ artwork around the home and invite families to view the exhibition while enjoying a slice of sponge and a pot of tea.

Poetry and Pastries – Combine poetry readings with trays of scones, biscuits, or fairy cakes. Residents could recite their own poems or favourite classics.

Musical Memories with Afternoon Tea – Host a sing-along or live music session, paired with a traditional afternoon tea service featuring finger sandwiches, Victoria sponge, and shortbread.

Decorate Your Own Cupcake – A fun hands-on activity where residents can ice and decorate cupcakes with colourful toppings, connecting both art and food.

Creating a Warm and Inclusive Atmosphere

The act of sharing tea and cake creates a sense of comfort and community. It encourages conversations, laughter, and connection—something that goes hand in hand with creative expression. Involving local schools, volunteers, or community groups can make the event even richer and help build bridges between generations.

A Lasting Impact

The National Day of Arts in Care Homes isn’t just about one day. It’s about recognising the value of creativity in care settings every day of the year. Whether through painting, music, writing, or dance, these activities enrich lives. Adding tea and cake helps ensure the day feels like a true celebration—uplifting, memorable, and inclusive.

So, as you mark this year’s National Day of Arts in Care Homes, pop the kettle on, set out the teapots, and don’t forget the cakes. After all, art and afternoon tea might just be the perfect combination for joy and connection.

Celebrating the Autumnal Equinox with Seasonal Snacks, Foods and Drinks

The Autumnal Equinox marks the moment when day and night are perfectly balanced before we tip into the longer evenings of autumn.

It’s a time of harvest, reflection, and celebration of the changing season. 

Whether you’re planning a cosy gathering with friends, or simply want to bring the spirit of the equinox into your own home, the right snacks, foods and drinks can make the day truly special.

Celebrate with Seasonal Snacks

As the harvest comes in, the best flavours of the season are at their peak. Try preparing:

Roasted nuts and seeds – pumpkin seeds lightly salted or spiced with paprika are perfect finger food.

Apple slices with cinnamon sugar dip – a simple but delightful treat that captures autumn in a bite.

Cheese boards with figs and grapes – blending creamy cheeses with sweet seasonal fruits makes for a rich yet balanced nibble.

Equinox Feasting

The equinox is often associated with giving thanks for the harvest. This makes it the perfect time to cook hearty, seasonal dishes:

Pumpkin or butternut squash soup – velvety, warming and beautifully autumnal.

Root vegetable roasts – think parsnips, carrots and beetroot roasted with herbs.

Apple and pear crumble – a rustic dessert that’s as comforting as it is seasonal.

For those who enjoy breadmaking, try baking a harvest loaf decorated with plaited dough – a traditional nod to the bounty of the season.

Drinks to Warm and Comfort

No autumn celebration would be complete without drinks to match the mood:

Mulled apple cider – gently spiced with cloves, star anise and cinnamon, it’s perfect for cool evenings.

Pumpkin spiced lattes – whether homemade or from your favourite café, this has become an autumn staple.

Herbal teas – blends with chamomile, cinnamon, or ginger can be soothing and grounding.

For something indulgent, try a hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Creating Atmosphere

Celebrating the Autumnal Equinox isn’t just about food and drink—it’s also about setting the tone. Decorate your table with mini pumpkins, colourful leaves, and candles for a warm, rustic feel. Sharing stories or reflecting on the summer just gone can bring deeper meaning to your gathering.

The equinox is a beautiful reminder of balance, transition, and gratitude. By marking the day with seasonal snacks, comforting dishes, and warming drinks, you can bring nature’s rhythm into your home and welcome the new season in delicious style.

Raise Awareness on World Alzheimer’s Day with Social Events That Bring People Together

World Alzheimer’s Day, observed every year on 21st September, is an important opportunity to increase understanding of dementia, show support for those living with it, and raise much-needed funds for research and care. 

While the subject is a serious one, the ways in which we can raise awareness don’t have to be sombre. In fact, some of the most effective events are those that bring people together in a positive, sociable way.

From wine and cheese evenings to coffee mornings, tea parties, and cake sales, there are countless ways to blend awareness with community spirit. Here are a few ideas to get started.

Host a Wine and Cheese Evening

A relaxed wine and cheese evening can be a fantastic way to gather friends, neighbours, or colleagues. Guests can buy tickets, with proceeds going to an Alzheimer’s charity. You might also invite a guest speaker from a local support group to share insights, or simply provide leaflets and information cards so people can learn more while enjoying their evening.

Organise a Coffee, Tea, and Cake Morning

Classic coffee mornings are still one of the best ways to combine fundraising with socialising. Bake (or buy) cakes, set up a tea and coffee station, and invite people to donate for every slice or cup. To add an extra layer of awareness, you could set up a small display board with facts about dementia, its symptoms, and where to find support.

Afternoon Tea with a Purpose

Why not go a little more upmarket with a themed afternoon tea? Delicate sandwiches, scones, and a selection of teas make a lovely way to mark the day. Sell tickets in advance, provide Alzheimer’s UK charity boxes, and perhaps hold a raffle to raise even more.

Memory-Themed Events

Because dementia directly affects memory, you could design your event around celebrating memories. This could include:

A “Memory Wall” where guests write down a favourite memory on a card.

A photo corner where people bring old photos to share.

Storytelling sessions where participants recount meaningful or funny moments from their past.

These activities not only fit the theme but also spark conversation and reflection.

Partner with Local Businesses

Local cafés, bakeries, wine merchants, or community halls are often keen to support charity initiatives. A café might donate coffee beans, a bakery could provide cakes, or a wine shop might offer discounts on bottles for your event. In turn, you can promote their business through your event, making it a win-win.

Promote Your Event Online

Don’t forget to spread the word through social media. Create a simple event page on Facebook or Eventbrite, post on Instagram with a hashtag such as #WorldAlzheimersDay, and encourage your attendees to share photos and stories. Every share helps raise awareness beyond the event itself.

Why It Matters

Dementia is one of the biggest health challenges we face today. Hosting an event, no matter how big or small, helps break down stigma, spreads vital information, and shows support to those living with the condition and their families. And at the same time, it creates moments of joy, community, and connection—the very things we all value most.

Final Thoughts

World Alzheimer’s Day is not only about awareness but also about action. By hosting a social event—be it a wine and cheese party, a coffee morning, or a themed afternoon tea—you can help bring people together while making a tangible difference.

This year, why not invite your community to raise a glass, share a slice of cake, and join the conversation about dementia? Together, we can help shine a brighter light on Alzheimer’s and support the journey towards better care and, one day, a cure.

Wife Appreciation Day: How to Pamper and Feed Your Wife Good Things

Did you know that the third Sunday in September is Wife Appreciation Day, also known as National Wife Day? 

It’s the perfect chance to pause, step away from the daily grind, and show your partner just how much she means to you.

While grand gestures are lovely, sometimes the most memorable tokens of appreciation are thoughtful, personal, and, best of all, involve good food.

Why Celebrate Wife Appreciation Day?

Life can be hectic, and even the strongest partnerships can slip into routine. Wife Appreciation Day is a reminder to express gratitude and affection for the little (and big) things your wife does every day—whether it’s keeping the family running smoothly, being a sounding board, or simply being your favourite person to spend time with.

Pampering Ideas to Make Her Feel Cherished

You don’t need to whisk her away to a luxury spa (though she might not say no to that). Small acts of kindness and comfort can make a world of difference:

Breakfast in Bed – Start her day with fresh coffee or tea, warm pastries, and maybe her favourite fruit. Bonus points for serving it on a tray with a little flower in a vase.

Run Her a Bath – Create a spa-like atmosphere at home with candles, soothing music, and a selection of bath salts or oils.

Give Her a Break – Take over household tasks for the day. Whether it’s cooking, cleaning, or managing the school run, giving her some breathing space is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give.

Quality Time – Switch off the phone and focus entirely on her. A long walk, a cuddle on the sofa, or a shared hobby can be just as pampering as physical treats.

Feeding Her Love Language

They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, and if your wife enjoys good food, then this is your chance to spoil her tastebuds.

Cook a Romantic Dinner – Plan a three-course meal with her favourite dishes. Think candlelight, a bottle of wine, and her favourite dessert to finish.

Afternoon Tea at Home – Put together dainty sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a pot of her favourite tea. A simple but elegant way to celebrate.

Sweet Surprises – Bake her a cake or pick up chocolates from a local artisan shop. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—just thoughtful.

Dining Out – If cooking isn’t your strength, book a table at a restaurant she loves, or one she’s always wanted to try.

Making the Day Extra Special

The key to Wife Appreciation Day isn’t necessarily extravagance, but attentiveness. Pay attention to the little things she loves—whether that’s a handwritten note tucked into her handbag, a playlist of songs that remind you of your relationship, or simply telling her how much she’s valued.

This Wife Appreciation Day, take the time to pamper, feed, and celebrate the incredible woman you married. After all, appreciation is the foundation of a happy marriage—and sometimes, it’s best expressed over a delicious meal and a whole lot of love.

B12 Awareness Day: Why We All Need to Pay Attention

Each year, B12 Awareness Day reminds us just how vital this nutrient is for our health and wellbeing. 

In the UK, thousands of people live with Vitamin B12 deficiency—many without even realising it. Left untreated, low levels of B12 can cause lasting damage, so raising awareness is crucial.

Why Vitamin B12 Matters

Vitamin B12 is essential for:

The nervous system – helping keep our brain and nerves healthy.

Red blood cell production – preventing anaemia and fatigue.

DNA synthesis – supporting cell growth and repair.

Mental health – with deficiency sometimes linked to low mood, memory issues, and confusion.

Without enough B12, daily life can quickly become a struggle, and in severe cases, irreversible nerve damage can occur.

Who’s at Risk in the UK?

According to the NHS, certain groups are more likely to be deficient:

Vegans and vegetarians – as B12 is mainly found in animal products. Many plant-based eaters rely on fortified foods (like breakfast cereals or plant milks) or supplements.

Older adults – absorption of B12 naturally decreases with age.

People with conditions such as pernicious anaemia, Crohn’s disease, or coeliac disease.

Those taking medications such as metformin (for type 2 diabetes) or proton pump inhibitors (used for indigestion and acid reflux).

Recognising the Symptoms

B12 deficiency symptoms can be wide-ranging and easy to miss. Watch for:

Extreme tiredness

Pins and needles (paraesthesia)

Mouth ulcers or a swollen tongue

Memory problems or confusion

Mood changes such as depression or irritability

Vision problems

If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen and cause permanent damage.

Getting Tested and Treated in the UK

If you think you might be deficient, book an appointment with your GP. They can arrange a blood test to check your B12 levels.

Treatment usually involves:

B12 tablets or sprays for mild deficiency or those at risk.

Hydroxocobalamin injections (available on the NHS) for people who cannot absorb B12 properly, such as those with pernicious anaemia.

With the right treatment, symptoms often improve quickly—but ongoing monitoring may be needed.

How to Support B12 Awareness Day

Share information with friends and family—many people don’t know how common B12 deficiency is.

If you follow a plant-based diet, make sure you’re getting enough B12 through fortified foods or supplements.

Support charities and groups that campaign for better recognition and treatment of B12 deficiency in the UK.

On B12 Awareness Day, let’s take the opportunity to talk openly about this hidden health issue, encourage others to seek help if they’re struggling with symptoms, and ensure B12 deficiency gets the recognition it deserves.