That's Christmas 365: Celebrate every festive moment with Costa Coffee’s...

That's Christmas 365: Celebrate every festive moment with Costa Coffee’s...: NEW Dubai-Style Pistachio Tiffin and Butter Pecan Cookie Latte join the menu Festive favourites for every ritual, including the returning Pi...

Help Ellie Dyson Live Her Life: A Call to Support Her Gastric Pacemaker Appeal

Imagine having to live with a condition that seldom gets noticed, yet day-in, day-out it holds you back from life? For Ellie, that is exactly her reality.

Ellie has been living with Gastroparesis, a chronic, life-limiting illness that slows down or halts the normal movement of the stomach muscles. 

It means she is sick, in pain, incredibly weak, and dependent on tube-feeding through her abdomen. She has battled this for over 10 years, and throughout it all she has stayed strong — but she needs help now.

Why this matters

While the condition might sound obscure, the impact is very real:

Ellie's children have grown up with hospital visits and medical uncertainty. 

Despite medical care, the tube-feeding is not a complete solution. It keeps her alive, but it doesn’t restore the life she wants to live — full of possibility, not just survival. 

The next step, and a major one, is a gastric pacemaker: a device that can help regulate her stomach’s nerves and muscles and give her the chance to reduce hospitalisations, lessen pain and weakness, and reclaim more of her life.

The goal

Ellie has launched a campaign on GoFundMe: “Gastric pacemaker to help me live my life”. 

Her aim is to raise the funds needed for this surgery and associated treatment so that she can live with more freedom, less fear, and greater hope.

How you can help

Here’s how you can show solidarity and make a real difference:

Donate — Even a small contribution helps. Every amount brings Ellie closer to her goal and towards improved quality of life.

Share — Please share the campaign link with your friends, family, colleagues, and on your social feed. Awareness is crucial.

Show support: Leave a message of encouragement on her GoFundMe page. Knowing people care makes a meaningful difference on this journey.

Final thoughts

Ellie has shown incredible resilience. Now she’s asking for a helping hand so she can move from simply coping, to living. If you’ve ever been grateful for your health, your ability to eat without complication, or simply being able to take a day for granted — consider how transformative this surgery could be for her.

Let’s help Ellie take a step forward — not just for treatment, but for life.

Support Ellie’s campaign here https://short-url.org/1da6i

Thank you for reading, thank you for caring, and thank you for sharing.

Authenticity Guaranteed: What PDO Means for One of the World's Most Famous Cheeses

Why Parmigiano Reggiano's PDO status is more than a mark of origin, it's a promise of taste, trust, and tradition.

In a culinary world saturated with imitations, Parmigiano Reggiano stands tall as a product known for its quality, tradition, and authenticity, due to its Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status.

 This respected label is really far more than a mere title; it is a legal seal that binds every wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano to its roots and ensures the extraordinary taste.

Since 1992, the European Union has safeguarded Parmigiano Reggiano as a PDO product, meaning every stage from the production of cow's milk to the packaging and the grating must occur within its designated region in northern Italy, specifically Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Mantua to the right of the Po River, and Bologna to the left of the Reno River. 

This system preserves its heritage and protects consumers from imitations, especially when other hard cheeses attempt to brand themselves as 'Parmesan'.

At the heart of PDO lies terroir, the unique aspects of land, climate, biodiversity, and craftsmanship. Cows graze mostly on locally grown forage, more than 75% of which has to come from within the production zone, developing a distinctive microbiome in the milk that contributes to the cheese's complexity. 

Traditional cheesemaking, the same practice undertaken for over nine centuries, follows simple disciplined steps using only three ingredients: cow's milk, salt, rennet. The skill of a single master cheesemaker produces two wheels from a single batch.

Today, Parmigiano Reggiano continues to grow its global reach while remaining firmly rooted in tradition. According to economic data for 2024, the United Kingdom was the fourth largest foreign market for Parmigiano Reggiano (after the United States, France and Germany), with 7,778 tonnes exported, an increase of +17.8% on 2023. 

Data from the first eight months of 2025 confirm this upward trend. The UK has maintained its position as the fourth largest foreign market for PDO products and the second largest outside the European Union, with 5,608 tonnes exported and an increase of +10.4% compared to the same period in 2024.

However, this success also underscores the importance of PDO protection on a global scale. The Consortium estimates the turnover of fake Parmesan outside the EU amounts to €2 billion, representing around 200,000 tonnes of counterfeit products, roughly three times the volume of exported Parmigiano Reggiano. 

These figures highlight the vital role of the Consortium in protecting, defending, and promoting authentic Parmigiano Reggiano, safeguarding its typical characteristics and raising awareness of its true identity around the world.

This process affects many aspects of the final product.

Taste - Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano offers a rich, nutty, granular texture and evolving depth depending on its age, from fresh and milky at 12–18 months, to crumbly and crystalline by 24 months, and spicy notes past 36 months.

Trust - The PDO seal, the dotted inscription, the Consortium's marking offer consumers tangible assurance they are buying genuine product.

Tradition - This cheese carries almost a millennium of artisanal craft and cultural identity, sustained by the Po Valley and nurtured by generations of cheesemakers.

Parmigiano Reggiano's PDO status means guaranteed provenance, unmatched flavour, and respect for a living tradition.

Consumers and Animals at Risk from Online Sale of “Cat-Poo-Chino”

Charity investigation reveals widespread fraud in civet coffee sales on Amazon, eBay and Etsy.

A new investigation by animal welfare and conservation charity The Civet Project Foundation, supported by international animal welfare organisation Wild Welfare, has uncovered rampant fraud and serious animal welfare concerns linked to the online sale of civet coffee, often dubbed “cat-poo-chino”, on major eCommerce platforms including Amazon, eBay, and Etsy.

Civet coffee, or kopi luwak, is marketed as a luxury product made from coffee beans that have passed through the digestive tract of civets, small nocturnal mammals native to Southeast Asia. 

Once hailed as world's rarest and most expensive coffee, with some cups priced as high as £50, civet coffee has become a symbol of exotic indulgence. 

But The Civet Project’s investigation paints a much darker picture of civet coffee’s origins and the market behind it.

Following a surge in global demand, sparked by its appearance in the 2007 film The Bucket List, civet coffee has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry. 

Instead of collecting beans from wild civet droppings as often claimed, producers are now capturing wild civets, confining them in dirty, barren cages, and force-feeding them coffee cherries under harrowing conditions.

“These animals suffer immensely in captivity,” the charity reports. “Wild civets are caught using inhumane methods, suffer severe injuries, and are confined without proper care, biosecurity, or veterinary oversight.” 

This not only violates animal welfare standards, but also poses a significant public health risk, as civets have been identified as potential vectors for diseases including SARS and COVID-19.

Beyond the animal cruelty concerns, the environmental impact is also severe. Civets play a vital ecological role as seed dispersers and pest controllers. 

Their removal from the wild is contributing to biodiversity loss and environmental degradation across Southeast Asia.

Despite the UK public's growing demand for ethical sourcing and high animal welfare standards, the investigation, detailed in the newly published “Industry Leaders Report 2025: Tackling Civet Coffee Consumption (eCommerce)”, found:

Every civet coffee product that claimed certification from named organisations for being 'wild collected' or 'cage-free' was either fraudulent or untraceable.

Sellers falsely claimed certification from organisations such as WWF, Rainforest Alliance, and World Animal Protection, all of whom confirmed no affiliation with civet coffee

All claims of ethical sourcing or animal welfare standards were found to be fraudulent or untraceable

These misleading practices violate UK consumer protection laws, including the CMA Green Code and the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024

The consumer standards, animal welfare, environmental and sustainability issues associated with civet coffee products actively breach seven platform policies employed by eBay, Amazon and Etsy.

Despite having clear policies against misleading claims, all three platforms were found to be hosting sellers in breach of their own rules, highlighting a serious enforcement gap.

Dr Jes Hooper, CEO of The Civet Project Foundation, told That's Food and Drink: “UK consumers have shown time and again that animal welfare is an important consideration when deciding what products to buy and from whom. 

"The weaponisation of animal welfare to purposely deceive consumers into purchasing products reliant on animal suffering is absolutely despicable. 

The public deserves much better from coffee retailers and eCommerce platforms. We strongly urge people to boycott civet coffee.”

The scale of the issue is alarming. Between May and August 2025, over 182kg kilograms of civet coffee were available for sale on UK-facing eCommerce sites. Despite its supposed rarity, some products were listed for as little as £15.67 per packet.

In response to the multitude of policy violations involved in the sale of civet coffee, The Civet Project is calling on Amazon, eBay, and Etsy to immediately classify civet coffee as a prohibited item and to ban its sale on their platforms. 

The charity is also urging consumers to boycott civet coffee this Christmas and beyond.

That's Food and Drink and sister sites That's Christmas 365, That's Green and That's Business support this campaign. 

https://www.thecivetproject.com

Turn Up the Goodness: Rebel Kitchen Boosts Immunity, Energy and Hydration with Functional Line-Up

Rebel Kitchen’s new 23% Ginger Shot delivers a fiery hit of fresh root ginger and vitamin C to support immunity and fight those pesky seasonal bugs.

The Camu Immunity & Natural Energy Shot harnesses Amazonian Camu Camuberries and vitamin B12 to help combat fatigue (30x more Vit C than oranges)

Rebel Kitchen’s Raw Coconut Water offers pure, natural hydration from 100% young green coconuts - now available nationwide in Tesco shops.

Rebel Kitchen has turned up the heat with the launch of its brand-new 23% Ginger Shots, delivering even more fiery flavour and functional punch than leading rivals.

Made in small batches at Rebel Kitchen’s juicery, the 60ml cold-pressed shot blends crisp apples with a powerful hit of 15g fresh root ginger and antioxidant Vitamin C. 

Camu,The fiery kick of fresh ginger is balanced by natural sweetness from the apples, creating a clean, invigorating boost that’s perfect for mornings, post-workouts or when you need an immunity lift. By never heat treating the juice, all the natural flavour and nutrients are preserved, so every shot tastes as fresh as the day it was pressed.

Launching 1st October, the Ginger Shots will be available across London’s best independents and selected delis & cafe’s, as well as via Ocado with an RRP of £2.00 for the 60ml shot and £5.95 for the 420ml dosing bottle.

A Potent Berry to Help Beat Illness and Fatigue: Alongside the Ginger Shot, Rebel Kitchen is returning with its best-selling Camu Immunity & Natural Energy shot in both 60ml and 420ml dosing bottle formats. Made with Amazonian Camu Camu berries, an incredible Hyperfood with the highest natural Vitamin C content on the planet, and boosted with Vitamin B12 for sustained energy, each shot helps keep illness and tiredness at bay.

Just one berry contains 30 times more Vitamin C than an orange, supporting the immune system, reducing fatigue, and helping you stay on top form through the flu season. Camu shots are available from Sainsbury’s, Whole Foods, Abel & Cole, and Ocado with an RRP of £2.00 for the 60ml shot and £5.95 for the 420ml dosing bottle.

And finally, as we head into the colder months, hydration can slip down the priority list... but it’s just as important in winter as it is in summer. Rebel Kitchen Raw Coconut Water is a simple, refreshing way to stay hydrated, whether after the gym, on the go, or as a healthier swap for sugary drinks.

Rebel Kitchen Raw Coconut Water (750ml, RRP £4.95) is launching nationwide in Tesco.

Low in calories, with no added sugar

Made with just one ingredient – 100% young green coconuts, handpicked by smallholders in the Philippines (no preservatives added) Naturally turns pink over time, thanks to the antioxidants and electrolytes inside – a sure sign of its purity!

Already popular in Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Ocado, Whole Foods, Abel & Cole and Amazon, this new Tesco listing makes it part of the weekly shop.

To learn more please visit them at https://rebel-kitchen.com.

An Expert's Guide to How You Can Beat SAD this Winter

With seasons changing and the available light fading, SAD returns and seems to be affecting the UK worse than ever with cold weather looming, unemployment rates increasing and money worries worsening. 

Expert reveals how a longevity-focused diet can help beat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). 

“You are what you eat,” the old saying goes and when it comes to ageing, there’s a lot of truth to that saying.

Nutrition provides the raw materials and energy your body needs to regenerate cells, balance hormones, and fight off damage. 

As we age, our cells become less efficient at repairing themselves, so what we eat becomes even more important, especially during the darker months, when our mood and energy naturally dip.

A nutrient-dense diet supplies antioxidants to combat oxidative stress, protein to maintain muscle, and a wide spectrum of vitamins and minerals that support everything from bone strength to cognitive function. 

Longevity health experts Charava, explain how these same nutrients can also play a key role in stabilising mood and energy levels, both of which are affected by SAD, a form of depression that tends to appear during autumn and winter. 

What, exactly, does a longevity-friendly diet look like?

Research consistently points to diets rich in whole foods, especially vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and fish, as being linked to longer, healthier lives.

One of the best studied is the Mediterranean diet, common in parts of Italy, Greece, and Spain. It emphasises olive oil, fish, plenty of greens, and moderate wine with meals. 

Studies show eople who follow this pattern closely have around a 20–25% lower risk of all-cause mortality. 

The benefits likely come from its anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy components: high in fibre and healthy fats like omega-3s, and low in refined sugars and processed meats.

These same nutrients also support mental wellbeing, too. Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish, for example, have been shown to help regulate mood and reduce symptoms of depression, including those linked to SAD. 

Meanwhile, foods rich in B vitamins (whole grains, legumes, leafy greens) and magnesium (nuts, seeds, avocados) can help support serotonin production and calm the nervous system.

Conversely, diets heavy in added sugars, trans fats, and ultra-processed foods can accelerate ageing and worsen mood instability. 

Excess sugar contributes to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, both of which age blood vessels and organs faster, while also leading to energy crashes that intensify feelings of fatigue. 

Processed foods drive chronic inflammation, often described as an “accelerator of ageing,” underpinning conditions like heart disease, dementia, and depression.

Eat foods as close to their natural form as possible

Colourful vegetables and fruits provide a pharmacy of phytonutrients, plant compounds that help cells combat stress. Think leafy greens, berries, turmeric, and green tea for antioxidant support. During the winter months, these foods can also help counteract oxidative stress caused by reduced sunlight and lower vitamin D levels. On the flip side, sugary drinks, fried items, and processed snacks are best treated as occasional speed bumps on your longevity journey.

Tips for nutrition:

Focus on whole, minimally processed foods.

Fill half your plate with colourful fruits and vegetables for a broad range of nutrients, and to boost your intake of natural mood-enhancing compounds.

Prioritise healthy fats.

Extra virgin olive oil, avocados, nuts, and omega-3-rich seeds or fish support brain and heart health, particularly beneficial during shorter days when serotonin levels dip.

Choose lean proteins.

Incorporate plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, and tofu, as well as fish or poultry. If you eat red meat, keep portions moderate and, where possible, choose grass-fed sources.

Practise mild caloric moderation.

Overeating can strain the body. Longevity experts like Dr. Valter Longo suggest approaches such as fasting-mimicking diets, which we’ll explore in the Bonus section.

Avoid late-night heavy meals.

Give your body 2–3 hours to digest before bed to support metabolic health and align with your circadian rhythm - another key player in mood regulation.

Try the Okinawan “80% rule.”

Eat until you’re 80% full, then stop. This simple habit can reduce metabolic stress and promote a longer life.

Stay hydrated.

Water is essential for every cell in the body. Aim for 6–8 glasses per day, but more if you’re active or in a warm climate. In winter, try herbal teas or warm water with lemon to stay hydrated and grounded.

Dr, Sidra Samad, Medical Consultant at Charava explains to That's Food and Drink: "Energy isn’t just about calorie intake, it begins in the gut. The microbiome regulates nutrient absorption, inflammation, and metabolic signaling, directly shaping how energised or fatigued we feel. 

"When gut flora become imbalanced, toxins build up, absorption weakens, and the body redirects energy from performance to repair, resulting in fatigue that rest alone can’t fix. Metabolic rhythm is revitalized by restoring microbial balance with probiotics, fiber-rich foods, and reducing processed food intake.

"More than just digestion, a balanced gut promotes mental clarity, mood stability, and sustained energy, transforming everyday vitality into a reflection of inner balance and long-term health."

To learn more and to place your orders please visit https://www.charava.co.uk.

Melts Chocolates. All the Taste, None of the Sugar

When you buy Melts Chocolates you can be sure that they'll taste absolutely wonderful but with none of the sugar.

If you’ve been longing for a chocolate treat that satisfies your sweet tooth and keeps sugar in check, the sugar-free offerings from Melt Chocolates might just be your new favourite. 

In this blog-post I’ll walk you through what sugar-free chocolate really means, what these bars offer (and what to check), and how to enjoy them in style.

What does “sugar-free chocolate” actually mean?

First off: “sugar-free” doesn’t mean “no sweetness”, nor necessarily “zero calories”. In the UK/EU labeling context, “sugar-free” usually means that the added sugar content has been replaced or significantly reduced. What you’ll often find is the use of sugar-alcohols (e.g., maltitol, erythritol) or other sweeteners.

A couple of things worth bearing in mind:

Non-sugar sweeteners can affect texture, mouth-feel and even melting behaviour compared with conventional chocolate. One Reddit user on sugar-free sweets noted:

“Please be careful with sugar free products… the sweetener … might be ‘sugar alcohol’ but one of them gives ‘gastric distress’.” 

While sugar-free bars might help keep your blood sugar steadier or reduce sugar intake, eating lots of them still isn’t a green light to over-indulge.

Storage and melting behaviour remain important: sugars (and sugar substitutions) still need proper tempering and storage to avoid bloom (the whitish coating) or texture changes. 

Why Melt Chocolates’ sugar-free line hits the mark

Here are several reasons why I believe Melt’s sugar-free bars are worth your attention:

UK-based, boutique craftsmanship – Melt Chocolates is London-based (Notting Hill), which means you’re tapping into British artisan chocolate heritage, not just a mass-produced “low sugar” option. 

Good flavour profile – They offer an exciting variety: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, bars with hazelnuts, even vegan friendly sugar-free options. So you’re not forced to sacrifice taste for lower sugar. 

Better for many sugar-watchers – Whether you’re diabetic, which I am, watching your sugar intake, or simply craving fewer sugar spikes, these bars give you a guilt-light option. Melt themselves mention benefits such as better mood, less “crash” from sugar swings. 

Gift-worthy packaging – Because the brand leans artisan/indulgent, the packaging makes these suitable as treats, gifts or something special rather than everyday basic.

Stand-out products in the range

Here are a couple of specific bars you should know about:

Sugar Free Milk Chocolate Bar: A creamy approach to sugar-free – perfect if you prefer the milk chocolate style but want to skip the sugar.

Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Bar: For dark chocolate lovers – deeper cocoa flavour, and sugar free.

And the anchor product referenced above: the Sugar Free Milk Chocolate Bar (Melt Chocolates) – the premium, artisan take on sugar-free.

Things to watch / tips for best enjoyment

Here are some practical pointers:

Check the sweetener type: If you’re sensitive to sugar alcohols (e.g., gastrointestinal issues), look at label. Some sugar-free chocolates use maltitol or similar, which can have laxative effects in excess. 

Temperature & storage matter: Even sugar-free chocolates need to be stored cool, dry. If overheated, they may “bloom” or lose texture. 

Serving size counts: “Sugar free” sometimes leads people to assume “eat twice as much”. But calories, fat and portion still count.

Use it in recipes: These sugar-free bars can be melted or used in baking or desserts – just be aware the melt/flow may differ slightly to conventional sugar-chocolate. Some users discuss tempering sugar-free chocolate. 

Mind the context: If you’re diabetic or on a low-carb/keto regime, sugar-free chocolate is a good tool – but always as part of overall diet.

Taste expectations: While these keep flavour high, some difference in mouth-feel or after-taste may exist (as is often for sugar-free items).

My verdict

In short: Melt Chocolates’ sugar-free bar range is a strong contender if you want to indulge without loading up on sugar. They manage to merge artisan quality with sugar-reduced philosophy – quite rare. For UK shoppers especially, they’re locally accessible and gift-worthy.

If I were to pick a single standout: go for the sugar-free milk chocolate bar – it balances indulgence and sugar-reduction in a way that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Then keep the dark version for when you’re in the mood for something richer or more cocoa-forward.

Chocolate is one of life’s great pleasures. The good news: you don’t always have to choose between flavour and watching sugar. With thoughtful brands like Melt, you can have your cake (or rather chocolate) and eat it too. Next time you’re looking for a treat that aligns with a lower sugar lifestyle — or just want something a little more special than the usual bar — reach for one of these sugar-free beauties.

Melts sugar-free chocolates also make excellent Christmas gifts for the diabetics in your life.

https://meltchocolates.com/product-category/sugar-free-chocolate

Exciting Halloween Deals From Frankie & Benny's

Frankie & Benny’s, the much-loved New York-Italian family favourite, is celebrating Halloween with bone-chilling deals and spooky specials guaranteed to delight families without haunting their wallets.

As the restaurant marks its 30th birthday, it’s conjuring up frighteningly good value-for-money treats to beat the cost of living.

This October, the scares and savings continue right through Halloween week. Between 27th–31st October, during a Witching Hour from 4pm–5pm, all mains are priced at just £6.66 (excluding Signature Grills) - a devilish deal for anyone grabbing a bite before trick-or-treating.

And from 31st October–2nd November, those brave enough to arrive in costume will be rewarded with a FREE portion of Spooky Skins on the house (usually £7.95).

To make things even more ghoulish, Frankie & Benny’s chefs have summoned up a trio of limited-edition dishes, including the Hellfire Burger, Screamin’ Skins, Eye Scream Sundae, and the Werewolf of Wall Street cocktail, ensuring the whole family can tuck into something wickedly tasty.

Adding to the family-friendly fun, Kids Eat Free Monday to Friday until 31st October, the perfect treat for little monsters during the spooky season.

Sarah Sculpher, Marketing Director at Frankie & Benny’s, told That's Food and Drink: “Halloween should be about treats, not terrifying bills. That’s why we’ve brewed up a cauldron of offers that make celebrating with the whole family both fun and affordable. 

"With savings big enough to raise the dead and a menu full of spooky surprises, we’re inviting everyone to feast, laugh and make memories without the fright of overspending.”

Since opening in 1995, Frankie & Benny’s has been the go-to place for families, friends and celebrations. This Halloween, its restaurants are transforming into haunted havens where big plates, bold flavours and scary-good savings come together for a feast to remember.

The Halloween offers and specials are available nationwide at Frankie & Benny’s throughout October, excluding airports and selected event venues.

So gather your ghouls, dress for the occasion, and get ready to sink your teeth into the spookiest savings of the season - because at Frankie & Benny’s this Halloween, the only thing scarier than the food is how little you’ll pay.

T&Cs: www.frankieandbennys.com/terms-and-conditions

Sweet Without the Sugar: The Best Sugar-Free Alternatives for Diabetics

Discover the best sugar-free sweetener alternatives for diabetics in the UK, stevia, erythritol, monk fruit and how to use them in baking and cooking. 

I am diabetic, my wife is pre-diabetic so we are interested in learning about sugar sweeteners.

Living with diabetes doesn’t mean you have to give up on enjoying sweet treats or that comforting spoonful of sugar in your tea. 

Thanks to modern food science and natural ingredients, there are now plenty of safe, tasty sugar-free alternatives that don’t spike blood glucose levels. 

Whether you’re baking, cooking, or simply sweetening your morning cuppa, here’s a guide to the best options, and how you can source them in the UK.

1. Stevia – The Natural Plant-Based Sweetener

Derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, stevia is hugely popular as a sugar substitute. It's many times sweeter than sugar, yet contains virtually no calories or carbohydrates.

Key benefits:

Natural origin (plant-based)

Heat-stable in many cases (so can be used in baking)

Minimal effect on blood glucose

UK-friendly brand:

Truvia Sweetener: A UK-market stevia/erythritol blend. For example, Tesco lists a 270 g jar: “Steviol glycosides based granular table top sweetener … 1/3 teaspoon Truvia = 1 teaspoon sugar”. 

Usage tip: A small spoonful (or fraction thereof) goes a long way. Ideal for tea, yoghurt, smoothies.

2. Erythritol – A Sugar Alcohol That’s Gentle and Low Impact

Erythritol occurs naturally in some fruits (grapes, melons) and is one of the more stomach-friendly sugar alcohols. It has around 70% of the sweetness of sugar but almost no calories and a very low glycaemic index (GI).

Key benefits:

Doesn’t raise blood sugar or insulin to the same extent as sugar

Practically no calories when used as a substitute

Works well in baking (in many cases)

UK-friendly brand:

NKD Living Erythritol Icing Sugar Alternative: UK brand NKD Living describes its granulated erythritol product as “0 calories and 0 carbohydrates … perfect for keto or reducing sugar intake”. 

Usage tip: Great for baking, sauces, or as a one-for-one sugar swap (check recipe adjustments). Keep in mind sugar alcohols can cause some digestive upset if used in very large quantities, so moderation helps.

3. Xylitol – Baking-Friendly and Tooth-Friendly

Xylitol tastes very similar to sugar and often measures 1:1 in recipes, making it a favourite for baked goods. It even has benefits for dental health by reducing certain bacteria in the mouth.

Key benefits:

Low GI (good for blood-sugar control)

Good sugar-like texture in baking

Friendly for dental health (though still treat as a sweetener)

Caution: If you have pets (especially dogs), xylitol is extremely toxic for them — so keep that in mind if you use it at home.

Usage tip: Use in place of brown or white sugar in cooking or baking. Because it’s so similar in texture, it can be swapped more easily than some other sweeteners.

4. Monk Fruit (Luo Han Guo) – Sweet and Ancient

Used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, monk fruit extract has a sweetness coming from compounds called mogrosides, which don’t raise blood sugar levels.

Key benefits:

Zero or near-zero calories and carbohydrates

Very sweet (hence a small amount goes a long way)

Good for beverages, desserts, and some baking when blended

UK availability note: While monk fruit is still less common in UK high-streets than stevia or erythritol, you can find products via speciality stores or online. 

Usage tip: Use a small amount to sweeten teas or coffee; for baking you may need to mix it with another bulk sweetener like erythritol to get volume.

5. Allulose – The Emerging Star

Although less widely available in the UK currently, allulose is a naturally occurring sugar found in small amounts in figs and raisins. It behaves more like sugar in recipes (browns, caramalises, gives texture), but with far fewer calories and minimal effect on blood sugar.

Similar cooking/baking behaviour as sugar (texture, browning)

Very low impact on glycaemia

Ideal when you want sugar-like results (cookies, caramel sauces)

Usage tip: If you can find it, great for special treats or baking when sugar’s texture really matters. Use it as you would sugar but check the conversion (often 1:1). Because availability is limited, it’s more speciality.

Choosing the Right Sweetener for You

Here’s how to pick depending on your usage:

Use-case Best choice(s)

Tea, coffee, simple drinks Stevia (Truvia) or Monk Fruit

Everyday baking & cooking Erythritol (NKD Living) or Xylitol

Baking where sugar-texture matters (cookies, caramel) Allulose (if available) or erythritol blends

Brown sugar flavour (sprinkling on porridge, brown-sugar recipes) Xylitol or brown-sugar style alternatives

A few extra tips:

Always read the label: Some products labelled “sweetener” still include maltodextrin or dextrose (which can raise blood sugar).

Start small: Some sweeteners are many times sweeter than sugar – you may need less than you think.

Digestive tolerance: Sugar alcohols (erythritol, xylitol) are generally better tolerated than older types (sorbitol) but large amounts may still cause mild gastrointestinal effects.

Check with your healthcare provider: Especially if you’re managing diabetes, always ensure any change in diet is aligned with your overall management plan.

Sugar-Free Doesn’t Mean Joy-Free

Managing diabetes is about balance, not deprivation. With these alternatives, you can enjoy your favourite flavours, treats and drinks without the full sugar spike. Whether you’re baking a birthday cake, sweetening your morning porridge, or just making your chai less guilty — you’ve got options.

UK Brand Highlights and Why They’re Good

Truvia – Well-known, readily available in UK supermarkets. Offers a convenient stevia/erythritol table-top sweetener option.

NKD Living – UK brand dedicated to sugar-free living; provides granulated erythritol, stevia, and brown sugar-style erythritol blends. Great for baking and cooking.

Sukrin – Natural sugar substitutes (erythritol-based) with a focus on very low calories, low glycaemic impact, and alternatives to white and brown sugar. For example, “Sukrin Gold” offers brown-sugar texture and flavour with <1 calorie/teaspoon. 

Please share your favourite sugar-free substitute or tell us your recipe swaps. 

Also, please keep an eye open for further blogposts on sugar alternatives, recipes, etc.

Scared by the Fact one in Six Children Leave Primary School with Rotten Teeth? Not With Peppersmith's!

Whilst the stats are very scary, one in six children leave primary school with rotten teeth, the ingredients in Peppersmith are not scary.

This Halloween, swap the traditional sugar rush for something refreshingly good for your fangs with Peppersmith’s naturally tasty Mints, Gum and Pastilles.

Peppersmith products are sugar free, gluten free, vegan friendly, and nut free, and they contain the plant-based sweetener xylitol, one of the least scary sweeteners there is.

A natural alternative to sugar, xylitol actively fights against tooth decay by stopping bacteria from sticking to your teeth, lowering plaque build-up and reducing the risk of cavities and bad breath.

All Peppersmith products are sweetened with the stuff - making them a huge hit with parents and dentists, plus they have the Oral Health Foundation’s seal of approval.

And the other ingredients? Proper British mint from a little farm in Hampshire, zingy Sicilian lemons, delicious strawberries and explosive eucalyptus, set this wickedly moreish range apart from other brands. 

Choose from Lemon Mints, Strawberry Pastilles, Peppermint and Extra Strong Mints, or Peppermint and Spearmint Gum -  100% natural flavours giving 100% banging taste, whilst freshening your breath and caring for your dental health at the same time. Multi-tasking magic.

If you’re not sure which flavour to feast on this Halloween, there’s a totally tantalising mixed taster box bursting with all of the flavours. It’s the perfect way to taste what all the fuss is Peppersmith Mints, Gum and Pastilles cost from £1.35 (15g gum, Ocado) and are available from health shops and supermarkets nationwide, including Holland & Barrett, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s Locals and all WHSmith’s Travel Outlets.

The all-new Mighty Pouches of gum and mints cost from £4 (50g Ocado), and the mixed taster boxes cost £17.99 and are available from Peppersmith direct, via www.peppersmith.co.uk.

So this Halloween, skip the scary sugar and treat yourself to something sweet, smart and smile-approved.