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Angus & Oink Unveil Two New Salts: Cajun Salt and Vegan Cluckin' Good Chicken Salt

Angus & Oink, the bold Scottish brand famed for its strong line-up of seasonings and sauces, has expanded its seasoning range with two new flavoured salts: Cajun Salt and Cluckin' Good Chicken Salt. 

Cajun Salt is crafted as a finishing or cooking salt rather than a traditional seasoning. It can be used just like regular salt and pepper, but it's full of additional flavours - it's perfect for fries, meat and seafood. 

Cajun Salt is inspired by time spent deep in the heart of Louisiana, where co-founders Scott and Malissa Fraser explored everything from the smoky backroads of Lafayette to the bustling kitchens of New Orleans. 

“We travelled from Houston down through Louisiana, stopping at local eateries and roadside smokehouses,” Scott told That's Food and Drink. 

“We fell in love with the gumbos, crawfish, boudin sausage and that magical blend of bell pepper, onion and celery that's the base of so much Cajun cooking. Cajun Salt captures that authenticity – it's bold, versatile, and packed with the spirit of the South.”

Angus & Oink Cluckin' Good Chicken Salt. 100% Vegan - £8.99 / 250g

The second new arrival, Cluckin' Good Chicken Salt, is a nod to Australia's cult-favourite chip shop seasoning, a staple that Angus & Oink has reimagined. Bursting with umami notes, garlic, and onion, this vegan-friendly salt promises next-level chips and adds magic to chicken, roast potatoes, burgers, and popcorn alike.

“Chicken Salt, mate… straight outta the land of BBQ dreams,” says Scott. “We've pimped up humble sea salt with a riot of spices and our signature A&O flavour magic. One taste and you'll be cluckin' hooked!”

Founded by Scott and Malissa Fraser after more than a decade of barbecuing and travelling the world, Angus & Oink has built a reputation for authenticity, creativity, and flavour. Each product in the range tells a story, from their travels across America's Deep South to the food stalls of Asia and beyond. With these new salts, Angus & Oink continue to celebrate the global barbecue and street food loving community and bring adventurous flavours to everyday cooking.

Both Cajun Salt and Cluckin' Good Chicken Salt are available now at www.angusandoink.com.

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Can Cumin Seeds Help Lower Cholesterol? What the Research Suggests

Cumin seeds have long been used in cooking for their warm, earthy flavour, but over recent years they’ve attracted attention for something more: potential benefits for heart health. 

In particular, some reports suggest cumin may help to lower cholesterol levels. But how strong is the evidence, and is it worth adding to your daily routine?

Here’s a closer look.

Why Cumin Seeds Are Gaining Attention

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is rich in antioxidants and plant compounds that may support metabolic health. 

It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, especially in South Asia and the Middle East, and modern research has begun exploring its possible effects on:

Digestion

Blood sugar regulation

Inflammation

Cholesterol levels

The last point is where things get especially interesting.

What the Studies Say About Cholesterol

Several small-scale studies have reported that cumin may help reduce both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the so-called “bad” type), while sometimes increasing HDL cholesterol (the “good” type).

Findings from these reports include:

1. Improved LDL Levels

Some trials found that participants taking cumin supplements or cumin powder experienced noticeable reductions in LDL cholesterol after several weeks.

2. Possible Boost to HDL Levels

In a few studies, cumin appeared to help raise HDL cholesterol slightly—an effect that supports better long-term heart health.

3. Antioxidant Activity

Researchers often link cumin’s potential benefits to its antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which may protect cells from oxidative stress. This protection may contribute to healthier cholesterol profiles.

That said, it’s important to keep expectations realistic. Most studies so far have been relatively small, often involving supplements rather than culinary quantities. More research is still needed before cumin can be recommended as a definitive treatment.

How to Include Cumin in Your Diet

Even though the science is still developing, adding cumin to your meals is an easy, affordable way to increase flavour while supporting a balanced diet. You can enjoy it:

Sprinkled into soups or stews

Mixed into yoghurt as a savoury dip

Toasted and added to rice or roasted vegetables

Used in marinades for chicken or lamb

Brewed as a warm cumin tea

Cumin supplements also exist, but it’s wise to speak to a GP or pharmacist before taking any new supplement—especially if you’re on medication for cholesterol or blood pressure.

Cumin Is Helpful, Not a Miracle Cure

Cumin seeds can play a small supporting role in a heart-healthy lifestyle, but they’re not a substitute for the bigger pillars of cholesterol management:

A balanced diet low in saturated fats

Plenty of fruit, vegetables, and soluble fibre

Regular exercise

Limiting alcohol

Stopping smoking

Following medical advice where needed

If anything, cumin works best as part of a holistic approach rather than a standalone fix.

Reports suggesting that cumin may help lower cholesterol are encouraging, and emerging research gives the idea some weight. While cumin won’t replace prescribed treatments, it’s a delicious, nutrient-rich spice that can support overall wellbeing as part of a balanced diet.

If you enjoy its flavour, adding a little more cumin to your meals is a simple and tasty way to support a heart-friendly lifestyle.

Hosting a Medieval Festival at Your Pub or Restaurant

A feast of food, fun and history for all ages.

If you’re looking for a fresh way to boost footfall, bring the community together, and offer something genuinely memorable, a medieval-themed festival could be just the thing. 

Whether you lean towards accurate historical recreation or a more relaxed, modern interpretation of medieval merriment, this type of event is a proven crowd-pleaser. 

With hearty food, themed drinks, period music, and guests encouraged to dress the part, it’s the perfect opportunity to transform your venue into a lively mediaeval hall for an evening—or even a whole weekend.

Why a Medieval Festival Works

Medieval events appeal to all ages and tap into Britain’s long-standing love for history, folklore, and community gatherings. They also offer:

A unique dining experience that stands out from the usual pub or restaurant offering.

A reason for customers to dress up—which many will do with great enthusiasm.

Plenty of photo opportunities, perfect for social media buzz.

Partnership potential with councils, heritage groups, re-enactment societies, choirs, art groups, and local businesses.

A well-run festival can boost your visibility, encourage repeat visits, and position your venue as a creative hub.

Food Fit for a Feast

The star of any medieval celebration is the menu. You can go fully authentic, lightly inspired, or mix the two:

Traditional-style dishes

Roasted meats served on wooden boards

Pottage made with seasonal vegetables

Honey-glazed chicken

Rustic breads and trenchers

Meat pies and hand-raised pastries

Apple tarts, fruited puddings, or spiced cakes

Modern “medieval-inspired” twists

Pulled pork with apple relish

Herb-roasted chicken thighs

Venison burgers

Charred vegetable platters

Mead-glazed wings

Blackberry cheesecakes with spiced crumble

You don’t need a 14th-century kitchen to evoke the era—earthy flavours, seasonal ingredients, and robust presentations work beautifully.

Drinks with a Medieval Flair

Serve a range of themed drinks to complement the feast:

Mead—from local meadaries if possible

Spiced ale and small beer

Cider served in clay or wooden-style tankards

Herbal cordials

Mulled wine or hot spiced berry drinks

For a modern twist, consider:

Honey lager

Rosemary gin cocktails

Blackcurrant ale spritzers

A special “festival brew” from a local brewery could be a great collaboration and selling point.

Setting the Scene

You don’t need a castle to create atmosphere—simple touches go a long way:

Banners, shields and heraldic colours

Long benches or communal tables

Candles or lantern-style lighting (LED versions work perfectly)

Rustic tableware

Straw bales or decorative fabric drapes

Encourage staff to dress in medieval garb too—it helps immerse visitors in the experience.

Music and Entertainment

Invite local musicians to play medieval-style music using traditional instruments such as lutes, fiddles, percussion, and pipes. For a lighter touch, a folk band can adapt their set into a “medieval-flavoured” performance.

Other entertainment ideas include:

Storytellers or wandering minstrels

A jester or comic host

Demonstrations from local re-enactment groups

Craft stalls or shield-painting workshops

Falconry displays in partnership with a nearby attraction

Community Collaboration

Running your festival alongside other local organisations can turn it into a larger annual event:

Local councils may offer promotional support or even small grants for cultural activities.

Civic societies often love heritage-themed events and may help with displays.

Museums, castles, or historic houses might collaborate for joint programming.

Neighbouring pubs or restaurants could host a “medieval trail,” encouraging visitors to enjoy different dishes or themed ales.

Working together boosts the profile of everyone involved and creates something much bigger than a single venue event.

Ideas for Marketing the Festival

Create a simple crest or badge for the event and use it across posters and social media.

Launch a “best costume” competition.

Share short videos of menu preparations.

Highlight local suppliers and partners.

Offer early-bird booking discounts.

Make It an Annual Tradition

A successful medieval festival can easily become a yearly highlight, drawing bigger crowds and encouraging locals and tourists to return. With good food, lively music and a warm welcome, it’s a celebration that brings the past vividly to life while offering a vibrant night out.

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