.
After the winners (pictured above) were announced, there was a tasting buffet so we could find out exactly what the fuss was about. Everything was delicious, but if I had to choose my five favourites they would be (in no particular order):
1. Amy’s Kitchen Broccoli and Cheddar bake
2. SaVse Smoothies super blue
3. Ilumi Kerala chicken curry
4. Georgia's Choice Gluten Free chicken bites
5. Waitrose Gluten free egg and watercress/ chicken salad roll
There were nearly 300 people present and it was just brilliant to see how many different companies are working hard to bring products to this sector. Many companies are still small, led by one or two passionate people and while this is undoubtedly fantastic, what we now need is better availability in our supermarkets and high street stores! For the time being, many items can be bought online - click on the links below to find out more.
1. NEW! Breakfast foods - Sponsored by Tesco
Winners:
Bfree plain bagels
‘Brilliant that they are gluten, dairy and egg free – and are soft and have a great flavour, especially toasted!’ ‘ Good flavour, nice texture and low sugar – a winner!’
COYO Coconut milk yoghurt vanilla flavor
‘Wow!
Great selection of ingredients, low sugar – lovely – really good...
Wonderfully creamy, tastes of coconut but not too much and not too
sweet.’
Primal Joy Foods Cinnamon nut crunch - no grains breakfast ‘cereal’
‘Excellent selection of nutritious ingredients makes for a tasty cereal – so great that it is free from so many allergens and all grains! Very expensive but delicious – would happily eat as a snack.’
Highly Commended:
Bessant & Drury Alphonso mango & passionfruit coconut yogurt
‘Tastes just yummy although Alphonso overpowers the coconut.’ ‘Really creamy but too sweet – although children would love it.’
Bessant & Drury Morello cherry & Madagascan vanilla coconut yogurt
‘Silky smooth yogurt, delicious fruit compote but slightly too sweet.’’ Love this – a tad sweet but a great alternative to dairy.’
Bfree multiseed bagels
‘Good soft texture and nice seedy taste.’ ‘Impressive that they are also free of egg and dairy.’ ‘Look good.’
‘Good soft texture and nice seedy taste.’ ‘Impressive that they are also free of egg and dairy.’ ‘Look good.’
Perkier Apple, cinnamon & raisin porridge
‘Nice
concept – really like the cinnamon.’ ‘Great flavour, great ingredients
and good texture but very thick – more liquid maybe? And how about
adding some vitamins?’
Tobia Teff Teff meal / Teff flakes
‘Great
that it is free of so many allergens. Unusual but interesting texture
and taste – rather pleasant natural sweetness and subtle nutty
aftertaste but packaging needs more direction.’
Udi’s Cranberry walnut granola
‘Looks
great and tastes delicious, if sweet.’ ‘Nice chewy texture and good
cranberry flavour although would like more walnuts.’ ‘Like the use of
honey rather than sugar.’
Commended:
Hale & Hearty Quinoa & chocolate granola
‘Good
to have chocolate flavour without any milk. Crunchy texture and sweet,
pleasant taste.’ ‘Smells nice and chocolatey but high in sugar.’
‘Lovely creamy, coconut flavour – thick and not at all greasy.’
Nature’s Path Nice & Nobbly organic granolas (raspberry, strawberry, blueberry & yoghurt pieces)
‘Yummy – tastes very sweet but more-ish. Generous clusters and lots of fruit.’ ‘Shame it includes milk – why?....’
Of The Earth Dear Me breakfast without cereals, chia & hemp with goji berries & cranberries
‘Amazing
range of ingredients and interesting and unusual texture.’ ‘Not
appealing visually but tastes good although expensive.’ ‘Good but very
niche product.’
St Helen’s Farm Natural goats milk yoghurt
‘Naturally sour and creamy – very nice.’ ‘Excellent consistency and just the right touch of goatiness.’
2. Breads – Sponsored by Genius Gluten Free
Winner:
Focaccia Per Tutti Focaccia Mediterranea
‘Stunning looking – amazing and generous!’ ‘Excellent
aroma, good crust and lovely classic Mediterranean flavours – olives,
garlic, tomatoes, rosemary.’ ‘Fantastic that it is free of all allergens
except nuts.’ ‘Really filling a gap in the market – love it! Want
more!’
Tesco Free From fresh seeded bread
‘Really
excellent texture and flavour – I would be happy to eat this every day
fresh or toasted.’ ‘Great aroma, nice and nutty, moist, good crust – and
it is dairy as well as gluten free!’
‘Good
texture rolls up without breaking. Indistinguishable from non GF wrap
in looks, flavour and mouthfeel – though doesn’t look ‘multigrain’.
Wouldn’t know this was GF unless you saw the label. Great that free of
all major allergens.’
Newburn Bakehouse Spiced fruit loaf
‘Looks really appealing with good distribution of fruit and
smells of mulled wine.’ ‘Lovely sweet spicy aroma, good texture, good
size slice, not too sweet but definitely better toasted.’
Tobia Teff Teff bread
‘Looks
very wholesome and home made.’ ‘Quite dense and heavy but very
interesting flavour.’ ‘Excellent nutritional profile and wonderfully
allergen free.’
Commended:
Bfree brown seeded rolls
‘Good
that it is free of all major allergens and with a good texture and
crunch of seeds.’ ‘Does not look at all gluten-free but a little cakey
and smells slightly treacley.’
3. Store cupboard – sponsored by Asda
Winners:
Ugg Foods Chia seed and nut bread mix
‘Wow!
Totally grain, dairy and egg free – but tastes delicious!’ ‘Slightly
cakey and eggy but lovely flavour and lovely crunch.’ ‘ Looks fab!’
Vegusto ‘Cheese’ sauce
‘I
really thought this was cheese...’ ‘Authentic, rich, creamy and super
strong cheese flavour – so good to have a really decent, dairy free
‘cheese’ sauce!’ ‘Slightly grey in colour but what a useful product!’
Highly Commended:
Conscious Food Palmyra jaggery powder
‘Spicy,
rich sugar flavour. Would be fantastic with hot chocolate and mocha.’
‘Delicious – molasses taste and texture.’ ‘Would be amazing on
porridge!’
Lucy Bee Organic raw virgin fair trade extra virgin coconut oil
‘Lovely creamy coconut butter.’ ‘Smooth, subtle and creamy – no overpowering flavours.’
Quinola Express quinoa - pearl and black
‘Deliciously
nutty taste – like the combination of quinoas.’ ‘Sweet and fragrant,
nice mouthfeel with slight crunch – great for bulgar type salads.
Truly Simple Foods Sundried tomatoes and sweet chilli cooking sauce
‘Taste strong, robust and hot – but pleasant.’ ‘Great spicing – rich colour.’
Ugg Foods Chia muffin mix
‘Fresh lemony smell. Moist, crunchy, smooth, light texture – lovely lemon flavour. Yummy.’
Commended:
Hale & Hearty Chocolate chip cookie mix
‘Soft chewy cookies with nice oaty taste.’ ‘Aroma really chocolatey – delicious.’
Helen’s Quick seeded bread mix
‘Really interesting flavour and texture – lovely seeds and nice and moist.’ ‘Very pretty with the green pumpkin seeds.’ ‘Pleasantly nutty – good texture.’
Truly Simple Foods Coconut curry and spinach cooking sauce
‘Warm authentic smell, lovely taste, creamy and smooth.’
Ugg Foods Coconut muffin mix
‘Excellent texture, moist and lovely coconut flavour. Very impressive.’
Ugg Foods Fruit and seed loaf
‘Looks great – really wholesome. Smells and tastes delicious too.’ ‘Lovely juicy fruit – authentic fruit loaf.’
4. Pasta and Pizza – Sponsored by the Food and Drink Innovation Network
Winner:
Amy’s Kitchen Broccoli and Cheddar bake
‘Brilliant
product – really useful and appealing – lovely breadcrumbs on top –
yummy!’ ‘Good cheese flavour, pasta al dente, nicely crunchy broccoli –
looks delicious and lives up to its looks!’
Highly Commended:
Dell’Ugo Gluten free fresh penne pasta
‘Very
good fresh penne – simple and al dente. Just what you want from a
pasta.’ ‘Brilliant – yummy. Indistinguishable from normal pasta.’
Elena’s Gluten Free Way DialSì gluten free pasta tagliatelle
‘Brilliant
– nice texture nice – firm and fine chewy. Great ingredients – all two
of them!’ ‘Excellent texture just like real pasta – light, fluffy,
wholesome and non clumpy.’
Elena’s Gluten Free Way DialSì gluten free pasta caserecce
‘Nice to see an unusual shape.’ ‘Nice bite, useful shape, great, simple ingredients.’ ‘Lovely pasta.’
The Lab Pizza Genovese
‘Excellent
topping and base. Flavours delicious and really tangy on the tongue.’
‘Tasty, tasty, tasty – but shame they used de-glutenised wheat starch.’
Rizopia Organic brown rice pasta spaghetti
‘Slightly savoury rice flavour but very wholesome. Keeps its shape well and nicely al dente.’ ‘Excellent freefrom product in terms of ingredients.’
Venice Bakery Large plain gluten free & vegan pizza base
‘Interesting
texture – brilliantly clean ingredients deck.’ ‘Excellent texture,
nicely crisp, slightly sweet but great ingredients.’
Commended:
Hale & Hearty Brown rice penne
‘Great texture and shape – hold together well.’ ‘Tasty and nicely freefrom.’
Hale & Hearty Corn & quinoa penne
‘Interesting
combination – cornflour and quinoa flavoursome, unusual and al dente.’
‘Good bite, nice flavour – and great to have quinoa in there.’
5. Raw Foods and superfoods – Sponsored by Food Heaven
Winner:
SaVse Smoothies super blue
‘Good
colour, lovely deep flavour – earthy, beetrooty – yet zing-ily
delicious.’ ‘Gorgeous aroma and great combination of flavours.’ ‘Well
it’s not blue, but the colour is amazing. Really tasty & reviving.’
Highly Commended:
Lucy Bee Organic raw virgin fair trade extra virgin coconut oil
‘Smooth, not too sweet, melts nicely in the mouth.’ ‘Yummy – lovely, light, creamy coconut flavour.’ ‘Great alternative for someone who avoids dairy.’
Ombar Coco mylk
‘Excellent no-milk chocolate – lovely, rich and creamy. Children would love this.’ ‘Great ingredients.’
Commended:
Creative Nature Organic raw maca powder
‘Love the creamy mild & carob-like flavour.’ ‘Really good ingredients – excellent as a healthy additive.’
Love Smoothies The hulk smoothie
‘Lovely product – impressive fresh
and energising taste, if expensive.’ ‘Really good idea for an instant
smoothie; great for busy people on the go. Maybe add some superfood
powders?’
6. NEW! ‘Food to go’ and food for vending machines – Sponsored by 24Vend
Winner:
Waitrose Gluten free egg watercress and chicken salad roll
‘Delicious
moist rolls (so many gf rolls are dry). Generous, nutritious and tasty
filling – what a pity it isn’t dairy free as well. Excellent on-the-go
food.’ ‘A delicious vegetarian sandwich (egg and cress) – really
satisfies the need of people looking for gluten free and vegetarian lunch options. And they look great. Love all that cress.’ ‘Generous portion and a well balanced mix of salad, mayonnaise and chicken.’
Highly Commended:
Great Food Spinach & pinenut with houmous – snack pack
‘Excellent
combination. Tasty falafel – really impressive as they are free from so
many allergens. Great packaging for a food to go.’ ‘Well balanced –
hearty and healthy – love the handy pack.’
Hotch Potch Eggs Arancini
‘Innovative
product – love the crispy outer layer.’ ‘Really delicious – brilliant
for a party! Especially as they can be eaten cold.’ ‘Quite substantial – really nice product.’
Commended:
Clearspring Organic brown rice crackers with black sesame
‘Look
great – good crunch – excellent texture. Lovely ingredients.’
‘Innovative product – good to see a gluten and dairy free version of a
Japanese snack.’
Creative Nature Heavenly cacao superfood bar
‘Tasty though quite sweet and heavily datey. Shame they did not use gluten free oats – but a good filling snack.’ ‘Nicely chewy.’
Creative Nature Blissful berry superfood bar
‘Rich
flavours (almost like Xmas pudding) – a very filling snack.’ ‘Nice
balance of dried fruity sweetness with mellow oat taste texture but
shame the oats are not gluten free.
Freeli Wowbutter brownie
‘Melts
in your mouth – lovely tasting & not overly sweet. Be nice if it
could have been soya free though.’ ‘Well thought out product at an
accessible price.’
The FreeFrom Bakehouse Chocolate ‘digestive’ biscuits
‘Appealing
homemade look although ‘digestive’ slightly misleading. Quite chewy but
great ingredients – original and wholesome.’ ‘Good that dairy and
gluten free – not many bsicuits are.’
LoveRaw Organic bar – cacao & maca
‘Crunchy, good texture, flavoursome – can really taste the nuts. Impressive it is free from so many allergens and low sugar – but expensive.’
Udi’s Bagel chips
‘Really crunchy and tasty – a
useful snack for nut allergy suffers in particular.’ ‘Surprisingly
tasty – lovely bagel tones and nicely crunchy but needs a dip.’ ‘Good
touch of cinnamon but very sweet.’
7. Foods designed for food service – Sponsored by Genon Laboratories
Winners:
The Indian Coeliac Gluten free authentic Panjabi pakoras
‘A
brilliant, useful product – and how wonderful…. A freefrom pakora!!’
‘Excellent balance of flavours – really authentic.’ ‘Delicious aroma,
great balance of spices – and great freefrom credentials!!’
We Love Cake Gluten free cherry Bakewell tarts
‘Perfect replica of non-gf version!’ ‘Really
good pastry, great almond taste – and dairy and gluten/wheat free! What
a treat!’ ‘Very sweet but so are the non-freefrom originals.’ ‘Not the
healthiest but good to see such a good freefrom replica of a much loved
product.’
Highly Commended:
Delicious Alchemy Mini ginger loaf
‘Nice
size and shape – has real coffee shop feel.’ ‘Very spicy, good ginger
kick, lovely moist, sticky cake and great freefrom ingredients –
although expensive.’
Hotch Potch Eggs Tiddlee pies & tarts
‘Pastry
was fantastic. Perfect canapes for gluten free guests.’ ‘Tasty – good
selection of interesting fillings – shame they could not be free of more
than gluten.’ ‘Really like these - good, short, buttery pastry and
great variety of tasty fillings – although why put pork in so many of
them?’
Pan’Artisan 10” gluten free pizza base, Italian spiced
‘Great genuinely free-from pizza base – crisp and chewy.’ ‘Nice texture and feel, and crisps up well, although quite sweet.’
Commended:
Delicious Alchemy Wheat & gluten free sultana scones
‘Really
fills a gap in the market – especially as they look totally authentic.’
‘Nice light texture but slightly bicarb’y – as are so many non g-f
scones.’ ‘Exciting product – just a shame they are not more than gluten
free.’
Newburn Bakehouse White wraps
‘Fits
well into current trend for wraps – sweet, soft and flexible – and does
not leave dry taste in the mouth as many do.’ ‘Quite thick but holds
together well – pity it is only gluten free.’
8. Ready Meals
Meat-based meals – Sponsored by Sainsbury's
Winner:
Ilumi Lamb Rogan Josh
‘Excellent
convenience freefrom food – free of all major allergens and packed in
that portable long life pouch. A boon for multi-allergics.’ ‘Pleasant
levels of spicing, meat tender, nice aroma.’ ‘Good value, mild curry
flavour but totally additive free.’
Highly Commended:
The Black Farmer Chipolatas
‘Lovely
flavour and texture, nice balance and meat content. Moist and great
peppery note.’ ‘Well seasoned. A little salty but enjoyed the meaty
flavour.’
Voakes Free From steak pie
‘Looks great in pie terms!’ ‘Pastry nice and crisp and filling tasty and meaty.’ ‘Good flavour for a g-f pie – would work really well in a pub.’
Commended:
Foodamentalists Fidget pie
‘Looks brilliant – really hand made.’ ‘Love
the idea and shape of this pie: good pastry with nice rustic filling.’
‘Excellent that it is so freefrom (gluten, wheat, dairy, soya and corn).
Pastry cuts well but the texture does not quite work and there is not
really enough filling.’
Tesco Gluten free breaded Pollock
‘Nice open texture fish – and the crumb is flavoursome and crisp.’ ‘Look great – crispy and golden – and good fish. And MSC (Marine Stewardship Council eg sustainable).Fab!’
The Black Farmer Premium pork sausages
‘Good
quality, very meaty, nicely spiced and herbed but a little salty.’
‘Juicy, tasty, meaty, peppery without being overpowering.’
Tom Hixson & Co Pork & herb sausages
‘If you like sausages, these tick all the boxes.’ ‘Good texture, pleasant flavor, good skin.’
Winner:
Georgia’s Choice Gluten Free Mexican bean bake
‘Nice
crisp exterior and sweet soft inside, nice and mealy – maybe a little
more salt?’ ‘Great colour and texture – lots of beans and veg and
splendidly free from all the major allergens – wheat/gluten, dairy, egg
and soya – excellent.’
Highly Commended:
Amy’s Kitchen Thai red curry
‘Wonderful smell. Low calorie and nice mix of vegetables which are still al dente.’ ‘Tastes really good and great that it is gluten and dairy free.’
‘Good naturally freefrom product.’
Mash Direct Potato, cheese & onion croquettes
‘Wow great product! I love these – GF junk food – yum – addictive.’ ‘Excellent for kids.’ ‘ Tastes just as a croquette should – cheesey and oniony.’
Commended:
FEEL FREE Vegetarian Party Pack
‘Great
idea – very innovative – and fantastic that it is free of so many
allergens.’ ’Really excellent idea but products need a bit more work.
Nice aroma but over spiced for party canapés. Bhajee texture good but
others slightly too oily.’
9. Foods manufactured in a nut-free environment – Sponsored by Anaphylaxis Campaign
Winner:
Ilumi Kerala chicken curry
‘So
great to have a guaranteed nut-free curry which is also free of all the
other top allergens – and tastes good – and at a good price!’ ‘Lovely
strong taste, nut-free microwaveable curry ready meal – a great addition
to nut free food choices.’ ‘Lovely rounded flavour, nice heat, sweet but not too sweet. Excellent.’
Highly Commended:
Big Oz Organic chocolate buckwheat flakes with raspberries
‘A
grown-up nice tasting cereal – really excellent balance, zingy fruit
and not too sweet flakes. Could do with a few more raspberries but a
great product.’ ‘Very hard to find nut-free cereal (especially with
chocolate). On the minus side it has a load of sugar – but we need more nut-free cereals so this is a great, much needed product. Also gluten, dairy and soya free – a big bonus!’
Just Love Food Co Angry Birds celebration cake
‘Great
looking cake and how wonderful to be able to buy a truly nut-free
celebration cake! If only it could also be dairy and/or gluten and egg
free too…’ ‘Very sweet but perfectly nice cake – and what a treat for a
nut-free child!’
10. Foods designed for children – Sponsored by Delamere Dairy
Winner:
Georgia's Choice Gluten Free chicken bites
‘Like it very much – just like normal nuggets but with better chicken.’ ‘Nice
and crispy – good texture – great chicken.’ ‘Great – my non gluten-free
friends would eat them and never know. The chicken is really tender.’
‘Yum – even more yum with the chilli sauce!’
Highly Commended:
Fun Foods4All Bob the Builder organic free from pasta
‘Shapes
are fabulous I would eat it again and give to my friends and family.’
‘I like the texture and shape and it tastes very nice so I would eat it
again.’ ‘Tastes like normal pasta – delicious with sauce!’
Incognito Cakes Cheeky little monkey cake mix
‘I
like making it – I love the cake.’ ‘Very easy to make and tastes nice.’
‘Yumyum!’ ‘Cooking was good for younger kids, tastes good but got stuck
in the case.’
Smooze Mango fruit ice
‘Delicious
.and my friends would never know it was dairy free.’ ‘Lovely – you can
taste the fruit.’ ‘Lovely – just like lollies. You can taste flavour and
lovely texture.’
Sweet Mandarin Sweet chilli sauce
‘Good
balance of sweet & spice, good with other foods maybe a little more
spice but I like spice more than normal people.’ ‘I would eat it with
my friends – I think it’s just right, and I’d have it with chips.’
‘Delicious.’
Commended:
Moo Free Mini moo minty moo
‘Really yumm.’ ‘Good – my friends would eat it. Amazing.’ ‘Very nice minty taste.’
Young’s Seafood Ltd ‘The Ultimate’ 100% Alaskan pollock fillet fish finger
‘Lovely
– just like the real thing!’ ‘Fish is nicer than in an ordinary fish
finger but the coating is a little bit chewy.’ ‘Nice and crispy.’
11.Foods for Christmas - Sponsored by Hale & Hearty
Winner:
D&D Chocolates Dairy free chocolate minty snowmen
‘Utterly
delicious. I love mint and chocolate anyway so am biased but mint is
not overpowering – lovely sweet fondant.’ ‘Deliciously indulgent and
gooey.’ ‘Too sweet for me but nicely minty. Ticks all the allergen boxes
too which is great.’ ‘Lovely, but why wrap them?’
Highly Commended:
Voakes Free From Special Pie
‘Very
pleasant flavours – crisp pastry with a moist texture. The flavour of
the pork & chicken mix well together All in all a delicious pie.’
‘Like the variation of layers and the texture of the pastry.’ ‘Unusual –
interesting – tasty.’
Commended:
‘Just right for a calendar sweet.’ ‘Pleasant milk chocolate texture – and no after taste!’ ‘Very sweet and quite coconutty but pleasant.’
12. Scones, sweet biscuits, tarts and cookies - Sponsored by Mrs Crimbles
Winners:
Nairn’s Gluten free biscuit breaks: oats & fruit
‘Best
gluten free approximation of a digestive type biscuit. Nicely crunchy,
not too sweet but lots of flavour. Lovely.’ ‘Effectively dairy, egg and
nut free too – and in little individual packs – perfect for lunch boxes
and snacks.’
Highly Commended:
DS-gluten free Bourbon biscuits
‘Really
nice crunch, good and chocolatey – great approximation of the real
thing.’ ‘Excellent that it is gluten, egg and nut free – but why not
dairy free? The non g-f version is!!’ ‘Really good looking biscuit.’
Commended:
Asda Free-from Belgian chocolate Rocky Road
‘Good
crunch, nice chocolately flavour. Brilliant that it is gluten egg,
dairy and nut free – if only they used sunflower lecithin it would also
be soya free. And why the beef gelatin? Rules it out for vegetarians.’
‘Good dairy-free option for birthday parties.’
13. Cakes, cake bars, cupcakes and brownies – Sponsored by Newburn Bakehouse
Winner:
Melsie Jane Bakes Mini lemon drizzle loaf
‘Perfect
texture. Perfect lemon flavour, not too sweet, nice simple
ingredients.’ ‘Lovely zesty lemon sponge. Great – and great
ingredients.’ ‘Very good but shame it is not also not dairy free.’
Highly Commended:
The Handmade Cake Company Chocolate brownie
‘One
of the nicest brownies I have tasted. Chocolate flavour is perfect and
no aftertaste.’ ‘Attractive – actually looks more like a biscuit. Good
dark chocolate flavour and not too sweet.’
The Handmade Cake Company Raspberry & almond slice
‘Really
nice light crunch. Almond and jam combine well in the base.’ ‘Pleasant
almond and raspberry – lovely texture.’ ‘Raspberry just right – great
product.’
Commended:
Morrisons Free from raspberry macaroon slices
‘Very
attractive. Lovely crumble base and topping. The jam is not too sweet
but contrasts nicely sharp with the base.’ ‘Excellent that it is wheat,
gluten and dairy free.’
14. NEW! After dinner foods – Sponsored by Udi's
Winners:
Bessant & Drury Raspberry swirl frozen coconut yogurt
‘Exciting new take on coconut and on frozen yogurt!’ ‘Very visible swirls of strong raspberry flavour in a great ice cream base.’ ‘This is great ‘love it’, convincingly yogurt ice cream.’ ‘Smooth and tummy – and oh so freefrom!’
Pudology Banoffee pud
‘You
can really taste the banana flavours – exquisite wonderful consistency
and taste.’ ‘Three clear layers, good squidgy banana centre – a well
constructed dessert.’ ‘Lovely that it is gluten, dairy, egg and nut
free.’ ‘Not an easy dessert to make but these flavours work very well
together.’
Highly commended:
Booja-Booja Almond caramel chocolate truffles
‘Chewy
Toblerone texture with a luxurious quality flavour. Secondary burst of
caramel from chewy pieces.’ ‘Lovely clean ingredients list.’ ‘Delicious
crisp exterior, smooth dark rich inside, slight crunch from almonds and
nicely chewy.’
Christine’s Puddings Sticky toffee pudding
‘Scrumptious
– delicious flavour – and a bonus it is gluten and dairy free.’ ‘Wow!
Delicious, light, soft, moist, sweet but not sickly.’ ‘Delicious, light
and sweet but could take a hint more sauce.’
Okobay Coconut water and pineapple ice
‘Pleasant,
sweet fruity-fresh palate cleanser – lovely taste.’ ‘Would work well as
a sorbet.’ ‘Wonderfully freefrom.’ ‘Delicate pink – strongish coconut
flavoured followed by pineapple – interesting.’
Pudology Chocolate orange pud
‘What
a lovely orange flavour bursting onto your taste buds – fabulous mix
and the coconut milk works really well. And everything free!’ ‘The orange flavour really comes through and combines beautifully with the rich chocolate flavour – delicious.’
Rude Health Corn thins
‘Look
like a work of art – golden & speckled. Tastes nice and richly
corn-fashioned.’ ‘Great texture, no unpleasant after taste – just like a
non-free from product – in a good way!’ ‘Lovely corn flavour and snap –
just the right thickness.’
St Helen’s Farm Goat’s milk vanilla ice cream
‘Very
good – rich in vanilla with a delicious hint of graininess.’ ‘Would
never have known this was goat’s milk – lovely flavour.’
Wellaby’s Hummus chips Kalamata olive
‘Attractive
golden putty pillows with salt granules on the outside. Look really
tasty and actually do taste of hummus and olives!’ ‘Interesting concept –
nice crunchy subtle flavour.’ ‘Tasty but a little too sweet – and why
the dairy?...’
Commended:
Booja-Booja Hunky Punky chocolate ice cream alternative
‘Lovely
texture – rich and smooth and not too sweet although maybe a slightly
stronger chocolate flavour?’ ‘Delicious – can’t believe this is made
from just cashew nuts – pure, simple and excellent.’
Celtic Chocolates Choices rondellos (dairy-free white chocolate)
‘Pleasant
texture, useful as buttons and very useful as a baking ingredient.’
‘Very sweet but melt well and great that they are dairy and gluten
free.’
Eskal Noble Choice dairy free chocolate with raspberries
‘Nice subtle raspberry taste with dark chocolate.’ ‘Chocolate not amazing but great to have the raspberry option.’
Food Heaven Smooth chocolate mousse
‘Enjoyable and smooth (as promised).’ ‘Nice moussey texture and taste – and excellent that it is gluten, dairy and egg free.’
Nairn’s Gluten free wholegrain cracker
‘Looks
like a regular wholemeal/wholegrain cracker – would be a good vehicle
for a topping and great if you want something very plain.’ ‘Appetising
and crunchy texture.’
Semper Rosemary & salt crispbread
‘Rosemary flavoured Ryvita? Lovely Rosemary flavoured crunchy crisp bread.’ ‘A great base for cheese – tangy and crisp.’ ‘Really interesting idea.’
15. Gluten-free beers – Sponsored by Ilumi
Winner:
Green’s India Pale Ale
‘Well
balanced English IPA.’ ‘Strong ale smell, real old fashioned strong
sweet flavour like a Blue Moon.’ ‘Tastes more than 4% – good well hopped
flavour.’ ‘Great hop aroma, bitter and fruity flavour.’ ‘I would
certainly drink this in a pub.’ ‘Amazing for a non-barley beer.’
Highly Commended:
CELIA GF Beer
‘Nice,
clean malty smell. Easy drinking and well balanced.’ ‘Good light golden
lager. Great feeling on tongue – quite sweet, almost artificial taste –
like beer you get at football.’ ‘Light and fizzy – nice taste American
tasting lager.’
Estrella Daura Damm
‘Lovely taste & colour. Light fizz – great smell taste – a proper Italian pilsner.’ ‘Very refreshing and easy to drink.’
Commended:
Green’s Premium Pilsner
‘Really
light colour, good head, good bubbles. Light sauvignon blanc colour but
smells very beery.’ ‘Nice fresh, refreshing proper lager taste.’
St Peter’s Brewery G-free
‘Sweet at first, far more bitter after taste. Beautiful golden colour.
Refreshing.’
‘Not quite like normal beer but refreshing. Very drinkable and not too
strong.’ ‘Amazing smell – nice bitter refreshing lager. Could manage
this on a summer night – beerlicious!’
The Innovation Award – Sponsored by Food Matters Live
Joint Winners:
Venice Bakery large seasoned gluten-free vegan pizza base
‘Fabulous
pizza base – excellent freefrom properties – very innovative.’ ‘Great
product for multi-sensitives.’ ‘Good crisp crust and great flavour
because it is thin – if a little sweet.’
Highly Commended:
Celtic Chocolates Choices rondellos
‘Very
clever product – extremely useful for dairy-free bakers and dairy-free
folk in general.’ ‘Melted well, very smooth, performed well.’
Commended:
Newburn Bakehouse Seeded wraps
‘A
good wrap and innovative in that it has managed to be both gluten and
dairy-free’. ‘Texture holds up better than many non-gf wraps and seeds
add interest and nutritional value – good product.’
Udi’s Cinnamon & raisin bagel
‘First successful sweet bagel I have come across – slightly sandy but very tasty toasted for breakfast.’
