Sharing our medallists and finalists of the 2022 Free From Christmas Awards!
Download the Press Release
Our ambition for this award is to recognise the entry that impressed our judges the most; a food that justifies travelling that extra mile for or spending that little bit more on.
Judges were unanimous in their decision in awarding this title for 2022 to Tesco Plant Chef No-Prawn Tempura, a product that will add quality and taste sensation to a party food spread, but without having to spend extra which this year is more important than ever.
The winner of the Christmas Food Product 2022: Tesco Plant Chef, 10 No-Prawn Tempura
Our thoughts
Really excited about the concept! Love the attention to detail with the flecks of carrot for colour and the poking-out tail. Fluffy crisp & light crunch to the batter. Seafood umami flavour comes through.
On pack free from claims
Gluten-Free
Allergens present in the product
Soya
What precautionary allergen labelling is applied on pack?
May contain sesame seeds
Where to buy?
Drinks, whether alcoholic or not, are a big part of the festive celebrations so many of us look forward too. With the drinks category open to such a diverse selection of products, we are thrilled to recognise drinks in the same way we do food. Our judges believe Myth Drinks Non Alcoholic Coconut White Cane Spirit to be the standout Christmas drink adding extra sparkle to those celebrations!
The winner of Christmas Drink Product 2022: Myth Drinks Non Alcoholic Coconut White Cane Spirit
Our thoughts
Unique for the alcohol free world. Non-alcoholic ‘Malibu’! A great tasting product, whether drunk neat or mixed and so fantastic that it is 0.0%.
On pack free from claims
Gluten Free
Allergens present in the product
No top 14
Where to buy?
The independent sector is incredibly important in the free from community, inspiring innovation and adding quality to the menu. This award celebrates the contribution of these independent companies. We make two awards, to credit both Small and Large Independent Brands.
We’re delighted to announce that Slightly Different Foods, a small family business making a range of gut and IBS friendly sauces that exclude all of the top 14 allergens, have been awarded the title of Small Christmas Brand 2022. Their range includes two medal-winning products here tonight.
And the winner of the Large Independent Brand 2022 award for the second-year running is NOMO Chocolate! A firm favourite amongst free from and allergic consumers and it’s clear to see why. Their multi-award-winning range is free from the top 14 allergens and they have invested in creating some superb and unusual products with a real focus on seasonal occasions ensuring excitement and inclusion for all.
With an inspiring array of new Christmas products and ranges across the free from sector ensuring the occasion of Christmas is truly inclusive, it is important that consumers know where to look for the most diverse, inspiring and delicious range this Christmas? An exciting category designed to recognise the significant role that the major retailers play in this sector.
We are thrilled (as you will be when you discover the extent of their Christmas offer) to award the title of Christmas Range of the Year to our 2022 Free From Retailer of the Year, Tesco. They have again demonstrated a range that addresses the needs of the free from and allergic consumer both in and outside of its Free From range, incorporating it’s finest* range and those cheeky Wicked Kitchen exclusives that are really stepping up their free from credentials.
Showcasing all the little free from treats hidden behind doors, in drawers and in pouches that everyone likes to open in ever-increasing excitement as the big day draws near! This could be chocolate, pork scratching, liqueurs or sweeties, or anything else edible and free from! The rule is – it must be some sort of countdown to Christmas!
Functional Food Co - Nono Cocoa Limited Edition Advent Calendar - The World is our Home £25
A REAL treat of a calendar, talk about feeling super special every day - very cute packaging and love the little festive light idea. Beautiful chocolates and delicious fillings linking to each country round the world.
Top 14 Free
NOMO Gooey Caramel Celebration Advent Calendar £10.00
This feels really special, love the packaging, really vibrant & festive. The chocolates are individually wrapped making it extra safe, inside pretty tear-drop shaped doors which open easily!
Gluten Free, Egg Free, Peanut Free, Nut Free, Dairy Free, Wheat Free
Moo Free Choccy Advent Calendar £4
Jolly packaging for kids, lovely child-friendly branding. The embossed chocs are very cute & there is a little picture on the reverse of each door - very inclusive.
Gluten Free, Soya Free, Dairy Free
None
Blue Goose Coffee Eco Coffee Pod Advent Calendar £29.99
A really nice idea, love that it’s eco friendly and plastic free. Great sustainable credentials and a rather nice alternative to chocolate.
Morrisons Free From Choccy Advent Calendar £2.99
Accessible price and with a nice, very jolly, design. Chocolates were nicely shaped and the doors were easy to open.
Gluten Free, Milk Free
NOMO Vegan & Free From Advent Calendar £5.00
Bright packaging, clear free from credentials & jolly little sayings behind each window.
Gluten Free, Egg Free, Nut Free, Dairy Free
All those free from food and drinks you’d be proud to gift your friends and family – whether under the tree, in the stocking or on arrival at a festive occasion.
Presentation counts when gifting, so in this category we will be recognising quality and free from credentials, as well as the visual appeal of both the product and the packaging.
Bear and Bee Sweet Company Vegan Gluten Free Christmas Sweets Mix £3
Such a brilliant idea! Lovely festive bright packaging, delicious sweets in gorgeous jewel colours - great taste and texture for vegan alternatives and most importantly they tick the 14 allergens free box. Really inclusive and wonderful pick ‘n’ mix concept.
Booja-Booja Fine de Champagne Chocolate Truffles £11.99
Great champagne taste and as ever a fab product, great to see it in a large box ..... a super gift or a real treat.
NOMO Cookie Dough Reindeer £0.85
Rapidly becoming a seasonal favourite - a really lovely festive treat that doesn’t mimic anything else out there. A unique treat that ticks all the major allergen boxes.
Nibsy's DIY Bake at Home Donut Kit £15-18
This is incredible - a 14 allergens and legume free doughnut mix for £18, that makes 20 doughnuts and includes the silicone tray! Super easy and quick to make, ticks all the allergen boxes and tastes really really good.
Angelic Festive Chocolate Orange Cookies £2.95
Love the packaging - sustainable and attractively designed, feels very festive and special. And the biscuits tastes delicious, really good strong orange flavour and crunch with chunks of chocolate.. Nice to see these are corn & legume free as lots of people struggle with these. Love the clarity of labelling and the positive messages all over the pack.
Boots stores nationwide
Holland & Barrett in 750 stores nationwide late September
Selfridges
Artisan Biscuits Best of Miller's Gluten Free Selection Box £10
Nice packaging with a handcrafted feel and an interesting idea to combine savoury and sweet deliciousness in one pack.
Butterm!lk Intro Box £14
Move over Cadbury's selection boxes. This is everything you need for festive chocolate overload AND there will be something to cater for all choccy preferences. 100% love all the products, delicious chocolate, gooey caramel and to die for honeycomb bars.
Goupie Taste of Christmas Minis £3.50
Lovely and deliciously light treats. Lovely little presentation box, great for an adult stocking filler and secret santa gifts. The Festive spicy flavours were delicious, eat these with a mulled wine.
Highball Cocktails Gift Box: Mojito, Classic G&T, Pink G&T, Italian Spritz £10.99
Beautifully designed with a contemporary Art Deco feel and offering a nice mix of drinks, great for gifting. The bottles are a nice size & the price point is reasonable too.
NOMO Cookie Dough Drops Box £5
Genius! An adult version of the popular cookie dough reindeer - stopping grown ups from nicking their kids’ chocs!! Very lovely lavender packaging and individual foil chocs. These are great and sweet little gift. As ever, a big fan of the clear allergy friendly labelling.
Tesco finest* Luxury Truffle Selection
Nice to see a mix of chocolates and no precautionary warning. Delicious and the chocolate melts in the mouth which is a challenge with many free from chocolates.
Baked Well at Home Gluten Free Christmas Chocolate Cupcake Baking Kit £14.50
Adorable little cupcakes. Particularly excited to see the festive sprinkles as they can be hard to come by without may contains etc. The kits are packaged beautifully and the festive parcel tape was a very clever addition to add that extra festive touch. A lovely experience.
The below is stated on our website at point of sale and a full ingredients list is included with each baking kit: "Please note these are packaged in a domestic kitchen which also handles gluten products but we have all the appropriate procedures in place to ensure our kits are as safe as possible. Please see our FAQs for more details."
"All ingredients and packaging are stored separately away from possible allergens. I use separate dedicated gluten free equipment for measuring and producing the boxes which are also stored separately within the kitchen. The prep area used to produce the boxes is throughly cleaned before and after use to minimise risk of cross contamination."
Morrisons Free From Christmas Choc Lollipop £1
Jolly moulds and great to see some variation. Great stocking fillers & ideal for Winter Fairs ensuring inclusive experiences
Tesco Free From Choc Selection Box
Great to see a children's selection box, a Christmas stocking essential!
The Protein Ball Co Festive Mince Pie Protein & Vitamin Balls £1.90
Sweet, perfect sized little bags perfect for teen stocking fillers. If you love spices and mince pies at Christmas this is an excellent treat in the evening or on the go.
The party food offer has come a long way over recent years. The once dreaded Christmas buffet can now be an inclusive occasion and this makes us happy.
The innovation over the last few years has been impressive. Festive party food launches are now eagerly anticipated with consumers stockpiling their favourite products to enjoy throughout the year.
From canapés and sharing bites (savoury or sweet) to dips, crisps and crackers – this category is for anything that you would serve at a Christmas gathering.
Slightly Different Deliciously Different Mediterranean Inspired Herb Vegan Mayo - Smooth & Creamy £3.95
Beautifully glossy. Fragrant & herby. Thick & creamy. The dried herbs are full of flavour. Delivers on expectations & is impressively free from.
Tesco Plant Chef 10 No-Prawn Tempuras
Really excited about the concept: love the attention to detail with the flecks of carrot for colour and the poking-out tail. Fluffy crisp & light crunch to the batter. Seafood umami flavour comes through.
Belle & Wilde Parmesan & Nigella Seed Mini Savoury Biscuits £4.25
The flavour is deeply salty and umami - perfect to dip into something. A lovely golden colour with flecks of nigella seed in them. A great festive nibble.
Voakes Free From Gluten Free Pork Pie £6.20
These guys know their pork pies. A great looking pork pie and you don't often see large versions (it's hard enough to find a small one). Well filled, nice amount of jelly and delivers a lovely flavour. Impressive.
None
Wicked Kitchen Roasted Vegetable Garland £5
A lovely concept, something a bit different. Each piece is cooked well and the pastry is crisp & tasty. The cranberry adds welcome sweet and tartness. Delicious and a great price.
Aldi Plant Menu Vegan Selection £3.99
What a lovely treat! The free from credentials are fab and such an easy selection pack at a good price. The cheeses are all welcome in their distinction from each other.
Not yet available
Co-op Irresistible Baked Camembert & Cranberry Flavour Hand Cooked Crisps £1.70
Holy cheeseballs! These are tasty! Sweet cranberry upfront with a tangy lactic note and the camembert comes through mildly; overall a very different and tasty crisp.
Slightly Different - Deliciously Different Mild Piri Piri Vegan Mayo - Smooth & Creamy £3.95
The rich coral colour is appealing and it packs a punch when eaten. The mouthfeel is silky with chilli flakes in the texture. Excellent free from credentials.
None
Tesco Free From Salt and Chilli Crackers
Good free from option. Beautifully speckled and oaty visual. Fiery chilli with a good level of salt. Delivers a nice vehicle for cheese and dips; a clean ingredients label too.
Not yet available
Tesco Katsu Breaded Prawns £3.50
Good Katsu flavour, something a bit different - nice flavour and extremely moreish.
Wicked Kitchen 8 Mini Jack Tacos
Appealing little bites. Easy to hold as party food . The salsa is tangy, sweet and smoky. Very tasty. A nice different party food piece. Missed a trick not calling these ‘Jackos’!
Chalk Farm Bloomy Rind £5.99
Good small size, great mould exterior! Grey interior contrasts with the white rind. Visually this is very impressive. The rind is soft and tacky as you'd expect from a camembert and the paste is soft and homogenous.
Co-op Hot & Spicy Crispy Prawns £3
These have a nice crisp coating, with a good texture and are really rather moreish. Would be a winner on the party table.
Our drinks category includes all the drinks you’d ever see at a party or bar during this festive season. GF beer, spirits, cocktails, ciders, wines, mixers, syrups, kombucha, elixirs and seltzers that are free from, vegan, alcohol-free, or sugar-free, mean that everyone can join in the celebrations, irrespective of allergies or dietary restrictions.
Bax Botanics Smooth Sea Buckthorn & Tonic - Non-Alcoholic Cocktail £2.45
Refreshing, light, clean, crisp & not too sweet. Density in the mouth is good; the quinine not overpowering; the balance quite lovely. An impressive alternative to gin and tonic.
Myth Drinks Non Alcoholic Coconut White Cane Spirit £19.99
Unique for the alcohol free world. Non-alcoholic ‘Malibu’! A great tasting product, whether drunk neat or mixed and so fantastic that it is 0.0%
None
Three Spirit Blurred Vines Non-alcoholic Sparkling Rosé Wine Alternative £16.99
This product offers something quite unique for a non-alcoholic wine: rich in flavour with tannins (missing in most wine alternatives). Good combination of sparkling tea and wine.
Aldi Veuve Monsigny £12.99
Light, crisp, slightly dry, lovely and refreshing - great value for money.
Not yet available
Mindful Mixology Salted Coconut Espresso Martini £10.99
Amazing aroma. Lots of coconut, lots of coffee, vanilla notes and a lovely flavour profile.
Myth Drinks Non Alcoholic Dark Cane Spirit £19.99
Smells like dark rum, not as intense in taste but most pleasant on its own & good with ginger beer.
None
Three Spirit Blurred Vines Non-alcoholic Crisp White Wine Alternative £16.99
Really complex, crisp in flavour and a unique approach to the non-alcoholic wine market.
Uncle Ernie's Gently Sparkling Rum Punch £2.49
The flavour profile is warm and has lots of depth. A lovely combination of nutmeg, chilli and berry; these all come through individually.
Bolle Sparkling Brewed Drink Oro £9.99
Smells like wine, but without the body. Wonderful aroma of apple, very pleasant. Great visual and a nice sparkling element.
Goat Drinks Horny Goat Energy Drink £2.95
Refreshing, clean and crisp.
Festive traditions are important when it comes to Christmas dinner and inclusivity is desired on both a practical and emotional level.
Those managing food allergies or intolerances want to be part of the same foodie traditions that their family and friends are experiencing, and for those preparing and cooking the dinner there is often not adequate safe preparation (or oven space) to provide numerous different completely allergen-free options.
From festive meal centres and stuffing, to pigs in blankets and other traditional accompaniments, not forgetting the gravy and other sauces; anything that would form part of the main Christmas dinner should be entered here.
Co-op Irresistible Posh Chipolatas in Blankets £3.50
Oh that is a tasty chipolata!! Juicy, salty and a great size to add one or two to the plate. Delicious truffle notes coming through, not too strongly.
Wicked Kitchen Potato & Butternut Gratin £2.19
Looks incredibly decadent, creamy and very appealing. The pieces of squash and potato are generous and cooked well. A comforting side dish that all could enjoy.
Aldi Specially Selected Decorative Gammon - Maple & Marmalade £9.99
Reassuring that the product has been prepared away from so many allergens. Tasty and juicy, with a delicious glaze!
Not yet available
Clive's Purely Plants Organic Family Nut Roast £11.75
Good to see an egg, wheat and milk free nut roast and an interesting one at that. The presentation is of a high standard and appealing for Christmas. An interesting & texturally-varied eat.
Tesco finest* 6 British Pork, Roasted Onion & Thyme Stuffing Portions Wrapped in Bacon
Super cute little ‘patisserie-esque’ stuffing pucks! Juicy and flavoursome, lovely detailing with the sprig of thyme on top.
Not yet available
Tesco finest* Free Range Stuffed Turkey Breast Joint
It's the concept that wins - ready-to-cook, spiced stuffed joint with gravy - the bacon topping adds to the taste & the visual - easy to cook and a great solution to ensure no cross contamination.
None
Not yet available
Voakes Free From Large Gluten Free Pork, Chicken & Stuffing Pie £6.50
Love the layers here, the breadcrumb topping is very appealing. The meat is juicy and tasty and it tastes delightful with cranberry sauce.
Aldi Specially Selected Red Tractor Stuffing Portions £2.49
So delicious. Visually appealing with the crispy top and the bacon wrap and the sweetness of the apple comes through on the eat.
Not yet available
Co-op 12 Pork, Sage & Onion Stuffing Balls £3
Pleasant aroma, nice size and very convenient. Everything tastes natural and not overly salted as so many stuffing balls are.
Gordon Rhodes Drop Bread Gorgeous Gluten Free Bread Sauce Mix £2.95
Almost porridge-y in the sweet pleasant aroma. Appealing in its texture. The flavours are warming and similar to a black pudding - so welcoming!
Tesco finest* Honey & Rosemary Candy Cane Pigs in Blankets
Really cute concept and something a little bit different. The rosemary comes through pleasantly as you bite down and chew the juicy sausage. Yummy.
Not yet available
Aldi Specially Selected Pigs in Blankets £2.49
The flavour is pleasant and the bacon has a good smoked flavour. A crowd pleasing option.
Gordon Rhodes A Jolly Fine Stuffing Gourmet Roast Chestnut & Spiced Cranberry Stuffing Mix
This has a lovely onion flavour, a very pleasant stuffing mix.
None
Tesco finest* Cranberry, Toasted Onion and Apple Stuffing Mix £2.50
Top 14 free and makes a stuffing with a nice crisp outer.
It’s the sweetest time of the year! From traditional desserts to more alternative options the choices are now plentiful. Some may be show stopping centrepieces whilst others a more modest option, but all are delectable and delicious.
We welcome entries from Christmas puddings to festive cheesecakes, from mountainous trifles to profiterole ski slopes; as well as confections such as fudge, mint creams, truffles and chocolate thins. If it’s sweet and decadent, then this is the category!
Tesco finest* Stem Ginger Tiffin Cracker £8.00
A lovely visual: shape, texture & gold lustre all make this feel special with superb free from credentials. Ginger gives a nice warmth and with nice biscuit nuggets to offer textural differentiation.
Butterm!lk Plant-Powered Zingy Orange Choccy Segments £3.00
Loved the visual, free from has been waiting a long time for this! Really considered - very Terry's in looks and a subtle orange flavour.
Marks & Spencer Made Without Christmas Pudding £4.00
A glossy pudding. Neat and pretty. Jammy fruit and a moist crumb. The flavour is gloriously boozy too with a warmth as you swallow. Good sweet/tart balance, perfect with some ice cream.
None
Yummy Chumz Luxury Traditional Plant Based Christmas Pudding Gelato £6.50
Looks great - full to the brim with sultanas, fudge-y cake-y bits, lots of flavour, rum coming through. Well-balanced and interesting. The gelato base is nice and creamy.
Milk Free, Egg Free, Dairy Free
Nuts, Wheat
Over The Moo Bite Size Vanilla Ice Cream Pieces Coated in Rich Dark Chocolate £6.00
Good size bite, not too big or small. Snappy chocolate coating, lovely balance of sweet interior and bitter chocolate exterior. Moreish.
Rhythm 108 Swiss Vegan Chocolate Festive Tree Decorations £6.95
Nice presentation and small ingredient list. Swiss is a bold claim but these have a creamy texture. What would elevate this product is removing the PAL for milk.
Tesco finest* Luxury Truffle Selection
Impressive free from claims, nicely presented products with some interesting flavours, at a good price.
Gluten Free, Milk Free, Egg Free, Wheat Free
Morrisons The Best Free From Yule Log £6.99
A lovely looking and tasting traditional Yule Log at a good price.
No Guilt Bakes Black Forest Christmas Keto Celebration Cake £34.99
Beautiful, impactful centrepiece. Lovely Black Forest aroma - the compote is the real winner here, delicious - nice and tart.
Milk, Egg, Nuts, Dairy
The Heavenly Cake Co Plant Based Brownies with Crumble Topping £16.99
A nice looking product, artisan and slightly different with impressive free from claims.
Egg Free, Peanut Free, Nut Free, Dairy Free
Oats, Spelt
Yummy Chumz Ginger Chocolate Brownie Gelato £6.50
The gelato is lovely and creamy, nice and smooth. A really enjoyable hit of ginger which starts sweet, with the heat slowly building.
Gluten Free, Milk Free, Lactose Free, Egg Free, Peanut Free, Fish Free, Sesame Free, Lupin Free, Celery Free, Crustacean Free, Mollusc Free, Mustard Free, Sulphur Dioxide & Sulphites Free, Dairy Free, Wheat Free
Soya, Pea / Chickpea
It’s reported that on average Brits will have eaten their first mince pie of the year by the end of November but what other tea time treats can rival the iconic mince pie?
There are an increasing number of seasonal treats hitting the free from shelves each year from spiced biscuits and decadent yule logs to festive cupcakes and gingerbread creations.
Marks and Spencer Made Without Wheat Chocolate Yule Log £8
A proper Yule Log! Quite light, lovely sweet buttercream, delivers a really nostalgic experience.
For allergens see ingredients in bold. Not suitable for those with a Nut & Peanut allergy’.
Wicked Kitchen 4 Gingerbread Cupcakes £3
Super sweet little festive cupcakes with good ginger, amazed to find decorated cupcakes suitable for egg, milk, nut, peanut allergy sufferers. Very impressed with these, especially for kids.
Wicked Kitchen Iced Figgy Fruit Cake
This is really tasty; moist with big chunky fruit pieces. Perfect size, pretty dusting of glitter. Love love love the allergy friendly profile meeting the need for an egg, nut and milk free Christmas cake.
Co-op Free From Mini Iced Fruit Cake Bites £2.50
Really impressive! The marzipan-style layer is an excellent touch. Not overly sweet with a less dense fruit content that will win over the rich fruit cake haters! Perfect for tea or treats on the go!
Connie's Carrot Cake Luxury Gluten & Dairy Free Rum Fruit Carrot Cake £3.50 mini & £12 large
WOW, this has a HUGE flavour, like a rum baba. Moist & fluffy with sticky rich coating. The colour is intense. An awesome alternative to traditional Christmas Pudding - serve with free from custard!
Polly's Pantry Chocolate Orange Date Bites £2
The chocolate orange is a lovely Christmas flavour and this ticks so many allergy boxes. The rice crisp gives it a pleasing crunch. A chocolatey treat that would be suitable for kids and adults.
None
Tesco finest* 4 Praline Brownie Slices £3
A nice twist on a brownie with a hazelnut kick. Looks festive and great to see it’s wheat, egg and milk free. Surprisingly lovely, great detailing giving that extra special feel.
Marks & Spencer Made Without Mince Pies £3
Lovely buttery pastry with a dusting of sugar. Nice filling and plus points for being nut free!
None
Morrisons Free From 4 Mince Pies £1.99
Good price, lots of fruit in the filling and a nice design on top too.
Tesco Free From 4 Deep Filled Mince Pies £1.50 to £2
A lovely mince pie. Certainly deep filled so it lives up to its name. Lovely crisp pastry with a reassuring golden colour and a pleasing visual.
Tesco finest* Free From Christmas Fruit Cake
Love this cake design, very festive. The toasted marzipan star is a beautiful addition. The cake would suit the market for those less inclined to eat rich fruit cake we see this time of the year.
Not yet available
Veg Oot Luxury Gluten Free Vegan Mini Christmas Cake £8
Very moist with all the flavours of Christmas and the marzipan is delish! Love to see a mini free from fruit cake for Christmas, loving the decoration.
We Love Cake Merrily-On-Pie Mince Pie £1.50 to £2
Love the size of this mince pie! Like the star decorating the top. Lots of pastry and not so much filling but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Nice flavour to the mincemeat.
Après At Home Organic Praline Studded Shortbread Dough £6.50
This is a very different type of product, very innovative. Easy to bake with a lovely deep caramel flavour.
Polly's Pantry - Mollie's Kitchen Gingerbread Kids £2.50
Adorable little gingerbread kids. Great to have 3 in a pack and ideal for on the go for kiddies. Only very delicately gingery so more of a kids flavour profile.
Polly's Pantry Oat Biscuits £2.50
Lovely golden colour and a great oaty treacly flavour, a nice substantial biscuit. Ticks the major allergen boxes and has a lovely homemade feel.
Tesco finest* Cranberry and Amaretto Cookie £2
A delicious biscuit with a nice 'chew', these certainly taste and act like a premium biscuit. These would be great for guests popping in over the festive period or on the tea table.
Wicked Kitchen 8 Maple & Pecan Bites £2.25
A unique product. Not seen something like this before. Perfect for a sweet selection plate on the tea table - sweet and filling with a BIG kick of maple syrup in each bite .......