Showcasing all the little free from treats hidden behind calendar doors, in drawers or down stockings - these could be chocolate, pork scratching, liqueurs or sweeties, or anything else edible and free from; and 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 here, so in this category judging will also take into account the visual appeal of both the product and the packaging, therefore the judging process for this category will be slightly different: once all entries have been blind-tasted, scored and discussed, they will then be shown in their packaging.

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 are inviting entries from Christmas puddings to festive cheesecakes, from mountainous trifles to profiterole ski slopes. We'd also like to see your after dinner free from confections such as fudge, mint creams, truffles and chocolate thins. If it’s sweet and decadent, then this is the category!

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. 

• Gluten Free Beer – including low & no alcohol
• Wine, Spirits & Liqueurs – including low & no alcohol
• Mixers & Soft Drinks

Christmas is a time of celebration and coming together, when possibly more than any other time of the year, we love to enjoy a drink with friends and family.

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.

There are an increasing number of seasonal items hitting the free from shelves each year from spiced biscuits and decadent yule logs to festive cupcakes and gingerbread creations so let’s see them entered here!

We will be putting festive sandwiches to the test to determine the ultimate option that will be sure to not only satisfy your tastebuds but deliver the festive feels: this category is open to all food items consisting of two pieces of bread with a filling between them, whether you call it a roll, sarnie, submarine, sub, butty, hero, hoagy, toasty, wrap, grinder, bagel, baguette, Dagwood, panino, Reuben or sando....

It’s reported that on average Brits will have eaten their first mince pie of the year by the end of November, so this year after lots of consumer feedback, we have a category dedicated to a Christmas classic, and for many a festive quality barometer, the Mince Pie. Not only will we be awarding medals we’ll also be producing the Free From Mince Pie Matrix!

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. 

Putting small, independent brands & producers in the spotlight with their festive creations. Typically entries here will be made in smaller quantities, often hand-made or with an artisanal element.

Uniquely among our categories, we do not require entries into this category to be available nationwide, thus recognising quality regional foods, both sweet and savoury, that may, for example only be produced for a local farmers market or for sale in local coffee shops.