Category Quick Links Winners
Winners of the 2022 Free From Food Awards!
This year we welcomed over 500 entries and during the course of 5 weeks our dedicated judges scrutinised, tasted and discussed each and every one. We are delighted to share with you those products our judges felt stood out within their respective categories.
Each winner has useful product information including a “where to buy” link. Please note the information, supplied by the entrant, was correct at the time of entry. Queries? Please contact them directly.
Food Product of the Year sponsored by 
is
Violife's Vioblock with Sea Salt
"Size, form & colour - a very good match to a butter. A really versatile product.
Authentic butter taste which those that aren't able to eat cows milk butter will really appreciate."
Drink Product of the Year sponsored by
is
Damm Brewery Free Damm Non-Alcoholic Lager
"A clean, refreshing, light, crisp lager with a restrained bitterness and a good hop balance. Unusual to see a well-executed beer in this space that's gluten free, lactose free and 0.0% ABV."
Small Independent Brand of the Year
is
Voakes Free From
"It is thrilling to see the Free From arm of Voakes Pies move from strength to strength through the years!"
Large Independent Brand Brand of the Year
is
NOMO
"A stunning evolution from their trusted brand Kinnerton to a range of all-age-inclusive, cheerfully packaged products!"
Convenience Retailer of the Year sponsored by 
is
"Not only have they recognised the need of free from and allergic consumers to find core staple items in smaller convenience stores, they swiftly set a vision to become the nations trusted & preferred convenience retailer for great quality Free From foods."
Retailer of the Year sponsored by
is
"Consistently delivering welcome innovations to the dining tables of the free from and allergic consumer, and recognising the increasing requirement for foods to also be 'free from' across their vegan Wicked Kitchen range."
Start Up of the Year sponsored by 
is
Good It's Gluten Free
"Developing a product range and brand identity, during a pandemic, and whilst dealing with personal challenges is both impressive and inspiring. The market for ambient meal kits is growing fast and options in the free from space are limited - it's very hard to develop Asian-inspired options with such impressive allergen free credentials."
Free From Hero Award sponsored by 
is
Alexa Baracaia
"Author of 'My Family & Food Allergies' and tireless campaigner on behalf of those living with multiple allergies."
Now click on the drop down arrow on the righthand side to reveal the winners & finalists of each category! ↘️
Sponsored for 2022 by
This year we welcomed a diverse range of lagers, IPAs and golden ales, several dark beers and, reflecting the market as a whole, many low-alcohol beers. Some come from small craft breweries, whilst others are made for national retail.
The gluten free beer market has developed - with many brewers offering at least one gluten free beer, and an increasing number making their entire range gluten free. There is appetite for more variety, including wheat beer and sours and we look forward to welcoming new styles in 2023.
Bellfield Brewery Daft Days Porter (12x330ml) £24.96
An outstanding example of a porter which all the judges raved about, one of those beers that delivers perfectly what it set out to do. It looks good in the glass, has a lovely spicy aroma and a good balance of body and bitterness, ending with a long finish.
None
AltGrainCo. Random Pale No Barley + No Wheat (6x330ml) £14.94
A lovely example of a Pale Ale made without barley or wheat. Well executed and pleasant to drink, this is a good alternative to the many gluten-removed beers that dominate the market. Would sit well on any menu.
None
Wold Top Scarborough Fair IPA £2.34
A lovely light-coloured IPA that’s well balanced and delivers throughout.
It has a gentle, green and piney hop aroma, and a soft, lingering bitterness. Particularly good when not served too cold.
No additional claims
None
Butcombe Brewing Co. Gold Gluten Free (8x500ml) £14.95
A good example of a Golden Ale. Aromatic, pleasant, and good mouthfeel. A sessionable beer that left judges wanting more.
None
Gun Brewery Scaramanga Extra Pale Ale (330ml) £2.35
A light and hoppy pale ale with nice astringency and an engaging brand story. Good floral aroma. Performed better at a slightly warmer temperature.
None
Burnt Mill Brewery Beyond The Firs Gluten Free Pale Ale (4x440ml) £12.60
Straw-coloured with a floral aroma. A strong hop lead. Clean. Medium body and a good finish. A good example of its type. It delivers an aggressive hop-bitterness but it’s well balanced. An archetype American IPA with a lot of American hops
No additional claims
None
Damm Daura Gluten-Free Lager Beer (4x330ml) £6.00
Solid lager, well balanced, and delivers exactly as you'd expect. Refreshing, with a clean finish. Presentation is good with some foam and a light-citrus aroma. The body and mouthfeel are balanced.
Hepworth Brewery The Right Stuff Organic APA (12x500ml) £31.32
A highly-hopped beer with a light citrus aroma. Very nice indeed to see an organic APA. Strong on flavour and has a long finish. Good colour. Low foam and light carbonisation.
JUBEL Beer Cut with Peach Session Lager (12x330ml) £24
A peach-flavoured beer that delivers exactly what it sets out to do.
Sweet, with a strong peach flavour, this has pleasant alcohol delivery and strong brand appeal. The mouthfeel, taste, and delivery are all good. It’s an easy drinking beer, targeted at the young market. It's an inclusive product and great to have a gluten-free beer in this space. Perfectly pitched, it’s a beer that’s a great fit for summer festivals and outdoor living.
None
St. Peter's Cream Stout Gluten Free (12x500ml) £27.50
Good presentation with a toasted aroma, chocolate flavours, and a smoky, moderate bitterness. Nice aroma and judges thought it smelled good. It's pleasant to drink, and great to see a classic beer-style in gluten free.
None
Tirril Brewery Windermere IPA £2.00
A classic IPA. A nice balance of malt and hops and pleasant to drink. Crystal clear with Weetabix on the nose and low foam. An aroma of molasses. Malt forward with strong caramel, almost candy-floss notes, and a medium finish. A typical pub pint and an old school IPA in the nicest way. If you’re an ale drinker you’d like this
No additional claims
None
UNLTD. Alcohol Free IPA (6x330ml) £15.00
Light and hoppy. Tastes like real beer without the alcohol or calories. A good, balanced aroma of green hops. Medium carbonisation. One judge thought possibly a little more like a hoppy lager than an IPA. There’s medium body and mouthfeel, good for a low-alcohol beer.
No additional claims
None
Wold Top Marmalade Porter £2.34
Strong aroma, more like a dark lager-stout than a porter. The judges were unanimous in thinking the beer would work better at a higher serving temperature. Their observations were that it had no foam and a resinous aroma.
Given the ABV judges were surprised it felt low to medium-bodied, with no discernible chewiness.
None
Sponsored for 2022 by
Some of the most exciting and innovative developments in the drinks space are in Low & No. Traditional products like fermented tea have been rediscovered, which sit easily alongside wine and champagne. Products have alcohol removed in unique ways that still maintain flavour, using methods that limit the quantity of alcohol produced, and range from hand-crafted artisanal drinks to those manufactured for national retail. Products are often free from common allergens, and there is a requirement to list ingredients, which higher ABV drinks do not have to do.
In 2023, we look forward to welcoming the many wine alternatives and botanical elixirs as well as sparkling fermented drinks, all of which have yet to achieve their full market-reach.
Bax Botanics Sea Buckthorn Alcohol-Free Spirit £18.99
A delicious and inclusive botanical alcohol-free spirit. It makes you want to go back for another sip, and the judges thought it an excellent substitute for a G&T. Free of all top 14 allergens, sugar free, and zero alcohol.
None
Crafty Nectar Low Alcohol 0.5% Craft Cider £1.99
An impressive alcohol-free cider that's crisp, clean, and refreshing with an apple-skin note. This is definitely not just sparkling apple juice. It has a clear taste of cider with fermented notes and is very quaffable. Gluten free and vegan.
No additional claims
None
Damm Free Damm Non-Alcoholic Lager Beer (4x330ml) £4.00
A clean, refreshing, low-alcohol lager with a restrained bitterness and zero alcohol. Light and crisp, it has good hop balance and is satisfying to drink. Nice to see a well-executed beer in this space that's gluten free, lactose free and 0.0% ABV.
None
Ovant Royal 0% ABV Distilled Botanicals £26.95
An attractive and grown-up alcohol-free spirit that's well balanced and enjoyable. Warm and spicy, it pairs well with ginger ale to make a rum-like drink. Free of all top 14 allergens, sugar free, and zero alcohol.
No additional claims
None
The Free From Beer Co. Alcohol-Free 0.5% ABV Lager (4x330ml) £10.00
A well-presented 0.5% ABV lager, nicely carbonated, with a good flavour and body. Crisp and fresh, it's thirst quenching and refreshing and has a pleasant hop-finish.
No additional claims
None
Mocktails Scottish Lemonade Mockscow Mule (12x200ml) £26.99
A well executed, alcohol-free cocktail with a fiery ginger kick and fresh lemon flavour. A good alcohol-free equivalent, it's nicely presented and is top 14 allergens free.
None
Bax Botanics Verbena Alcohol-Free Spirit £18.99
Slightly citrusy, and quite herbal. Impressed with intensity of flavour with no sugar. Compares to Hendrick's. Sophisticated. A pleasant and balanced drink. I like the fact that you can slowly sip the drink and the flavour stays.
Gluten-Free, Vegan
Bemuse Sparkling Low Alcohol Mead Ginger & Cardamom (6x330ml) £19.90
Great to see the first non-alcoholic mead in the market. The drink itself is pleasant. Lemon vinegar nose, green apple. Palate is light with an acidic, kombucha style flavour.
Hepworth Brewery Aztec Agave Brewed 0.5% Organic Lager (12x500ml) £24.96
A refreshing light beer. An interesting flavour, a slight green pepper note. The agave is subtle. First time I've seen agave in a beer and I feel it adds a distinctive flavour.
No additional claims
None
Mocktails Sevilla Red Sansgria (12x200ml) £26.99
This has a lovely flavour, light and fresh, with a good deep-red colour. It has a summer-feeling and would be an enjoyable drink for a hot day. Not overly sweet. It has some bitterness from the orange, and a hint of clove. There are nice tannins coming through. Nicely presented and the small bottle size is the right size for the product.
None
Ovant Grace 0% ABV Distilled Botanicals £26.95
Oh that's nice, really nice. Citrus - lemon and lime on the nose, along with some ginger and cardamon warming the palate. Slight pepper bite. Pleasant. Reminiscent of gin. Short finish, but crisp and bright.
No additional claims
None
The Free From Beer Co. Alcohol-Free 0.5% ABV IPA (4x330ml) £9.50
Bright pale orange / brown in colour with small bubbles and persistent head. Aroma is rich and nutty - reminiscent of an Oloroso sherry - cooked fruit and spice. Full bodied with flavours of Christmas cake and orange peel. Almost tastes off-dry. A shortish finish.
No additional claims
None
Sponsored for 2022 by
We were delighted to see vegan wine and prosecco in the awards, plus allergen-free spirits, and those quality botanical mixers that have recently come into their own whose complex flavours are always appreciated by judges. We also welcomed an assortment of premium drinks that would stand up well next to traditional cocktails, spirits, wines and mainstream soft drinks.
In 2023 we hope to see an even wider range of free from drinks that offer unique health and lifestyle benefits, whether they’re nutritional, botanical, functional, or just contain lower quantities of alcohol.
So Good Kombucha Taster Pack (6 x 330ml) £20
An impressive range of three distinctive, very well-executed products, each delicious in its own right. A great taster set, and a perfect introduction to the live, fermented drink.
No additional claims
None
Three Spirit Active Botanical Drinks The Starter Pack £39.99
An innovative range of botanical drinks presented as a Starter Pack comprising three products with different functional benefits. Strong botanical flavours that can be mixed, or drunk neat, they're free of all top 14 allergens.
No front of pack free from claims
None
Heartsease Farm Sparkling Fiery Ginger Beer (12x330ml) £13.85
A pleasant to drink, nicely carbonated ginger beer with good lemon flavour. Top 14 allergens free.
No additional claims
None
Proudly Vegan Prosecco £11
A clean and crisp Prosecco with strong vegan branding.
No additional claims
None
Twelve Below Elderflower & Lemon Sparkling Drink (12x330ml) £18.00
A light and refreshing elderflower and lemon drink that uses organic agave to sweeten. Top 14 allergens free and low sugar.
No front of pack free from claims
No additional claims
None
PerfectTed Pineapple Yuzu Sparkling Matcha Energy (12x250ml) £23.99
No additional claims
None
Proudly Vegan Merlot £7.50
No additional claims
None
Zag Kombucha - Hemp Green Tea Citrus Mint (12x330ml) £19.24
No front of pack free from claims
No additional claims
None
We welcomed a good selection of cereals, granolas & oats, plus baked goods & smoothies representing the array of foods now enjoyed at breakfast. Baked goods generated excitement, and the range and quality continues to evolve. A few keto & paleo products were lovely additions accommodating a niche market. Options for ‘on the go’ were limited: breakfast on the go is the reality many of us are dealing with on a regular basis; whether that be due to work, travel or just the school run!
In 2023, we would love to welcome smaller producers that offer something a little bit different or artisanal – there is definitely an appetite for this. Fortification is really welcomed, even in organic products.
M&S Made Without Wheat 2 All Butter Croissants £2.50
This is a very credible alternative and without doubt one of the best seen, certainly one that is readily available. Very good visual, lovely golden colour. Rolled up nicely as layers - good lamination. Great to see a free from croissant that flakes - this feels the real deal and is hard to achieve.
None
Strp'd Tigernut Flakes £6.69
An interesting & versatile alternative to cereal flakes which our judges loved. These meet so many needs for the free from & allergic consumer. Really refreshing to see just the one ingredient. Great to have a nut free product that is high in protein.
None
Tesco Free From 2 Mature Cheddar Cheese Twists £2.00
Visually there was no difference between this and main category alternatives, and our judges welcomed the addition of a savoury option for breakfast. Good cheesiness, a good price and no tapioca - this may only be relevant to a small minority but given so many other baked morning goods contain do contain tapioca this is something that should be acknowledged & rewarded.
No additional free from claims
Asda Free From Porridge Oats £1.90
Well-processed oats giving a creamy texture with some good oat flakes still there giving body. A simple but well made product & a great price for gluten free oats.
No additional free from claims
None
Asda Free From Rainbow Hoops £1.70
Visually appealing for kids. Really nice - it's something a little more fun than your average cereal and it offers something different. Great to see a fortified kids' cereal. Good crunch & structure held well when served with milk. Good price - really important for staple meal occasions.
No additional free from claims
Asda Free From Red Berry Granola £1.50
High fruit content - visually this looks good with the variety & volume of fruit and the clusters which were not overly large. Nice sharp fruit & not overly sweet - a decent sugar level has been obtained. A great price point for this type of product making it really accessible.
No additional free from claims
None
BFree English Muffins £2.50
A very good product. It's size and form is comparable to the main category alternatives which aids inclusivity. It toasted well and had a good crust. The flavour & texture was good and well balanced. Offered excellent free from credentials. Judges spoke positively about the versatility of the product - no doubt a welcome free from staple for many and deservedly so.
No additional free from claims
None
Good 4 U Immune Milled Seed Breakfast Boost £5.00
A product that has been thoughtfully designed to provide an array of micronutrients that have an important role to support immune function. Good flavour and more finely milled than some of the alternatives. High in fibre and protein so a nice addition to yogurt/smoothie etc. Great to see a nut free claim front of pack this further differentiates the product.
No additional free from claims
None
Holy Moly Smashed Avocado £2.79
A 'real food' product - simple ingredients and very pleased to see no chilli (not common but a number of consumers do react to capsicum). A convenient options that fits a modern lifestyle.
No additional free from claims
None
Raw Gorilla Keto Chocolate Granola £4.99 - £5.19
A high-end lifestyle product also suitable for the free from and allergic consumer: great to see the more niche markets within the free from space being catered for. Made with real ingredients which many keto products aren't. Nice big clusters and the inclusion of whole almonds. Good to have a chocolaty granola that isn't made sweet with sugar - this is innovative.
M&S Made Without Wheat 2 Pains aux Raisins £2.65
Good elements of a classic Danish pastry - crisp crust, good colour, soft on the inside with raisins scattered throughout - not too sweet; a generally well balanced Danish.
No additional free from claims
None
Tesco Free From 2 Croissants £2.00
Milk, egg and soya free - taking it to the next stage in terms of development and this bold move will make a difference to many. Visually & texturally there is a way to go but a very good attempt at replicating a croissant without a number of allergens critical to the original.
No additional free from claims
Asda Extra Special Free From Triple Chocolate Granola £2.89
Great price for an occasional treat, kids will love this - with a good distribution of chocolate, rice and oats. A good colour, nice crunch and nice to see it in the Asda Extra Special range!
Asda Free From Choco Squares £1.20
A good price for this type of cereal, a nice treat product with a good crunch and chocolate flavour. A great copy of a main category product, this will definitely excite free from and allergic children!
No additional free from claims
Asda Free From Honey Hoops £1.00
Made with just one cereal ingredient, these are sweet with a nice honey flavour, and fortified, at an excellent price. These definitely meet a need and help free from children feel included - nice bright packaging and you wouldn't know the product was free from.
No additional free from claims
Asda Free From Special Flakes £0.62
Nice crispy texture with a good light bite. Fortified which is so important for the free from consumer, and a good price too. Not too much sugar, and they didn't go soggy in milk!
No additional free from claims
Asda Free From Muesli £2.20
A reasonable price for this type of product, with a good ratio of seeds and nuts to porridge oats adding to a great texture. Sweet from fruit rather than sugar, high in fibre, making this a tasty and useful product for the free from and allergic consumer.
No additional free from claims
None
Co-op Free From 4 Pancakes £2.00
Visually you wouldn't know the difference between this and a mainstream pancake - a good colour and size, with a good texture and a pleasing sweetness. These held together well when toasted.
No additional free from claims
None
FREEE Organic Fruit & Fibre Flakes £3.99
Lower in sugar than some regular brands, nice crunchy flakes that held up in milk. This contains a similar amount of fibre to non free from brands. Not fortified, could benefit from more fruit/coconut inclusions. Fantastic that it is organic, could be useful in small catering boxes.
No additional free from claims
None
Love Struck Avo Go-Go £21.56 (30 portion packs)
A really interesting combination of ingredients and so nice that this is less sweet. Offers the benefit of increasing the variety of fruit/veg consumed. Individual portions very useful for people on the go. Avocado provides creaminess and fats which is very pleasant. Good for a healthy breakfast smoothie.
None
Nairn's Gluten Free Apple & Cinnamon Oats Your Way £2.79
Lovely to see and feel actual pieces of fruit. Good natural flavour, nice amount of cinnamon.
No additional free from claims
Tesco Free From Berry Granola £2.75
Good fruit content which makes this very pretty - also nice and crunchy. Not expensive, very sweet but milk free which is great.
No additional free from claims
Tesco Free From Honey Hoops £1.50
A reasonable price, with a decent crunch, fortified and lower in sugar than comparable products. A good honey flavour and a good inclusive product for free from children.
No additional free from claims
Wildcraft Bakery Frangipane Breakfast Pastry £2.95
A nice soft texture - especially when warmed - with a wonderful frangipane flavour, and not overly sweet. A really interesting artisanal product, leaning towards a bun texture.
A very large category including many staple products that are otherwise taken for granted: there is innovation and excitement to be found here! Innovation is challenging in a category that covers so many bases, and so it was pleasing to see entries ticking more free from boxes this year. Ambient sauces with the addition of stir fry pouches for mainstream retail are making the category more relevant to the needs of the free from consumer and aiding inclusivity, and in some instances there was no differential between the free from price and main category equivalent.
For 2023 we would be looking for more of the same, all those products that can be found in a cupboard or freezer that make up whole or parts of meals, accompany meals, ingredients and more.
Asda Free From Tikka Masala Sauce £0.78
Amazing price & top 14 free - a great option for family midweek suppers. Good use of spices and well balanced - a good all round sauce with a nice consistency.
None
Highland Crackers Seeded Cracker Mix £4.95
Very simple to make and these would make a lovely touch to your after dinner cheeseboard. A great nutrient dense product, with a warm and pleasant finish.
No additional claims
None
Tesco Free From 10 Waffle Cones £2.00
A summer essential - a wonderfully sweet & crunchy cone that holds ice cream very well - it really isn't easy to find a gluten free waffle cone so we're confident these will travel far & wide this summer!
No additional claims
None
Asda Extra Special Mushroom, Roasted Garlic & Truffle Stuffing Mix £2.00
Great to have something a bit different - delicious, lovely taste and texture - time to pimp up your Sunday roast!
No additional claims
None
Asda Free From Sage & Onion Stuffing Mix £1.60
Very nice. Great texture and seasoning, really delicious & crumbly but in a good way!! So surprisingly good.
None
Asda Free From Tomato & Herb Pasta Bake Sauce £0.75
Another good store cupboard staple, a huge help when time is short and you want something quick for feeding the family. Price point is good. Pleasant tasting with an impressive creamy texture given it's milk free.
None
Le Conserve Della Nonna Free From Green Pesto £2.20
A really tasty, straightforward pesto. Seasoning is well balanced. Good labelling of all ingredients including flavourings.
No additional claims
None
Nutcessity Organic Toasted & Textured Almond Butter £4.99
It can be very difficult to find almond butter that doesn't have a 'may contain' for other nuts. Really tasty. Nicely roasted. Great balance between salt and almonds. Great texture which is consistent.
Tesco Free From Black Bean Stir Fry Sauce £0.80
A lovely sauce, with great spicing and a warm heat.
No additional claims
None
Nairn's Cracked Black Pepper Wholegrain Crackers £1.80
Nice taste and thin, crisp texture. Black pepper flavour lingers which brings depth and heat.
No additional claims
The Vurger Co. Cheezy Vegan Sauce £3.75
Well this is a revelation in the world of vegan cheese products! The flavour is intense, lots of umami that leaves a fab savoury after taste. The colour is exciting possibly down to the sweet potato (genius) and smoked paprika, a very appetising cheese sauce alternative.
No additional claims
None
Artisan Biscuits Miller's Damsel Gluten Free Charcoal Crackers £3.00
A designer cracker with their matt black colour - good snap and taste. An excellent gluten free vehicle for cheese, chutney and more.
No additional claims
Asda Free From Chow Mein Stir-Fry Sauce £0.49
A nice product with warming ginger flavour notes, cleverly both gluten and soya free.
None
Asda Free From Cous Cous £2.10
Difficult to find gluten free cous cous, and one that has no added flavour which makes it so much more versatile.
Fluffed up well too.
Good price & no may contain warnings on pack.
None
Asda Free From Gravy Granules for Beef £1.00
Pleasant flavour giving it the versatility to complement most dishes requiring gravy.
No additional claims
None
Asda Free From Hoisin Stir-Fry Sauce £0.35
A really useful option and a well balanced delivery.
No additional claims
None
Asda Free From Salad Cream £0.95
A very credible alternative with a good colour, creamy texture and a good tang.
No additional claims
None
Bay's Kitchen BBQ Sauce with Smoked Paprika £3.95
Offers a good flavour with a smoky sweetness, and the fact it is no garlic, and low Fodmap is very good. Overall a well balanced condiment.
No additional claims
None
Co-op Free From Sea Salt & Black Pepper Crackers £1.79
Lovely texture and crunch - unusual to find a really good, thin free from cracker (similar to a Matzo cracker or a water biscuit) with nice peppery delivery.
No additional claims
None
Good It's Gluten Free Katsu Meal Kit £4.99
Easy to prepare & a great way to get kids involved - good crisp crumb and the aromas from the sauce were authentic
No additional claims
None
Nairn's Super Seeded Wholegrain Crackers £1.80
A really lovely cracker with a good snap, great texture and a very pleasant flavour.
No additional claims
Slightly Different Coriander & Lime Salad Dressing £3.95
A gem of a salad dressing with wonderfully complementing flavours, FODMAP-friendly and very unusual!
Tesco Free From Teriyaki Stir Fry Sauce £0.80
A good free from teriyaki sauce, with a very pleasant aroma on serving and a well balanced flavour. Good price point.
No additional claims
None
Asda Free From Bolognese Sauce £0.64
Good taste, great price and jar size. A good standard size Bolognese sauce.
No additional claims
None
Asda Free From Breadcrumbs £1.30
Lovely and crisp, a pretty good flavour. Easy to use, and a good price. Good binding and texture through use of gram flour.
No additional claims
None
Asda Free From Gravy Granules for Chicken £1.00
A good quick everyday solution. Pleasant flavour that would complement dishes requiring a gravy. Good price.
No additional claims
None
Nairn's Original Oatcakes £1.80
Good texture, a little soft. A good traditional thick oatcake with nice seasoning and flavour. Good price.
No additional claims
Sponsored for 2022 by
Violife Vioblock with Sea Salt £2.00
In size, form & colour - a very good match to a butter. The salt delivery was very good as was the spreadability. A really versatile product. Strong butter taste which those that miss cows milk butter will really appreciate.
Gluten-Free, Lactose Free, Peanut Free, Nut Free, Soya Free, Dairy Free
No additional claims
None
Biotiful Plant-Based Oat Kefir Mango £1.85
Genuinely innovative using gluten free oats with the addition of the vitamins and minerals that a milk alternative product should have. This tastes of real fruit, with a mild tang which brings a freshness to the taste. Very exciting to see a milk free kefir drink on the market & it tastes delicious!
None
Asda Lemon Soya Yogurt Alternative £1.00
Lovely zingy lemon notes, creamy, a really great milk alternative. A really pleasant flavour - and you can detect the lemon peel! Price point is brilliantly competitive - a real winner.
Mouse's Favourite Vegan Gold Cultured Butter Alternative £4.99
Visually delightful, especially with the embossed 'GOLD' on the bar! Flavour is a winner with subtle acidic notes coming through which you'd expect with a cultured product, a great match for a milk free butter alternative.
Borna Unsweetened Premium Pistachio Drink £1.99
Very clean ingredients. Creamy, subtle bitter backnote but not offensive, quite neutral in flavour, which is good for a milk alternative. Great for all sorts of uses, and being unsweetened means more options for use. The flavour profile and consistency are both great. Enjoyable smooth texture. No graininess. You wouldn't immediately guess from the flavour that it is pistachios though would guess nut.
None
Dug Barista Potato £1.85
Creamy, sweet profile, stating 'foamable' on pack, and it does indeed foam well. Great from an environmental perspective, using less water and with a low climate foot print, very innovative. It's really interesting that potato and chicory are used in this 'milk'. This is a great step forward for those that need a milk alternative that also doesn't include nuts.
None
Lidl Just Free Raspberry and Cranberry Vegan Coconut Pot 59p
Fruity fresh flavour profile, light and delicate. Creamy delicious flavour. Great price. The fruit taste is strong and pleasant with this yoghurt, particularly the raspberry & it has a nice thickness.
None
Lilk The Lush Blend Oat, Coconut & Quinoa £2.25
Creamy and golden with a neutral flavour. Good blend of ingredients. It has a little sweetness but not in an overpowering way which means it could still be suitable for many things without affecting the flavour too much. The use of quinoa is innovative and it's great to see a new nut free milk alternative for those with nut allergies. The coconut isn't a strong flavour, instead gives a subtle sweetness without adding extra sugar. The velvety texture of this would make a lovely hot chocolate.
No additional claims
None
Aldi Acti Leaf Coconut £0.79
No additional claims
None
Mighty M.lkology Whole £2.00-£2.50
No additional claims
None
Morrisons Free From Unsweetened Almond Drink £0.95
Nooj Creamy Almond Paste £3.50
Sponsored for 2022 by
A consistently popular category where the quality & breadth of entries has come a long way, with plant-based being one of the latest trends here. This should be great news for the free from and allergic consumer but this is not always the case given PAL, which continues to cause frustration. We saw evidence of development in replicating main category brand leaders. This category can very broadly be split into large scale retail and artisanal (which this year were mostly raw) so these were judged separately. There was also a nod to healthier options.
For 2023 we’d like to see an increase in reduced sugar, healthier options, along with the use of more natural ingredients and reduced sugar, and we’ll again give focus to the raw offer. And we continue to remind potential entrants that this category also welcomes sweet confections!
Booja Booja Chocolate Orange Truffles £4.99
A lovely dusting. A good orange flavour which evolves beautifully and the eat is enhanced with mandarin pieces. A high quality product with pure ingredients. The whole experience is a delight.
Also contains nuts, we use tree nuts throughout our factory and processes.
Butterm!lk Plant-Powered Caramel Nougat Bar £1.50
Really innovative, giving free from customers the almost perfect plant-based replica of the original! A very good size with really authentic layering. Deliciously sweet & really enjoyable. Addresses both the vegan & free from audience.
Asda Extra Special Free From Salted Honeycomb & Raspberry Choc Slab £2.00
Visually this is impressive - nice colour contrasts & good distribution of topping. The honeycomb has a good crunch and the salt really comes through.The quality of the chocolate is good.
No additional claims
My Sweet Chickpea Roasted Chickpeas dipped in Cappuccino & Dark Chocolate £1.40
Different & very tasty: the chickpea centre is ingenious! The chocolate coverage and crunch is very good and it has a pleasing colour. The coffee flavour is very good and doesn't overpower. A very reasonable price.
No additional claims
May contain: hazelnuts, pistachios and almonds
NOMO Caramel Egg & Caramel Choc Bar £6.00
A good sized egg with lovely detailing. Strong caramel flavour. Good to get an egg plus a bar - this feels like a 'normal' easter egg. The bar is gorgeous with a ooze of caramel inside. Fantastic free from claims.
None
Nibble Simply Divinely Dark Madagascan Chocolate Chips £3.99
Great to see a high percentage dark chocolate, using single origin Madagascan chocolate. Filling a gap for non refined sugar baking chips. Well tempered and with a good melt. Lovely smooth texture & flavour - even though it is 81% it doesn't have any bitter notes. Great to see such clean ingredients.
PUSH Orange Choc Buttons £4.99
Buttons are of a good size and have a really clean flavour, clearly they contain quality orange oil. Top 14 free, recyclable, vegan, high fibre, source of protein, palm oil free. Fantastic!
None
Raw Gorilla Chok Zesty Orange Chocolate £1.99 - £2.49
A really lovely orange flavour profile - can taste the tangerine but it's not too overpowering and the dark chocolate comes through
The sweetness is just right, a very good product. Good that has no added/refined sugar - appealing to the free from keto follower. The chocolate has a lovely sheen to it.
Booja Booja Honeycomb Caramel Chocolate Truffles £4.99
Always a delight. A good dusting, light & adds an elegance to the truffle. Really like the crunch, the textural eat is very good.
The honeycomb flavouring is consistent from the first bite. Lovely pure ingredients.
Also contains nuts, we use tree nuts throughout our factory and processes.
Butterm!lk Plant-Powered Honeycomb Blast Bar £1.50
A good dupe for the high street favourite and not too expensive! A good size bar - innovative & inclusive. The honeycomb is very good, has a really good bite.
Freedom Chocolate Dark Coffee £2.00 or £5.75
Strong and enticing aroma with a rich, dark colour. A tasty bar delivering an impressive flavour punch - bitter but not overly so - some sweetness is coming through. Using coconut sugar rather than refined sugar is good to see. The pure ingredients are a real positive and top 14 free.
No additional claims
None
NOMO Giant Caramel & Sea Salt Choc Buttons £2.50
Nice shape - so good not to be seeing just another free from choc button - a good colour. Good snap upon biting & good flavour profile with just the right amount of salt coming through. Very pleasing free from credentials. The structural packaging is excellent - filling a gap with a genuine sharing bag.
None
Butterm!lk Plant-Powered Peanut Nougat Bar £1.50
A good dupe for the high street favourite! A decent size bar at a good price, with nice outer coating with peanut flavours coming through subtly. Palm oil free too.
Freedom Chocolate Blonde £2.00 & £5.75
Smooth, sweet taste, light and impressive. The coconut is discernible at the end which is nice - a good quality raw chocolate, great colour. A premium price point. A good product not using refined sugar.
None
Plamil So free Vegan Caram!lk £2.89
Great colour, gently caramel in flavour, this is a good starting point for a Caramac replica! Clean ingredients and green credentials! Brings something a bit different and interesting to the category.
None
This year it was all about ice creams … over half of entries ticked this box and within this there was a really good variety of form, flavour & free from claims! Whilst the basics are covered in the big retailers we'd love to showcase and support the smaller producers out there as we feel it really could be their time to shine: retailers are not currently offering many really innovative and crafted products.
For 2023 we would like to see more main dessert options, and products making multiple free from claims, especially milk free & egg free, as judges welcomed seeing a few vegan products catering for the free from & allergic consumer by being free of both milk and egg.
Mama Dolce Coconilla Luxury Ice Cream £7.50
Lovely texture and flavour - wonderful fresh coconut taste. Creamy yet light. Tastes of a quality product and with strong sustainable and allergen credentials. A lovely product that anyone can eat.
No additional claims
Wicked Kitchen Millionaire's Sundae £1.30
A good concept and visually this delivers. The chocolate mousse is lovely, great taste and mouthful and same for caramel. The fact it's top 14 allergen free is amazing.
No additional claims
None
Co-op Free From Strawberry & Vanilla Cones £2.50
Lovely crisp wafer, creamy ice cream texture, and natural fruit flavouring. Overall a lovely refreshing treat. Good profile with good solid chocolate fill at the base and the strawberry swirl carried all the way through. Clear and pleasing free from credentials & this mimics the non-free from equivalent very well.
No additional claims
None
Mama Dolce Banana & Lime Luxury Ice Cream £7.50
Interesting flavour, it's delicate but it works well - the sharpness of the lime counteracts the sweet flavour of the banana. Lovely creamy texture but a light eat. And free from the top 14 allergens.
No additional claims
None
Asda Free From Chocolate Ice Cream £2.00
Brilliant texture and great allergen free credentials! Surprisingly good chocolate flavour. Good value for money and nutritional profile good.
None
Asda Free From Salted Caramel Ice Cream £2.00
Lovely, creamy texture and excellent caramel flavour: amazing to see this is also top 14 free, yes the ingredients list is long but it's trying to do a lot and it delivers.
No additional claims
None
Co-op Free From Choc Sticks £2.50
Visually this really impressed our judges, and the chocolate shell had a good snap to it. Lovely plain vanilla ice cream inside.
No additional claims
None
Tesco Free From Syrup Sponge Pudding £1.20
A great product with a good texture: the sponge is soft and moist, not too light and there's just the right amount of sweet syrup.
No additional claims
Wicked Kitchen Cookie Dough Sweet Ice Dream £2.50
Great to have a market alternative to the well known branded option and this delivers a similar eating experience. A really good product and great value for money.
No additional claims
None
Wicked Kitchen 4 Chocolate & Red Berry Cones £2.50
"Chocolate ice cream like I remember it before I got diagnosed..." An amazing product for families to replace ice creams they normally miss out on. Good crunch of chocolate chips. Good chewy texture to the cone. Nice hint of berry.
No additional claims
None
Sponsored for 2022 by
Recognising that the snack occasion is now more than just bars, all entries in this category can be enjoyed between meals – some just nice while others are naughty & nice! From exotic dried fruit to chocolate coated roasted chickpeas and chocolate cornflake clusters, our judges' taste buds were certainly put through their paces. It was good to see more convenient packaging solutions which aided snacking on the go.
There are many options out there and we know what we have seen this year is a mere snapshot, so we have high hopes for this category in 2023.
Creative Nature Cheeky Choc Hazelnot Gnawbles £2.59
A great & credible alternative to Maltesers but more nutritionally sound. Good shiny coating & a light wispy filling. Amazing to make these top 14 allergen free. And in a sharing bag - although given the delight around the judging table we can't see much sharing going on!
No additional claims
None
Lexi's Marshmallow & Puffed Rice Crispy Treat - Marshmallow Bliss £0.99
These look good and mimic the brand leader well. The texture pleased judges - crunchy & chewy. Gluten and milk free, and also no fructose which is amazing. Kids will go mad for these; they're a really inclusive product.
Kooky Pretty Unique Fruit Freeze Dried Mangosteen £2.35
Different, intriguing & flavoursome.Crunchy texture - unusual for a dried fruit. Offer a fresh zingy kick, tastes like a sweet and quite like a natural meringue - would be a great alternative in an Eton Mess pudding for those who have egg allergy. Could have a lot of applications for desserts, ingredients and snacks. Good ethical credentials, top 14 allergens free and no preservatives.
None
Tesco Free From 16 Chocolate Cornflake Clusters 2.00
A BIG tick for inclusivity - great to see a popular main category product now available in free from. Good shape and size and a with a lovely chocolaty taste. A party essential!!
No additional claims
None
Wicked Kitchen 3 Berry White Sticks £2.50
Really good. You can really taste the raspberry. A really good textural eat and great to see something different, our judges felt this to be exciting and innovative.
No additional claims
Aldi Gluten Free Bars - Peanut, Almond & Honey Bars with Dark Chocolate Flavour Coating, £2.49
A delicious product. Nicely packed and the honey glaze holds the nuts together well. Fairly priced and pleasantly gooier and chewier than the other similar products.
No additional claims
None
Asda Free From Choc Crispie Bar £0.45
A fantastic price! Good distribution of crispie pieces and the chocolate has a good snap - a really accessible product.
No additional claims
None
Asda Free From Hot Cross Bun Fudge £2.00
The closest to real fudge our gluten & milk free judges had tasted: they like the flavour profile - you can taste the mixed spice and fruit and it has a real fudge texture.
No additional claims
None
Freedom Confectionery Vegantic Mallows Large Plant Based Vanilla Marshmallows £1.50
Good marshmallow texture and the size & shape was good. Good stability when toasted and they toasted perfectly for 'smores!
No additional claims
None
Aldi Gluten Free Bars - Almond, Peanut & Sea Salt with Dark Chocolate Flavour Coating £2.49
No additional claims
All Good Cashew Butter Sweet Boost £8.95
None
Asda Free From 18 Chocolate Cornflake Clusters £2.00
No additional claims
None
Asda Free From 5 Flapjack Slices £1.75
Free From Fellows Mini Pink & White Vanilla Vegan Mallows £1.50
None
Kooky Pretty Unique Fruit Gently Dried Dragon Fruit £1.75
No additional claims
None
Lazy Day Foods Chocolate Cornflake Clusters £2.00
No additional claims
None
LumberJack Protein Packed Flapjack - Ginger, Orange & Dark Chocolate Flavour £14.99 (15 Bars)
No additional claims
Always a popular category with a varied entry from biscuits and cake bars to a doughnut and celebration cake. On the biscuit front the classics are well catered for, mimicking the main category alternatives exceptionally well and some also making a milk free claim. Judges noted a more innovative use of raw materials and felt that veganism and the desire for ‘cleaner’ living will have been, and continue to be, a driving force behind this.
We were however lacking any ‘soft bake’ cookies and a good free from scone. This could be an opportunity for a smaller, independent to steal the show in 2023 (how about a free from afternoon tea box?). We’d also welcome back some of the more traditional options which are now firmly established within the free from space.
Lazy Day Foods Chocolate Chip Shortbread £1.99
Perfect shortbread texture and delicious flavours. The biscuit is great and the choc chips are lovely, and plentiful.
No additional claims
None
Tesco Free From 16 Chocolate Cornflake Clusters £2.00
These make us feel happy! Great to have these in the market. Lovely texture with a good crunch and the chocolate flavours are yummy. A retro & homely taste which will resonate with many.
No additional claims
None
Asda Free From Gretel the Guinea Pig Cake £6.00
This made judges smile - move over Colin! Lovely visual with keen detailing - noted & loved the little party hat. A lovely celebration cake for the children's market & great to have an alternative to chocolate!!
No additional claims
Lazy Day Foods Mini Scottish Shortbread £5.00
Lovely crunchy texture, delicious. Not too sweet but lovely and sugary. And even tastes slightly buttery! Great to have such a delicious gluten & milk free shortbread. Loved the small size rounds & they come in a delightful tin - a lovely gifting option too.
No additional claims
None
Nairn's Dark Chocolate & Mint Chunky Oat Biscuit Breaks £1.80
The mint makes for an interesting take on this - good flavour innovation! Offers something different and a little healthier - wholegrain oats, low in sugar, nothing artificial. Unusual flavour combo in a biscuit, refreshes the mouth but not overly minty.
Could work well as a dessert pairing, perhaps with ice cream?
No additional claims
We Love Cake Rip-Roaring Raspberry Ripple Slices £1.80
Light, moist sandwich sponge. Good texture & a lovely flavour - the jam centre offers another dimension to the eat and the filling is plentiful and consistent. A luxurious treat for anyone who is gluten free, milk free and wheat free. Pretty freeze-dried raspberry detailing, PLUS pack is split into individual portions.
No additional claims
Lazy Day Foods Chocolate Cake Bars £2.00
Likened to a Cadburys Mini Roll but bigger - thick chocolate shell with a soft chocolate sponge inside - lovely & chocolatey. Good covering of chocolate with no after taste, good sponge texture. Not overly sweet - very enjoyable.
No additional claims
None
Lidl Just Free Ginger Cookies £1.19
Great texture and taste. The flavour is lovely with visible ginger inclusions. Great crunch and chew. Excellent price for a gluten free pack of reasonably sized cookies.
No additional claims
None
Morrisons V Taste Shortbread £1.50
Such a good shortbread texture, crisp yet crumbly and holds together well. Tastes lovely, too - really do taste rather 'creamy' as they say.
Good price point & commendable to be milk free.
No additional claims
None
Nairn's Fruit Oat Biscuit Breaks £1.80
Great crunchy, biscuit texture. Delicious & versatile - great for 'on the go'. Less sugar is great claim and for many will be very appealing. Good shape for dunking!
No additional claims
Tesco Free From Ginger Nuts £1.30
Nicely warming, tasting of ginger, great crunchy texture and gives the snap & bite you would expect from a regular 'ginger nut'. To be commended for creating a free from ginger nut. Scrumptious and moreish with true ginger taste - did the job perfectly when dunked into tea!
No additional claims
None
Wildcraft Bakery Jam Doughnut £3.00
Great to have a jam-filled doughnut that resembles a main category option - everything about it looks 'normal'. Oozing with jam. Another wonderfully nostalgic product.
Asda Extra Special Free From Belgian Chocolate Cake £3.50
No additional claims
Asda Free From 5 Lemon Cake Slices £1.75
No additional claims
None
Asda Free From 8 Cranberry & Orange Oaty Cookies £1.35
No additional claims
None
Lidl Deluxe Gluten Free All Butter Triple Chocolate Cookies £1.69
No additional claims
None
Manna Eating Beetroot Brownie £2.95
No additional claims
None
Morrisons Free From 4 Chocolate Chip Brownies £1.50
No additional claims
None
Nairn's Salted Caramel Oat Biscuit Breaks £1.80
No additional claims
Tesco finest* Free From Triple Chocolate Cookies £1.80
No additional claims
None
Tesco Free From Bourbon Creams £1.30
No additional claims
None
The Heavenly Cake Company Sugar Free Vegan Vanilla Cake £37.49
No additional claims
None
Tesco Wicked Kitchen 5 Gold Shimmer Bakewell Slices £2.00
No additional claims
Sponsored for 2022 by
Amisa Gluten Free Organic Italian Style Focaccia Rolls £4.00
Excellent. Very nice flavour - nice and salty and also buttery which is impressive since it's vegan. Good crust. Great taste. Authentically chewy. Great ingredients - proper rice sourdough. Offers something different - handy packs for travel. An outstanding product.
No additional claims
None
Asda Free From 4 White Rolls £1.25
This ticks all the boxes - amazing price, good quality & top 14 allergens free. Light & fluffy with a good bread flavour and nice open texture AND visually this looks like a 'normal' roll.
No additional claims
None
Amisa Gluten Free Organic Italian Style Olive Ciabatta £3.20
Great crust & a good texture to the crumb - really soft and with some stretch too. Visible olives - flavour coming through well from the olives - hard to make & not many on the market. The ingredients are great and this brings something different to the market.
No additional claims
Asda Free From 50/50 Loaf £1.50
Good soft texture with a nice spring, top 14 free, great price. 'One of the best breads I have ever tasted gluten free or not'. Good sized slices with no holes and a nicely aerated crumb. Nice ingredients - fortified and including wholegrains.
No additional claims
None
Gradz Gluten Free Sourdough Dark Bread with Sunflower Seeds £3.90
A nice looking product with a good combination of ingredients. Very nice texture. Generous amount of seeds. Fluffy texture. Nice dark crust. Nice mix of flavoured seeds.
No additional claims
None
Viva Cassava Cheddar & Mozzarella Bakes £4.95
Good savoury taste - serve straight from the oven! A fantastic new addition to the free from menu - generous amount of cheese - very filling!
Asda Free From 4 Vegan Chilli & Cheddar Alternative Hot Cross Buns £2.50
Vegan AND milk free, a definite plus point! This product intrigues the palate with the cheese and chilli combo dressed up as a hot cross bun! Great alternative option to traditional sweet HCB; one of a kind. Almost allergen free, strong chilli, works well both straight out of the pack and toasted. The cheese is excellent - you would not know this was vegan.
No additional claims
None
Co-op Free From Brown Seeded Loaf £2.00
Nice moist texture, with a good crunch from seeds - good nutritionals, high fibre. Love soft interior, nutty flavour from seeds.
No additional claims
None
Gradz Gluten Free Bread with Turmeric & Quinoa £3.85-£3.90
A beautiful yellow bread with a nice savoury taste and a strong turmeric flavour. Texture has a good moisture balance, with crunchy seeds. A really interesting product which delivers what it promises.
No additional claims
None
M&S Made Without Wheat Gluten Free 4 Tiger Rolls £2.90
Tastes a little like a European bread, looks like a tiger bread. With a soft interior that would be lovely for open sandwiches. A slightly smoky taste, and fortified.
None
The growth of vegan and plant-based food is fuelling some exciting developments in the cheeses sector at all levels from national retail brands to artisanal producers. The divide is great between the products for national retail and hand crafted, artisanal options. The entries developed for mainstream retail have evolved both in quality & form, addressing more occasion needs which is great to see. And we welcomed many artisanal cheese alternatives, all well considered and technically challenging.
For 2023 we are looking to acknowledge this by having two judging categories for Cheese & Cheese Alternative to recognise and encourage development at both ends of the spectrum, and in order to promote both amongst the free from and allergic communities.
Mouse's Favourite True Blue Vegan Alternative to Cheese £9.99
Attractive looking cheese which is mimicking a blue cheese - highly innovative with the blue vein running through the cheese. The overall flavour is good & the aim to re-create the blue notes is there. The texture is very good & this is a very innovative product.
No additional claims
Sheese Melting Sheesy Bake with Spring Onion & Garlic £3.75
Looks like a direct replica of the dairy version - good innovation for the milk free market. The appearance is glossy, and it scoops & flows well. The added flavours bring in a point of interest. Comes in a rather nice pot that can be re-used!
No additional claims
None
Violife Smoky Cheddar Flavour Slices £2.80
The appearance is good in comparison to the 'dairy Bavarian smoked cheese'. The smoked rind gives it authenticity. The texture is also very similar to the dairy version & the taste delivers a depth of smokiness. Meltability is good too & whilst more expensive than some, it delivers very well.
No additional claims
None
Asda Free From Mature Cheddar Alternative £1.40
Appearance is similar to that of cheddar. The mouth feel is soft & easily breaks down in the mouth without 'powderiness' and the flavour is cheddar-like & does build as the flavour develops. The melted appearance is excellent & very like its cheddar counterpart although when melted the flavour loses a little of its maturity.
Mozzarisella Classic £3.80
The appearance & texture is good compared to that of mozzarella. It is quite moist, when melted it looks 'a bit saucy' but in context of the cheese it works well.
No additional claims
None
Tyne Chease Smoked - Artisanal Cultured & Aged Cashew Nut Product £7.95
Beautiful colour, shape & appealing skin - very attractive & does not appear to replicate a dairy cheese currently on the market. Creamy textured, the flavour is very strong & rich. Very appealing ingredients deck, good protein level and beautifully crafted. Best served on a cracker.
No additional claims
Asda Free From Garlic & Chive Cheddar Alternative £1.40
Pleasant colour with nice visible herbs - cuts cleanly. The garlic & chive flavour add more depth to the flavour overall. Good melting properties with the flavour coming out more strongly when heated.
None
Tesco Free From Coconut Oil Alternative to Halloumi £2.30
The appearance is good & well considered, with the addition of mint flecks. No 'squeak' like real halloumi eating, however it is innovative and mimics halloumi when fried, which is applaudable.
No additional claims
None
Lidl Vemondo Vegan Greek Style Cheese £1.99
Good appearance and this mimics feta with a crumbliness that would work in salads. A good mouthfeel with some creaminess coming through. Nice white colour, pleasant cheesy aroma and with a pleasant salty taste that melts in the mouth.
No additional claims
None
This year the emphasis in this category was on traditional favourites; and we welcomed both centre of plate items and meal accompaniments. Accessibility and inclusivity were both positive take-outs with main category options that have been developed to be free from key allergens OR free from products that would be acceptable for all. Insights suggest that most of us are eating at home as often as we did pre-pandemic and this is expected to increase as the cost of living rises and disposable income reduces. Those managing more severe food allergies and intolerances would also more often rather eat at home.
Potential for this category is great! In 2023, we want to welcome those diverse culinary options we know are out there. Free from & allergic consumers will continue to want chicken Kiev and sausages, but they’re also looking for innovation.
Macsween Gluten Free Vegetarian Haggis £2.45
Nice salt level, nice flavour, slight crunch and delivering a really good after taste with slight heat at the end, very satisfying - a drop of onion gravy with it would go down a treat! This has the haggis flavour just without the meat.
No additional claims
None
Tesco Free From Battered Onion Rings £2.00
Great smelling, crispy onion ring, very sweet and soft in the middle. These have a nice crunch & a deep sweet onion flavour - and sizes are varied. Simple but very well executed.
No additional claims
None
Aldi Tempura Haddock Goujons £2.19
Nice whole fish pieces in a thin, crispy batter, very slightly sweet. Great product and fantastic price.
No front of pack free from claims
No additional claims
None
Asda Extra Special 12 Italian Style Meatballs £3.00
Good quality meaty meatballs, quite dense. Would be great with a tomato sauce. Strong fennel and pepper flavour. Great value for feeding a family.
No additional claims
None
Asda Free From 2 Chicken Kievs £3.00
Crisp golden crumb and good release of filling when cut. Nice garlic flavour - a real crowd pleaser.
No additional claims
None
Co-op King Prawns in a Coconut & Chilli Crumb £3.75
It's the crumb thats the winner here, really nice coconut taste with the heat coming towards the end of the bite - really very moreish.
No additional claims
None
THIS™ Isn't Pork Plant-Based Sausages £3.00
Nice peppery aftertaste and very close to a real sausage. A really good gluten free, vegan sausage.
No front of pack free from claims
No additional claims
None
Aldi Specially Selected Sweet Potato & Lentil Korma Pie £1.69
Good pastry colour & flavour. Good fill with nice detailing on the top. Mild but very pleasant, warming flavour.
No additional claims
None
Asda Extra Special 6 Armagh Bramley Apple Pork Sausages £2.75
Nice sausage, casing is soft, flavour is tasty with a nice balance of salt and sweetness. Not getting lots of apple, but definitely getting a nice level of spice. Can see these being a family favourite with all the accompaniments.
No additional claims
None
Asda Extra Special 6 Triple Chilli Pork Sausages £2.75
Soft fine sausage texture with a spicy aftertaste - the flavour of the chilli is very good and lots of other flavours which make this a very pleasant eat. Does exactly what it should, cooks to a nice char on the outside of the sausage.
No additional claims
None
Co-op Free From 8 Yorkshire Puddings £1.75
A good, crisp & golden Yorkshire pudding that the whole family can enjoy.
No additional claims
None
Macsween Gluten Free Haggis £2.00
Nice texture, flavour is good, can taste iron from lamb and texture is smooth and similar liver. Salt level good. Nice to have unrolled gluten free oats bringing texture.
No additional claims
None
Mash Direct Ltd. Curry Chips £1.99
No additional claims
Voakes Free From Steak & Potato Pie £3.30
No additional claims
None
Wicked Kitchen 2 Kickin' Katsu Kievs £2.50
No front of pack free from claims
Pasta is a free from staple and pizza is becoming accessible to more and not just a special occasion meal. Entries this year included everything from staples to ‘date night’ offers, showcasing the comprehensive range of free from pasta now available. This variety has become sustainable due to the rise of veganism. The quality is good and there has been significant price investment which again is a huge step forward, aiding inclusivity.
For 2023, there is opportunity for a more premium option, elevating a pasta dish from a mid-week staple to a special occasion supper. And we know there are many free from pizza options out there, covering every requirement inclusive of top 14 free, milk free and vegan, and more!
Dou_h at Home Gluten Free Pizza Kits £19.99 (2 pizza bases + 4 toppings)
This is a WOW product. Love the concept - a hybrid of retail vs delivery and it works ..... very well. Love the base, love the cheese, love the toppings. Great flavour & texture - really authentic and a fantastic array of options to customize your pizza. The price is comparative to that of a good take away, a good option and worth the money.
No additional claims
None
Wicked Kitchen Spinach & Garlic Ravioli £2.50
Good size & shape. Well sealed & it holds up well when cooked. Lovely aroma, pasta is firm to the bite and the filling has a lovely garlic flavour. You can taste the spinach. Praise for a vegan product addressing the free from consumer with a front of pack gluten free claim - this really does add credibility to the brand amongst the free from & allergic audience. A very well executed product and a good price too.
No additional claims
None
Co-op Free From Spaghetti £1.15
Great texture & bite and a good flavour. Holds together well & eats well. Good neutral taste - still a little al dente which judges liked. 'I would buy this' and coming from a chef this is praise indeed!
No additional claims
None
Asda Free From Tricolore Fusilli £0.60
This is a little different - consumers are so used to having just the basics so this provides a little more interest - can't recall seeing a mainstream gluten free tricolore pasta. Good colours - although a little light after cooking. Great texture & a good neutral flavour. A simple product executed well and at an accessible price.
None
Kirsty's Sweet Chilli Chicken Pizza £3.00
A good price point for the allergen free boxes it ticks - AND not all dairy free consumers want a vegan pizza so there great kudos for having a meaty option. A good thin, crisp base with very generous toppings.
None
Morrisons Free From Fusilli £0.75
Good shape & size. Twist size and shape is good for catching sauce & the structure held when cooked. This does a good job. Honestly could be mistaken for 'normal' plasta.
No additional claims
None
Sapori di Casa Gluten Free Organic Egg Pappardelle £4.49
A lovely looking product - an interesting shape - nice to see some pappardelle. Good colour & texture. It has a premium feel - not an everyday product: it is SO nice as a free from consumer to have these options available - this is a date night pasta. Eggy gluten free pasta is not that easy to find.
No additional claims
None
White Rabbit The Smokin' Vegan Pizza £5.00
A lovely looking pizza - really colourful & a good size. Nice seasoning level and good topping amounts. Don't be misguided by the name, there isn't a smokey element to this pizza! Great free from credentials.
No additional claims
None
Morrisons Free From Dino Pasta £0.75
No additional claims
None
ZENB Yellow Pea Pasta - Penne £3.00
None
Entries were diverse both in terms of the nature of the product & the market they were addressing. This year we welcomed some substantial snacking options including cassava cheese balls and a pasty. This is a great example of the new vs a traditional favourite, both of which are equally welcomed by the free from and allergic consumer. There was some genuine innovation among crisps and lighter snacking options too which has aided inclusivity, especially for allergic children and the party time occasion.
Flavour innovation is not always evident in the free from space; products tend towards keeping it safe with neutral flavours or replicating proven main category trends. For 2023, it would be good to see more solutions for ‘on the go’ and packed lunches; there are very few multipack options available. Healthier products would be welcomed.
Blanco Niño Ancient Grain Blue Corn Tortilla Chips with Toasted Amaranth £3.50
An intriguing & unique visual - great deep purple colour. Thin with a great crisp, very tasty and not overly salty - a perfect accompaniment to any snacking occasion. These deliver a nicely roasted corn flavour. Judges loved the messaging and the clean ingredients deck.
None
Viva Cassava Cheddar & Mozzarella Bakes £4.95
Delicious, like eating an authentic, home-made product. Great flavour balance - crunchy on the outside, gooey inside - a nice textural contrast. For a gluten free indulgent snack, these are very yummy and clean ingredients.
Artisan Biscuits Miller's Grate Britain Gluten Free Cheddar Crackers £1.85
A snack to savour - really delicious. Tastes natural and authentic which isn't easy to find. Lovely flavour and a truly satisfying eat..
The cheese comes through strongly with a nice spice heat at the end - you can actually taste all of the spices.
No additional claims
Co-op Irresistible Hand Cooked Sea Salt & Chardonnay Wine Vinegar Crisps £1.70
Lovely tang from the Chardonnay vinegar flavour - well balanced with the salt flavour. An amazing crunch, great texture - these had an artisanal feel.
No additional claims
None
Voakes Free From Traditional Pasty £2.70
Good size & lovely golden colour - feels like a homemade product. The taste delivered even when cold which aids the versatility of the product making it a great on-the-go snack. Great flavour - well seasoned and balanced profile that had depth.
No additional claims
None
CRAVE Smokey Bacon Flavoured Streakers £1.80
Nostalgic. The flavouring is nice - authentic smokey bacon flavour which works very well in the product. The shape is good with colouring running through it.
No additional claims
Good 4 U Smoky Barbeque Super Snack £2.75
Visually colourful and shapely - a great selection with a very pleasant, balanced smokey flavour. Feels like an indulgent treat even though its high in protein. Relatively clean ingredients and no added sugar.
No front of pack free from claims
None
Lidl Vemondo Vegan Sausage Rolls £0.99
A tasty, mainstream, milk free, vegan sausage roll.
No front of pack free from claims
No additional claims
None
Nudie Snacks Cauliflower Crisps Cheese & Caramelised Onion £0.99
An innovative product with the high percentage of cauliflower. Lovely shape, crunch & texture. These have a balanced 'cheese' and onion flavour, very pleasant and impressive given these are milk free and vegan.
No front of pack free from claims
Pea Pops Smoky Barbeque £0.85
Shape & form presents well. Good smoky flavour. Great high protein snack which still feels like a treat.
No additional claims
Tesco Free From Onion Rings £1.00
A nostalgic taste. Nice clear rings of differing sizes and minimal breakage, a good crunch and a credible onion flavour.
No additional claims
None
Asda Free From Nacho Cheese Flavour Tortilla Chips £0.90
No additional claims
None
Boundless Activated Snacking Chipotle & Lime £1.75
No additional claims
CRAVE Pickled Onion Monster Feet £1.80
No additional claims
Mister Free'd Tortilla Chips - Avocado - Guacamole Flavour £1.99
No additional claims
Sponsored for 2022 by
We welcomed a wide range of soups this year illustrating just how many are now available to the free from & allergic consumer. Food to go options are often very limited with fresh soups being a default option. Bowl Meals are another great option for ‘grab & go’ and this format offers an opportunity for existing products and ranges to broaden their offer. Given the occasion i.e. ‘grab & go’, clear labelling is even more important here, as consumers have even less time to interrogate labels!
For 2023 we would welcome more options that address the ‘on the go', single serve options and ‘healthier refuelling’ missions - soups, hot bowl meals & salad bowls, suitable for all seasons.
Asda Carrot & Coriander Soup £1.25
Tastes amazing, so simple but so good - very simple, allergen free ingredients with nothing ‘unusual’ and a great price. The coriander flavour is light, nice & subtle widening the appeal. Lovely colour, flavour & texture - the flavour delivery on the carrot is very good.
None
Lazy Vegan Italian Risotto £3.25
Lovely aroma & visually attractive - lots of peas and carrots. The texture of the rice was very good & the structure of the vegetable held up well. Nice to see whole wild mushrooms. No 'may contains' make this very accessible.
None
Wicked Kitchen Tagine & Crumbled Falafel £3.50
Visually appealing with an interesting mix of ingredients. Benefitted from lots of textures and liked the sumac sauce on top. The structure of the giant cous cous was good, nice spice level. Great to have on standby in the freezer.
No front of pack free from claims
No additional claims
Asda Tomato & Basil Soup £1.00
Good visual and flavour delivery. Very pleasant aroma. Nice pieces of tomato and chunky basil - made this feel more homemade than processed. Simple ingredients & a very good price.
No additional claims
None
Wicked Kitchen Vegetable Ramen with Sweet Potato £3.50
No additional claims
Sponsored for 2022 by
The ultimate award for manufacturers who have gone above and beyond, creating foods that are free of all but one of the top 15 major allergens: these are the top 14 UK-recognised allergens plus peas and chickpeas which are own addition, which are a major problem for a growing number of UK allergy reactors. Entrants must be free of 14 allergens but entrants can choose which 14 they exclude.
This category is always really interesting with perspectives being challenged by those living with multiple allergies. You really do realise just how much of a difference some of these products make. It isn't always about the most innovative, but those that provide access to a product that had previously been off limits to so many.
Even within this category there were still many entries that some of our judges were unable to test. Our ambition for next year is for our 2022 sponsor, Julianne, founder of Creative Nature, to be able to test at least 50% of all entries!!
Voakes Free From Traditional Pork Pie £2.55
Great to see a free from Pork Pie. Really appetising to look at - a good size and it looks handmade. The pastry is delicate and not overly heavy. Good colour & generous fill – no big air gaps which you can often find. There was much debate about whether you warm a pork pie but we served both hot & cold AND YES both worked.
None
Good It's Gluten Free Southern Fry'd Meal Kit £4.99
Some impressive free from claims - it's not often you see meal kits or sauces making gluten dairy, egg, nut & sesame free claims. Being ambient this would be great to take away & it offers a generous portions for 2 and is easy to assemble. The batter was really crisp and the gravy tasty.
No additional claims
None
Slightly Different Thai Red Curry Sauce £3.95
It coats the chicken well & the heat level is good - some lovely Thai flavours with some punchy spices. It packs a lot of flavour especially considering it's free from onions and garlic. Very good flavour delivery considering no 14 allergens & low FODMAP - a safe buy. It's SO hard to find a nut safe sauce.
No front of pack free from claims
Tesco Free From 16 Chocolate Cornflake Clusters £2.00
A fantastic free from copy of a popular mainstream item - great for picnics and milk, egg, gluten and wheat free - so really inclusive.
No additional claims
None
Angelic Ginger & Chocolate Chip Plant Based Cookies £2.60
Nice ginger aroma & a good crunch which is often missing in free from biscuits. Unusual to have a ginger biscuit with chocolate chips. Great to see a top 14 free cookie.
PUSH Orange Choc Buttons £4.99
A nice, strong & lively orange flavour to a good, smooth chocolate.
None
Raw Gorilla Chok Smooth Dark Chocolate Bar £1.99 - £2.49
Visually this impressed the judges who liked the texture and melt. The reasonable price is also attractive! Fab to be so low sugar and interesting carob flavours!
No additional claims
Sponsored for 2022 by
We were so impressed with the quality of products entered this year. There is still a need for the gluten free staples as well as innovative savoury and sweet options that can be used by Food Service. Providing free from food for the catering sector opens up a large and expanding market for both large and small food companies. There are some exceptional free from products now available and by targeting the catering sector you will open your brand and products to a much greater audience.
We look forward to seeing this category grow in 2023.There is an opportunity for small independent companies to showcase their products alongside the large catering companies to help step-change the food service offer.
White Rabbit 10” Foodservice Pizza Bases
Lovely crisp gluten free and milk free base - a really versatile option for food service. Good thickness & with a very pleasant neutral flavour.
This ticks lots of boxes.
No additional claims
None
Sleepeasy Hollandaise Sauce
An amazing replica of a normal hollandaise. Stunning, unusual and much needed. Can't believe it is egg and milk free. How do they get the texture right? Good to see using rapeseed oil being used, the lemon really cuts through the richness of this sauce. Excellent flavour and texture - rich, creamy and buttery with a lovely hint of acidity.
No additional claims
None
THIS™ Isn't Chicken Plant-Based Chicken Goujons
Generously sized with good crumb coverage. The inner had a pleasant texture and a mild flavour. Another versatile option for food service.
No additional claims
None
Sleepeasy Mexican Style Hot Nacho Sauce
Lovely hot chilli spice, fairly good cheesy flavour. Think kids would love this. Quite a good spicy kick.
No additional claims
None
Sponsored for 2022 by
This year we welcomed a good mix of entries both savoury and sweet, covering a range of occasions although breakfast and savoury options for lunches were rather lacking. Children, especially those managing often multiple food allergies, are very food aware, nutritionally conscious and they often have surprisingly sophisticated tastes - remember that our junior judges are our harshest judges of all! Their feedback is raw, real and often very amusing, providing our final judges with a very different perspective of a product.
Given the success of the judging process we will be running with the same format for 2023, and will be looking for entries that appeal to all ages from post toddler to late teens and cover all occasions relevant to this audience, from birthday parties and packed lunches to meal solutions and post-gym snacks.
Asda Free From 4 Southern Fried Chicken Steaks £3.90
Lovely crisp, crumb packed with flavour and the chicken was great - not overly processed.
No additional claims
None
Creative Nature Gnawbles Super Salted Caramel Light & Crunchy Bites £1.80
It is clear a lot of thought and attention has been given to the creation of these - a fantastic salted caramel Malteser-a-like treat for the whole family. School safe is a huge bonus.
No additional claims
None
NOMO Choc Lollies £1.50
Sometimes the simple things are the best! There was universal praise for these ..... even the older kids enjoying although probably not with their friends! These lollies were really popular with both kids and parents spoke about them being great to throw in the bag or for parties.
None
Voakes Free From Sausage Roll £2.55
'It tastes exactly what I imagined a sausage roll would taste like!' (15 year old who has never had a sausage roll in his life!). A versatile option - can be eaten hot or cold so it can be a meal centre or eaten on the go or on picnics - very few options like this. Visually this is excellent.
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Getbuzzing Nut & Gluten Free Wowbutter Bar £19.97 (24 bar box)
'If I saw this in a shop I would want it because it looks like a flapjack and it’s nut free'. Loved the fact that these are nut free and an alternative to a protein bar - great for older teens.
No additional claims
None
NOMO Giant Creamy Choc Buttons £2.50
Liked the shape and texture of the chocolate – good colour & very smooth - the shape was just a bit different. 'Really very yummy .... please can I have some more?' It is a good size sharing bag and great it's resealable - really useful and the sharing bag does make it feel more inclusive.
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Tesco Free From 10 Waffle Cones £2.00
'I see the packaging and I want to eat it .... and they taste just as good'. 'Suitable for lots of people as egg and milk free too, not just gluten free'. 'My Mum takes these away with us and on days out as it is so hard to get a safe cone when out'. Lovely colour & crunch. Excellent structure that held up well with ice cream, they didn't go soggy.
No additional claims
None
Tesco Free From Surprise Cupcake Kit £2.00
A very popular entry with kids & parents - VERY easy to make, loved having a vegan & non-vegan option - both worked well, the icing was great, no silly ingredients or special equipment was needed. Great for baking with kids, for school bake sales & parties - an absolute winner for so many parents & everyone can enjoy the cakes.
No additional claims
None
Asda Free From 18 Chicken Nuggets £3.15
Good chicken taste, crust is nice and not too salty, good flavour. Packaging bright and easy to identify as their free from range. Milk, egg, soya and wheat free, so inclusive for lots of people with allergies.
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Asda Free From 15 Gluten Free Fish Bubble Bites £2.10
'They look puffy and fun and a bit more interesting than other fish fingers, the puffy bits make a good texture it tastes nice in your mouth'. 'You can tell the difference between this sort of breadcrumbs and ordinary ones - I like these better'. 'These are good I’d just like them to be bigger'.
No additional claims
None
CRAVE Smokey Bacon Streakers £1.80
The packaging aids inclusivity with judges loving the wit behind it. Great crunch and a nice flavour. Great to now have options for parties - this makes such a difference.
No additional claims
Kooky Pretty Unique Fruit Freeze Dried Mango £1.85
'The packaging looks really cool'. 'I'm really excited that they have no may contains as I have not been able to find a dried mango without any'.
No additional claims
None
Lexi's Marshmallow & Puffed Rice Crispy Treat - Marshmallow Bliss £0.90
'This product tastes really good - the mix of marshmallow and puffed rice in not something I knew I needed until now!' Lots of our junior judges commented on the fact that they had seen their friends with similar products and now they had something so the products is ticking a box for inclusivity. 'They taste yum yum, oh, these are really nice .... I also like eating it, because I see other people eating things like this'.
No front of pack free from claims
None
Moo Free White Buttons £0.70
'They're nice - a great alternative to "normal" white chocolate buttons'. 'I would be happy to share with friends (well, I wouldn't, but I could!)'. Packaging is good, eye-catching and appealing to children.
Tesco Free From Bacon Rashers £1.00
'These are yummy Mum - they taste like I remember Frazzles tasting'. Nice visual & really crunchy. A great party crisp and a great price.
No additional claims
None
Angelic Double Chocolate Cookies 2.60
Fun, bright packaging, with a decent crunch and flavour. So great to be top 14 free, and good information and labelling on pack. The company is also aiming for zero waste for 2022 - something to be celebrated!
No additional claims
Good It's Gluten Free Southern Fry'd Meal Kit £4.99
Makes a really crisp and tasty batter. Kids loved making the kit and eating it too! Very clear labelling - and it is "easy peasy and great tasting" just like it says on pack. A really good alternative to something like KFC. Generous portions. Great pack design too - cool and modern.
No additional claims
None
Tesco Free From 4 Chocolate Cupcakes £2.19
Lovely taste, soft and squishy texture (think brownie). Lots of chocolate flavour and buttercream icing really good. Cheaper than expected with cute toppers for children.
No additional claims
Sponsored for 2022 by
Entries were lighter this year as Christmas products are entered into our Free From Christmas Awards, and we had a standalone category for Easter. This category was dominated by chocolate which is always welcome, and we know that there are also many non-chocolate products worthy of gifting out there!
When purchasing gifts, consumers like to seek something that is a bit different - whether that be in form or flavour, or items from smaller independent brands. We look forward to seeing many more products for all year round gifting for 2023.
Booja Booja The Signature Collection £9.99
Good visual - the dusting & coating is excellent. Looked rich & indulgent and they certainly didn’t disappoint. A nice selection of flavours presented in a delightful box that makes you feel special.
Morrisons The Best Free From Chocolate Collection Salted Caramel Flavour Truffles £5.00
A lovely balance with the chocolate & salted caramel. Very smooth filling. The chocolate is delicious, not too sweet. Not over-sweet, but nice and chocolatey.Rich & decadent. Appreciated the individual wrapping of the truffles – made them feel extra special & safe.And when unwrapped the shape & finish was good.The box is lovely and highly giftable – such a refreshing change and the price surprised in a good way.
None
Tesco finest* Free From Dark Chocolate Ginger Cookies £1.80
Visually these looked good - nice to see a fully coated cookie - judges all felt this was a luxury option and it certainly placed this firmly in the indulgent territory. Good flavour and crunch on the biscuit. The ginger flavour was really very good with notable chewy ginger bites elevating which elevated the quality delivery. Would be lovely as part of a hamper or you'd take this along to a friends to enjoy with coffee.
No additional claims
None
Frownies Brownies Personalised Birthday Brownie Slab £24.00
Beautifully presented - loved the personalisation and that this could be sent as a safe letterbox gift. Lots of personalisation offers which is great to see. Great free from claims. Really rich, lovely chocolatey flavour (but a dense, sort of uncooked texture). To be free from all top 14 allergens is pretty cool.
Tesco finest* Free From Triple Chocolate Cookies £1.80
A nice chocolate base with a creamy oaty flavour.
No additional claims
None
Sponsored for 2022 by
Innovation is crucial to the continuing success of any organisation and within the free from world innovation is disproportionately important, with new or significantly altered products potentially making a huge difference to the lives of the free from and allergic consumer.
This year’s entries were innovative both in terms of replicating foods and drinks popular in the main category offer, and also of trying something new for free from. We saw some tricky feats pulled off well using new ingredients and different formats of the same ingredients, and some exciting packaging styles. This is always a really interesting category with some lively debate and is often one of our most celebrated categories.
For 2023 we’d love to see more smaller brands entering alongside the larger brands and retailers. And remembering that innovation in the context of this award is broad, it could be a new concept for the free from market, a category leading quality evolution, an innovative use of ingredients or manufacturing techniques, unusual recipes, new ways to deliver health or flavour.
Biotiful Plant-Based Oat Kefir Original £1.86
Smooth, creamy consistency pure, clean, balanced lactic taste - good on its own and perfect for adding to smoothies very slightly coconut flavour which is a bonus simple ingredients deck very good product and wanted to drink it all.
None
Butterm!lk Plant-Powered Caramel Nougat Bar £1.50
Very nice layer distinction smells sweet and vanilla, very nice chew, satisfying to eat. A completely perfect Mars-Bars-a-like! Doesn't feel like a compromise, nice vanilla aftertaste, nice crunch to the chocolate.
Moo Free Choccy Rocks Moofreesas £1.20
Good chocolate flavour and melts well in the mouth good crunchy texture and popcorn flavour - a really tasty product.
None
Soupologie Pea & Leek Soup Souper Cubes £4.90
Very fresh tasting for a frozen cube. Very good idea, nice clean ingredients.
No additional claims
Butterm!lk Plant-Powered Hot Choccy Bombe £3.00
A wonderful bombe with mini marshmallows! Makes a lovely and creamy hot chocolate, had this with both oat and soya milk. Found this to be much creamier and indulgent with oat milk.
Nooj Creamy Almond Paste £3.50
Love the versatility and the taste - reseal with ease - can be used in so many ways - very little graininess and very creamy!
Nudie Snacks Cauliflower Crisps Katsu Curry £0.99
Really tasty - a lovely delicate crips with a meting texture and great balanced spice, which lingers along with a subtle cauliflower flavour.
We Love Cake Caramelicious Salted Caramel & Chocolate Tart £2.50
If you're looking for a free from alternative to a mainstream dessert, this is pretty good! It looks dark, indulgent and inviting and it doesn't disappoint.
No additional claims
Freedom Confectionery Mallows Bites £1.49
A very delicate fruit flavour, enjoyable bitter chocolate. Not too sweet - great that this product is on the market. Brings to mind old fashioned sweet shop sweets! The packaging is quite striking with hints of nostalgia and the portion size is good.
Mighty M.lkology Whole £2.00-£2.50
On the palate this is creamy and a little sweet. It's pleasant. The viscosity is good and like normal milk. There is no obvious taste of pea or oats and it doesn't taste fermented. A subtle sweet vanilla flavour, sweeter and more aromatic than cow's milk but a very good alternative to someone new to milk free milk for cereal and hot drinks.
No additional claims
None
Slightly Different Traditional Pickle £3.95
The flavour is lovely, great balance of sweet and sour and heat, nice sharpness, very tomatoey, FODMAP friendly without onion and garlic and still delivers on taste.
No front of pack free from claims
A small but delightful category, with judges loving moving from an artisan cheese to a chocolate spread within the one session. The story behind the product are really important elements here and really help our judges assess entries.
We’d like to encourage speciality food products of all types here for 2023: anything considered a ‘speciality food’ – e.g. gourmet foods, artisan products, ethnic items, and those which have protected designation of origin status.
Artisan Biscuits Miller's Toast Gluten Free Cranberry & Raisin £4.75
With their wonderfully handcrafted visual these would enhance any cheeseboard. Good distribution of fruit & seeds and a lovely flavour. Nice texture - combination of crisp and crunchy and a nice chew. Nice to see something a bit different – these would appeal whether gluten free or not.
Yummtella £14.50
Loved the crunchiness, both room temperature & straight-out-of-the-fridge - nice nutty texture and quite chocolatey. This feels like a really health-positive version of a very naughty product - can't believe it has no sugar at all, it really fills a gap being sugar free, milk free, palm oil free.
Tyne Chease Marinara £8.95
An intriguing craft cheese with judges loving the texture and the colourful inclusions. It has a lovely flavour and will add real interest to any cheese board.
Zing Foods Mellow Turmeric Spiced Coconut Cooking Oil £5.00
Sponsored for 2022 by
We welcomed a really diverse selection of entries, from a super seeded salad topper and alternatives to nut butters, to a protein bar, brownie & chocolate; all well-considered products that had clearly placed inclusivity at the heart of their development.
We can already say with confidence that the return of this category is most welcome amongst allergic consumers so will be returning for 2023. Our ambition would simply be more to welcome more of the same!
Cocoa Libre Mini Slab Variety Pack £9.99
Fantastic product - luxury nut free chocolate is limited so exciting to see some new flavours. Texture wasn't grainy at all and the flavour was great. These have a nice 'buttery' taste and a mix of textures and flavours. Good hefty chunks that add a luxurious feel and justify the price tag.
The selection of flavours here would appeal to the whole family - something to please all & would make a great gift.
No additional claims
None
Good 4 U Super Seeds Salad Topper £2.00
Great to have a nut free and sesame free seed mix - very hard to find. These tick a clear box in the nut safe space. Diverse & interesting ingredients. Really moreish and tasty, a satisfying eat. Notably lower salt than anticipated given the flavour delivery. Good crunch; these would make a good snack as well as a salad topper - a versatile option.
No additional claims
None
The Happy Snack Company Roasted Chickpeas - Chocolate £3.00
Wonderfully shiny with a great crunch. Lovely texture and the dark chocolate flavour is a nice contrast to the chickpea. They deliver the 'treat' experience as well as being a healthy option. Handy for 'on the go'. A credible alternative to chocolate covered nuts. Clear on pack labelling listing all the allergens they're free from.
None
WowButter £5.00
A really important and useful product. Good in baking. A great alternative to nut butter and addressing a clear gap in the market. A good quality product with a great texture that is the closest approximation to peanut butter. Great to see so many free from claims, these are impressive and worth shouting about.
None
Eunuch Cereal Crunch Brownie £9.99
A delightful treat. The flavour is great, really chocolaty with a good outer crispness and inner gooeyness. Nut free and peanut free cakes/bakes are not easy to find.
Great to see personal experience being drawn in, with an interesting the story behind the product - really lovely to see a nut free baker!
No additional claims
None
Lexi's Plant-Based Protein Bar Double Choc Chip £1.49
Protein bars that are nut free are not easy to find - an instant stand out. Taste was good and the texture delivered - good crisp & chewy.
Oat Avenue Granola Butter Original £5.99
Great to see a nut free, soya free spread, a great product, really tasty and the cinnamon is subtle and doesn't overpower. Lovely, intriguing crunch given no seeds and a great combination of salt and sweet flavours. Versatile - can be used on cereals, yoghurts, in baking, on crackers and bagels. The company appears to go to great lengths to assure - the allergy claims are really reassuring. Top 14 allergen free & no may contains - fantastic!
None
Lexi's Marshmallow & Puffed Rice Crispy Treat Bar £0.99
This category was a little disappointing this year which is reflective of the challenging times, and issues over commercial viability of the more ‘niche’ ready meals. Vegan/plant-based options are sometimes safe for the free from and allergic consumer; if they are a focus for investment and innovation then there is an opportunity to review allergen guidelines and protocols to ensure as many of these as possible are made accessible to the free from and allergic consumers. This doesn’t however address free from consumers choosing to retain meat in their diet; one solution could be to evolve the offer within existing mainstream products & ranges providing simple allergen call-outs on pack.
We keen to evolve this category in 2023 to include both prepared meals & meal kits (ready to cook meals, where the ingredients are raw and will be cooked from scratch but that come in 1-2 or 3-4 person packs).
Co-op Irresistible Aromatic & Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala £4.00
A simple dish made well. A very well composed meal - you can see the fillets of chicken, the sauce is well balanced in flavour and creamy, the rice is good and well-cooked. Super clean ingredients overall, a well balanced eat, a great fakeaway. Lovely spicy aroma and coconut notes. Good flavour profile and lovely pieces of chicken.
No additional claims
None
Tesco Free From Katsu Chicken Curry £3.00
This ticked all the right boxes - good curry notes, rice is cooked well and the chicken coating is nice and crispy. The sauce is nice and punchy. Great free from credentials & a good price.
No additional claims
None
Vada Pow 4 Croquette Tikka Masala £2.99
A very tasty product, clean and not greasy, crispy coating; would make a good snack or party food item served with mango chutney. Really enjoyable. Lovely spice note. Good flavour and seasoning levels. Good price and a welcome innovation.
No front of pack free from claims
No additional claims
None
Wicked Kitchen Big Bros Enchiladas £3.50
Full of flavour and heat - the enchilada was good, with a sizeable serving of veg and an extra bit of kale at the side. A great concept, generous serving, good ingredients.
No additional claims
None
Clive's Purely Plants Organic Broccoli & Pesto Quiche £2.65
Nice look and finish with a premium feel. Well-seasoned and lovely texture - it really works. Broccoli is strong but the pesto could be more punchy. The pastry is short and crumbly which is nice.
No front of pack free from claims
No additional claims
SpiceBox Red Lentil Lime & Coconut Dhal £5.95
Loved the look of this. Perfect texture, with coconut pieces and mustard seeds. Gorgeous lime aroma and a good seasoning level with a lovely subtle taste.
No additional claims
None
Bistro Express Chicken Tikka Masala £2.99
Love Yourself Aromatic Aubergine & Lamb Curry £6.00
No additional claims
None
Tesco Free From Chicken & King Prawn Paella £3.00
No additional claims
None
Sponsored by 
Compliant & effective labelling elevates a product and instils consumer confidence. The labelling of free from food – what to include, what to leave out, whether or not to use PAL/may contain warnings – is a minefield. This award is given to a product whose label is not only clear and compliant, but benchmarks excellence in helping the free from consumer identify safe food. It’s tough to get it right but when you do, the free from consumer sits up & takes note.
The aim of this category is twofold - to recognise and celebrate those that get it right AND also to help those on the journey. And for 2023 we will be returning to Best Labelling for a Free From Product being a supplementary category so if you enter one or more products into one of our food or drink categories you have the option to also enter it here for a nominal fee.
Tesco Free From, Lemon Drizzle Cake Kit, £1.70
The pack labelling is clear to read from a distance and the Free From logos are clearly identifiable on the front as well as the side of the pack. Can't fault the labelling, especially claim for 'milk' free rather than 'dairy' free - well done Tesco! Nice clear font and large text helpful. Great to have both vegan and non-vegan recipes on pack. The labelling reflects the brands intentions and would stand out on a shelf. It s very easy to determine what the product is and purchase.
None
Tesco Free From, Surprise Cupcake Kit, £2.00
Really nice clear front - it's immediately apparent that the mix is free from gluten, wheat, milk and egg. Can't fault the labelling, especially claim for 'milk' free rather than 'dairy' free - well done Tesco! Large text helpful. Great to have both vegan and non-vegan recipes on pack. There is clear information about who to contact.
None
Sponsored by 
Sustainable packaging is no longer a ‘want’, it is a ‘must have’ - but is not always easy to achieve for food products which may contain liquids, may need to be heated in-pack, and must be safe from cross-contamination with other foods.
The judges will be looking for the most innovative, exciting and sustainable packaging format for a freefrom food - in terms of production method, design and / or materials.
Asda Extra Special Free From, Easter Egg Selection, £4.50
The cardboard fitment cleverly holds the product in place and situated away from the external packaging so far less chance of any damages. It has reinforced walls on the interior to keep the eggs from touching the outer cardboard. Great to be a fully recyclable pack given that the standard for Easter eggs is hard plastic shell. Design fits well with the Extra Special range, with great representation of the image on the front of pack (plus high gloss varnish gives good crowd appeal) and what you get inside, pretty spot on for size.
None
Nairn's, Blueberry & Raspberry Chunky Oat Biscuit Breaks, £1.80
Joyful, colourful imagery that stands out on shelf; truthful depiction of biscuits inside plus love the fresh fruit! Good use of tartan design as a nudge to their Scottish heritage. Clever use of space on the carton, incorporating a few different fonts but it's clear and easy to read with lots of good information. Helpful portion-controlled packs. Easy to open.
No additional free from claims
Bay's Kitchen, Mild Korma Stir-in Sauce, £3.95
Lovely sensory textured label - gives an element of grip so useful in kitchen, and is a thicker material than usual with several nice contrasting textures and colours going on! The silver foil stands out and draws attention to key elements. A quality, premium product, great colours. Recyclable glass jar and metal lid.
No additional free from claims
None
Sponsored by 
Digital Presence in the awards book involves both a company’s website and their social media activity – the website for giving basic but vital information about their products, their social media activity for up to date news and generating engagement with their customers. As we are all aware, keeping up to date with both is a full time job so it is not surprising that many companies, especially small companies where time and staff numbers are often in short supply, struggle to keep up.
F2F Events Ltd - The Allergy & Free From Shows
The show’s site really manages to convey the exciting buzz of the live events while offering clear and easy to navigate information about the shows and all who are involved in them. They also felt that the Allergy Show really ‘got it’ about allergy which was very reassuring – champions of the FreeFrom Community.