Foodie Friday | Fudge Kitchen review | AKA The Best Luxury Artisan Fudge in the UK

Need a sweet pick-me-up? Fudge has always been a real nostalgic treat for me and I've been searching for the best fudge in the UK for a while. Guess what? I think I've finally found the holy grail of all luxury, artisan fudge thanks to Fudge Kitchen.

Scattered across six different locations across the UK, Fudge Kitchen has been making handmade fudge since 1983 which is always a good indicator of a successful business in these chaotic times we live in. And when I say handmade, I really do mean handmade; they've gone viral online for showcasing their 'theatre for fudge', where you can see their makers pour incredible mixtures (based on traditional recipes from the 1800's) over Italian marble tables and shape it into the most incredible fudge you'll ever taste in your life.

You'll find Fudge Kitchen in tourist hotspots such as Bath, York, and Edinburgh, and fudge addicts can even book onto courses to learn how to make fudge in their stores. For those not near a bricks and mortar shop, don't despair because you can order Fudge Kitchen online and have it delivered straight to your door. Perfect for birthday gifts and special treats!

Having sampled this holy grail fudge in their Bath store, I had to order some more as soon as I got home. Fashioned into thick slabs (this really is a million miles away from any other kind of fudge I've tried in the past)  and made with only minimal natural ingredients, they have a delectable range of flavours to choose from so there's something for everyone. 

From classic favourites such as Clotted Cream and Sea Salt Caramel, to experimental delights like Sticky Toffee Pudding and Pina Colada, you are truly spoilt for choice. There are also special seasonal additions available throughout the year; Eton Mess is the current one as a celebration for Wimbledon, and I'm happy to say that vegans are catered for as well with Fudge Kitchen's unique vegan recipes.

I highly recommend the 'Build A Box' option which allows you to choose five flavours and arrives beautifully packaged with no plastic. As soon as I opened the package, I could smell the heavenly sweet fragrance of butter and sugar, and I couldn't wait to sample everything!

Chocolate & Orange Vegan Fudge

Chocolate and orange is just one of those classic, to-die-for flavour combinations that I can never get enough of. Here Fudge Kitchen has created a vegan, dairy-free version made from a finely honed sugar-crafting technique that incorporates ingredients such as oats and oat drink to form the base. I have tried some different brands of vegan fudge in the past and I have to admit, they have been disappointing, but it's safe to say that Fudge Kitchen has truly nailed its vegan recipe here with a smooth, dense, creamy texture that doesn't feel bitty or gritty like others do. As expected, this Chocolate Orange Vegan Fudge is a dream come true; not too sweet, very chocolatey and with a good dose of orange mixed in.

Creamy Coffee Fudge

I'm one of those people who doesn't drink coffee but loves the coffee-flavoured things (bizarre I know!), and this Creamy Coffee Fudge hits the spot perfectly. The buttery texture melts in your mouth and the infusion of coffee is strong, but not overpowering if that makes any sense. Absolutely superb and one of my favourite flavours.

Peanut Butter Vegan Fudge

Following on from the success of the Chocolate & Orange Vegan Fudge, my attention quickly turned to the moreish Peanut Butter Vegan Fudge which is another culinary winner. I'm a huge fan of peanut butter so this was an easy choice to win me over with, but again, that unique dairy-free texture is so impressive. I particularly enjoyed the crunchy pieces of peanuts which kept my tastebuds interested with every bite.

Chocolate Swirl Fudge

Imagine a classic clotted cream recipe with a generous swirl of chocolate sauce and real chocolate chunks added and this is what you get. Beautifully buttery and creamy, this one had a slightly softer and subtly chewier texture than the previous flavours, with that insane melt-in-your-mouth quality. This one was very popular with everyone who tried it!

Butter Pecan Fudge

Saving the very best til last, the Butter Pecan Fudge is what sweet dreams are made of. My goodness! This is the flavour that I sampled in their Bath store, so of course I had to purchase another slab of it because the first one didn't last long! Butter Pecan is just sublime with a rich, nutty flavour, coupled with caramel, sugar and butter, and a dense, yet slightly crumbly texture. Heaven on earth right here.

Fudge Kitchen's Build A Box costs £20 for five thick slabs plus shipping - order online & discover more sweet treats at fudgekitchen.co.uk

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Foodie Friday | Crazy Bastard Hot Sauce review

Calling all my fellow hot sauce fans, this post is especially for you! Add lots of flavour and that all-important HEAT to your favourite dishes with these tasty offerings from Crazy Bastard Hot Sauce.

Hot sauce is one of those essentials that you'll always find in my fridge. In fact, you'll always find a mighty fine selection to choose from; I believe at last count, I had at least nine or ten different bottles opened! #sorrynotsorry

If hot sauce also equals life in your household, keep on scrolling to read more about Crazy Bastard Hot Sauce - my latest condiment obsession.

With its bright and colourful packaging and neat small glass bottles, Crazy Bastard Hot Sauce has got their branding on point. Needless to say, these award-winning hot sauces have gone from strength to strength since starting out back in 2013. Handmade with the utmost attention to flavour and that delicious heat, this small brand is based in Berlin and has been a firm favourite at the USA World Hot Sauce Awards and Britain's very own Great Taste Awards.

What sets Crazy Bastard Hot Sauce apart from the competition is the team's passion and dedication to bringing interesting flavour combinations to life, and their mission is to set your tastebuds on fire, one hot sauce at a time! 

With only the best high-quality ingredients and no additives, preservatives or sugar in their sauces, it's easy to see why Crazy Bastard Hot Sauce has grown so much in popularity over the past few years. 

Let's take a closer look at some of their bestselling flavours!

Like all well-rounded hot sauce brands, there is a wide range of flavours and different levels of heat to suit everyone; from those who just like a little kick of the hot stuff on their chips, to the serious chilli connoisseurs, you'll find something that's right for you.

Jalapeño & Date gets the party started with the lowest level of heat and the perfect balance of Jalapeños and Dates to give it a little sweetness. This is the kind of sauce that you can use on pretty much anything and everything. Scoville rating 3,000 SHU

Scotch Bonnet & Caribbean Spices offers a medium heat level with a zesty blend of Scotch Bonnets, Caribbean Spices, Garlic and Ginger. Usually, I'm not the biggest fan of Scotch Bonnets but this sauce is something different and very special from others that I've tried with no bitterness at all. Scoville rating 7,000 SHU

Chipotle & Pineapple is a really unique hot sauce with lots of smoky flavours, ideal for drizzling over grilled meats and veggies. Again, the Pineapple provides just enough sweetness to make it incredibly addictive! Scoville rating 10,000 SHU 

Habanero & Tomatillo is perhaps my personal favourite. This hot sauce is just utterly moreish with a bold flavour profile thanks to Habernero Chillies and ultra tangy Tomatillos. Scoville rating 25,000 SHU

Ghost Pepper & Mango leads the way to the hotter end of the chilli spectrum. Made with Bhut Jolokia Ghost Chillies and juicy Mangoes, it will add some serious heat to your favourite dishes and truly packs a punch! Scoville rating 30,000 SHU

Trinidad Scorpion & Clementine is one of the most unusual hot sauces that I have ever tried. Crafted with fiery Trinidad Scorpion Chillies and sweet Clementines, it's another great example of how to make a hot sauce that's tasty and complex, but without any bitterness or weird aftertaste. Scoville rating 50,000 SHU

Carolina Reaper & Blueberry is described as a 'flavour bomb' and well, that sums it up perfectly! Made with the world's hottest Carolina Reaper chilli peppers, the touch of Blueberries helps to balance out the flavour and surprisingly, it works beautifully. Scoville rating 65,000 SHU

Superhot Naga, not recommended for the faint of heart, this fermented creation is one of three different 'superhot' flavours which represent the brand's 'hottest ever sauces'. They're certainly not joking either. Made with a hell of a lot of Naga Bhut Jolokia Chillies, you'll also find White Wine Vinegar, Ginger, Garlic, Onion Powder, Madras Curry Powder and a touch of Salt in this complex but tasty blend. Add a little to your homemade curries/stir-fries/stews when you want to feel the burn! Scoville rating 250,000 SHU

Discover the full range at crazybsauce.co.uk

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Foodie Friday | Lazy Day Rocky Road & Salted Caramel Crispies review | Vegan & Gluten Free Treats

TGIF anyone?! It feels like it's been such a long week, so it's no wonder that I've been craving a little sweet treat to kickstart the weekend with. These vegan and gluten-free goodies from Lazy Day have arrived at just the right time!

Whether you have specific food allergies or a certain intolerance to a common ingredient such as milk or gluten, you can rest assured that Lazy Day has got your back. Hand-baked with love in their very own dedicated allergen-friendly bakery, Lazy Day is one of the most trusted brands on the free from market when you want a delicious treat.

Lazy Day's yummy baked delights are gluten-free, egg-free, milk-free, vegan-friendly, and produced in a nut-free site. I was delighted to try out two of their popular tray-bake style bites; Rocky Road and Salted Caramel Crispies.

Lazy Day Rocky Road* (150g, 5 slices, £2.65)

Rocky Road is such a childhood classic snack of mine, and it's something that I enjoy making myself when I have a free Saturday morning. However, as life has been super busy lately, it's been so convenient to find a tasty ready-made version that I can easily pick up from the supermarket - win-win! 

Lazy Day's Rocky Road is an indulgent treat that's made with a luscious Belgian dark chocolate ganache base. It features the classic chunky pieces of shortbread that you'd expect, coupled together with crispy puffed rice which adds an interesting texture, and topped with squishy pink mini marshmallows. Yum! This is a great little snack to have with a cup of tea or coffee.

Lazy Day Salted Caramel Crispies* (150g, 5 slices, £2.65)

I'm a big fan of anything that's Salted Caramel flavoured and I just love crispy rice squares so naturally, I knew that I was going to enjoy these moreish Salted Caramel Crispies when I saw the box. Like the Rocky Road, you'll find five individually portioned slices/pieces inside which keep well in an airtight container if you're not sharing them out in the office. Coincidentally, if you are bringing these to the office, you're going to need a couple of packs minimum, just saying!

These have a bit of a Millionaire vibe going on, but instead of shortbread at the bottom, there's a crunchy base of sticky rice crispies which I love. On top of that is a thick layer of gooey caramel, followed by a generous coating of real dark Belgian chocolate to finish it off. I found these to be very, very sweet so one piece was plenty to satisfy my sweet tooth, but they are incredibly moreish and addictive.

Available from various stockists including Sainsbury's and Waitrose. Shop the full range at lazydayfoods.com

Have you tried any of the vegan and gluten-free sweet snacks from Lazy Day?

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Foodie Friday | BRAVE Crunchy Peas | Great Taste Award Winning Healthy Vegan Snacks review

Say hello to the delicious, healthy, plant-based crunchy snack that you need to have in your bag or desk drawer. Meet BRAVE Crunchy Peas; my latest snack obsession to help beat those 3pm energy crashes.

Snacks are an essential part of my daily diet, so much so, that I love nothing more than discovering new snack options when I'm at the supermarket or health food store. Although not a new creation, BRAVE burst onto the healthy snacks market a couple of years ago and has been snapping up Great Taste Awards ever since, so I thought it was time to give them a go.

The overall aim of BRAVE is to promote healthy snacks as an alternative to the dreaded energy 'crash', This is where you're caught in a vicious cycle of craving unhealthy sugary snacks, end up eating said sugary or high carb snacks, suffer spikes in your blood sugar, and then miserably experience an energy/blood sugar levels crash until the craving/cycle begins again. Not only is this bad in the short term by leaving you feeling hungry and tired, but in the long term it can lead to weight gain and Type 2 Diabetes. It's not fun whichever way you look at it!

Help is on hand from BRAVE though as their snacks are formulated to be 'clean energy' for your body, so they won't make you crash and don't mess up your blood sugar levels. Instead, you can enjoy munching on healthy snacks that keep you fuller for longer, provide you with long-lasting energy and give you better mental focus and clarity. 

Each pack of BRAVE Crunchy Peas provides around 133 calories, 7g of plant-based protein to keep you satiated, and 7g of fiber for a happy gut. The tasty Yellow Split Peas are roasted so you get a really satisfying crunchy texture. With flavours such as Sea Salt & Vinegar, Paprika & Chilli and Sour Cream & Chive, you could easily swap these for your regular pack of crisps and not really miss out! For sweet tooth fans, they also have the super moreish Chocolate & Salted Caramel flavour which is definitely a must-try.

BRAVE Crunchy Peas* available from various stockists or shop online at bravefoods.co.uk

What are your favourite healthy snacks?

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Foodie Friday | Jamu Wild Water review | Sparkling Natural Water Drinks

Natural, zero sugar, and ultra-refreshing, sparkling water soft drinks are definitely having a moment right now. Jamu Wild Water is one such brand that's leading the way and is helping kids to reconnect with nature at the same time.

Whilst I'm an avid tea and general still water fan, there's something about a healthy fizzy drink that often hits the spot. I love kombucha and all the gut-friendly sodas out there, but I decided to try something different recently when I spotted Jamu Wild Water at my local health food store.

Frustrated by the lack of properly healthy soft drinks that are aimed at young people, husband and wife team Patrick and Tahi decided to create Jamu Wild Water. The idea was to create a drink that the whole family could enjoy that was entirely free from sugar, artificial colours, preservatives, and sweeteners. 

Infused with British-grown botanicals, added vitamins and minerals, plus prebiotic fiber for a healthy gut, Jamu Wild Water is also on a mission to help reconnect young people with nature, something that many feel has been lost over the past generation due to the growth of tech products and a lack of access to green spaces. To help to fix this problem, Jamu gives 10% of its sales to rewilding projects through its Wild Kids schemes which aims to promote an eco-friendly movement to actively encourage families to connect with and protect nature by spending more time outdoors. You can find out more here.

So what does Jamu Wild Water taste like? There are currently three flavours to choose from and of course, I had to try them all!

Natural Sparkling Lemon is a 2022 award-winner and this one is a super easy switch for kids who love their lemonade drinks. It has all the vibrancy and zest of a high quality lemonade but without all the sugar. Instead, there's a little natural sweetener from Stevia and Erythritol included, and each can provides 38% RDA of Vitamin C and Zinc, alongside extracts of Dandelion and Nettle.

Natural Sparkling Raspberry is another award-winner with extracts of Elderberry and Marshmallow. It shares the same natural sweeteners and Vitamin C and Zinc quantities, plus the prebiotic fiber which is found in all the Jamu drinks. Very fruity and refreshing.

Natural Sparkling Blood Orange is my personal favourite and this one is particularly juicy and bursting with summery citrus vibes! Again it has the same natural sweetners etc, but is boosted by the superstar immune helper Echinacea so it's a great one to try if you have a cold or are feeling under the weather.

Subscribe & save at jamuwildwater.co.uk

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Foodie Friday: Hip Pop Organic Kombucha review #GutHealth

 

With so many brands of kombucha on the market, health-conscious consumers are truly spoilt for choice so I would always recommend shopping from the huge variety of smaller indie brands. One such brand that I've fallen in love with is Hip Pop.

What Is Kombucha?

First things first though, if you have heard the name kombucha, but don't actually know what it is or you haven't tried it before, here's a quick rundown. Kombucha is the name for fermented tea that's naturally sparkling. It's been around for a long time, with some estimates suggesting 2,000 years with its origins coming from China. 

Why Is Kombucha Healthy?

Kombucha is made by brewing tea, usually black tea, with sugar and allowing it to ferment with the 'mother', or a SCOBY. This is a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast that contains lots of prebiotics, probiotics, antioxidants & enzymes which are useful for keeping the gut healthy. And don't worry about the sugar content; the sugar is only needed to 'feed' the healthy bacteria, so by the time it's fermented, the kombucha drink will actually be low in sugar.

Why Is Hip Pop Kombucha Different?

As I mentioned earlier, the kombucha drinks market has exploded in recent years and the choice out there is simply astounding, plus it's a fun and interesting process to 'brew your own booch' at home too (I do this pretty regularly!). Hip Pop is brewed in small batches on a farm in Cheshire, in a traditional craft way (similar to artisan beers and ciders). It's also one of the few brands in the world which use a bacteria called Bacillus Coagulans which has undergone specific scientific studies to assess its natural gut-friendly properties, so you can be assured that there are plenty of live cultures in each can/bottle of their kombucha.

Hip Pop has a range of award-winning flavours available and all of their products are vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and dairy-free. They only use natural ingredients so you get a really lovely fresh and authentic taste with no added sweeteners.

Apple & Elderflower

This one is the closest to what most people would describe as a 'tangy Appletiser' but without all the sugar. The subtle floral hint of Elderflower compliments the apple flavour perfectly.

Blueberry & Ginger

If you love blueberries and ginger, then, of course, you will love this. Delicately fruity with a subtle kick of ginger to liven up your tastebuds.

Strawberry & Pineapple

For those who are new to kombucha, I would recommend trying this flavour first as it's the one which is the least tangy in my opinion and tastes the most similar to a healthy fruity soft drink.

Ginger & Yuzu

A truly unique and interesting flavour, this is a strong and citrusy drink that's incredibly refreshing with a good balance of sour tanginess and fiery ginger notes.

Shop the full range at drinkhippop.com

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Foodie Friday: Staying In With Tails Cocktails: Passion Fruit Martini & Espresso Martini Cocktails review

 

Have you heard the latest? Staying in is the new going out, again! As the cost of living crisis bites, many of us are already cutting back on our social spending and going back to entertaining at home with our nearest and dearest, or simply enjoying a cozy weekend at home in front of the telly. This can often involve some cheeky drinks, so why not make it a little more special, without breaking the bank, with Tails Cocktails?

I first spotted Tails Cocktails on Instagram and as I've always loved the convenience of ready-mixed cocktails, I thought I'd give them a go! 

What attracted me to them the most was that they use the award-winning 42 Below Vodka which is used in bars across the world, so you're getting a premium-tasting drink with each serving. Both cocktails below are 14.9% vol strength. Preparing these cocktails couldn't be simpler; just measure 125ml per drink, add to a cocktail shaker with some ice, shake and pour - easy! Use your fanciest glasses and add a garnish for a finishing touch if desired.

Tails Cocktails Passion Fruit Martini Cocktail (50cl, £15)

Summer feels like it ended such a long time ago but you can bring those sunshine vibes back into your living room with everyone's favourite Passion Fruit Martini Cocktail. This fruity and zingy little number is bursting with tropical citrusy flavour and a hint of sweet vanilla to help balance it out. Wonderfully smooth, it tastes like a tropical dream that's reminiscent of a melted Solero - absolutely delicious! The vodka adds a satisfying kick but it's not too overwhelmingly strong, I thought it was spot on. I finished it off with half a passion fruit as standard.

Tails Cocktails Espresso Martini Cocktail (50cl, £15)

If I could only drink one cocktail for the rest of my life, it would probably be an Espresso Martini. I've tried so many different brands and concoctions and they all have their own little quirk and differences in flavour. However, I'd say Tails is a pretty damn good example of this classic drink. Like its Passion Fruit sister above, the Espresso Martini is wonderfully silky smooth with a nice frothy head; it goes down a treat put it that way! The premium espresso coffee used is the perfect match with the 42 Below Vodka and this one definitely tastes stronger than the Passion Fruit. Very yummy!

Overall Thoughts

If you're looking for some premium-ready mixed cocktails, you really can't go wrong with the quality from Tails Cocktails, and if you were wearing a blindfold, you honestly wouldn't be able to tell that they weren't served straight from an expensive bar. Each bottle contains around four servings which works out at only £3.75 per drink and there's no need for an expensive taxi home either! Save yourself some money and enjoy a weekend in.

Tails Cocktails are available from various stockists including Waitrose and Ocado

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Foodie Friday: Doughlicious Dough Chi - Blueberry Frozen Yoghurt & Vegan Chocolate Truffle review (a Gluten-Free alternative to Mochi!)

 

So you've probably already tried the popular Mochi Ice Cream (those Tik-Tok famous delicious balls of ice cream wrapped in glutinous rice), but have tried Dough Chi? This gluten-free alternative to Mochi is just as delicious, and the perfect new treat for your bank holiday weekend!

I first saw Doughlicious Dough Chi on offer on the Ocado app recently, and already being a big fan of Mochi Ice Cream, I decided that I had to see what this mini dessert was like. 

I couldn't quite picture what it would taste like in my head - would it melt quickly and go soft, or would the cookie dough keep it firm? My interest was piqued and I added two flavours to my next online shop.

What is Dough Chi?

Dough Chi by Doughlicious are small flavoured ice cream balls that are wrapped in a layer of cookie dough. They're free from GMOs, gluten and palm-oil. Depending on which flavour you get, they're roughly around 100 or so calories and around 5g of fat per ball so not bad macro-wise if you want a sweet treat after a meal.

First impressions
Packaged in a similar fashion to ice cream mochi, Dough Chi comes in packs of six. Straight out of the freezer they are quite hard as you'd expect with a powdered coating - I'd recommend leaving them out for a minute or so to soften at room temperature.

Flavours & Tasting

Doughlicious have a small range of flavours to choose from including Blueberry Frozen Yoghurt, Dulce de Leche, to Birthday Cake and straight-up Chocolate. Everything is suitable for vegetarians and there are two flavours that are dairy-free and vegan-friendly (Chocolate Truffle and Chocolate Chip).

I tried the Blueberry Frozen Yoghurt which to me, has strong cheesecake vibes; in fact it was very much like eating small balls of frozen blueberry cheesecake! The cookie dough coating was a little gritty, but I liked how it wasn't overly sweet. By contrast, I found the vegan Chocolate Truffle to be much richer and more decadent - this flavour was pure chocolate heaven with a much smoother cookie dough layer. Like the Blueberry Dough Chi, the focus was less on the sweet side and more on the rich dark cocoa flavours. Yum!

Overall thoughts

Although these are an expensive dessert at £4.50 per pack, I'd definitely pick up the vegan Chocolate Truffle flavour again the next time I saw it on offer and it's great to see more high-quality gluten-free desserts on the market.

Discover Doughlicious Dough-Chi at ocado.com

Have you found any new desserts that you're loving lately?

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Foodie Friday: Look, Stop, Swap Box review from Dr. Wills & Friends

 

We all know that we should be eating a lot less sugar, but sometimes it's overwhelming when you're in the supermarket and looking at the labels of everything that you normally buy. Sugar seems to be everything! Luckily, Dr. Will's has made life somewhat easier with his Look, Stop, Swap Box, which has been curated with some yummy food and drink swaps to get you started.

Obesity continues to be one of the biggest health problems facing our society, and childhood obesity, in particular, has been increasing in the UK. Recent statistics show that one in five children will now be overweight by the time they start school, and this figure rises to one in three when they reach the age of 10 years. 

Dr. Will's is one such medical professional who has seen firsthand the damaging health effects of obesity, so much so, that he's been leading the charge with educating parents about the dangers of sugar. As a doctor, dad and co-founder of Dr. Will's, he has joined forces with other like minded brands to curate a Look, Stop, Swap Box, as well as publishing a whitepaper which you can read here.

Here's what's inside the box (all products are full size!):-

Dr. Will's All Natural Tomato Ketchup

Let's start with Dr. Will's' very own All Natural Tomato Ketchup. A 2020 Great Taste Award winner, this ketchup is naturally sweetened with just 3.5 dates, versus the staggering 19 cubes of white sugar that's found in mainstream ketchup brands! Not only does this bring down the calories, but it still tastes sweet and is packed full of juicy vine-ripened tomatoes. Vegan and keto friendly, this ketchup is also gluten-free.

Tweek Fruity Fresh Gummies

Sweets are of course usually always loaded with sugar so these Tweek Fruity Fresh Gummies are a delicious alternative. Made with 95% less sugars and 45% less calories, they are high in fibre and full of natural fruit flavours. The texture of them is a little harder, yet they're still a very satisfying fruity sweet when you have those cravings for something for chewy. It's worth noting however that they do contain bovine gelatine which makes them unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans unfortunately.

Spoon Granola Cinnamon + Pecan

Eating sugary cereals has been proven to mess up your metabolism so a swap to a sugar-free breakfast is a wise one! I absolutely love this Spoon Granola which is high in fibre, vegan friendly and gluten-free. It tastes just like homemade granola with chunky pieces of pecans, crispy coconut bits and a moreish sprinkling of cinnamon. You won't find any refined sugar in here, just a little natural maple and date Syrup.

Manilife Original Roast Crunchy Peanut Butter

Another easy swap is peanut butter and there are now so many brands of natural peanut butters out there which are sugar free. For one that has a real rich depth of flavour, you can't go wrong with Manilife Original Roast Crunchy Peanut Butter. It's made simply from just two ingredients; hi-oleic peanuts and a sprinkling of salt, that's it. This peanut butter is seriously god-tier stuff, no wonder it won a Great Taste Award back in 2019! 

Well & Truly Crunchies Banging BBQ + The Curators Original Salted Pork Puffs

Next up, I found two bags of savoury snacks. I don't think many people realise just how much sugar is hidden in regular packets of crisps, but once you start to check the backs of those packets, it's quite eye-opening. Instead, why not try Well & Truly Crunchies Banging BBQ - a tasty baked corn snack that's under 150 calories per bag and 40% less fat than similar snacks. It's also all-natural, vegan and gluten-free.

Meat eaters will no doubt enjoy The Curators Original Salted Pork Puffs which boasts 18g of protein and 134 calories per bag. Handmade in the UK, they are a lighter alternative to pork scratchings.

Nix & Kix Sparkling Mango Ginger Drink

The last product is a can of Nix & Kix Sparkling Mango Ginger Drink which helps to represent the big wide world of sugar-free drinks that's only growing in popularity as people cut down on their sugar intake. 100% natural, this drink has a refreshing and fruity flavour of mango and ginger, with a little zingy kick to it thanks to a pinch of cayenne.

Dr. Will's Look, Stop, Swap Box is currently on sale for a bargain £6 with free delivery! Buy your box online whilst stocks last at dr-wills.com

Are you actively cutting down on your daily sugar intake?

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Foodie Friday: Chocolate with Health Benefits from The Wizards Magic

 

Chocolate, glorious, chocolate! Who doesn't love indulging in a bar of chocolate? Well, how about if that bar of chocolate had health benefits? Yes, really! The Wizards Magic have just done that and waved their magic wands over their amazing bars of yummy chocolate!

Based in York, England, The Wizards Magic has created a scrumptious chocolate bar brand with a difference. Their USP is that their chocolate has superpowers; well, OK, not exactly superpowers per se, but certain health benefits that one might not be accustomed to finding in a bar of regular chocolate.

At the heart of their business is a core of ethical sourcing that works with the Cocoa Horizons Foundation to ensure that West African cocoa farmers are protected and supported financially and within their communities. The cocoa beans are then shipped off to Belgium to be crafted into some of the finest bars by expert chocolatiers. 

But back to the magical health benefits...

The Wizards Magic has a range of clinically approved chocolate bars that helps to boost immunity, thanks to the addition of carefully chosen essential oils and superfoods such as Vitamin K2, Vitamin D3, and Coenzyme Q10. 

Ever curious, I tried two of these bars in the Orange and Caramel flavours; both of which tasted like luxury, high quality milk chocolate. There's definitely a subtle 'tang' to them which I assume is the added vitamins etc, but it doesn't distract from the smooth milkiness of the chocolate which melts in your mouth, and I particularly enjoyed the Caramel flavour which was decadently rich and almost truffle-like.

In addition to the Immunity chocolates, The Wizards Magic has chocolate infused with other superfoods like CBD, Lions Mane, Manuka Honey, Wolf Berry and more. 

Dairy-free or vegan? There are some excellent plant-based, dairy-free chocolates available too such as the Orange flavour above (these are packaged in green card to help customers distinguish them from the rest of the range), however, I must point out that these sadly lack the added health benefits. That said, they are some of the best vegan chocolate that I've tried with a base of silky smooth rice milk and a velvety texture.

Shop the full range at thewizardsmagic.com

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Foodie Friday: Mr. Popple's Chocolate review - Raw, Organic, Vegan & Ethical #GiftGuide

 

Calling all fellow chocoholics - this post is especially for you! Dive into the scrumptious world of Mr. Popple's Chocolate and discover some of the best raw, organic, and vegan chocolate that I've ever had the pleasure of trying.

Chocolate is, of course, a very easy product to review, but it's not always the easiest to shop for these days. With increasing awareness about child labour, slavery and environmental destruction being linked to the process of making chocolate, it's more important than ever to make ethical choices for both people and the planet.

This is why I'm pleased to feature Mr. Popple's Chocolate as the first addition to my Christmas Gift Guide for 2021!

Why You Should Buy Mr. Popple's Chocolate

Mr. Popple's Chocolate is a proper bean-to-bar chocolate that's handcrafted using raw Criolla Cacao which is fairly traded in partnership with a local farmer's co-op in Peru. Not only is the cacao sustainably grown in the Amazon rainforest where no trees are cut down to farm it, but it's also higher in antioxidants and polyphenols than the leading dark chocolate brands (as tested by Oxford Brookes University).  

Using high-quality organic ingredients, the bars are handmade without any cheap refined sugars or fats, instead letting the flavour of the raw cacao do all the talking. A little sweetness is added with low GI Yacon Syrup or Coconut Blossom Sugar, so this chocolate is great for those who are keeping an eye on their sugar levels.

Mr. Popple's Chocolate is completely plant-based and free from the top 14 allergens including dairy, soya, gluten and nuts which means it can be enjoyed by everyone. 

That's not all! These chocolate bars are wrapped in plastic-free compostable packaging and are free from palm oil to be kinder to the planet.

There are currently seven different flavours in the main range to explore plus some special limited edition bars. Personally, I'm not much of a fan of dark chocolate, but if you are, Mr. Popple's have 88% and 100% raw chocolate bars available for those who like the really dark stuff. 

Signature Seventy

Mr Popple's original raw chocolate sensation, the Signature Seventy is 70% raw cacao, sweetened with Yacon Syrup and a touch of creamy Lucuma Fruit. It's as dark as I like my chocolate to be, and has a wonderful rich quality to it.

Dark Mylk

For something creamier but that still possesses that rich dark quality, the Dark Mylk bar is a real treat. A combination of Hemp and Rice Milks has been added to 61% raw cacao with a little golden Coconut Sugar for a truly indulgent result.

Creamy Mylk

Gloriously smooth and silky, the Creamy Mylk is one of those vegan chocolates where you have to double-check the packet just to make sure it doesn't contain any dairy as it tastes so similar to the real thing. With 43% raw cacao, this one has a proper moreish mouthfeel and it's the perfect choice for those who enjoy high-quality raw chocolate but prefer something milkier and sweeter.

Pumpkin Spice

A special limited-edition flavour, Pumpkin Spice is an additive blend of 43% raw cacao with a cosy mix of Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg and Cloves layered over creamy Hemp and Rice milks. I love seasonal flavours like this so stock up and pop them into your Santa stockings!

Euphoric Orange

Back to the darker quantities, Euphoric Orange is a festive choice for this time of the year with 70% raw cacao, Sweet Orange Oil and a little Yacon Syrup and another personal favourite of mine.

Uplifting Mint

To round off, I had to include Uplifting Mint which in my opinion is equally as festive as chocolate orange. It has a similar composition with 70% raw cacao and an interesting twist of Lime that fits nicely with the Mint Oil.

Mr. Popple's Chocolate Bars* (pictured above are 35g bars, £2.19 each) are available from mrpoppleschocolate.co.uk

Are you buying chocolate treats this year?

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Foodie Friday: Introducing Flower & White - Delicious Fairtrade & Vegetarian, Sweet Treats Under 100 Calories

 

Here's an extra special Foodie Friday post this week just for my lovely vegetarian readers, let me introduce you to the blissfully sweet world of Flower & White!

Every now and then, there's a brand that pops up that ticks all of the right boxes when I'm looking for something to satisfy my massive sweet tooth, and Flower & White have exceeded all of my expectations in this area.

Based in Telford in nearby Shropshire, this independent business has grown from humble beginnings making giant Swiss meringues in a shed, to being a hugely successful brand with stockists selling their yummy products across the UK.

Their USP? Making delicious chocolate-covered meringue bars that are wholly indulgent, but which come in at under 100 calories. They're suitable for vegetarians, made from only natural ingredients with no artificial colours, flavours, additives, E-numbers or preservatives, and they're also gluten-free. Take all of my money now!

That's not all though. Flower & White are an ethical brand in every sense of the word. The egg whites used to create their melt-in-the-middle fillings are all free-range, and they use fairtrade ingredients to ensure that farmers are paid properly. To help the environment, all of their products are made without palm oil and their packaging is made from 100% recyclable paper.

Coveted for their original chocolate-covered meringue bars, these are currently available in five different mouth-watering flavours so you can take your pick from Lemon Meringue, Chocolate Crunch, Raspberry Crumble, Hazelnut Praline and Salted Caramel. 

The rich flavour and creaminess of the chocolate perfectly compliments that light and airy meringue filling which really does melt in your mouth. Each bar is just 95 calories, yet they are so sweet and satisfying that you won't feel like you've eaten a typical low-calorie bar.

It's easy to fall in love with these sweet treats, and whilst the bars are the ideal serving size for one person, Flower & White also sell larger 75g pouches of mini meringue bites in all of the above flavours so you can share them with friends and family. They'll be a crowd-pleaser at your next get-together for sure! Like the bars, the pouches are also made from 100% recyclable paper packaging and each bite comes in at just 26 calories.

Shop the full range at flowerandwhite.co.uk

Are you a fan of meringues?

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