Free from foods have had a bad rep in the past. Most people following special diets, be they lactose intolerant, coeliac or a nut allergy sufferer, will have stories of dry, rubbery bread and cakes, unusual tasting biscuits, and sour plant-based cheeses.
Thankfully the tide is turning, with a number of really excellent brands putting the work into developing products that tick all the right boxes on the allergen front, while delivering satisfying, moreish flavours and textures.
The Great British Food Awards judging panel in the Free From category were surprised and delighted by the leaps and bounds made in the industry, finding everything sampled truly delicious, handing out awards to four brands. Watch the video to learn more about them.
Belle Vue Tea Room, Jan's Generously Spiced Bara Brith (Gold): Made in Wales at the very popular tearoom, this dairy-free loaf was a huge hit with everyone who tried it. Absolutely packed with juicy fruit, steeped in a chai spiced syrup, and with a moist texture. A real cut-and-come-again cake.
PureOaty Choco Chip Granola (Gold), PureOaty Granola and Maple & Banana Granola (Silver): Grown and packed sustainably at Glebe Farm, each variety of this gluten free granola had a decent crunch (without being too hard), wasn't too sweet, and delivered a really good flavour.
Bubbling Stove Decadent Dark Chocolate Brownie (Gold): Some of the best brownies the judges have ever eaten. Gluten free and made in small batches, they had the perfect combination of crispy, chewy crust, and rich, fudgy, chocolatey middle. Judges could really taste the quality of the ingredients, including a generous dose of real vanilla.
Suma Wholefoods Casarecce Oat Pasta (Silver): Gluten free pasta has had a tendency, in the past, to turn to mush when cooking, while delivering a pappy flavour. That's not the case with Suma's newest product range. This oat pasta, made traditionally using the bronze die method, retained bite and texture, its ridges holding sauces beautifully. The flavour was noted too, as being nutty, wholesome and full.
