I know it’s just July, but June was a busy month, so here are some fabulous new products I discovered for you last month.
A Good Spread from Bertolli
The folk at Bertolli, famed for its olive oil spreads, have launched a delicious new spread -with Butter and Olive Oil.
It’s a delicious blend of just four ingredients: dairy butter (57%), olive oil (23%), a splash of water and a pinch of salt (no seed oils like many other brands). It has been specifically developed to deliver a rich, creamy texture with a smooth buttery flavour, making it a versatile ingredient for cooking, baking and spreading. It’s really good and ideal for this hot weather as it spreads straight from the fridge.
Available from Tesco at £4.50 for a 400g tub.
A Matcha Feast from Forest Feast
If, like me, you love the flavour of matcha, then check out these: Forest Feast and PerfectTed have joined forces to launch Matcha Chocolate Almonds.
This is a new indulgent snack that provides the perfect mid-afternoon pick me up. They are enrobed whole roasted almonds in a Belgian white chocolate coating, blended with PerfectTed’s high quality matcha.
Forest Feast’s new Matcha Chocolate Almonds are available in Sainsbury’s, Tesco and online at forestfeast.com RRP £3.95 (120g) / £1.45 (40g).
Be warned though, as they are so deliciously moreish.
A Big Drink from Little Rick
Little Rick makes hemp-powered CBD drinks that taste good and help you wind down after work, spark your creativity or just elevate a night with friends.
Available in four flavours: Raspberry Coconut ( rich coconut creaminess with a raspberry kick); Mint & Lime ( more citrus, more chill – a mojito-inspired calm with bite and freshness); Raspberry Lemonade (a sharper raspberry bite with citrus sparkle – built for a juicy, heady calm) and Piña (a stronger wave of pineapple sweetness and island vibes, wrapped in a smooth, chill finish.)
Available from Brewery Market in Church Street, Twickers and online at littlerick.co.uk I’d suggest trying the 12 can mixed pack, to decide on your favourite.
Desi Delicious Curry Snacks
Curry Smugglers is a range of Desi snacks, featuring bold, spicy South Asian flavours. They drew inspiration from the street food culture and are presented in unique beer can packaging.
Each is carefully seasoned and provides a fresh take on traditional snacks. Bombay Mix, Masala Corn, Pakora and Chakli were launched by 1st generation British Asians, Steve & Ruby, The name celebrates Steve’s mum, who was caught red-handed bringing spices into 1970s Britain, when HP Sauce was considered spicy.
Top ingredients, Kent-based production and 100% recyclable, planet-friendly aluminium beer cans make them a fun addition to the pre curry supper or picnic.
Try the four-can mixed case for just under £10 from currysmugglerss.co
Little Indulgences from Bonne Maman
Those clever people at Bonne Maman have come up with another great idea: Petits Biscuits.
The range is available in Framboise Sésame and Chocolat Caramel. Petits Biscuits Framboise Sésame are a moreish biscuit, combining the subtle texture and flavour of lightly toasted sesame seeds (for a satisfying crunch) with a soft and fruity raspberry filling. Perfect with a cup of tea or as a little afternoon treat, each bag contains approximately 13 biscuits.
Petits Biscuits Chocolat Caramel offers indulgent melting caramel topped with a layer of crunchy milk chocolate and sprinkled with little nougatine pieces, in a crisp and buttery pastry case. Each bag contains approximately 11 biscuits. T
hese irresistible little treats are available in Waitrose at £2.25 per 150g bag and are perfect for picnics or packed lunches…and those who, like me, are trying to lose weight but enjoy a sweet indulgence.
Seven Heaven Chocolate
Talking of sweet indulgences, don’t forget chocolate. And Divine, the only chocolate brand co-owned by farmers, has new-look packaging featuring colourful, premium designs celebrating the many hands and hearts that go into making each bar.
If you’re a dark chocolate lover, this special Dark Chocolate Lover’s bundle is perfect for you (and maybe you could bring yourself to share it? 😆). It comprises seven chocolate bars from the Divine range:70% Dark; 70% Dark with Raspberries; 70% Dark with Ginger & Orange; 60% Dark with Pink Himalayan Salt; 70% Dark with Mint Crisp; Dark with Hazelnut Truffle and 68% Dark with Fruit & Nut.
It will take you on a taste journey and even comes with a leaflet with tasting notes for you to savour every flavour and bite. £29.99 from divinechocolate.com
A Cool White
This summer I’m really missing my regular trips to Spain, and one of my favourite Spanish wines is available in the Tesco Finest range: Viñas del Rey Albariño.
It won a silver medal last year in the International Wine Challenge, so you know it’s fabulous.
It’s an elegant wine, with aromas of apricot, honeysuckle and notes of fresh grapefruit and mandarin. £12 a bottle.
A New Kind of Sparkle: Rioja
Still on Spanish favourites, I tried my first sparkling Rioja recently…and it was fab.
Alegro Sparkling Rioja is a lively, fruit-forward sparkling wine that brings a fresh, contemporary twist to the traditional Rioja. It’s vibrant and refreshing, bursting with stone fruit and citrus, as well as notes of toasted brioche. It’s an ideal partner for Spanish tapas and fresh grilled seafood, and also a fantastic go-to at celebratory moments.
It’s normally great value at £12 a bottle, but it’s currently on offer in Tesco at just £10 for Clubcard holders. My advice: stock up now.
Bella Bélena
The award-winning Australian wine brand Calabria has just landed in Asda with the launch of Bélena Rosé (60% Pinot Grigio, 25% Viognier, 15% mixed reds) and Bélena Pinot Grigio (!00% Pinot Grigio).
With impressive accolades already to its name, the cut-glass bottles are fresh, bright, and effortlessly elegant.
Named in homage to second-generation leaders Bill and Lena Calabria, Bélena represents the couple’s spirit, grace and tenacity. T
his partnership remains at the heart of the Calabria family’s craft and values. Both wines are available in-store at Asda and online now at £15 a bottle.
