Real Foods Blog

Coeliac disease is a serious autoimmune condition which affects 1 in 100 people in the UK. When individuals with coeliac disease consume gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye) their immune system launches an attack on its own tissues. This leads to damage to the small intestine and, as a result, nutrients from food cannot be properly absorbed.

Batch cooking has grown in popularity in recent years, particularly among busy people who want to eat healthily but are short on time. In fact, according to a survey by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) 63% of adults are regular batch-cookers. The survey respondents stated that it enables them to make savings of around £60 per month on food costs. So, batch cooking helps to save both time and money! And, what’s more, it can help to kickstart a healthier way of living. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits behind batch cooking and how to get started.

Seasonal eating is beneficial for our health as well as the health of the planet. Fresh produce that has recently been harvested, and hasn’t had to travel for thousands of miles, is typically fresher, tastier and much more nutritionally dense.

Although fruits do not begin to ripen until the summer in the UK, spring brings with it an abundance of fresh vegetables. By integrating these fresh veggies into daily meals, we are embracing the natural rhythm of the seasons whilst supporting local agriculture and nourishing our bodies.

Easter is a joyous time of year which coincides with Spring, heralding a time of new life and new beginnings. This Christian holiday is celebrated in many ways around the world, and traditional foods are very much part of the proceedings. Easter eggs, hot cross buns and Simnel cake are just some of the goodies that are enjoyed by all. The good news for anyone following a free-from diet is that traditional Easter recipes can easily be adapted to cater for various dietary restrictions. Whether it’s vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free or nut-free, you can prepare a delectable Easter feast without compromising on flavour or tradition.

Chinese New Year is a time of great celebration when families gather to enjoy delicious food together. From spring rolls and dumplings to longevity noodles, food is a key part of the festivities and various dishes hold special significance. As we usher in the Year of the Dragon in 2024, Real Foods explores some vibrant vegan recipe ideas that honour the rich culinary traditions of Chinese New Year.

There’s a Turkish proverb “bundan iyisi Sam’da kayisi” which translates roughly as “the only thing better than this is an apricot from Damascus”, meaning, it doesn’t get any better than this. If you’d like to know why there’s nothing better than an apricot, read on to find out why this wholefood makes our who’s who.

Chickpeas are a creamy-colored, buttery legume also known by several other names, including Bengal gram, garbanzo bean and Egyptian pea. Find out why this humble pale-coloured pulse makes it into our who’s who of wholefoods.

All the flavour without the shells, sunflower seed kernels are a powerhouse of nutrition and you’re much mistaken if you thought they were just the preserve of parrots. Read on and find out why this little seed earns it’s big place in the who’s who of wholefoods.

Did you know almonds have one of the highest levels of protein content of any nut? If you want to know more about this very popular relative of the peach and true who of the who’s in the wholefoods world, read on!

Have you ever wondered what all the fuss is about where chia seeds are concerned? As one of the most nutrient dense and versatile wholefoods, chia seeds are definitely a who’s who in the world of wholefoods. Read on to find out more.