This week, The Handbook’s Deputy Editor Lottie Woodrow takes a look at the best new launches in food and drink.
From protein powered pastas to energising supplements, new gin launches to the perfect gift for whisky lovers, read on to find out more. Looking for other Christmas gifts? Take a peek here.
ZENB
Who doesn’t love a comforting bowl of pasta to warm up with in the cooler months? Online plant-powered food brand ZENB takes this up a notch, offering award-winning plant based products for all to enjoy.
ZENB have recently added to their list of kitchen cupboard essentials, with the launch of their new ZENB Spaghetti made from 100% yellow peas, evening including the skin. Naturally gluten free, this one ingredient spaghetti is packed with 17g of protein and 11g of fibre per serving.
Using only yellow peas, also known as ‘field peas’, adds a subtle aroma, delicious flavour and al dente texture to the pasta shape. Following ZENB’s ‘veggie-first’ mission, yellow peas are actually a greener alternative to wheat as they improve soil by fixing nitrogen and require less water to grow*.
Perfect for whether you’re whizzing up a quick cacio e pepe, mid-week carbonara or classic bolognese, this spaghetti is going to be everyone’s new pantry staple.
An added bonus? Sign up to the ZENB newsletter and get 40% off your first order. T&Cs apply.
*for more information visit zenb.co.uk
Neurita
This month saw a brand new tequila brand erupt from beneath the surface on one mission: to transform your margaritas. Set up by founder Lucy Smith, Neurita infuses real fruit extracts and botanicals into their tequila spirits.
The pre-launch for two out of their three products is now live. The Neurita Rosa Tequila combines premium tequila sourced from Jalisco, Mexico and blends it with infusions of raspberry, strawberry and pomegranate fruit extracts to offer up a sweet base for your margarita. While the Neurita Citrus Tequila infuses Sicilian orange and tangerine fruit extracts to create a subtle sweet citrus. A classic blanco tequila will be launching soon too.
Elderflower Gin Liqueur, Rosebud Preserves
Rosebud Preserves is home to some of the finest condiments out there, from festive jams to pickles and relishes for your cheese boards, but this autumn sees them branch out into the gin world.
Setting out to capture the essence of the English summer hedgerow in every sip, their new Elderflower Gin Liqueur is made locally in a traditional copper still. The result? A rich gin bursting with English charm.
JULIENNE BRUNO x Selfridges
As a long-time vegan, I know the trials and tribulations of finding a vegan cheese that’s actually nice. So many brands are popping up but few are able to master the authenticity to the types of cheese they are trying to replicate, whether it’s too hard or too soft, too strong or not strong enough. One brand that’s paving the way for a new kind of vegan cheese revolution is JULIENNE BRUNO.
Inspired by classics, JULIENNE BRUNO uses complex and innovative techniques crafted by a team of international chefs to produce familiar but new products. Now available at Selfridges London Foodhall, the brand creates simple flavours using only plant-based ingredients.
‘Collection 01’ includes three products: the delicate Burrella, a veganised burrata that’s firm on the outside and creamy on the inside, and best served with freshly baby plum tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil; the Original Spread, a light, creamy and whipped cheese great for toast, pasta sauces, cheesecakes and dessert frosting; and the Superstraccia, a creamy option great for pizzas, sandwiches and salads.
Made fresh each week in-house, the cheeses are made from organic soya and coconut oil, naturally fermented through a bespoke system.
Just launched in-store at Selfridges or order at www.juliennebruno.com
Planet Original Supplements
Perhaps not exclusively a ‘food and drink’ launch but one that’s important to include due the impending colder weather and cold season… Health specialists Planet Organic has launched its first range of original plant-powered supplements. Created for the busy modern working individual, this new range has been designed by nutritionists to provide us with the vitamins and minerals we need.
Plant-based with no fillers, artificial colours or preservatives – and plastic-free packaging! – these supplements are filled with both you and the environment in mind.
There are nine supplements available, from Vitamin D 4000i to help with sleep, boost immunity and reduce symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder to Gentle Iron to help with energy levels, cognitive function and heart health.
Holy Carrot x Nojo
Knightbright’s plant-based restaurant, Holy Carrot, has teamed up with vegan sauce experts NOJO to create a delicious range of sauces.
Plant-based, ethically sourced and full of natural ingredients, Holy Carrot Mayos by NOJO are perfecting pimping up any dish. There are three tangy flavours to choose from: Cool Classic, a creamy take on normal mayo that’s great for slathering on sandwiches; Magic Caesar, a rich, garlicky-lemon blend that’s here to elevate your lunchtime salads; and Oh So Spicy, a fiery mayo ideal for burgers and brioche buns.
Plants by Deliciously Ella
What started as a one woman powered food blog has since transformed into one of the biggest plant-powered brands in the UK. Deliciously Ella, set up by Ella Mills and her husband and business partner, Matthew, has just launched a sister company.
Created in partnership with Waitrose, Plants By Deliciously Ella will be rolling out new products in the coming months and will offer products across the whole supermarket offering, from creamy coconut yoghurts and fresh soups to filled pasta, on-the-go snacks, burgers and dips.
Products that have launched so far include their fresh plant-based soups perfect for lunchtime and coconut yoghurt – think thick and creamy, made with natural ingredients and fortified with calcium, vitamin B12 and vitamin D
House of Suntory Hibiki Blossom Harmony
Lovers of Japanese whisky might already know this one. If not, listen in… Hibiki has just dropped its latest limited-edition release.
Following in its pre-existing ranges’ footsteps, this bottle combines malt and grain whiskies from the Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries that Hibiki Harmony is known for. The whisky has been finished in Japanese cherry blossom casks to create an aromatic finish.
Expect notes of plum and tropical fruits, with toasted oak and a subtle savoury-sweet from the cherry blossoms.
Levin Down Goodwood Gin
Goodwood, the countryside Sussex estate renowned for its annual motorsports festival and horse riding events, has recently launched a new award-winning gin.
Named Levin Down Goodwood Gin, it’s been handcrafted with a blend of local botanicals and distilled with mineral water that runs through the chalk Downs that surround the estate. This lively gin lets the wild-grown botanicals aromas come to life – think notes of warm toasted coconut and vanilla with a zesty citrus and juniper finish.
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