Golden Fork from London

THE BREAKFAST CLUB

Dark oats and seeds toasted in date molasses and maple syrup combine with nutty tahini to transport the taste buds to the Middle East.

ACCORDING TO JEMIMA’S Deli co-founder Ruth Dutson, one of the problems with having a 3-star product is that no-one wants to buy your other lines.

“In our local store, we sell five packs of Perfect Granola - which was awarded three stars in 2021 - for every pack of Tahini Grain Granola. The two sit side by side on shelf and one has a silver sticker whereas the other doesn’t,” she says.

Now that Tahini Granola has scooped a coveted Golden Fork, Ruth says it will be interesting to see whether the balance shifts.

“I wonder whether that will change,” she ponders. “Tahini has a small but loyal following - people who like it, really like it.”

With its dark colour, intense, nutty taste and Middle Eastern undertones, Tahini Grain is the start-up’s least conventional granola recipe.

“It looks unusual and tastes unusual. It is sweeter than our other granolas, yet almost savoury, with a slightly salty kick,” says Ruth.

The granola’s rich, dark character comes from baking the oats with date molasses and maple syrup.

“The oats become dark very quickly so we have to turn them every five minutes to ensure a uniform bake. This is the most time-consuming part of the granola making process,” says Ruth.

As Ruth is diabetic, she can only indulge in Tahini Grain Granola very occasionally - whereas her business partner Annette will eat it by the spoonful.

“We are quite different in our tastes,” says Ruth. “I am diabetic, whereas Annette has a sweet tooth.”

Jemima’s Deli was born out of their contrasting tastes as well as their shared desire to open a coffee shop. However, when planning permission was denied, they created an online breakfast offer, delivering on a Saturday morning to customers near their homes in Romford, in the east London borough of Havering. The menu is centred around foods the two women love and find hard to come by: besides granola, that includes fresh cruffins, pearl sugar encrusted Liège waffles and cinnamon rolls, with low carb options for those with dietary restrictions. At the moment the duo are operating on a small scale - cooking on demand in Ruth’s home kitchen. This is not surprising, considering that Annette has just given birth to her fourth child. “Our challenge is to find a business model that works for us. We have been holding back, but now both products have three stars, we will endeavour to get our granola into more outlets,” says Ruth.

www.jemimasdeli.com

AS BUSINESS PARTNERS, WE ARE QUITE DIFFERENT IN OUR TASTES. I AM DIABETIC, WHEREAS ANNETTE HAS A SWEET TOOTH. HOW TO USE:

Sprinkle it on a knickerbocker glory or your favourite ice cream.

VENISON STEAK & HAGGIS WELLINGTON H

ABERDEENSHIRE LARDER

WHAT IS IT? A supremely tender loin steak of Scottish wild venison, topped with venison haggis & handmade cranberry jelly, all wrapped in a flaky puff pastry lattice. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Allow the Wellington to come to room temperature before cooking and generously brush with eggwash or double cream before baking in the oven. Ensure you rest the Wellington before slicing, and serve with seasonal vegetables and buttery, creamy mashed potatoes. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2022): Glebe Farm Scotch PGI Lamb HH Scottish Wild Roe Venison H

www.aberdeenshirelarder.co.uk

SUPER GOOD TOMATO, ORANGE & GINGER H

BAXTERS FOOD GROUP

WHAT IS IT? This soup is packed with sweet ripe tomatoes, zesty oranges and a dash of warm, soothing ginger. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Perfect for an easy lunch. Serve it piping hot with crusty bread and plenty of butter. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2022): Baxters Super Good Root Veg & Turmeric H

www.baxters.com

FREE-RANGE ORGANIC CHICKEN BONE BROTH HH

BOROUGH BROTH

WHAT IS IT? Organic, free-range chicken bone broth, the result of slow-cooking bones in spring water with vegetables and seasoning. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Heat and drink as is out of a mug, use for cooking noodles, or for simmering sauces, stews and soups. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2022): Grass-Fed Organic Lamb Bone Broth H

www.boroughbroth.co.uk

BLACK PEPPER PORK BAO BUNS HH

BUN-DLES

WHAT IS IT? British free-range black pepper pork, roasted Hong Kong-style with spring onions and sweet and sour sauce, in soft, fluffy bao buns. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Cook straight from frozen in a steamer or a microwave. Great as a snack or shared starter as a standalone, with a salad or steamed green vegetables. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2022): Salted Custard Lava Bao Buns H Char Siu Chicken Bao Buns H Miso Shiitake and Tofu Bao Buns H

www.bun-dles.com

GOLDEN SYRUP PUDDING & STICKY SYRUP SAUCE HHH

BURTREE PUDDINGS

WHAT IS IT? A light and buttery sponge made sticky and syrupy with a golden syrup sauce soaked through to its base. Great Taste Judges said it was “superbly light and bouncy”, with “sticky, gooey and full on dairy creaminess”, noting that the quality of its ingredients shine through“. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Very easy to warm in a bain-marie or the microwave. Delicious served with double, clotted, or ice cream.

www.burtreepuddings.co.uk

BAKLAVA CAKE HHH

CA.AKE BY AISHA AMJAD

WHAT IS IT? Two tiers of soft light sponge separated by a layer of sweet honey nuts and encased in fresh cream and kataifi pastry. Hints of orange blossom bring it all together. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? An opulent showstopper for any occasion that calls for something a bit different. Every cake is baked and prepared fresh to order. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2022): Gajar Halwa Cake H

www.caake.co.uk

PANETTONE AL CIOCCOLATO HH

CARLUCCIO’S

WHAT IS IT? Soft and airy artisanal panettone enriched with milk & dark chocolate pieces and topped with a crunchy hazelnut icing. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Cut into thick slices and enjoy with a coffee or a rich hot chocolate. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2022): Panettone Tradizionale H Ogliarola, Extra Virgin Olive Oil 500ml H

www.carluccios.com

WELSH CAKE H

COALPIT WELSH CAKE

WHAT IS IT? Traditional Welsh cakes with a modern twist, made with local free range eggs and butter and packaged in a recyclable tin. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? These make great gifts for friends and family, wedding favours, and holiday home welcome items. Ideal for farms shops, delis and gift shops.

www.coalpitwelshcake.com

BAJAN FRUIT CAKE HH

DEVITT’S FOOD

WHAT IS IT? Devitt’s Bajan fruit cake is an old family recipe, handmade with fruit, rum and Caribbean spices. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Described by Great Taste judges as a “luscious feast”, enjoy this on a special occasion like an anniversary or a luxurious afternoon tea.

www.devittsfoodltd.co.uk

ALL BUTTER CROISSANT H CHERRY AND AMARETTO BROWNIE H

EPIC BROWNIES

WHAT IS IT? Amaretto brownies filled with Amarena cherries amaretto-soaked sour cherries. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Enjoy straight out of the fridge or slightly warmed with a scoop of gelato. Available online and from some independent stockists.

www.eatepicbrownies.com

FIELD-FARE

WHAT IS IT? Light, flaky all-butter pastry made in France to a traditional recipe. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Take out the freezer and leave to prove over night - they’ll double in size. Egg-wash, cook and enjoy. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2022): Steak & Stilton Puff Pastry Pie H

www.field-fare.com

BOLA PARDA TRADICIONAL DA GUARDA HH

GUARDA 21

WHAT IS IT? Bola Parda, or brown cake, is a moist sponge with deep spice, olive oil and brandy flavours. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee or a glass of port. Bola Parda also pairs well with cheese and glass of fullbodied, crisp white wine.

www.ludovinamargarido.pt

CHOCOLATE ORANGE CAKE HHH

HALLI & SHAH CAKES

WHAT IS IT? This visually-arresting three-layer cake is made using Seville oranges, fine cocoa and finished with a layer of silky buttercream. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? An indulgent dessert for any occasion, from afternoon tea to large celebrations. Each cake is made fresh to order by hand. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2022): Lemon Cake H

www.halliandshah.com

HOG ROAST SAUSAGE ROLL HH

HAMBLE CATERING

WHAT IS IT? A large sausage roll made with slow roasted pork shoulder, locally-sourced award-winning sausage meat and apple sauce, in a rich puff pastry with herbs. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Eat alone or as part of a mixed spread, with sandwiches and other savoury snacks. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2022): Chocolate Brownies H Pork Sausage Roll H

www.hamblecatering.co.uk

HANDMADE CHRISTMAS PUDDING H

JAM AT THE DOORSTEP

WHAT IS IT? A handmade all butter Christmas pudding made with raisins, sultanas, cherries & Guinness stout. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? As a traditional Christmas pudding: with double cream, clotted cream, vanilla ice cream or brandy butter. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2022): All Butter Sticky Toffee Pudding H

instagram.com/jam_at_the_doorstep

SLOW BRAISED SHORTRIB HH

JAMES WHELAN BUTCHERS

WHAT IS IT? An enticing, homemade hearty dish, cooked for you. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Each element of the dish has been correctly prepared - the meat has been seared, the vegetables have been roasted. All that is left for you to do is to eat it. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2022): Handmade Pasta Sauce H Cured Pork Loin HH Cured Rack of Pork HH LASA Rib Eye Steak H Mammas Meatloaf HH

www.jameswhelanbutchers.com

RICH FRUIT CAKE HH

JUST DELICIOUS

WHAT IS IT? A traditional fruit cake packed with plump mixed fruit and generous helpings of brandy. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Perfect on its own with a cup of tea, or if you’re feeling adventurous, a with a slice of Wensleydale on the side. Take it on a picnic or in your pack lunch. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2022): Cherry Berry Flapjack H

www.just-delicious.co.uk

PEANUT BUTTER OAT BAKE H

OATOPIA

WHAT IS IT? A chunky vegan peanut butter flapjack topped with crunchy salted peanuts. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? This naturally energising snack is perfect for eating on the go, at work or at home. Available in single portions or as a traybake.

www.oatopia.co.uk

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE BROWNIE H

THE HOMEMADE BROWNIE COMPANY

WHAT IS IT? Fudgy, triple chocolate brownies studded with dark, milk and white chocolate chunks. Gluten-free and handmade in Hampshire. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee, or as dessert. Serve it hot or cold, with or without ice cream. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2022): Coffee Caramel Brownie H

www.homemadebrownie.co.uk

Perfectly made classics. Startling flavours. And some seriously good innovation.

The judges discovered all of this and more in the 2022 lineup of Great Taste 3-star-winning food & drink.

You’ll be able to learn more about every single product over the course of this rundown, and we’ve broken down the roster into categories for ease of browsing – starting with the alcoholic drinks...

WEISSE ★★★

HOFMEISTER BREWING COMPANY

WHAT IS IT? Hofmeister Weisse is authentic wheat beer made in the Bavaria with local ingredients and mineral water. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Drink it as is: Hofmeister Weisse’s banana and vanilla aromas are backed by bready, brioche notes and a refreshing hint of bitterness, all carried on a rich body. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2022): Helles ★★ Ultra Low ★

www.hofmeister.co.uk

EYTON GOLD (NOT BOTTLE CONDITIONED) ★★

MAGIC DRAGON BREWING

WHAT IS IT? A traditionally brewed golden ale with warm hints of roasted chestnut, rich malty notes, caramel-like sweetness and a smoky tobacco finish. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? This golden ale can be drunk on its own or with food. It goes especially well with Welsh rarebit. Best served at room temperature. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2022): Border Bitter ★ Old Magic ★

www.magicdragonbrewing.com

CWRW CLÔS ★★

ST DAVIDS OLD FARMHOUSE BREWERY

WHAT IS IT? A twist on a classic bitter with balanced character, hints of burnt sugar, cedar & spiced citrus with subtle honey notes. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? This traditional bitter is best enjoyed in a glass at approximately 12°C. It goes with most foods and can hold its own without them.

www.oldfarmhousebrewery.co.uk

IPA ★

UNLTD.

WHAT IS IT? A 0.5% ABV IPA, rich in Vitamin B12. It is vegan and gluten free, and weighs in at just 13 calories a bottle. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? This thirst quenching IPA is packed with flavour, and is best enjoyed chilled on a sunny day.

www.unltd.beer

RUSK H

BISKUT BAR

WHAT IS IT? This twice baked cake packed with organic nuts and fennel is a punjabi household staple. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? To be enjoyed at any time of the year, it goes just as well with coffee, chai and hot chocolate as it does with sweet wine. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2022): Jeera Biskut H Panjiri H

www.biskutbar.com

ANCIENT GRAIN BLUE CORN TORTILLA CHIPS HH

BLANCO NIÑO

WHAT IS IT? Blue corn tortilla chips made with sustainable corn and toasted amaranth from Mexico. It is gluten free, vegan, and comes in fully recyclable packaging. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Serve it with a fresh salsa, guacamole or as part of a more substantial dish like nachos or Mexican chilaquiles. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2022): Lightly Salted White Corn Tortilla Chips HH Chilli & Lime White Corn Tortilla Chips H

www.blanco-nino.com

HICKORY SMOKE SEASONED ALMONDS HH

CAMBROOK FOODS LTD

WHAT IS IT? Baked Californian almonds seasoned with hickory smoke. Available in recyclable packs of 45g, 80g and 1kg foodservice tubs. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? As a snack on the go or paired with a drink. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2022): Baked & Salted Macadamias H Baked Truffle Nuts H Baked Unsalted Almonds H Caramelised Sesame Peanuts H Caramelised Sesame Hazels H

www.cambrookfoods.co.uk

ANACADI ROASTED CASHEW NUTS NATURAL

FLAVOUR 80G H

FOODS’CO SA

WHAT IS IT? Cashew nuts roasted slowly to preserve their natural levels of B6, B1 and B2 vitamins, magnesium, iron, Omega 3, zinc and antioxidants. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Enjoy as a snack or share with family and friends.

www.foodsco.ci

SWEET STICK H

GEORGIAN SWEETS

WHAT IS IT? Churchkhela is a traditional Georgian sweet from the Kakheti region. Typically enjoyed at Christmas time, it is made by threading nuts onto a string then dipping them in a grape juice reduction. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Remove the central string, slice and enjoy.

www.georgiansweets.co.uk

HOT CHILLI JALAPEÑO FLAVOUR RED LENTIL

CHIPS H

HUMAN NATURE FOOD

WHAT IS IT? Healthier plant-based snacks. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? A wholesome treat in between meals, for kids and grown-ups. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2022): Sour Cream & Onion Flavour Red Lentil Chips H

www.humannaturefood.com

DRIED MANGO HH

LAYAKI-BIO

WHAT IS IT? 11% of this mango’s natural moisture is retained in the dehydration process to preserve the fruit’s nutritional benefits. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Mix it into yoghurt, use in baking or cooking, or eat it as is.

www.layakibio.com

SHORTBREAD H

NEW FOREST SHORTBREAD

WHAT IS IT? Traditional shortbread made in the heart of the New Forest. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee. Perfect for elevenses and afternoon tea.

www.newforestshortbread.co.uk

APPLE CRISPIES WITH RUBY CHOCOLATE H

NOBILIS

WHAT IS IT? Light crunchy snacks made with apples and ruby chocolate. Rich in fibre, gluten free and vegan. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Enjoy as a snack on the go, or pop it in your kids’ lunchbox. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2022): Apple Crispies with Strawberries H Apple Crispies with Beetroot H

www.nobilis.hu

SEAWEED SHORTBREAD HH

STAG BAKERIES

WHAT IS IT? Stornoway seaweed shortbread made in the Outer Hebrides by Stag’s team of craft bakers. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? This sweet and savoury seaweed shortbread goes just as well with with a hot drink as with a generous slice of cheddar. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2022): Cheddar Cheese Oatcake H Cheese & Chilli Oatcake HH Chocolate & Cinnamon Biscuit H

www.stagbakeries.co.uk

COCONUT BLUEBERRY NUTTY NIBBLES H

THE NUTTY GROUP

WHAT IS IT? Great tasting coconut and blueberry nuts that just so happen to be vegan, organic, gluten free and packaged in plastic-free, recyclable jars. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Eat these on the go: the pocket- sized receptacle means you can save some for later.

www.thenuttygroup.co.uk

WOODLAND MUSHROOM & WILD GARLIC HAND

COOKED POTATO CRISPS H

TWO FARMERS

WHAT IS IT? Woodland mushroom & wild garlic hand cooked crisps in a compostable packet. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? Eat them on their own or with a drink.

www.twofarmers.co.uk

SEAWEED CRACKER HH

VERDUIJN’S

WHAT IS IT? Artisan baked crackers seasoned with finely chopped sun-dried seaweed and sea salt. WHAT CAN I DO WITH IT? These can be enjoyed on their own but are best paired with a glass of white wine and savoury toppings, like salmon or caviar. OTHER GREAT TASTE AWARDS (2022): Epicure Crinkle Cut Pickles with hot red chilli H Epicure Original Whole Pickles with Dill & Red Pepper HH Epicure Black Summer Truffles H Rummo Penne Rigate No.66 H Rummo Spaghetti No.3 H Rummo Fusilli No.48 H Menier Moelleux H

www.pettywood.direct

WHAT IS GREAT TASTE?

great taste is the largest and most trusted accreditation for food & drink producers across the world. It supports, promotes and mentors the people crafting fantastic food and delicious drinks in businesses large and small, giving buyers and food lovers in the UK and overseas reliable recommendations for great tasting products.

Great Taste offers a unique benchmarking and product evaluation service, leading to a 1-, 2- or 3-star award that encourages confidence and commercial success for quality food & drink businesses. This in turn generates a greater awareness for products locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, providing a platform for award-winners to be discovered and enjoyed. Since 1994, 170,000 products have been put through this robust judging process.

Each one is fastidiously blind-tasted by a selected panel of industry experts – including chefs, cooks, buyers, retailers, restaurateurs, food critics and writers – all searching for the stand-out products to be celebrated each year.

All branding and packaging is removed from the judging room, so you can guarantee that their assessment is completely free from bias. Of course the judges take into account the texture, appearance, aroma and the quality of the ingredients, but above all else the question remains – does the product taste truly great?