Want to know where you can buy a slow-grown turkey, special mince pies or cheese to put the shine on Christmas…? We know you care about buying from ethical and sustainable independent businesses where possible, despite times being tough. It’s not an exhaustive list, but here are some top food producers and shops (many award-winning) that deliver nationwide, with new, different or lower-cost items highlighted
GOOD ALL-ROUNDERS We put new products from four popular online suppliers to the test
ABEL & COLE abelandcole.co.uk Organic fruit and veg boxes plus meat, fish and groceries; for Christmas, feast recipe boxes with portioned ingredients to cut down on waste.
We tried... The golden squash and stilton wreath with onion gravy – it’s the centrepiece of the Vegetarian Christmas Feast Box (£115, serves 6-8, with four sides, magnum of prosecco and mistletoe). Suitable for confident cooks, it needs a lot of prep but it’s worth it as ingredients are first rate (seasoning, oil and a little flour were required) and the results yummy. Also vegan cheesecake-style desserts from Mr Prempy’s – choose from chocolate and hazelnut or orange and Christmas spice (£20 for 850g; other flavours available year-round). Made with cashews, coconut oil and maple syrup, they’re crowdpleasingly indulgent (and dairy and gluten free).
COOK cookfood.net When cooking isn’t happening (or you need a hand), Cook has a wealth of frozen dishes for many or one, from dinner party fare and puds to favourites like its seasonal venison casserole and a great roasted veg lasagne – plus buttery mince pies to stash in the freezer until needed.
We tried... The cheesy kiln-roasted salmon frittata (£20 for 800g) will serve 8. Moist apricot and orange almond torte (£8.50 for 530g, serves 6) with a sharp citrus syrup is go-back-for-seconds good – and it’s gluten free, dairy free and vegan.
FORMAN & FIELD formanandfield.com Smoked salmon producer H Forman & Son also offers artisan cheese and prepared food, with bestsellers including fishcakes and beef wellington.
We tried... Individual beef wellingtons for two (£27.50 for 2 x 150g) – a special treat, filled with pulled dry-aged beef. Sticky maple and sesame hot-smoked salmon (£5.95 for 200g, also on Ocado) is intense. Made using offcuts it’s less than half the price of the classic smoked salmon.
RIVERFORD riverford.co.uk Organic fruit and veg boxes and more besides, including meat and recipe boxes.
We tried... The Veggie Wellington Kit (from 3 Nov, £11.95, serves 4-6), one of several new kits including Christmas cake and a Boxing Day salad. The lentil, mushroom and spin
