Latest news with #Sainsburys
The Guardian
7 hours ago
- Health
- The Guardian
‘The dry and grainy results wouldn't persuade me': the best (and worst) gluten-free plain flour, tested and rated
Gluten-free flour is commonly considered in two ways: there are individual flours, such as rice and buckwheat (and that includes starches such as corn, potato, tapioca), and then there are blends. Blends are a mix of those singular flours in varying ratios, and for familiarity's sake are usually labelled as either gluten-free plain, self-raising or bread flour. These blends are more versatile, and it's the plain flours that we've got under the microscope today. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. To test their mettle, I made a batch of gluten-free cookies with each product. And, seeing as gluten-free food can be extortionately expensive, cost is factored into my ratings, too. A slight caveat: different gluten-free flour blends work better (or worse) depending on the recipe involved. Most will do just fine as a thickener for sauces or as a coating, but when it comes to baking, some are better suited to cakes, others to pastry and others still to bread. That means it's very hard to say which flour is the 'best', but I've done my best to figure it out. £1.95 for 1kg at Sainsbury's (20p/100g)£1.95 for 1kg at Ocado (20p/100g)★★★★★ Gluten-free flour blends were originally created to emulate wheat flour (so you can use them to adapt recipes to be gluten-free), and this one produces a similar performance to wheat for everything outside of bread baking. Of course, it's not magic; you still need good recipes and, in some cases, the addition of xanthan gum. £1.10 for 1kg at Asda (11p/100g)★★★★☆ A solid performance for the price, and certainly a blend that will produce satisfying results for baking. It's a bit less absorbent than I'd expect, which might mean your dough ends up a little stickier, but if you know what consistency you're looking for, that shouldn't be hard to remedy by adding a little more to compensate. £8 for 1kg at Ocado (80p/100g)£8.29 for 1kg at Amazon (83p/100g)★★★☆☆ This blend contains gluten-free wheat starch so, while it's gluten-free, it's not suitable for people with a wheat allergy. As such, its strengths lie in bread-making, rather than your average cake or bake. For bread, it would be five stars, but for pure versatility (and considering the sky-high price), it's not a panacea. £3.90 for 1.5kg at Ocado (26p/100g)★★★☆☆ While this boasts an unconventional range of ingredients, such as vegetable flour and fibres, it produced results comparable to my best buy. However, the higher price means there's little reason to go hunting for this one. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion £2 for 1kg at Ocado (20p/100g)★★☆☆☆ With an identical list of ingredients to the Asda flour above, it's no surprise this yielded almost identical results. However, considering it's nearly twice the price (and while the Asda flour exists), there's not much justification for buying this. £2.50 for 750g at Shipton Mill (33p/100g)★★☆☆☆ This was less able to bind and absorb common baking ingredients, making it feel as if you hadn't added enough – of course, adding too much can result in heavy, dense or dry bakes. The biscuits weren't all that far from expectations, but they were a little greasy. £13.71 for 3kg at Food Angles (46p/100g)£20.82 for 3kg at Amazon (69p/100g)★☆☆☆☆ Even if this was considerably cheaper, the dry and grainy results wouldn't persuade me to use it in the average recipe. Its absorption and binding are far off expectations – although still not the worst of the bunch – and the finished result gave me the feeling that the balance of the blend must be completely off. £2.50 for 1kg at Holland & Barrett (25p/100g)★☆☆☆☆ Despite having almost identical ingredients to my best buy, the results this produced were extremely disappointing. It lacked binding power and absorption to the point where it made the dough greasy, sticky and difficult to handle. Sadly, the end results were also excessively greasy and too far away from that of the average flour blend. Becky Excell is a gluten-free cook and author of Quick + Easy Gluten-Free (Quadrille, £20). To order a copy, go to
Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'I snapped up £13 AirPod alternatives from Amazon'
They're cheap and cheerful and I wouldn't be without them now I used to be one of those people who couldn't go anywhere without my AirPods - the sleek case, the instant connection, the subtle flex of popping them in as I wandered round Sainsburys. But after losing my second pair in just over a year, I couldn't face the thought of having to pay £140 for yet another pair. Having previously purchased some Amazon "cheapies" for my kids, I decided if I can't be trusted with expensive ones anymore, I'll have to do the same. I went on Amazon, found some that looked the same sort of style from a brand I've never hear of and snapped them up then and there. At £12.99 they came with no fancy packaging and a pretty basic looking spec, so I wasn't expecting too much from them. But months later, I'm still using them - and I'm not missing my AirPods at all. The YHFvesv Wireless Earbuds feature upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 technology that offers a surprisingly fast and stable connection. They were easy enough to pair with my phone first time and they reconnect after charging. The battery life is pretty sound too. I can get about 6 (ish) hours out of them, but I do tend to find the case needs to be charged more often than my Apple AirPod case ever did. I'm not really one for technical specs, but according to Amazon these earbuds have "dynamic drivers deliver rich sound with deep bass, while ENC noise reduction and four built-in microphones provide clear calls by filtering out background noise." They do sound good - a decent amount of bass when listening to music and crisp, sharp sound when I'm enjoying a podcast or watching an app. They also feature smart touch controls for music, calls and volume which can be activated with a single tap on either ear. Luckily - and surprisingly given my ability to break and lose things - I haven't had to see how well they handle water yet. But according to Amazon they have an IPX8 waterproof rating to protect against rain and sweat. So they look good, sound great and cost me just £12.99. I could lose and replace ten pairs of them and still be quids in. I will definitely be taking a least one pair on holiday with me this year. I even purchased a little case with a clip on it in an attempt to keep them close at hand. Of course, these aren't the only alternatives to pricey earbuds. There are plenty to choose from for under £20. Amazon has lots of other similarly priced options, including the soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds. Usually £29.99, they are currently reduced to £16.99 - offering big bass sounds and more than 60,000 customer reviews. Over at Argos, the Belkin SoundForm Rhythm True Wireless In-Ear Earbuds have 20% - taking the price down to £19.99. Popular with buyers on a budget, shoppers have called them "a good pair of earbuds" with "great sound." For shoppers who are happy to spend a little more, the JLab GO Air Pop In-Ear True Wireless Earbuds are £24.99. Available in a range of trendy colours, these little beauties have garnered more an 3000 reviews on the website. Alternatively, Very has £15 off the JBuds Mini True Wireless Earbuds. Offering big bass in a tiny package, buyers have called them "good quality" and "value for money". They are currently reduced from £39 to £24. Customers who have already snapped up the YHFvesv Wireless Earbuds seemed just as impressed with them as I am. One buyer said: "Amazing pair of airpods! Worth the money very light, look like Apple airpods and the sound quality is really good, they also sit comfortably in your ear. Battery also lasts ages without needing charge. Not too big in size and instant pairing. Such a good buy!" Another added: "These earbuds are a game-changer! From the moment I put them in, I was blown away by the crystal-clear audio and rich, deep bass. They fit incredibly well, staying secure even during my most intense workouts, and are so comfortable I often forget I'm wearing them." A third was just as impressed, saying: "Easy to connect to phone and looks just like Apple Airpods! They fit nicely in the ears and the size is perfect for on the go travel. They have good battery life. Amazing for the price!" With 90% of all reviews on Amazon giving a five-star rating, not many buyers had anything negative to say. One did raise some concerns however, saying: "Battery life is short in comparison to others I have owned. Sound quality and volume are good. Charging case also doesn't hold as much charge as previous ones I've owned." Another glowing review summed it up, saying: "I cannot believe the quality & sound for the price, absolutely brilliant. They look similar to a £200+ pair of Airpods, without the hefty price tag. I will definitely recommend to friends & will purchase as gifts."
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Fitness fans rush to Amazon as Grenade protein bar multipack is slashed to just £1.50 per bar
PROTEIN junkies are rushing to Amazon to put the 'bulk' in 'bulk buy'. The online retailer has slashed the price of a 12-pack of Grenade Protein Bars by up to 42%, from £30.99 to as low as £17.95. That puts the price of each bar at less than £1.50. Grenade Protein Bar x12, from £17.95 at Amazon BUY HERE Amazon has seen a surge in interest in the bars since the deal went live, with 6,000 people rushing to the site in the last month alone. The multi-pack has become the number one bestseller in Amazon's protein bars category. A range of flavours has been discounted: the much-loved Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel has been discounted to £18.45, while popular flavours including Caramel Chaos, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Peanut Nutter have been slashed to £17.95. Those who like a bit of variety will also enjoy that Amazon has slashed the price of the Grenade Selection Box to £17.95. Each bar contains over 20g of protein with less than 2g of sugar, making it the perfect snack for those looking to recover after a workout or satisfy their cravings. The deal means that Amazon is currently the best place on the internet to shop for Grenade bars. The official Grenade website sells the same 12-bar multipack for £21.60, while Protein Package sells it for an even pricier £23.99. The price of a single bar at Tesco is a massive £2.90 — almost double the price. Sainsbury's sells them for the same price, while Morrisons runs a 'two for £4.40' deal. As far as we can tell, the second-best place to buy them is Asda, where a single bar has been rolled back to £1.68. The best deals on household essentials this week *If you a click a link in this article, we may earn affiliate revenue. Our team of shopping experts are constantly on the lookout for the best deals on household essentials — whether that's pantry staples, laundry pods or necessities like kitchen and loo rolls. Here are the best deals we've spotted at Amazon this week: Vanish Gold Oxi Action Plus Stain Remover, £10 £3.96 - buy here Finish Ultimate Infinity Shine Dishwasher Tablets, £27 £12.85 - buy here Flash Power Spray Mop, £45 £32.75 - buy here Ecover Fabric Softener, £10 £6.65 - buy here Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner x3, £15.99 £8.50 - buy here Method All Purpose Cleaner Spray, £4 £2.38 - buy here Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Gift Bar 850g, £13.44 £8.50 - buy here Mutti Chopped Tomatoes x6, £9.18 £5.51 - buy here Oatly Barista Oat Milk x6, £12.60 £8.10 - buy here Heinz Beanz x12, £16.80 £8.99 - buy here Plymouth Original Dry Gin, £28.50 £19.30 - buy here Bulldog Age Defence Moisturiser, £8.99 £4.49 - buy here Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, £9.99 £6.80 - buy here NIVEA Q10 60+ Mature Skin Body Lotion, £12.09 £5.11 - buy here Reviewers have taken to the Amazon comments section to express their satisfaction with the bars. One reviewer wrote: "It fits perfectly into my dietary goals without the guilt. It's a great way to boost my protein intake, especially on days when I'm busy and need a quick snack." Another reviewer, who described the Salted Caramel flavour as "a cross between a Milky Way Bar and a Mars Bar", said they were "a really tasty bar that gives you more than just sugar".
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
‘So easy to wear' cry shoppers over perfect summer dress in Sainsbury's – it's comfy, looks expensive & doesn't crease
IF you're still looking to top up your summer wardrobe before the sunshine returns, Sainsbury's has got you covered. The supermarket's in-house fashion label, Tu Clothing, is renowned for its stylish buys at reasonable prices. And if you like to be comfortable as well as fashionable, you've definitely come to the right place. Shoppers have insisted the new Sainsbury's midi dress is perfect for all shapes and heights, and "makes them smile". The "beautiful" Multi Postcard Printed Strappy Midaxi Dress is priced at £22.50 and comes in sizes six to 24. Describing it online, the Sainsbury's team say: "Designed in a bright postcard print for a distinctive summer look, this sun dress is a chic choice for beach days and sun-soaked getaways. "Cut to midaxi length, it comes in a loose, flowing silhouette - finished with shoulder straps and a v-neckline." Unsurprisingly, the colourful frock has racked up a flurry of five-star reviews and is almost completely sold out online. So if you're looking to get your hands on it, you may need to leg it to your nearest store. One delighted fashionista gushed: "So easy to wear and looks great with a tan to show off. Doesn't crease either! "Got lots of great comments in it.. looks more expensive than it actually is." A second wrote: "Bought for holiday and it really is perfect. "Size is spot on and I don't need to shorten it as I'm five foot one inch that is usually the case. "The quality is excellent. So pleased I've bought loads more on line for my holiday. Quick delivery and easy returns. Well done Tu." A third chimed in: "I fell in love with this dress and it's perfect for my trip to the Caribbean. "The fit is excellent and flows beautifully, lovely fabric, adjustable straps and pockets! The length is great, usually they are too long, but this falls just right on me at 5ft 1." "I love the fabric, it's a good length and has pockets. Perfect for summer", cried another shopper. A fifth revealed: "I popped into Sainsbury's to get my mum's shopping and saw this dress as soon as I walked in. "I just fell in love with it; the vibrant colours, the style - pockets! - and it just made me smile. "I wasn't disappointed when I tried it on when I got home. It is easy to wear, comfortable and just the right length. I am so pleased and can't wait to wear it." Meanwhile, a sixth wrote: "Adjustable straps floaty and a linen type feel to the fabric. On trend." Is supermarket fashion the new high street? DEPUTY Fashion Editor Abby McHale weighs in: The supermarkets have really upped their game when it comes to their fashion lines. These days, as you head in to do your weekly food shop you can also pick up a selection of purse-friendly, stylish pieces for all the family. Tesco has just announced a 0.7 per cent increase in the quarter thanks to a 'strong growth in clothing' and M&S has earnt the title of the number one destination for womenswear on the high street. Asda's clothing line George has made £1.5 million for the supermarket in 2023, 80 per cent of Sainsbury's clothes sold at full price rather than discounted and Nutmeg at Morrisons sales are also up 2 per cent in the past year. So what is it about supermarket fashion that is becoming so successful? Apart from the clothing actually being affordable, it's good quality too - with many being part of schemes such as the Better Cotton Initiative. A lot of the time they keep to classic pieces that they know will last the customer year after year. Plus because they buy so much stock they can turn around pieces quickly and buy for cheaper because of the volumes.
Telegraph
a day ago
- Health
- Telegraph
Nine unusual and delicious ideas for strawberries
The arrival of British strawberries is one of the most delicious signs that summer has begun. And this year, berry lovers are in for a treat: it's shaping up to be an exceptional season. According to Sandy Booth, CEO of New Forest Fruit Co – a key supplier for Sainsbury's – the sunny weather has worked wonders. 'With the recent spell of sunshine, our strawberries are ripening at a faster rate than usual, not only giving us a bumper crop but also yielding fruit with enhanced sweet and juicy flavours due to the cooler nights, after long sunny days,' he says. More than 30 varieties are grown across the country, but most supermarkets either don't list the variety on the label or default to the reliably firm and sweet Elsanta. Look a little further and you'll find other cultivars, such as the aromatic Eve's Delight from Kent (currently at M&S for £8.33/kg). But if you're simply planning to slice and serve with cream, save a few pence and pick up a punnet of Waitrose's 'wonderfully wonky' but fabulously sweet berries (£7.20/kg). But why stop at cream? Piled onto a pavlova, muddled in a jug of Pimm's or stirred through an Eton Mess are just a few of the strawberry's starring roles; there's no shortage of ways to enjoy this year's giant, juicy berries, as you'll discover below. A quick note before you tuck in: to enjoy strawberries at their best, store them properly. Don't wash them first – simply refrigerate in their original container, or, if they came in a paper bag, transfer to a shallow bowl lined with kitchen paper. For full flavour, bring them to room temperature at least an hour before serving. Nine unusual and delicious ideas for strawberries Quick pickled strawberries These make a fab addition to a charcuterie board and the leftover juices can be whisked with olive oil for a zingy salad dressing. Hull and halve 400g strawberries and place in a jar. Warm together 150ml white wine vinegar, 75ml water, 3 tbsp caster sugar. Add your choice of whole spices, such as a sprinkle of pink or black peppercorns, a couple of star anise, cracked cardamom pods or a pinch of chilli flakes. Stir until the sugar dissolves then pour over the strawberries. Leave to cool to room temperature then chill until ready to serve. Keep chilled and eat within two days. Strawberry caprese skewers For a surprisingly wonderful flavour match, swap the cherry tomatoes in your traditional tricolore salad for sweet and juicy strawberries. Or to make delicious pre-dinner nibbles to serve alongside a glass of summer spritz, thread small or halved strawberries, mini mozzarella and basil leaves onto cocktail sticks and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Strawberry and goat's cheese toasted brioche Butter two slices of brioche bread and make a sandwich (butter on the outside) with goat's cheese and sliced strawberries. Season with chilli flakes, black pepper and a drizzle of honey if you fancy it, then toast in a panini press or frying pan until crunchy and golden brown. Tip: an easy way to hull strawberries For neat and speedy removal, gently push a straw, preferably a thin metal or reusable plastic one, through the tip of the strawberry. The calyx will simply pop out of the top. Spice-roasted strawberries Place 400g halved strawberries, 2 tsp sumac, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 tbsp caster sugar and 4 tbsp water in a small heatproof dish. Stir well then roast or air fry at 200C for 15-20 minutes until softened and bubbling but still holding their shape. Wonderful served with yoghurt for breakfast or ice cream for pudding. Strawberry milk ice lollies Homemade creamy strawberry ice lollies need only three ingredients and an overnight stint in the freezer (no additives or emulsifiers in these, thank you). Hull and halve 300g strawberries and blend with 170g condensed milk and 100ml milk until smooth. For seedless lollies, strain the mixture, otherwise pour into 6 ice lolly moulds and freeze overnight. Strawberry and avocado salad For a pretty summer salad, toss together halved strawberries, diced or sliced ripe avocado and some baby spinach leaves. Crumble in a little feta, add a few slivers of red onion then dress with a honey-mustard vinaigrette. Double chocolate frozen strawberries Thoroughly dry the strawberries by patting with kitchen paper then remove the hull. Push in a cocktail stick then freeze the strawberries in a single layer. Dip the frozen strawberries into melted white chocolate, using the stick to shake off any excess. Once all the strawberries are coated, return to the freezer until fully set then repeat with a layer of milk or dark chocolate then slide out the sticks. Serve frozen. Strawberry mojitos Roughly chop 12 large strawberries and 2 limes and muddle together in a jug with two tablespoons of white sugar and few fresh mint leaves. Stir in 400ml white rum, mixing well. When ready to serve, divide between 6-8 glasses, fill with ice cubes then top up with sparkling water. Strawberry smoothie Fill a blender goblet with hulled and halved strawberries (if you have any other berries such as raspberries or blueberries, add a few of those too). Break in a small banana then add a good splash of milk or coconut milk or water and whizz until smooth. Pour over ice and serve.
