Giving up something for Lent? We put three ‘free-from’ products to the test

NOW that we’ve all eaten our own body weight in pancakes, by tradition we give up something for Lent for 40 days.

I have opted for bread – which will be tough because I adore it.

But with so many “free-from” health products on the market, made without specific ingredients such as gluten or dairy, Lent is now easier than it ever was before.

Here, I put some to the test . . . 

DAIRY-FREE MILK

I AM not a huge fan of milk alternatives – they’re often a bit dry and chalky, with an aftertaste.

But this range from Cocos Organic is made from coconuts – and tastes like wonderful, tropical coconuts.

They have just launched a series of brand new products including a Mango Passionfruit Kefir, which is great for supporting your gut health as it contains billions of live vegan cultures, together with Mango Passionfruit Coconut Yoghurt and Mixed Berry Coconut Yoghurt.

Unlike some companies, they do not heat-treat their products after fermentation, to retain the gut-boosting bacteria.

I loved the kefir – creamy but tangy, 83 per cent coconut milk and 15 per cent fruit puree, 195kcal per 200ml bottle with 4.9 per cent fat.

The only downside is that it’s £2.80 for 200ml. See ocado.com.

GLUTEN-FREE FLATBREAD

I LOVE Nairn’s oatcakes. I could happily munch through an entire packet while barely coming up for air.

But I am disappointed with their new line, Nairn’s Gluten Free Sourdough Flatbreads.

Nairns

The idea is that these bring a distinctive tang of authentic sourdough while being bigger than a cracker but just as light and crispy.

I think that’s where the problem lies. Too big for biscuits for cheese and too dry to use as a bread substitute for a sandwich, they are not quite sure what they are.

It’s a shame, as they’re a healthy snack made with gluten-free wholegrain oats, high in fibre, with no artificial additives or preservatives. Just 55kcal each and 14.5 per cent fat.

They have a longer shelf life than regular sourdough bread too. You pay £2 for a box of 10. See waitrose.com.

MEAT-FREE KIEVS

THE By Amazon plant-based range is extensive – burritos, through to Thai red butternut-squash curry and Indian-inspired jackfruit biryani.

I tried their kievs made using wheat and pea protein, with a garlic and herb filling and coated in breadcrumbs.

I was pleasantly suprised – mainly because the filling didn’t explode all over the baking tray.

It is a pack of two – both at 140g, 337kcal and 18.4 per cent fat.

Slightly lower in kcal and fat than your average kiev and not a bad alternative.

A bit spongy but definitely less dry than chicken. I will definitely buy them again.

By Amazon’s 2 Plant Based Garlic & Herb Kievs are £2.58 – slightly cheaper than the average meat alternative. See amazon.co.uk.