Top 10 food and drink essentials that are perfect for summer
THE sunnier skies and longer days we’ve been dreaming of are finally here, and now it’s time for Brits to embrace the essence of summer.
Whether you’ll be playing the role of the gracious host, or you’re getting invites to summer shindigs left, right and centre, no occasion is complete without some culinary treats and the perfect pairing of seasonal beverages.
If you’re looking for spreads that will wow your guests, or drinks to mix up a storm and refresh your taste buds, we have ten summer essentials to enhance all of those memorable moments this summer.
We’ve found affordable essentials to stock your pantry with, tasty tipples for summer cocktails and an array of treats that the whole family can enjoy.
Read on to discover our ultimate summer shopping list.
Caletoni – iFoodsUK
If you’re craving foods from across the globe, iFoodsUK is the place to check out.
From South African snacks to tasty Australian drinks, or American pantry must-haves, iFoodsUK has an array of beverages and food items to explore.
The extensive range also includes a selection of Mystery Boxes to make the process of discovery a little bit more exciting.
With new products added daily, this family-run business based in Corby, Northamptonshire, ensures that you have access to fun foodie treats.
You can browse what goodies are available by selecting your country of choice or visiting the new arrivals page which is full of the newest items from across the world.
Plus, no matter where you are, iFoodsUK offers worldwide shipping to bring international delights right to your door.
- SHOP NOW and visit the brand’s social media pages@iFoodsUK on TikTok, Instagram & Facebook
Colombo Street
If trying a different cuisine is on the cards for your summer dining plans, then get ready to indulge in a culinary adventure.
Colombo Street is the ultimate gateway to an authentic Sri Lankan experience.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the richness of Sri Lankan culture while indulging in something new – the perfect excuse to add some al fresco dining to your lunch or dinner plans.
You can enjoy a range of street food favourites that are bursting with spices and aromatic flavours, and the vibrant menus are crafted by talented Sri Lankan chefs, ensuring authentic dishes and mind-blowing tastes.
It’s the ultimate one-stop shop for an exotic (and convenient) culinary experience and the delicious food is delivered right to your doorstep, no matter where you are in the UK.
Colombo Street is currently offering the opportunity to win a Sri Lankan Ready to Eat Meal Box Subscription for 3 months, worth over £100.
- Click here to enter the competition. Use discount code: SUN@COLOMBO for 20% off – Shop Now
McGhee’s Bakery
What would a picnic, day at the park or road trip or summer garden party be without some good ole baked goods!
For almost nine decades, and spanning four generations, McGhee’s bakers have been delighting customers’ taste buds with their high-quality baked treats.
Craft baking is at the heart of the renowned Scottish-based family brand and McGhee’s products have garnered a loyal following across Scotland and beyond.
The brand even won Bakery Manufacturer of the Year in 2022, and shows no signs of slowing down.
So why not stock up on some of McGhee’s extensive range and sample the delights steeped in its long history of expertise for your next summer gathering?
Greenfields
Whatever you’re cooking this summer, these fantastic products are sure to make every dish special.
Get all of your spice inspiration from Greenfields, the world food specialist with over 40 years of experience.
Greenfields has quickly become one of the most trusted household brands in the UK and a staple for every kitchen.
The range of innovative products are carefully sourced from around the world and are used in kitchens ranging from Michelin-star restaurants to luxury hotels and 5-star spas.
Greenfield also offers free delivery with purchases of 10 or more products, plus for summer you’ll get 20% off when you use the code SUMMER20 at the checkout.
- Use the code: SUMMER20 for 20% off your order – shop here
House of Westphalia
Delicatessen Fine Eating is your go-to brand for no-nonsense, delicious food at great value prices.
They don’t waste time and money on gimmicks; instead, they invest in products to maintain their everyday low-price strategy of £1 and £2 per pack, even throughout the current cost-of-living crisis.
With widespread food price inflation, Delicatessen Fine Eating set themselves apart with true quality at a great price.
You can find their products nationwide at Aldi Scotland, B&M Retail, Best-One, Booths, Budgens, Costcutter, Farm Foods, Heron Foods, Keystore, Iceland, Londis, Nisa, One O One, One Stop, Poundland, Premier, Scot-mid Co-op, and Spar.
Visit your local store and pick up their meatballs, cooked hams, sliced chicken, their new chicken skewers, smoked pork sausage, frankfurters, salamis and even more!
- Visit the webpage here or your local store today.
Chocobel.com
We all know a picnic or BBQ isn’t complete without some sweet treats to enjoy after the main meal, but if you have food intolerances figuring out what you can eat can be a minefield.
If you’re an allergy sufferer or are intolerant to certain ingredients, look no further than Chocobel.com.
The brand is a leading distributor of sugar-free, vegan and ‘free from’ products in the UK.
Whether you’re buying to enjoy for yourself or looking to bulk order for a special occasion you are hosting, Chocobel.com ensures you’ll be able to get exactly what you need and not worry about the ingredients.
Plus you can get a 5% discount when you sign up to create an account.
Lambrini
Prepare to be dazzled by the fresh new look of Lambrini.
Still with the same taste you know and love, the popular sparkling drink has a vibrant and modern look for a new generation to discover and enjoy.
Shoppers can say hello to an explosion of colour and flavour, with Lambrini Original, Strawberry and Cherry flavours. It is the perfect tipple for the summer.
Whether you prefer sipping Lambrini chilled, spritzed in a soft drink or you’ll be shaking things up into a cocktail, Lambrini has you covered.
If you’re looking for inspiration, there’s a wealth of recipe ideas on the official Lambrini social channels.
- Find Lambrini Original 1.25L, Strawberry 75cl or Cherry 75cl at Asda – shop here
Country Life
There’s no better way to kick-start your day than with the comforting taste of warm, melted butter on toast.
Country Life is here to make your mornings that little bit more irresistible, by offering 25% more* than other leading brands.
The award-winning butter is expertly crafted, made using milk sourced exclusively from British countryside dairy farms.
Proudly boasting the Red Tractor seal of approval, Country Life is a proud supporter of the Prince’s Countryside Fund which supports a sustainable future for British farmers.
Country Life is perfect beyond breakfast too, and the creamy texture and rich, flavourful taste is hard to beat.
Get ready to elevate your mealtimes with Country Life – a true celebration of British countryside heritage.
- Visit your local store to pick up some deliciously creamy Country Life today!
*Based on a 10g serving suggestion comparing 250g vs 200g and 500g vs 400g.
Shake Baby Shake
Ideal for impromptu picnics in the park or for summers lounging in the garden, Shake Baby Shake is the must-have ready-to-drink cocktail to fill your cooler for the summer.
As the home of Instagrammable, high-quality cocktails, Shake Baby Shake’s range is inspired by the UK’s most loved and in-vogue tipples.
Why not pick up the all-new Piña Colada this weekend? This recently released cocktail will transport you to the beach in just one sip!
The 4% ABV Piña Colada is a silky-smooth mix of pineapple juice, coconut, lime and a hint of white rum, providing a tropical flavour mix your taste buds will love.
Utopian Brewing
Sample award-winning lagers that leave a lasting impression from Utopian Brewing this summer.
The independent British brewery crafts exceptional-tasting beer with only 100% British-grown ingredients.
Using traditional lager brewing techniques, such as gentle fermentation and extended cold conditioning, all lagers embody high quality taste.
What sets this brand apart from rivals is its dedication to brewing naturally, without any additives.
All Utopian Brewing lagers contain only the four core ingredients of water, malted barley, hops and yeast – making them proudly vegan-friendly.
The range has also recently expanded to include a variety of core lagers and seasonal specials, available in kegs and cans for pubs, bars, and retail establishments.
- Visit the website and use code: LOVELAGER to redeem 10% off your next order
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