
Main Categories
All categories are carefully considered and reviewed each year, on-boarding our learnings along with those of our judges and entrants. The process is extensive and includes consultations with industry stakeholders and consumers.
It is our aim to recognise the breadth of the offer now available, covering all occasions, and the often complex needs of the free from and allergic consumer.
If, having read the Category descriptions, you are still unsure of where your entry would best fit, please contact us.
All categories listed in this section require entrants to fill in forms: to find out more about entering, please read our Entry Guide.
If you are ready to enter, please either create or log in to your account here or via Account Logins, link top right; or simply ‘click to enter’ the link in each category below which will take you to the entry form you have chosen, via your account.
Easter Award
Within the 2025 Awards cycle, the Easter Award has its own identity, and is judged and the winners announced and celebrated early, allowing entrants to share any medal success in advance of Easter. The Easter offer has blossomed in recent years and so has the interest in this category.
A new addition to our Easter Awards for 2025 is Speciality. As in our main awards this category puts independent producers, who may only be producing for and selling via farmers markets or small independents, in the spotlight: availability may be limited but that is no reason for us not to celebrate free from greatness.
This year we have 5 sub-categories:
- Easter: Eggs
- Easter: Confectionery & Gifting
- Easter: Hot Cross Buns
- Easter: Cakes & Bakes
- Easter: Speciality
As with Christmas, Easter is a time when consumers often look for something special or a little bit different, so this category presents a great opportunity for smaller, independent producers as well as the larger brands and retailers.
We will judge the Easter category on the 12th February, and announced medallists on 18th February allowing entrants to share their medal success in the run-up to Easter 2025.
International Recognition
Sponsored for 2025 by
This award is designed to recognise quality & innovation in free from food and drink outside of the UK market, potentially helping brands build awareness in the UK and gaining valuable insights on their product and its suitability for the UK market. For more information and how to enter, click here.
Food Categories
Breakfast and Morning Goods (click to enter)
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The most important meal of the day. Maybe this is why we have traditionally always opened our judging with this category.
As Breakfast options have evolved so has the category, and we welcome everything from cereals, granolas & oats to the once elusive baked goods & smoothies.
We recognise the ‘staple’ nature of many breakfast products but it is our ambition that this category showcases products beyond this, elevating the breakfast occasion and looking to some of the smaller producers. Options for breakfast ‘on the go’ would be welcomed as this is the reality many of us are dealing with; whether that be due to work, travel or just the school run. We would suggest these are entered in the Grab & Go category, NEW for 2024.
We would suggest options developed for, or of high relevance to, the younger consumer be entered in the Child & Teen category and that any Keto products be entered in the Keto category.
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This cover-all category includes staple products that are otherwise taken for granted and whose existence aids flexibility for the free from cook.
Ambient sauces, stir fry pouches, pasta/noodles and condiments can all fulfil the needs of the free from and allergic consumer when looking for a quick & speedy meal with minimal effort.
All products that can be found in a cupboard or freezer that make up whole or parts of meals, accompanying meals, ingredients, mixes, dehydrated or tinned goods, stocks and so much more! There is innovation and excitement to be found here, in a category that covers so many bases.
Dried pasta products should be entered in this category as this is very much a store cupboard staple. (Fresh & filled pastas should be entered in the relevant meal solutions category).
Milk Product Alternatives (click to enter)
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A category where the explosion in plant based and vegan has vastly increased the offer with brands, on the whole, effectively addressing both the free from and vegan audience.
Will entries of milk alternatives offer anything new this year? We’ve had just about every option represented in recent years from soya and coconut to pistachio and potato. And within this, occasion need has been a consideration whether that be a barista style, to serve with cereal or as a standalone drink.
BUT this category is more than milk alternatives, it’s open to yoghurts, kefirs, butters & spread, sour cream, mascarpone, condensed milk, curds, buttermilk, clotted cream, creme fraiche, whipped cream and more!
Breads (click to enter)
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For many, bread is the single most important free from product, forming part of so many meal occasions. From the everyday basket items of toasting and sandwich loaves to rolls, wraps, bagels, ‘weekend’ and speciality breads, manufacturers of all sizes have something valuable to bring to the category.
We sub-categorise entries by type and production methods to ensure that every entry is judged fairly for the market/need it is addressing.
Cheese Alternatives (click to enter)
The demand for vegan and plant based food fuels exciting developments in the milk free cheese sector at all levels, and the divide is great between products for national retail and hand crafted, artisanal options.
Quality cheeses developed for main category fulfil the staple weekly shop needs, whereas artisanal cheese alternatives are there for special occasions and cheese boards, and then there is the increase in interest in melting and cooking cheeses.
We acknowledge the different cheese occasion requirements by having two sub-categories for Cheese Alternatives to recognise and encourage development at both ends of the spectrum, and in order to promote both amongst the free from and allergic communities.
Meal Solutions
Recognising the array of occasions and solutions now in market, our categories cover a wide range of products.
Due to the rise in cost of living, and the reduction in disposable income, most of us are currently eating at home more often, especially those managing more severe food allergies and intolerances.
Centre of Plate Items (click to enter)
We look forward to welcoming an array of options here from best selling breaded poultry and sausages to pies, vegetarian alternatives and maybe some more diverse culinary options. A great category for mainstream products that safely accommodate and include the free from and allergic consumer.
Sides & Light Meals (click to enter)
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This category is open to dressed vegetable sides, potato products and meal accompaniments as well as salads and soups many of which are serving the free from & allergic consumer with fewer allergens and clearer labelling.
Sandwiches and individual serve salads & soups should be entered into Grab & Go.
Prepared Meals (click to enter)
The potential for this category is huge this year with the retail sector seeing a growing demand for premium meal solutions as consumers seek to recreate the dining out experiences at home.
From weekday staples to weekend suppers, from traditional favourites to Indian curries, from meat and fish based meals to vegetarian and vegan alternatives; the category is broad but the need entries are meeting is simple – a convenient meal solution that can be popped straight into the microwave or oven to be ready for the latest TV drama snuggles on the sofa, or enjoying around the table with friends and a good bottle of wine.
Ready to eat pizzas should also be entered in this category.
Grab & Go – Sandwiches, Salads & Meal Pots (click to enter)
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The shopper mission here is clear: a grab & go option that addresses breakfast on route to the office or something to look forward to at lunchtime when working in the office or at home.
Sandwiches, breakfast baps & wraps from forecourts, retailers and coffee shops, plus smaller pot meals, porridges, soups, salads & sushi would all be well placed here as would individual bags of crisps and maybe even a sweet bite!
Snacking
The snacking category has boomed in recent years partly due to the increase of ‘on the go’, and the innovations in the category itself to incorporate healthier eating, meal replacements and light bites for in between meals. Pre-school or after school treats should be entered in the Child & Teen category.
Savoury Snacking (click to enter)
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In this category we encourage a diverse range of entries. We welcome anything that could be enjoyed as a savoury snack, in formats including single bags, multipacks and sharing/large bags. Products such as crisps, pretzels, tortilla chips, as well as nut butters & hot snacks such as a sausage roll or pasty would all be great entries for this category.
This year crackers and oatcake-style products should be entered in this category as they too largely address the savoury snacking occasion.
Sweet Snacking (click to enter)
sponsored for 2025 by
Recognising that the snack occasion is now more than just bars, all entries into this category should be something you could enjoy between meals , pre/post gym or a cheeky evening nibble. From exotic dried fruit to chocolate coated roasted chickpeas and chocolate cornflake clusters, let’s put our judges’ taste buds through their paces.
Healthier Snacking (click to enter)
sponsored for 2025 by
Recognising all those better for you snacking options on the market for the free from and allergic consumer who is looking beyond the immediate fix to a HFSS-compliant free from snack, one that will satisfy taste buds as well as nutritionally-positive cravings!
This category is open to both savoury and sweet entries.
Confectionery (click to enter)
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A consistently popular category whose chocolate entries can broadly be split into large scale retail and artisanal. The artisanal entries (such as raw chocolates) are judged separately in a sub-category. We welcome replications of main category brand leaders, nods to healthier options and the use of more natural ingredients, and this category is not just about chocolate, sweet confections are also welcomed.
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We welcome the basics (often covered by the big retailers) as well as innovative, crafted products by smaller producers. Products making multiple free from claims, especially vegan products catering for the free from & allergic consumer by being both milk and egg free, increase the inclusivity for often the most anticipated yet tricky meal to cater for! Traditional cobblers and crumbles, ice creams, trifles and mousse, as well as puddings and baked desserts are all perfect for entry here.
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From the biscuit classics that mimic their main category counterparts to handcrafted cookies and everything in between. Our judges put entries through their paces but the biggest question: to dunk or not to dunk?
Tea Time: Cakes & Bakes (click to enter)
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Everything from traditional cakes to tray bakes, slices, doughnuts, scones. If it isn’t a biscuit and you could enjoy it with a cup of tea then this is the category. Celebration cakes should be entered into our Gifting & Celebration category.
Almost Totally Free From (click to enter)
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This is the ultimate award for manufacturers who have gone above and beyond, creating foods that are free of 15 allergens: these are the top 14 UK-listed major allergens plus 1 extra: peas and chickpeas, a major problem for a growing number of UK allergy reactors.
Entries must be free from 14 allergens, with no precautionary allergen labelling (PAL) for these 14, but entrants can choose which 14 they exclude.
This is always an interesting category, with perspectives being challenged by those living with multiple allergies, and raises real awareness of how big a difference some of the entries here make. It isn’t always about the most innovative, it could be products that provide access to something that had previously been off limits, or those that have gone that extra mile to ensure more free from and allergic consumers are able to safely enjoy their product.
Open to products supplied, or with the potential to supply, to the hospitality sector.
Providing free from food for the catering sector opens up a large and expanding market and this category offers the opportunity for small independent companies to showcase their products alongside the large catering companies to help step-change the food service offer.
There is a need in food service for more free from products from the basic staples all the way through to innovative savoury and sweet options. And the more inclusive the product, both in quality and free from, the more appealing it is.
Child & Teen (click to enter)
One of our favourite categories, and unique in that most of the feedback comes directly from the customers that entries are addressing, children and teenagers, which allows for genuine and honest feedback!
This category is not judged blind as this allows us to get feedback on the full product experience and enriches the insights.
The judging sessions for this category involve groups of younger judges with a focus on the occasion so we can better position each of the entries to the judges. So from breakfast and packed lunches to post school or gym snacks & supper time, if you have a product that is designed for, or highly relevant to, the child or teen audience then this could be the category for you.
Tree Nut & Peanut Free (click to enter)
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Whilst we welcome entries that are free from multiple allergens, this category is all about acknowledging the growing number of products that have invested in developing and manufacturing a nut safe product.
Entries here have to be free from both tree nuts and peanuts and with no precautionary allergen labelling (PAL) for either.
From cereals and breads to cakes & bars, a diverse category and one we want to be the ‘go to’ for those seeking delicious nut safe options.
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A small but perfectly formed category that puts small, independent producers in the spotlight. A great platform for smaller brands to widen their reach and for the free from consumer to make a discovery! We are looking here for unique and high-value food items, typically made in smaller quantities, often hand-made or with an artisanal element, and from high-quality ingredients.
Uniquely among the categories, we do not require entries into this category to be available nationwide, thus recognising quality regional foods.
We have the capacity to recognise different sized companies here, with awards to:
- micro companies with a turnover of less than £300,000
- small companies with a turnover of between £301,000- £3,000,000
- large companies with a turnover of more than £3,000,001
Keto (click to enter)
For any free from product making a keto claim, or formulated to be suitable for the ketogenic diet with or without a keto claim being made. This dedicated category ensures that keto products will be considered alongside other keto products only, and by a judging panel familiar with keto. Note that we will not subject entered products to blood glucose response testing but will ask for explanation of how the product is designed to be suitable for a ketogenic diet. Meals, snacks, condiments and drink entries are all welcome.
*NEW* Nutritional Supplements (click to enter)
A supplement is a product that is used to supplement a diet and to support or maintain, enhance and improve the healthy functioning of the human body, for example with sources of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fibre, phytonutrients and adaptogens. Supplement products that have a palatability and preparation element, such as shakes, mixes, blends, powders and concentrates are a great fit. Supplements that have no palatability or preparation dimension, such as tablets and pills, are not a good fit since we cannot assess their formulation or efficacy.
Our overarching free from criteria remain – see our Entry Guide for a reminder.
Gifting & Celebration (click to enter)
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An evolution of our Christmas Awards’ Gifting category which recognises the wider celebratory occasions that we have throughout the year, and open to all-year-round gifting products, celebratory cakes and party foods.
Drinks Categories
Gluten Free Beers (click to enter)
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We welcome both gluten free and gluten removed beers, including lagers, IPAs and golden ales, dark beers and, reflecting the market as a whole, many ‘small’ beers, table beers and low-alcohol beers. Some come from small craft-breweries, whilst others are brewed for national retail.
The gluten free beer market has developed vastly in the last few years – with many brewers offering at least one gluten free beer, and an increasing number making their entire range gluten free.
There is appetite for more variety, including gluten free wheat & fruit beers and sours and we look forward to welcoming more, new styles into the awards.
Low & No Alcohol (click to enter)
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Some of the most exciting and innovative developments in the free from drinks space are in Low & No.
Products have alcohol removed in unique ways that still maintain flavour, using methods that limit the quantity of alcohol produced, and range from hand-crafted artisanal drinks to those manufactured for national retail.
Products are often free from the top 14 allergens, and there is a requirement to list ingredients which higher ABV drinks do not have to do.
Traditional products like fermented tea which sit easily alongside wine and champagne have been rediscovered. We welcome spirits, wine alternatives, botanical elixirs, sparkling fermented drinks and more.
Miscellaneous Drinks (click to enter)
A vegan label is important for many in the allergy world as it’s the only way of telling that milk and egg have not been used during production of wines and Prosecco. Other entries here can include free from spirits and botanical mixers whose complex flavours are always appreciated by judges.
We also welcome an assortment of free from, premium drinks that offer unique health & lifestyle benefits, and would stand up well next to traditional cocktails, spirits, wines and mainstream soft drinks. Functional, nutritional and botanical drinks are experiencing fast growth in the sector, are often top 14 allergen free and also offer gentle mood-enhancement without any of the effects of alcohol. Energy and sports drinks can help elevate cognition and mood, and often display clean ingredient lists and good nutritional profiles using alternative sources of caffeine.
Other Awards
Innovation Award
Sponsored for 2025 by
Innovation is crucial to the continuing success of any organisation and within the free from world innovation is disproportionately important, with new or significantly altered products potentially making a huge difference to the lives of the free from and allergic consumer.
Whether they’re replicating foods and drinks popular in the main category offer, or trying something new (for free from) and tricky to accomplish, or using new or different formats of ingredients, or whether simply introducing exciting packaging styles.
Innovation here could be a new concept for the free from market, a category leading quality evolution, an innovative use of ingredients or manufacturing techniques, unusual recipes, or new ways to deliver health or flavour.
We have the capacity to recognise different sized companies here, with awards to:
- micro companies with a turnover of less than £300,000
- small companies with a turnover of between £301,000- £3,000,000
- large companies with a turnover of more than £3,000,001
The Innovation Award will highlight innovative products in free from by selecting a shortlist that meets the criteria from among medal winners in all the Main Categories.
All products entered into the Main Awards food and drinks categories are eligible, and once identified by our judges we will ask the shortlisted brands questions and use their answers to assess possible winners. The shortlist will include judges feedback on the products themselves, and our sponsor and carefully selected FFFA judges will review and decide on winners.
Sustainability Award
Developed for 2025 with
We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Sustainable Kitchen Consultants, who are able to carry out an end-to end sustainability assessment for your business covering all 3 pillars of sustainability: People, Planet, Profit.
Theirs is the only sustainability assessment that considers human health to be as important as planetary and environmental health, which aligns with the Free From Food Awards’ central tenet of benefitting the free from and allergic consumer.
This is your opportunity to shine a spotlight on all the great things you and your brand are doing to produce sustainable products, and achieve an additional Free From Awards Sustainability Award accreditation! Get in touch for more information: cressida@freefromfoodawards.co.uk
Start Up of the Year
Sponsored for 2025 by
Open by invitation only to young companies with at least one entry into a main food or drink category, this category is designed to encourage and make a real difference to a start up manufacturer poised to accelerate their free from growth ambition.
This category is only open to companies who started trading after January 2nd 2023. Proof of trading start date will be required upon entering. This can be a Companies House date of incorporation certificate or confirmation from your accountant. Any product can be entered into this award, but must also be entered into a main category.
Judging will be undertaken with a team from category sponsor Tesco, who also offer the winning entry mentoring, making entry in this category a unique opportunity and of great value to previous winners.
Special Awards
To be eligible for any of these awards below, products must be entered into Main Categories above. You cannot enter a product directly into these awards – but products entered into main categories may, if they fulfil the criteria below, win!
Free From Brands of the Year
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This award recognises the role of brands in the development of the free from sector. This award considers the products in a brand’s range.
To qualify for this award, entrants will need to have entered a minimum of 3 products into the awards for a ‘Small or Micro Brand’, and 6 for a ‘Large Brand’.
We determine micro, small & large as per our entry fee criteria:
- Micro: turning over £0-£300,000
- Small: turning over £300,001- £3,000,000
- Large: turning over <£3,000,001
Free From Products of the Year
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The Free From Food Awards presentation culminates in three awards given to individual food and drink products: two from brands, and one from a retailer – these are the best of the best, where gold winners in each category go head to head to be crowned with these prestigious titles. They are the awards that everyone wants to win and inevitably receive the most amount of coverage and promotion during and after the event.
These awards are:
- Retailer Free From Food Product of the Year
- Free From Drink Product of the Year
- Free From Food Product of the Year
Free From Retailer of the Year
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Our well-established award recognising the crucial role that the supermarkets, in all their formats, play in the free from sector.
ROTY requires a minimum entry of 40 products, with a minimum of 1 entry into 15 of our food categories as specified in the entry criteria.
The top scoring entry from each of the mandatory entry categories listed in the entry criteria plus the highest scoring 15 products from all entry categories will determine a retailers score and ultimately Retailer of the Year.
*NEW* Free From Healthier Choice Product of the Year
Sponsored for 2025 by
The NEW Healthier Choice Product of the Year award will highlight healthier choices in free from by selecting a shortlist of products that meet the criteria from among medal winners in all the Main Categories.
All products entered into the Main Awards food and drinks categories are eligible, and criteria we use to assess possible winners will include: protein and fibre content, micronutrient content, phytonutrient content, valid health claims and nutrition claims.
The shortlist will include judges feedback on the products themselves, and our sponsor and carefully selected FFFA nutritionist judges will review and decide on winners.