Success for Castlerea food company at UK awards

Castlerea-based company The Best Free From received outstanding recognition at the Nourish Food Awards in London last week.

Two of the company’s products were awarded 3 Stars, and one product was named the overall category winner in Low Carb Innovation.

Established in 2017 in the UK, the awards aim to “make healthy the mainstream, not the niche.”

They celebrate excellence across the spectrum — from pioneering food and drink brands to supplements, skincare, own label and food service products.

The Best Free From founder Tímea Kovacs said she was “deeply honoured that not only two of my products were awarded three stars, but also that one was chosen as the overall winner in the Low Carb Innovation category.

“This is the category where my products truly belong, and to be recognised at this level is both humbling and incredibly motivating.”

The company also won a bronze and a silver award in the Free From Allergens category at the recent Irish Quality Food Awards.

Tímea’s path to founding The Best Free From began in 2018 when she adopted a low-carb diet to address health concerns, including gestational diabetes during her second pregnancy.

This lifestyle change, she said, led to significant improvements in her well-being, such as enhanced sleep quality, increased energy levels, and the resolution of thyroid issues.

However, she found herself longing for certain foods, particularly bread and occasional treats, that aligned with her new dietary regimen.

This challenge sparked her passion for developing recipes that were not only health-conscious but also delicious and satisfying.

Recognising a gap in the market for nutritious, natural, and diabetic-friendly products, Tímea founded The Best Free From.

The bakery specialises in products that are free from sugar, gluten, grain, wheat, yeast, soya, and preservatives. Instead, they are rich in protein, healthy fats, and fibre, with numerous dairy-free options available.

The product range includes breads, muffins, low-carb pizzas, and award-winning baking mixes, all designed to ensure that individuals with specific dietary requirements don’t have to compromise on taste or nutrition.