Gluten-Free Finds: What’s New at Ocado

Ocado is one of my favourite places to discover both fun new snacks and reliable cupboard staples that I come back to time and time again. On a recent “back-to-uni” stock-up order, I couldn’t resist adding a few new products to my basket—some from brands I’d been eyeing for a while, and others that were completely new to me. From price to flavour, this review covers everything you’ll need to know before deciding whether these products are worth your pennies. So, let's just get started, shall we...

🥯 Good grain bakery bagels

Good Grain is actually a brand I first discovered through Ocado, and when it comes to bread, I’ve never looked back. It’s hands down my favourite gluten-free bread brand—I always keep a stash of their pre-sliced loaves in the freezer for quick and easy meals. So, you can imagine my excitement when I spotted that they’ve launched bagels!

Finding decent gluten-free bagels has always felt like an impossible task. Honestly, I’d almost given up the hunt. But Good Grain’s new sourdough bagels exceeded all my expectations.

They have not one, not two, but three different flavours to choose from, all of which are organic and sourdough-poppyseed, cinnamon & raisin and original. I chose to try the poppyseed bagels, which were incredible. I topped mine with smashed avocado, roasted chickpeas, and balsamic tomatoes. The best part? They were the size of a normal bagel. No tiny, sad-looking substitutes here. The texture was dreamy too—soft, chewy, and not at all crumbly.

Another huge plus is that they’re vegan and made with really wholesome ingredients—no oils, gums, additives, or preservatives. I froze mine straight away and toasted them as needed, and they come out perfect every time.

Now, onto the downside: the price. At £5.99 for a pack of four, that’s £1.49 per bagel. For comparison, Fitzgerald’s poppyseed bagels (not gluten-free) are £2.20 for five—that’s just £0.44 each. For many, that’s a significant difference, and it does make these bagels less accessible as an everyday staple.

⭐️ 3.75/5 - Delicious, wholesome, and finally a gluten-free bagel that feels like the real deal, I'm definitely going to be getting my hands on the other flavours. But at this price point, they’re more of a “treat yourself” item than a weekly must-have.

🍚 Clearspring Organic brown rice, black pepper, and tamari crackers

I’m always on the lookout for good-quality, quick and easy snacks like this – something to add to a lunchbox or grab on the go. I first discovered Clearspring a couple of years ago at an Allergy & Free From Festival, where I tried their organic sea veg crisps. Since then, the brand has expanded its range significantly. While not entirely gluten-free, Clearspring offers a large number of gluten-free products with truly unique flavours.

Although places like Ocado don’t stock the full range, they do carry a good selection of gluten-free products. From rice noodles to plant-based proteins like tofu and soya mince, and from teriyaki and tamari sauces to flavour-packed snacks, Clearspring makes it much easier for gluten-free shoppers to enjoy Asian-inspired meals and flavours at home.

From the rice crackers, there are several flavours to choose from, including sesame & tamari, green nori & tamari, and black sesame & tamari. I went for the Black Pepper & Tamari variety. I love bold flavours, so I always hope for something punchy with snacks like this. The black pepper had a nice kick, but I found it was slightly overpowered by a subtle sweetness I wasn’t expecting. That said, I absolutely loved the texture, and I’ll definitely be hunting down the other flavours to try.

My main issue is the price. At £2.40 for a 40g bag, they’re not cheap. To put it into perspective, the brand Mitsuba sells similar rice crackers at £2.00 for 100g – that’s more than half the price of Clearspring’s £6.00 equivalent. While Clearspring does use unique ingredients you won’t find elsewhere, the price difference is noticeable.

⭐️ 4/5 – I love the range of options Clearspring offers, especially as gluten-free shoppers don’t always get this level of variety. It’s introduced me to a brand with lots more to explore, but at this price point, my taste tests will be a slow and steady process.

🍫 Nourish organic cocoa coconut bites

I’m always on the lookout for new snacks to try, so when I spotted some new gluten-free goodies on Ocado, these instantly caught my eye. A bit of digging revealed that the brand has a whole range of products to choose from — including different chocolate bar flavours, macaroons, and various packs of coconut bites.

Although I haven’t seen this brand stocked in other shops yet, my first impression was really positive. I’d love to see them become more widely available, or even try recreating them at home. The bites made the perfect evening sweet treat, and they’d work just as well as a quick grab-and-go snack.

The coconut added a satisfying crunch, while the chocolate brought a deep richness. The coconut kept the overall flavour from feeling too heavy. Alongside the chocolate, they also offer vanilla and strawberry bites, plus a range of bars in flavours like coconut, chocolate orange, nut, and berry.

The main drawback, however, is the price. At £1.29 for a 40g bag and £2.00 per bar, they’re definitely on the expensive side, which makes them a bit harder to justify as a regular buy.

⭐️ 3.5/5 — I love discovering a new brand with exciting products that help keep the gluten-free market fresh, but with prices this steep, it’ll be more of an occasional treat for me rather than a staple.

🍍 Hip pop strawberry and pineapple kombucha

After discovering kombucha — and how much I love it — I’ve been on the hunt for the best supermarket brands to enjoy at home. Recently, I stumbled upon Hip Pop and was impressed by the variety of flavours they offer. Their range includes sodas, kombucha, and even CBD-infused kombuchas. As someone who’s not a huge fan of standard soft drinks but still enjoys a “fun” evening drink, these have been a fantastic alternative for me.

I’m especially drawn to the CBD kombuchas, which I find really help me unwind in the evenings. They come in two flavours — Berries & Cherries and Passionfruit & Guava. My personal favourite is Berries & Cherries; it’s fruity, vibrant, and soothing all at once. These are slightly more expensive than the regular kombucha (£6.00 vs. £5.25), but worth it for the extra benefits.

On the regular side, the Pineapple & Strawberry flavour has become a new favourite. The balance is spot on — the tangy pineapple is lifted by a gentle sweetness from the strawberry, making it refreshing without being too sweet. While the price point is on the higher side, it’s very much in line with other kombucha brands, most of which land around £5.00 for a 4-pack.

⭐️ 4/5 — Bold, refreshing flavours that make for the perfect evening drink.

🍪 Nibble Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites

I love an evening sweet treat — there’s nothing better than settling down after a long day with a good book and a delicious snack. I'm always on the lookout for new and interesting options to keep things fresh, and these cookie-dough bites had been catching my eye for a while. I finally took the plunge and gave them a go, going in with no expectations (I didn’t read the reviews beforehand — hindsight says maybe I should have!).

At first, I didn’t mind them. I even started to enjoy them… sort of. But a few things stood out as a bit unusual. The texture was both hard and soft at the same time — slightly grainy, but not dry or crumbly like many gluten-free snacks. The bites were packed with chocolate, which added a deep, rich flavour, but unfortunately, this was overshadowed by an unusually strong salty taste that took away from the otherwise velvety chocolate.

After I tried them, I read some reviews and found that many people had the same experience. While I wouldn’t go so far as to say they were bad, they definitely cater to a very specific taste. I do appreciate their allergen-friendly credentials — they’re both vegan and gluten-free. Other flavours, like the double chocolate or trail mix varieties, seem to be rated more positively, so I’d be interested in trying those next.

One downside is the price: at £2 for a 36g bag, it feels quite steep — especially when you compare it to something like Marks & Spencer’s pack of six 18g snack bags for £1.75.

⭐ 3/5- An innovative concept that I’d like to explore more, but between the price and the polarising flavour, it’s a treat I’ll be saving for days when I’m in the mood to try something new.

Cantina gluten-free yellow corn tacos

I’m always on the hunt for new gluten-free bread brands that actually hold together and taste good, too. Gluten-free tacos and wraps are especially tricky — supermarket versions tend to fall apart, crack when you wrap them, or have that unmistakable cardboard taste.

So when I saw a pack of 15 gluten-free corn wraps on Ocado, I was intrigued. Fifteen seemed like a lot… until they arrived, and I realised why. Compared to regular wraps, these were much smaller — perfect taco size, but definitely more petite than expected.

Despite that, I really enjoyed them — especially the flavour. Because they’re made from corn, they add a lovely, natural flavour to the dish rather than something artificial. They held up impressively well, too: no sogginess when filled, and they crisped up beautifully in the air fryer!

They are a little pricier than regular taco shells — about 20p more per 100g compared to Marks & Spencer’s regular pack — but honestly, for the quality, it doesn't feel like a big stretch.

⭐ 4/5- Delicious flavour, great texture, and a reasonable price point make these a strong contender for regular taco nights!

I hope you enjoyed reading this review — maybe it even inspired you to try a new gluten-free brand. For more gluten-free reviews, bakes, and finds, follow me on Instagram @rubysgfkitchen

Ruby x

Seven Gluten-Free Spots in Bath You’ll Want to Try

As a gluten-free uni student who's been living in Bath, I'm always looking for the best places to try and take family and friends to on visits from them. This curiosity has allowed me to find some really good places, so I thought that I would share what I have learnt in my first year for your next trip to Bath.

Nook

A small Australian-inspired café on Bath’s High Street, Nook serves a vibrant range of dishes and snacks that are 100% gluten-free. I’m especially keen to try some of their savoury items, which include poke bowls, breakfast fritters, rösti, and a variety of smoothie bowls—you’re definitely not short on choice here.

I have already worked my way through a selection of their baked goods, and my absolute favourite has to be the nut and chocolate cookies. Warmed up in the microwave, they’re the perfect balance of salty and sweet—crispy on the outside and gooey in the centre. I’ve also tried their flapjack, which was tasty though a little too syrupy for my liking, and their Twix bar, which had a rich chocolate topping, smooth caramel layer, and crumbly biscuit base.

Their smoothies are another highlight. I tried the açai smoothie, which tasted incredibly fresh thanks to high-quality ingredients. My only critique is that it was a little thinner than I prefer, as I like smoothies to be on the thicker side. That said, their menu has so many interesting flavours that I’d love to explore more.

The main drawback to Nook is the price tag—smoothies, for example, are £8.50 each, which makes it more of a treat spot than a weekly staple.

🌟 Overall, Nook is a place I return to time and time again, and I’m excited to keep exploring the rest of their menu.

Green Rocket Cafe

This is one of my absolute favourites for a feel-good lunch packed with fresh ingredients. Open seven days a week and located right in the heart of Bath near Bath Abbey, The Green Rocket serves an extensive list of plant-based breakfasts and lunches. It’s an award-winning spot that really champions vibrant, wholesome food.

A selection of small plates

Not only does The Green Rocket serve up incredible plant-based dishes, but it’s also responsible for my kombucha obsession—they offer an organic apple and elderflower variety that I have to order every single time I visit. There’s also an ever-changing selection of cakes on the counter and a long dessert list if you’re in the mood for something sweet. With a menu that changes regularly, every trip feels exciting and pushes me to step outside my comfort zone and try something new.

One of my all-time favourite salads actually came from The Green Rocket—their plant-based Caesar salad. It features coconut flake “bacon,” a rich Brazil nut parmesan, and some of the best gluten-free croutons I’ve ever had. I usually pair it with their paprika-rubbed sweet potato fries, which are the perfect side.

I’ve also fallen in love with many of their small plates. The tempura vegetables served with

chilli oil are full of flavour, the satay mushroom skewers have a beautiful depth, the chickpea fries have an incredible texture, and the sweet potato fritters are another must-try. The best part? Most dishes on the menu are, or can easily be made, gluten-free.

🌟 As a gluten-free pescatarian, this place is a dream—whether I’m trying something new or going back to an old favourite, there are always plenty of exciting options.

Blended

Blended Kitchen is a superfood bar serving up a range of feel-good dishes, drinks, and treats. From freshly made juices, smoothies, protein shakes, and coffees to pair with a topped toast, acai or yoghurt bowl, there’s something for every mood.

Their toast menu features favourites like topped avocado toast and banana bread—though these aren’t gluten-free. Personally, my go-to here is their yoghurt and acai bowls. With a long list of toppings to choose from, the combinations feel endless, making it easy to create something new every visit.

A selection of topped toast, an acai bowl, a smoothie and tea

Blended Kitchen offers three bowl bases—acai, matcha, or mango—with the option to mix two. I always go for a blend of acai and mango, which strikes the perfect tangy-sweet balance. Bowls come in 12-oz or 16-oz sizes and include granola plus your choice of five toppings. I really appreciate that their gluten-free granola is stored separately from the regular granolas behind the counter—it makes the experience feel safe and thoughtful.

My go-to mixed acai and mango bowl

Their juices and smoothies are another highlight. The smoothies I’ve tried are fresh and flavorful, though a bit thinner than I usually prefer. The juices, however, are spot-on. My favourite is Lemonaid—refreshing, light, and the perfect thirst-quencher.

🌟 Blended Kitchen is the perfect spot for a girly brunch, a quick pick-me-up, or a mood-boosting cold drink on a sunny day.

Newton St Loe Farm Shop

This was one of the very first places I visited in Bath—and it quickly became a favourite. Not only does the farm shop itself have a lovely, dedicated gluten-free section (a total win), but the bustling café attached to it is packed with gluten-free options.

This café is always busy. I don’t think I’ve ever stepped in without seeing the tables filled with people enjoying tea, cake, or a hearty Sunday lunch. The quality of the produce really shines here. I’m partial to their freshly squeezed orange juice, but they also serve up all the comforting classics: hot chocolates, coffees, and teas. Perfect companions to a slice from the cake counter—my favourite being the date and cashew slice.

My faveriote date and cashew slice

When it comes to lunch, the menu doesn’t disappoint. Burgers and buns can all be made gluten-free (with buns that actually hold together—no crumbly disasters here). They also serve a range of salads and pub staples like fish and chips or ham, egg, and chips. And the chips? Truly next-level. Light, crunchy, fluffy, crisp—hands down the best chips I’ve ever had. Honestly, worth the visit just for those.

A veggie burger with the absolute best chips

Sundays are a real highlight too. All roast options can be made gluten-free, from nut roast to roast pork, alongside their classic pub dishes.

🌟 A scenic spot serving comforting staples—whether you’re after coffee and cake with a wander around the farm shop, or a family reunion over a roast dinner or a pub classic.

Rosarios

A traditional Italian café tucked right into the centre of Bath, Rosarios is my number one place for a quick gluten-free lunch that’s full of flavour—far from your run-of-the-mill cheese sandwich.

There’s an extensive list of all-day breakfast options, alongside gluten-free versions of Italian classics like arancini. Even better, the full menu of sandwiches and paninis can be made gluten-free.

Not only do we get just as many choices as non-gluten-free eaters, but the bread here is a real highlight. For the sandwiches, the gluten-free loaf is generously sized (no palm-sized slices here!), full of seeds, and it doesn’t go soggy from the fillings. It’s the perfect base for anything you choose, though my favourite has to be the chickpea fritters—an absolute must-try in my opinion.

A sandwhich with chickpea fritters, salad and maynonaise

The panini bread is just as impressive, with a golden crust, served warm—perfect for a mid-shopping refuel.

A panini with chickpea fritters, roasted pepper, rocket and sweet chilli sauce

To drink, there’s a long list of options: juices, frappés, smoothies, and flavoured matchas. And if you’ve saved room for something sweet, many of the treats can also be made gluten-free, from traditional cannoli and Sicilian lemon cake to caramel shortbreads and brownies.

🌟 The ideal spot for a mid-shopping lunch or brunch, serving up a taste of Italy right in the heart of Bath

Flourish foodhall and kitchen

Flourish Foodhall and Kitchen is a classic farmshop-style venue serving food from 8 am to 5 pm, making it a perfect spot to visit at any time of day. The menu starts strong with hearty breakfasts, including a full English in different varieties such as baby-sized and vegetarian versions, along with topped toasts that can all be made gluten-free. Brunch options are just as tempting, with filled ciabattas, shakshuka, and avocado toast, all of which can be customised with a range of extras.

By midday, the menu broadens to include favourites like fish and chips, lighter plates such as Buddha bowls, a full range of sandwiches that can be made gluten-free, hearty burgers, ham, egg and chips, and fresh salads. To go alongside any of these dishes, there’s a wide choice of drinks—smoothies, juices, cocktails, teas and coffees. If you’re in the mood for something smaller, a lovely selection of sweet treats is available too, broadening to afternoon tea.

Since my last visit, the menu has undergone some changes. I used to enjoy their flatbread, a folded, toasted wrap topped with creamy hummus and fresh vegetables. I chose the falafel option, though that one is no longer marked gluten-free. I also had their vegetable burger, which has now disappeared from the menu, though the beef and halloumi burgers remain, and both, along with the sandwiches and ciabattas, can be made gluten-free. Both dishes I tried came with chunky chips that were always warm, crisp, and perfectly salted.

🌟 Flourish makes a wonderful spot to meet friends or family. You can take a wander through the shop, try a bit of pottery painting, before stopping for a yummy brunch, filling lunch, or a light evening bite.

Dough

This was one of the first places I visited in Bath, and whenever I miss pizza, this is the place I think about. It is on the more expensive side, especially for us gluten-free folks, with the gluten-free pizza bases adding up to £3.95 extra. That said, the options here are endless, and it’s worth it. Unlike many places where gluten-free is just a substitute, here you actually have five different pizza base options to choose from!

From turmeric to seaweed to a classic alternative sourdough, there’s a base for everyone. Any of the pizzas or pucce sandwiches can be made gluten-free with your choice of base. Starters are also a highlight, ranging from garlic bread to warm bruschetta, and even a dish called “The Dough Special.”

If pizza isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of mains to choose from, such as parmigiana (layers of fried aubergine baked with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil) and a selection of salads. And trust me, these are not the limp lettuce-and-tomato salads you might be used to—they’re packed with fresh ingredients, full of flavour, and form the base of my favourite combo from Dough: a salad paired with their garlic bread.

My go-to is the tuna salad, paired with garlic bread on a gluten-free sourdough base. It’s absolutely perfect for a late summer evening meal.

🌟 With multiple locations across Bath, Dough is an ideal spot for a date night or a celebratory meal, with options to suit every preference.

I hope this has given you a little inspiration for your next trip to Bath, or maybe added a few new spots to your “must-visit” list. As I head into my second year of living here, I’m so excited to discover even more hidden gems, while of course revisiting some of my favourite places again and again.

Thank you so much for reading,

Ruby x

Chocolate-topped date and peanut butter cookies

Soft, naturally sweet, and oh-so-simple – with a gooey chocolate twist.

This recipe is one of those happy little treats that came from blending comfort and ease — sweet dates, creamy peanut butter, and just a handful of nourishing ingredients. They’re the kind of cookie you can whip up in under 30 minutes, and they somehow manage to feel both indulgent and wholesome all at once.

The idea started with a craving for something soft, rich, and just sweet enough — and I’ve been making some version of these ever since. They're especially lovely when you keep a stash in the freezer for those “just one bite” moments.

And while the cookies are completely delicious on their own, adding a slick of chocolate on top takes them somewhere extra special. You can melt a few squares of dark chocolate or make your own with coconut oil, cocoa, and a little maple syrup.

🛒 Ingredients (Makes 8)

• 100g peanut butter (If yours is a bit stiff or cold, just warm it in the microwave in 30-second bursts until soft and stirrable)

• 4 medjool dates

• A pinch of sea salt

• 3 tbsp ground almonds

• 1 tbsp chia seeds or ground seed mix

  
  

Optional chocolate topping

• A few squares of dark chocolate, melted

  OR

• 1 tbsp coconut oil

• 1 tbsp cocoa powder

• 1–2 tsp maple syrup or your favourite liquid sweetener

  
  

🥣 Method

1. Soak the dates

Remove the pits and soak your dates in a bowl of just-boiled water for 10 minutes until soft.

2. Make your chia egg

Grind your chia seeds into a powder (I use my little handheld blender), or use a pre-ground seed mix. Stir with 3 tbsp of water and leave it to thicken — it’ll turn gloopy, like an egg.

3. Preheat your oven

Set it to 160°C fan. Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper and a little coconut oil.

4. Blend the dates

Drain the dates and blend them into a smooth paste using a stick blender or food processor.

5. Mix the dough

Add the blended dates, peanut butter, sea salt, ground almonds, and chia egg to a bowl. Mix until combined. The dough will be sticky and soft.

6. Shape your cookies

Scoop into small balls, roll gently, and flatten onto your tray with your hands or the back of a wet spoon or spatula.

7. Bake

Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden around the edges. Let them cool on the tray — they’ll firm up as they rest.

8. Add chocolate (optional but encouraged!)

Once cooled, drizzle or spread the melted chocolate over each cookie. To make your own: melt the coconut oil, stir in cocoa powder and maple syrup until smooth, and spoon over the tops.

Let the chocolate set at room temp, or pop them into the fridge or freezer to speed it up.

🍫 Optional Toppings

Take your chocolate layer to the next level with one (or more!) of these finishing touches:

• Crushed roasted nuts

• Toasted coconut flakes

• Flaky sea salt

• Cacao nibs

• Sesame or hemp seeds

• A dusting of cinnamon or espresso powder

🧡 Optional Swaps & Additions

These cookies are made to be adapted. Here are a few ways to customise:

• Nut-free? Swap peanut butter for a seed butter.

• No almonds? Use oat or coconut flour instead.

• Add-ins: Stir in chopped nuts, cacao nibs, or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for more texture.

• Chocolate inside! Fold some dark chocolate chunks straight into the dough for a double-chocolate version.

  
  

❄️ Storing & Freezing

These keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze beautifully — chocolate topping and all. Let them defrost at room temp, or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a chewy, fudgy bite.

For more gluten-free bakes, easy sweet treats, and cosy recipe inspiration, check out my Instagram @rubysgfkitchen  💛

Happy Baking,

Ruby X