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Real Foods Blog: Food Ingredients And Benefits

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12 February 2026

Fibremaxxing explained

The media focus has been shifting from protein to fibre in recent months, which started a wellness trend called Fibremaxxing. Influencers across different social media platforms showcase their high-fibre meals, tracking daily fibre intake.

Fibremaxxing is slightly dramatic way of saying: ‘eat more plants to meet or exceed your daily fibre needs’.

24 February 2026

The Ultimate Guide To Salt and Seasoning

Salt and seasonings are the unsung heroes of every kitchen — small additions that make a huge difference to flavour. From simple sea salt to bold peppercorns and inspiring blends, mastering your seasonings elevates everyday cooking into something truly delicious.

24 February 2026

The Ultimate Guide To Spices

Spices are the heart of flavourful cooking — bringing warmth, depth, aroma, and colour to dishes from every corner of the world. From comforting cinnamon in baking to vibrant turmeric in curries, spices allow you to transform simple ingredients into something truly special.

24 February 2026

The Ultimate Guide To Baking Ingredients

Baking is both a science and an art — where simple pantry ingredients combine to create everything from tender cakes and cookies to hearty breads and pastries. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just getting started, having the right baking staples in your cupboard makes all the difference.

24 February 2026

The Ultimate Guide To Bread and Wheat Flour

Bread and wheat flours are the foundation of countless comforting bakes — from crusty artisan loaves to soft rolls, naan bread, and rich pastries. Choosing the right flour impacts texture, flavour, and rise, so understanding the differences can take your baking from good to exceptional.

24 February 2026

The Ultimate Guide To Rice

Rice is a global staple that fuels cultures and cuisines from Asia to Africa, Europe to the Americas. Its versatility spans simple weeknight meals to celebratory feasts — from fluffy basmati pilafs to vibrant black rice salads. Whether you’re looking for everyday pantry basics or more unusual varieties to inspire creative cooking, rice is a must-have in every kitchen.

24 February 2026

The Ultimate Guide To Herbs

Herbs are one of the simplest ways to transform everyday cooking — adding aroma, colour, and depth of flavour to everything from pasta sauces to curries, soups, and salads. Whether you’re building bold Mediterranean dishes or adding warmth to home baking, dried herbs are an essential part of any well-stocked kitchen.

23 February 2026

The Ultimate Guide to Flakes and Cereals

Flakes and cereals are a versatile and nutritious addition to any kitchen. Whether you're looking for a healthy breakfast, a snack, or an ingredient to enhance your cooking, flakes come in many varieties, each with its own unique flavor and health benefits.

23 February 2026

The Ultimate Guide To Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is one of nature’s most versatile and nutrient-packed snacks — perfect for nibbling straight from the bag, adding to breakfast bowls, baking into treats, or mixing into savoury dishes. Whether you're looking for natural sweetness, fibre-rich ingredients, or convenient energy on the go, dried fruit is a cupboard essential.

14 February 2026

Understanding Porridge Oats, Jumbo Flakes, Oatmeal, Bran, and Groats

Oats are a staple in many kitchens, but not all oats are the same. From quick-cooking porridge oats to hearty oat groats, each type has its own texture, uses, and nutritional qualities. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right oat for your meals.

14 February 2026

A complete guide to organic nuts benefits, uses and storage

Organic nuts are a staple in many kitchens — and for good reason. Packed with healthy fats, plant-based protein, fibre and essential minerals, nuts are one of the most versatile and nourishing foods you can keep in your cupboard. Whether you enjoy them raw, roasted, ground or blended, they add flavour, texture and nutrition to both sweet and savoury dishes.

14 February 2026

The ultimate guide to seeds chia, pumpkin and sunflower explained

Seeds may be small, but nutritionally they punch well above their weight. From boosting everyday meals to supporting plant-based diets, seeds are a staple ingredient in many kitchens — and for good reason.

19 February 2026

Get Your Oats

“A grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland appears to support the people.” Samuel Johnson.

An oft quoted remark from a 1755 dictionary which invariably gets the response “that’s why England has good horses, and Scotland - good people!”.

Jokes aside, oats are highly nutritious, survive in hardy conditions (that’s why many of ours are locally grown) and can be used in a huge array of recipes. Here’s our guide to what the different oats are and answers to commonly asked questions, “are they Raw?”, “are they Gluten Free?” and “what’s a bannock?”…

16 September 2024

Cacao and Cocoa your questions answered

What’s the difference between cacao and cocoa? What's a single origin bar? What is dutched cocoa? All our commonly asked questions answered about chocolate and cacao are answered...

14 April 2015

All about the citrus family

The citrus family is also known as the rue family, it's official name is Rutaceae, buy them here. Find out all about these fruits amazing properties and some tips on how to use them...

14 April 2015

The Benefits of Coconut Water

An article highlighting the benefits of taking coconut water

03 March 2026

All About Fibre

While the hype for keto diets is in full flow and more people are looking to protein as a primary nutrient, there is one major area of nutrition that is continually overlooked: fibre. The team at Real Foods, Scotland’s largest independent retailer, shares the importance of fibre, and why fibre rich foods are the magic component in your diet.

19 February 2026

Who's Who of Wholefoods Almonds

Did you know almonds have one of the highest levels of protein content of any nut? If you want to know more about this very popular relative of the peach and true who of the who's in the wholefoods world, read on!

19 February 2026

Who's Who of Wholefoods Sunflower Seed Kernels

All the flavour without the shells, sunflower seed kernels are a powerhouse of nutrition and you're much mistaken if you thought they were just the preserve of parrots. Read on and find out why this little seed earns it's big place in the who's who of wholefoods.

19 February 2026

Who's Who of Wholefoods Chia Seeds

Have you ever wondered what all the fuss is about where chia seeds are concerned? As one of the most nutrient dense and versatile wholefoods, chia seeds are definitely a who's who in the world of wholefoods. Read on to find out more.

19 February 2026

Who's Who of Wholefoods Pumpkin Seeds

A very rich supply of manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper, as well as a good source of iron, zinc, and copper, pumpkin seeds are certainly a good wholefood to include in your diet. Read on to find out more about this wholesome who's who of the wholefood world.

19 February 2026

We have our roots in organic

It all began with a passion for fresh organic produce at a time when there was a growing consciousness of the nutritional and environmental impact of pesticides... Now with an online store delivering worldwide, shopping for real food has never been easier.

04 July 2025

Healthy Chocolate

Chocolate can indeed be good for you, and especially if it's raw.

05 June 2025

The Rise and Fall of British Baking

Our Edinburgh stores have been providing for all your baking needs for over 40 years now and we’ve been supplying baking ingredients for more than half a century. Have a look at our huge range of baking ingredients here. Read about some of the baking trends from the last 50 years in this article

01 April 2025

Noodles

Guide to guilt free noodles and rice. The konjac plant from Japan is used for a range of pasta, noodle and rice products, all low in calories and high in soluble fibre.

01 April 2025

So fresh and so green

Here at Real Foods we believe freshness is key, that’s why we’re passionate about the fresh, organic produce we sell. Top up your 5-a-day with our guide to super nutritious organic fruits and vegetables…

01 April 2025

All About Bitter Apricot Kernels

A quick guide to Real Foods' bitter apricot kernels including the conumption warning.

14 December 2024

Seasonal eating for spring a guide

Seasonal eating is beneficial for our health as well as the health of the planet. Fresh produce that has recently been harvested, and hasn’t had to travel for thousands of miles, is typically fresher, tastier and much more nutritionally dense.

Although fruits do not begin to ripen until the summer in the UK, spring brings with it an abundance of fresh vegetables. By integrating these fresh veggies into daily meals, we are embracing the natural rhythm of the seasons whilst supporting local agriculture and nourishing our bodies.

14 December 2024

Inulin health benefits and dietary sources

Inulin is a form of soluble fibre which is found naturally in over 36,000 species of plants. It is a prebiotic, which means that it feeds our good gut bacteria. Inulin cannot be digested by the stomach and small intestine. Instead, it is fermented in the large intestine where it’s converted into short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). SCFA have many health benefits, from supporting gut health to reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

14 December 2024

Fresh ideas for fresh produce

Fresh vegetables are the cornerstone of a healthy diet and the spring and summer seasons are a time when they are in abundance. From asparagus to kohlrabi and runner beans to tomatoes, there's a huge variety to choose from. Make sure you eat the rainbow by including plenty of these delicious seasonal fresh vegetables in your diet. And if you need some recipe inspiration, Real Foods has that too!

24 October 2024

Organic Wines

Organic wines are delicious, but have other important qualities too. Read on to discover the difference between biodynamic, vegetarian, vegan and low/no sulphur organic wines.

24 October 2024

Who's Who of Wholefoods Chickpeas

Chickpeas are a creamy-colored, buttery legume also known by several other names, including Bengal gram, garbanzo bean and Egyptian pea. Find out why this humble pale-coloured pulse makes it into our who's who of wholefoods.

24 October 2024

Who's Who of Wholefoods Dried Apricots

There's a Turkish proverb "bundan iyisi Sam'da kayisi" which translates roughly as "the only thing better than this is an apricot from Damascus", meaning, it doesn't get any better than this. If you'd like to know why there's nothing better than an apricot, read on to find out why this wholefood makes our who's who.

16 September 2024

All About the Pomegranate

Introducing Pomegranate...

16 September 2024

All about Dates

A brief history of the Date and an infographic we've created to help you see just how amazing they truly are...

19 August 2024

All About the Passionfruit

All about the Passionfruit. Where I'm from, what I do and how to spot a good one.

14 August 2024

Teff

Wheat free, gluten free and organic, Teff Flour is in stock and being snatched up by customers - here's why...

14 August 2024

Fresh Fruit and Veg for Summer

Fresh fruits and vegetables from Real Foods throughout June and July. Try greens in salads or soft fruits for dessert and enjoy the flavours of summer.

31 January 2023

Coconuts

Coconuts, what’s all the fuss about? In spite of 'nut' being in the name, coconuts are in fact the fruit of the coconut tree

10 April 2018

Meet the Producer Left Field Kombucha

Left Field Kombucha drinks: Made with only the finest, ethical teas for a full drinks experience without the hangover. They are fermented for taste. No juices or added flavourings after fermentation. Kombucha as it should be.

22 November 2017

All About Apricots

All the nutritional information you need to know about apricots and how to get the most out of them...

20 September 2017

Turmeric and Curcumin

We've been asked quite frequently about turmeric. What's the curcumin content of the turmeric we sell, what is fresh turmeric used for and whether curcumin supplements have the same benefits as turmeric ones are just a few of the regularly asked questions. Here's all of our answers rounded up in a handy guide to the spice known in India as 'holy powder'. We've also a guide to making your own turmeric and castor oil pack to cleanse and rebalance the liver and gallbladder areas, popular with followers of Ayurvedic medicine.

29 January 2016

All About Apples

Apples originated in Central Asia but have been cultivated through Europe for thousands of years. Helping to balance blood sugar levels, strengthen your bones and lower cholesterol, they're also used in desserts and baking.

02 December 2015

I Am Bergamot

An introduction to Bergamot from Real Foods

15 September 2015

All About the Cabbage

All About the Cabbage (brassica) from Real Foods

06 May 2015

Beremeal is back in stock

A quick guide to the ancient grain, a recipe for bannocks and a link to where to buy it...

06 May 2015

All About the Seville Orange

All about the Seville Orange from Real Foods

06 May 2015

All About the Aubergine

All about the aubergine from Real Foods

14 April 2015

All about the Jerusalem Artichoke

All about the Jerusalem Artichoke. Where I'm from, how to use me and what I can do for you...

14 April 2015

All about the Globe Artichoke

All about the Globe Artichoke. Here's the Real Foods range of pre-prepared artichokes. What to do with me, where I come from and what I actually do...

14 April 2015

I Am Pomegranate

https://www.realfoods.co.uk/recipe/beetroot-pomegranate-grapefruit-juice

Introducing Pomegranate..

14 April 2015

The Real Foods guide to ripening bananas

Are your bananas a bit green and you want them to ripen and turn yellow? Or are you desperate to turn them black to make banana bread? A fully ripened banana should be yellow with the odd brown or black spot. Read on...

14 April 2015

All About Plums and Prunes

A guide to where plums are from, their nutritional benefits and some suggestions for getting the most out of plums (or prunes as they're known when dried).

14 April 2015

All about Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera provides antivrial protection, can help to ease bronchial complaints and is excellent at helping to balance intestinal flora. Find out why, along with where Aloe Vera is from and what to do with the plant...

14 April 2015

All about Asparagus

Want to know all about asparagus, where it's from? Why it's good for you? Here's our guide to asparagus...

14 April 2015

All About Pears

Pears, where they come from, what they do and why you should pop a few in your basket! Plus some links to delicious recipes.

14 April 2015

All About Bananas

All about the banana. Where it comes from, how to use it and some great recipe links.

14 April 2015

All About Tomatoes

All about tomatoes, their nutrition, how to use them and some of our best recipe ideas...

14 April 2015

All About Avocados

All about the brilliant avocado, how to use it, ideas for recipes and why it's so very good for you...

14 April 2015

All about Potatoes

Probably the most popular vegetable in the owrld, the humble potato has some surprising health benefits. This article will tell you where potatoes are from, what they are used for and some excellent recipes for using them.