Our weekly round-up of the latest news, products, facts and events for foodies

Inverness Foodstuff

Congratulations to Ness Bank Church’s Inverness Foodstuff, which provides meals to those who are homeless, vulnerable or financially disadvantaged.

The drop-in cafe, run by volunteers, quickly adapted during the pandemic to provide and deliver food six days a week.

Their efforts were praised in the Scottish Parliament after the team served more than 10,000 meals locally during lockdown.

Yes peas...

Podberry is the UK’s first freeze-dried seasoned snack product made with Scottish-grown peas, grown and made in the heart of Perthshire.

The peas are freeze dried on the farm before natural flavours are added, then packed ready to enjoy.

Available in four flavours: Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar, Sweet Chilli, Ham Hock or Parmesan & Truffle. 20g packs are available in Morrisons and Lidl with an RRP of £1.

Colin gets a makeover

For the third year, Colin the Caterpillar cake and Mini Colins are getting a special limited-edition makeover in honour of the Macmillan’s Coffee Morning.

He’s the same irresistibly chocolatey swirled sponge we all know and love but outside, he’ll be adorned with a mix of Macmillan’s colours, including green sprinkles and purple feet.

The cake is priced at £7 while a pack of five mini Colins is priced at £2.25 with 10% of the money from the sale of these cakes going to the charity.

Nation’s favourite

Chocolate digestives have been crowned the nation’s favourite biscuit, according to a new survey.

Scottish shortbread came in second place, followed by the chocolate finger.

According to the research, we eat an average of 11 biscuits a week.

Meanwhile, Lidl is selling two new drink-inspired flavours of its Deluxe All-Butter Shortbread Biscuits – aromatic Cappuccino and mellow Earl Grey, both priced at £1.29.

Dine in style

Aberdeen’s Chester Hotel has installed VIP marquees in its back garden complete with chandeliers and carpets, offering physically distanced, alfresco dining with a touch a decadence and glamour.

Themed evenings will take place every Friday and Saturday night, priced at £75 per person and including a three-course menu paired with fine wines from the hotel cellar.

Garden marquee events are limited to 50 diners per evening and can only be booked online.

Yummy... Colin the Caterpillar cake and Mini Colins