Veg-based chocolate snack Rootles has been highly commended in the national Veggie Awards 2022.
The white chocolate and beetroot flavour in the Rootles range has been singled out for praise in the ‘on-the-go snacks’ category of the awards.
Tried, tested and judged by some of the best-loved celebrities and influencers in the plant-based and ethical industry, the awards shine a light on the top vegetarian and vegan products of tomorrow.
Helen Yates, who developed the innovative snack that has just 121 calories per pack, was delighted with the news that her veg-based biscuit has won an accolade.
Helen, who runs Luke Evans Bakery in Riddings, Derbyshire, with husband David Yates, said: “This is fantastic news for Rootles. We’re chuffed to bits that the white chocolate and beetroot flavour of Rootles has been given a highly commended rating in the Veggie Awards 2022. It’s a great endorsement for the product and the brand, and we hope it will help raise awareness of our tasty chocolate snacks.”
Believed to be the first sweet vegetable-based snack to hit the market, Rootles are baked with 35% root veg and covered in chocolate. They are currently available in three different flavours – milk chocolate and dark chocolate with carrot, and white chocolate and beetroot, with the dark chocolate biscuit being suitable for vegans.
The Rootles brand has been developed to satisfy demand for indulgent, guilt-free treats. Each pack has 121 calories which is fewer than many other chocolate snack bars because the biscuits are naturally sweetened by nutritious root veggies including carrot, beetroot and sweet potato.
Award judge, TV presenter, health guru and travel writer, Amanda Bryam had this to say about the Rootles white chocolate and beetroot flavoured snack: “These skinny veggie-based snacks are made with over 35% vegetables (a blend of carrot and sweet potato) perfect for an on-the-go light, crunchy treat. Each pack comes with 3 sticks, so if you have the willpower, you could spread the pack out over the day!”
Helen was inspired to develop the product through her work mentoring and supporting international business students at the University of Nottingham. The concept of using veg in biscuits was developed as a market research project, which sparked her interest in the idea.
She later received funded support from Mission Ventures and the Good Food Fund, which identified Rootles as being a winning healthy snack to help fight obesity in children.
The innovative snacks have been welcomed as a truly ground-breaking concept in the snack world, with British Baker magazine selecting Rootles as one of its top picks of 2021 and naming it a finalist in the New Bakery Product of the Year category of the Baking Industry Awards 2022.
Rootles are currently on sale via Amazon, via the Rootles website and at stores across Derbyshire and the East Midlands including Croots Farm Shop in Duffield, Whites of Calver Spar and fuel station, James Retail at Derby Bus Station, Ascona Heanor fuel station as well as a number of coffee shops and cafes. They have also had success further afield, being stocked in a number of outlets across London and Northern Ireland.
For more details visit www.rootles.co.uk
