Food Rebels

This week AJ is joined by Georgie, Clare, and Claire for a conversation that flips the script on our relationship with food. Georgie starts things off by expressing her annoyance at the constant finger-pointing towards consumers when it comes to unhealthy eating habits.   But fear not, foodies! Clare Pope and Claire Hernandez are here to shed light on what to pay attention to with UPFs. They'll also tackle the big question: who's r...

AJ and Georgie are in for a treat as they are joined by chocolate expert Oli Shorts from Seed and Bean and artisan macaron maker Laura Hickman from Little Ms Macaron.   Oli highlights the lack of wild and creative flavours in the chocolate market and how Seed and Bean are showcasing inventive and delicious flavour combinations like their Lime and Sea Salt milk chocolate bar, which AJ and Georgie are in love with.   Laura explains t...

As the warmer days make a welcome return, AJ and Georgie talk about how easy it is to grow your own salad and make your own dressing.   They are joined by Vertical Farming expert, Ben Amory from GrowUp Farms, who explains how vertical farming saves water, uses no soil or pesticides and means the salad leaves don't need to be washed and can go straight into the bag.   Georgie is adamant she needs dressing on a salad, but Ben shows h...

Hummus-t be love in the studio this week as AJ Sharp and guest co-host Georgie Parsons meet snacking entrepreneurs, Hannah from ChicP and Chester from RAISE snacks.   Hannah, Founder of ChicP, transformed her passion for reducing food waste into a booming business as she used her cheffy skills to turn leftover vegetables into a delicious range of hummuses. And Chester who uplevelled the nation’s snack-game when he created RAISE sna...

AJ and guest presenter Dhruv Baker meet vegan chef Abi Franklin, recently returned from 6 years in Shanghai, creating delicious dishes, which get a big thumbs up from our hosts.   Based in Bethnal Green, London, Abi's delicious food to order is available through Deliveroo.   Also in the studio is Iain from Zingiberi Bakery. Originally an Academic Lawyer, teaching police law, Iain turned his hand to creating award-winning cookies an...

Pairing cheese with wine or even whisky is something of an art. Jessica Summer, an expert in cheese and wine gives AJ and guest presenter Dhruv Baker a quick lesson in the best ways to enjoy the combinations.   Katie from RAER crafted by family-run Jackton Distillery in Scotland is also on hand to sample their delicious whiskies and vodka. AJ and Dhruv are particularly taken with RAER's 'Something Blue' gin which magically changes ...

This week we turn the spotlight on gut health and how it can impact everything from our immunity to our mental health. Guest presenter Dhruv joins AJ as they discuss how one change to your diet is a step in the right direction but not the only action needed to improve your health.   They talk to expert Steven Van Middelem, who has worked for years developing his living soda Fhirst, the first to have healthy bacteria survive the man...

What happens when the rebel grows up? AJ is joined by guest presenter Dhruv Baker and they get under the skin of Britain's best-loved condiment brand Tracklements. Founder Guy Tullburg tells us the story behind the brand: how authenticity, pride in their work, and their products, and never compromising on quality have remained the backbone of the business over the years.   AJ and Dhruv are salivating at the thought of Guy's take on...

We find out if AJ is at good at tasting as we all hope she is, as Georgie sets up a surprise tasting of popular food items and their gluten free counterparts. Will AJ be up to test?   Also, joining AJ and Georgie in the studio is Jess Howe and Vanni Cataldi from ZENB, a gluten free pasta and cracker company, who talk about the future of gluten free.   ZENB are also offering our listeners 20% OFF their online orders via zenb.co.uk w...

There’s a love-in this week as Justin Horne and Piers Milburn share a mutual respect of all things eco, home-grown and foraged.

AJ Sharp is joined by Show Producer Georgie Parsons this week, and they learn about the merits of Lion’s Mane and Porcini and Sprigster, an alcohol-free spirit to rival the best of them.

Meanwhile, Justin is coy about his favourite local foraging spots. And Piers invites us all down to the Pythouse Ki...

Well, since AJ’s damp January is well and truly over, she is delighted to meet Helen Matheson-Pollock from Nine Oaks Vineyard and Ivo Devereux from Sapling Spirits this week. AJ is joined in the studio by Show Producer Georgie Parsons, who loves vodka and sustainability.

They discuss whether there’s anything reasonable in the ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) rule, which so many people apply to making wine choices in the UK.

And I...

AJ Sharp is joined by Show Producer Georgie Parsons, who jumps into the presenting role this week and they’re talking about coffee. They taste through some familiar instant coffees, sharing nostalgic stories of the evolution of the nation’s favourite caffeine brew over the past few decades.

They’re joined by Peter Grainger from CafePod, the fresh coffee pod company, who shares the story of Founding and growing his company and ab...

Craig Sams, the original Food Rebel, has a wealth of tales to share, and so we decided to release a bonus unedited version of the conversation we had with him.

As we reach the 30th anniversary of the FairTrade mark, Craig reflects on the groundbreaking moment when Green & Black's chocolate became the very first to earn this prestigious designation, marking a pivotal m...

Christabel joins AJ for the last Guild of Fine Food takeover show to discuss everything Great Taste. They discuss the meticulous judging process, and how Great Taste has become the largest accreditation for taste in the world.

They meet Lucia Larragoiti from La Maritxu, who was totally blown away to be awarded a 3-star for her beautiful light zingy San Sebastien Cheesecake and shares how it has impacted her business.

Tune in t...

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Great Taste and guest presenter Christabel Cairns from the Guild of Fine Food joins AJ to celebrate this amazing achievement.

Joining the festivities are Jenny Whitham and Margaret Carter from the esteemed Patchwork Foods, seasoned veterans in the world of Great Taste.

Together, these four embark on a reflective journey, exploring the remarkable evolution of Great Taste. From the transformat...

We kick 2024 off by chatting with food industry experts, Christabel Cairns from the Guild of Fine Food and host AJ Sharp, Founder of Sharp. Together, they share their insights and predictions for food trends this year.   As the organisers of Great Taste, the biggest global accreditation based purely on taste, the Guild of Fine Food is well placed to see upcoming food trends.   The lively discussion is led by AJ Sharp, Founder of F...