Entries open for the 2026 Free From Christmas Awards

The Free From Awards have officially opened entries for the 2026 Free From Christmas Awards, inviting UK food manufacturers, independent producers and major supermarkets to submit their innovative and inclusive festive products.

Reflecting the growing popularity of Halloween and the increasing focus on seasonal product development, the Free From Halloween Awards also return for a third year.

As the UK’s only dedicated awards platform for free from food and drink, the Free From Awards offer businesses an opportunity to gain independent recognition for their seasonal ranges.

To qualify, products must be entirely free from at least one of the UK’s 14 major allergens. Products must not carry precautionary ‘may contain’ labelling for the specific allergen they claim to exclude, supporting consumer confidence and safety.

Entering the awards gives food and drink businesses the opportunity to secure credible third-party endorsement ahead of the critical golden quarter. Categories for the 2026 festive awards span the full Christmas season and include Advent Calendars, Christmas Dinner Essentials, Party Food & Finger Foods, Gifting & Stocking Fillers, and Festive Bakes.

Nicki Clowes, COO at the Free From Awards, said: “Christmas is an emotional time for families, but it can be incredibly isolating for individuals managing severe food allergies or coeliac disease.

“The free from sector continues to see impressive growth year on year. Winning a festive medal isn’t just about receiving a trophy. It gives retailers greater confidence to stock a product and signals to consumers that a brand can deliver fantastic festive taste without compromising on food safety.”

Nicola Woods, Event Manager for Speciality & Fine Food Fair, added: “We’re delighted to partner with the Free From Christmas Awards and support its work in recognising outstanding allergen-aware products. The festive season should be enjoyable and inclusive for everyone, and these awards provide an important platform for the brands combining innovation, safety and fantastic taste.”

The entry system features tiered pricing based on company turnover, helping to keep the awards accessible to businesses of all sizes:

• Micro businesses with turnover up to £300,000: £105 + VAT per entry

• Small businesses with turnover from £301,000 to £3 million: £150 + VAT per entry

• Large businesses with turnover above £3 million: £185 + VAT per entry

Halloween entries close on Friday 25 September, with the winners announced on Thursday 1 October.

Entries for the Free From Christmas Awards close on Wednesday 30 September. Rigorous blind-tasting sessions involving industry experts, chefs, buyers and consumers with food hypersensitivities will take place in October, with the winners announced on Tuesday 3 November 2026, ahead of the peak festive shopping period.

Brands can submit their products and review the full entry criteria on the official Free From Christmas Awards website.

Entries for the Free From Food, Drinks, Easter, Foodservice, International and Nutritional Supplements Awards will reopen in January 2027.

Find out more at freefromfoodawards.co.uk.