Frequently Asked Questions | Essential Cuisine

In this section are some frequently asked questions that we receive from our customers

(Please click to expand for more information)

Where are your products available from?

Our products are available through your local wholesaler. Click here to get in touch with your local sales contact to find out more information.

What is Essential Cuisine doing to tackle packaging waste?

Our plastic packaging is 100% recyclable*, from shrink wrap, to our tubs. We are also reducing our cardboard usage – this has been reduced by 90% since 2013. *please check your local recycling point.

How do I contact a member of the team?

Our team are available to chat over the phone from 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday – please visit our ‘contact us’ page to find the corresponding phone number for the department you would like to speak to. If you would like to raise a query out of hours please email [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Do any products in the range contain declarable allergens?

We try and avoid using unnecessary allergens in our products. Where allergens are present, these are clearly stated in bold in the ingredient list. All our products are gluten free.

Where are your products produced?

The majority of our products (85% plus of our range) are produced in the UK at our factory in Winsford, Cheshire. Our remaining products are made within Europe with our key production partners.

Are your products high in salt?

We pride ourselves in having perfectly balanced products in terms of seasoning. What’s more, our Stock Mixes, Gravies and Glaces meet the DOH 2017 Salt Targets.

How do I store your products?

The majority of our range is ambient so they are perfectly fine to be stored at room temperature for 12-18 months. Once opened our range of ready-to-use Signature Jus and Sauces have to be refrigerated.

Do you use any preservatives, MSG or hydrogenated oil?

No, none of our products contain the above ingredients.

What exactly does a powder mix mean?

This means that the ingredients have been concentrated and dried. The dry ingredients are then blended together to make a convenient and easy-to-use product.

What is a concentrated paste?

Liquid ingredients that have been cooked and further concentrated by reduction, these are and then blended to form a strongly flavoured product.

How do I request a free sample?

Click here to access our sample request form, we will aim to get back to you in 7 working days.

Where can I find your range of free, downloadable recipe books?

Click here to find our range of inspiring recipe books!

How do I enter the North West Young Chef competition?

Click here to find our North West Young Chef application form. Good luck!

Are any of the products in your range suitable for vegans and vegetarians?

Yes! Many of our products are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Click on the ‘products’ tab on the navigation bar and specify your dietary requirement to find the full range. We have also put together a free, downloadable recipe book ‘From garden to Kitchen’ containing lots of recipes suited to vegan and vegetarian diets – click here to download your free copy.

Where can I find your allergen and intolerance declaration form?

Click here to find our full list of allergen information.

Where can I find more information on sector support?

Click here to find our sector support, this section of the website is packed with trend insights, recipe inspiration and how team Essential can help you!

Have you produced a vegan recipe book?

We haven’t yet but watch this space! Despite this, ‘From Garden to Kitchen’ contains lots of vegan recipe inspiration. You can also visit our recipe tab and select a specific dietary requirement for our full recipe listings!