Canned Food UK has teamed up with the British Nutrition Foundation to launch the ‘CANtastic Recipe Competition’ as part of Healthy Eating Week (12 to 16 June 2023).

The competition challenges secondary school pupils to create an original, healthy, tasty and exciting main course recipe that contains at least one canned ingredient. Schools up and down the land are getting ready to submit their entries by the closing date on Monday 5 June.  

Recipes will be judged by a panel of nutrition experts including TV chef and Canned Food UK ambassador, Theo Michaels. Each recipe entry must be inspired by one of Healthy Eating Week’s key themes for 2023, namely a focus on fibre, getting at least five fruit and veg a day, staying hydrated, varying protein intake, and reducing food waste.  

Frances Meek, Education Services manager, British Nutrition Foundation, commented: “We’ve received some fantastic entries for our new CANtastic recipe competition, but the closing date is approaching fast. Entering is easy and sometimes it’s the simplest recipes which are the most delicious.” 

The judges will be looking for healthy recipes that showcase creativity and presentation skills. The ingredients and method must be documented clearly.  

Theo comments: “Getting children enthusiastic about cooking from an early age is really important. It’s vital to teach them about a balanced diet and its long-term health benefits.   

“Using canned foods for the competition will help students to realise how convenient they are. In many cases, the preparation is already done. Cans have a long shelf life which means they can stay on stand-by for years in our store cupboards.  

“I’m looking forward to seeing the ‘cantastic’ recipes created by students as part of the competition!” 

Entries must be submitted by teachers (who are themselves registered for Healthy Eating Week) on behalf of their pupils to be valid.   

Robert Fell, Canned Food UK director and chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the British Nutrition Foundation for Healthy Eating Week to highlight the vital role canned foods play in a balanced, healthy diet. Through the cooking process, nutrients are locked in the can, which helps us to get the vital vitamins and minerals we need. In terms of the benefits, this is just the tip of the iceberg…”  

There are three different age group categories for the competition – 11 to 14 years, 14 to 16 years and 16 to 18 years. A winner and four runners-up will be selected for each category.

Every prize winner will receive a signed copy of ‘Canned’ written by Theo Michaels. The winning recipes will be published on the British Nutrition Foundation’s Food – A Fact Of Life and Canned Food UK websites.  

Find out more about the competition.