This year, Nootz proudly took home three prestigious Great Taste Awards a true milestone for our growing brand. To mark the moment, we sat down with our founder and CEO, Dulara de Alwis, to chat about the motivation behind entering, the magic behind our recipes, and what this recognition means for the future of Nootz.
What motivated you to enter the Great Taste Awards 2025 in the first place?
We wanted to have Nootz’s concept and recipe innovation recognised by a trusted authority in food. The Great Taste Awards, run by the Guild of Fine Food, felt like the perfect platform for that. It’s known for celebrating real flavour and craft, so entering felt like a natural next step.
Which products did you submit for judging?
We entered three of our tropical dairy-free smoothies:
- Nootz Coconut Mango Smoothie
- Nootz Coconut Pineapple Smoothie
- Nootz Coconut Passionfruit Smoothie
In which category did you enter your products?
We entered under the Beverages category, specifically within the Dairy-Free, Organic, and Free-From subcategories.
Why did you choose these products for entry? What made them stand out to you?
Nootz is a novel concept: we blend coconut milk with electrolyte-rich coconut water and vitamin-dense tropical fruits, with no added sugar or preservatives. That balance of clean, natural ingredients and bold flavour felt like something the judges would appreciate.
Each smoothie has its own personality, but they all share that same commitment to clean, tropical refreshment, something we believed would shine through in the judging process.
How did you first hear about the Great Taste Awards, and why was 2025 the right time to apply?
I first discovered the Great Taste Awards years ago, walking the aisles of UK supermarkets and noticing that iconic black-and-gold star badge on top-tier food products. Fast forward to 2025, we had just completed a small production run of what we believe is our strongest flavour to date, Passionfruit. It felt like the perfect time to put Nootz forward.
What key features of Nootz did you highlight in your application?
We focused on the endemic fruit varieties we use, which give our smoothies their unique balance of natural sweetness and tropical tang. We also highlighted the star ingredient: coconut, from its creamy milk to the refreshingly hydrating coconut water. The goal was to show how Nootz delivers both flavour and function.
What awards did Nootz receive?
We’re thrilled to share that:
- Our Coconut Passionfruit Smoothie received a 2-star Great Taste Award
- Our Coconut Mango and Coconut Pineapple Smoothies each received a 1-star award
How did you feel when you got the news?
Honestly? Ecstatic. This kind of recognition validates all the work we’ve put into developing our recipes. To receive praise from such a respected panel of chefs and food experts, it was a proud moment for the whole Nootz team.
What stood out to you in the judges’ feedback?
What we appreciated most was the balanced feedback. The judges celebrated the flavour and texture of our smoothies, while also offering thoughtful suggestions on where we could elevate the experience even further. That kind of insight is invaluable for a brand like ours that’s constantly evolving.
What do you think this award means for Nootz as a brand?
We believe it will help us build trust with consumers and open doors to new opportunities, especially as we work to expand our presence in the UK retail market. Having the Great Taste seal helps reinforce that Nootz is more than just a functional drink, it’s a truly delicious one.
What’s next for Nootz?
We’re planning to leverage this award to position ourselves in the UK premium retail space, while continuing to improve based on the feedback we received. There’s still more to come, from new flavours to wider availability, and we’re just getting started.
Who Would You Like to Thank?
A huge thank you to ITC (International Trade Centre) for their incredible support throughout this journey. Their guidance, encouragement, and sponsorship have been instrumental in helping us bring Nootz to an international stage. We’re deeply grateful for their belief in our vision and for standing with us as we grow.
Any advice for others thinking of entering the Great Taste Awards?
Go in with an open mind. Don’t chase stars, chase learning. The process alone is worth it, and the feedback you receive can shape your product for the better, regardless of the outcome.
🍍 A Final Note…
We’re also proud to share that Nootz has recently obtained several international certifications including:
BRC, EU Organic, JAS Organic, USDA Organic, V-Label (Vegan), Star-K Kosher, and Halal—a huge milestone as we continue to grow globally.