Our blog

At Essential Cuisine, we believe that the smallest touches can make the biggest difference: a richer stock, a deeper jus, a perfectly balanced seasoning. For 30 years, our products have been helping chefs and passionate cooks alike transform their dishes into something truly exceptional.

In honour of our 30th birthday, we’re inviting you to show us how you #ElevateWithEssential.

Whether you’re creating a restaurant-quality main course, a comforting bowl of soup, or a globally inspired side dish, we want to see how our products have elevated your dish.

Here’s how to get involved:

1. Cook & Create – Incorporate any of the core Essential Cuisine products into your dish. Think stocks, gravies, jus, glaces and our signature range – we want to see how you use these in your dishes!
2. Capture the Moment – Photograph or video your creation, making sure your dish is the star of the show.
3. Tell the Story – In your post, describe how our product helped take your dish to the next level, perhaps it added depth of flavour, boosted umami, or saved valuable prep time without compromising quality.
4. Share & Tag – Post your content and description to Instagram using the hashtag #ElevateWithEssential, don’t forget to tag us in.

What’s up for grabs?
One lucky winner will receive a premium hamper including:

• A I.O.Shen Chef Knife set – (worth over £150)
• £75 Amazon voucher
• 5 x Essential Cuisine products of your choice
• A branded apron

Entries close on Tuesday 30th September 2025 and the winner will be announced via social media on Friday 3rd October 2025.

Check out our recipe page for some inspiration: Essential Cuisine

This is your chance to not only showcase your culinary skills but also be rewarded for your creativity and passion.

So fire up the hob, preheat the oven, and let Essential Cuisine be the secret ingredient that takes your dish from great to unforgettable.

We can’t wait to see how you #ElevateWithEssential.

Full terms and conditions can be found below: 

• Competition opens on 1st September 2025 and formally closes on 30th September 2025. Any entrants after the closing date will not be eligible.
• By entering this competition, the entrant will be deemed to be bound by and have accepted these terms and conditions.
• This competition is being hosted on Instagram (@chef.essential) whereby 1 prize of a premium hamper will be advertised.
• Entrants must be aged 18 or over.
• To be in the chance of winning, an entrant is required to photography or video they recipe creation using one or more of the Essential Cuisine core range products including: stocks, jus, gravies, glaces or signature range.
• Post their recipe content to Instagram using the hashtag #ElevateWithEssential and a written caption explaining how the product has elevated their dish.
• Essential Cuisine comply with GDPR legislations and your details will never be shared with any 3rd parties.
• Prizes will only be sent to valid UK business addresses. Any request that we deem to be ineligible will not receive their item, however a member of our team will contact you if necessary.
• Please allow 28 days for delivery of items.
• There are no substitute products or cash alternatives. The prize is non negotiable. 
• No purchase or entry fee is required to partake in this competition. 
• Entries will only be accepted on Essential Cuisine’s Instagram account.
• Responsibility cannot be taken for dispatched items lost, damaged or delayed whether due to technical problems or otherwise.
• The promotors’ decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into regarding disputes of prize winner.
• Essential Cuisine reserve the right to withdraw this promotion without prior notice.
• Promoter: Essential Cuisine, Browning Way, Woodford Park Industrial Estate, Winsford, Cheshire, CW7 2RH.