The Essential Brand

ORGANIC, SUSTAINABLE STORECUPBOARD 'ESSENTIALS' AND ECOLOGICAL ALTERNATIVES
  • At our warehouse in Bristol we have a large organically certified manufacturing and packing facility from which we produce an extensive range of goods on our Essential label. Sizes range from 125g retail packs to 5kg to 25kg.
    We also offer an "own label" organic pre-pack option to our retail customers.
  • Additionally, we work with numerous manufacturers and organic farms in Europe and beyond to offer an ever expanding and competitively priced range of Essential branded goods. Examples of the diversity of this work can be found below and in the information pages on this site.
  • We believe in full traceability and our products are a unique selection of items developed in accordance with biodynamics, ethical and local considerations. All are organic, guaranteed GMO free, contain no unnecessary additives and are not available in your local supermarket.

Best Selling Essential Organic Italian Tomato Range

NEW Organic Italian whole Cherry Tomatoes
Organic Tomatoes Organic Passata Essential Organic Italian Chopped Tomatoes Organic Tom Puree Organic Cherry Tomatoes

Essential Fairtrade Organic Chocolate Spreads, finalist of the NPE "best organic food product"

Essential Trading has immense pleasure in launching our own range of Organic AND Fair-Trade chocolate spreads. 400g jars of conscience-free indulgence! Firstly; a vegan society accredited, dark chocolate spread, silky smooth and luxuriant. Then; organic hazelnut and fairtrade chocolate spread, the classic combination, rich and nutritiously creamy. Finally; organic fairtrade duo swirl chocolate spread. Combining the guilty pleasures of the light and the dark! The chocolate trade, as has recently been highlighted, is one of the worst in terms of human rights issues. Essential is proud to offer an alternative to this dire situation, offering a certified organic and fair trade product; organic to protect the environment, Fairtrade to protect the people. Guaranteed GM free and with no unseemly additives. Just as you’d expect from Essential – "food you can trust".

The dark chocolate spread is awarded a highly commended by the Soil Association Organic Food awards, and the hazelnut chocolate spread is awarded a commended. The entire range achieved finalist in the Natural and organic awards 2008.
dark chocolate spread highly commended dark chocolate spread Hazelnut Chocolate Spread commended hazelnut chocolate spread Duo Swirl Natural and Organic Award

Essential Organic Luxury Breakfast Cereals NEW!!

Essential Trading has launched a range of organic, luxury mueslis, granola and cereals under its Essential brand.  Assembled from the finest organic cereals with generous amounts of organic fruit, nuts and other wholesome ingredients, the range caters for all tastes.

The range comprises:

Superfoods Muesli
A delicious wheat free medley of 20 ingredients crammed with highly nutritious blueberries, goji berries, nuts and seeds. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, this muesli is nothing short of super.

Fairtrade Mango Muesli
This sweet, creamy muesli is bursting with juicy Fairtrade mango and sticky dates.  Certified to international Fairtrade standards, it provides a better deal for producers in developing countries – and a hearty breakfast for all the family.

Berry Crunch Muesli
A bowlful of berries here: cranberries, blueberries and strawberries are all tumbled into this muesli alongside cashews, toasted coconut, flaked almonds and nutritious pumpkin seeds. 

Maple, Pecan & Cacao Cereal
This delicious cereal is an indulgent treat.   Sweet maple-coated barley flakes, creamy pecans and cashews are complemented by bittersweet raw chocolate nibs.  Pure sweet sophistication!

Sunshine Crunch Cereal
Generous helpings of strawberries, apples and pumpkin seeds blend with a medley of flakes and puffed rice to produce a fruity, nutritious, nut-free cereal full of flavour and fibre.  A light, tasty way to start the day.

Forest Fruits Granola
Delicious clusters of granola are infused with seven different juicy fruits including blueberries, cranberries, strawberries and apple while kibbled hazelnuts add crunch! 

Fruit & Nut Granola
Tasty clusters of granola are mixed with juicy sultanas, nuts and super healthy pumpkin seeds.  With no added sugar this is a healthy choice and equally delicious sprinkled on yogurt or added to crumble toppings.

Beautifully Presented
All seven cereals are beautifully presented in resealable ‘stay fresh’ wire tie paper bags with a clear panel to show the superior cereals inside. 
Fairtrade Mango organic Muesli
Fruit & Nut Granola Organic
Forest Fruits Granola Organic
Berry Crunch Organic
Sunshine Crunch Organic
Superfoods Muesli
Maple Pecan Cacao

Essential Organic Dried Wild Mushrooms

These mushrooms are a quality protein source and contain all essential amino acids with many minerals and vitamins. A delicious combination of wild-gathered gourmet mushrooms which can be kept until needed. Soak porcini for 20 mins then saute as desired.

For a full list of all the raw ingredients and commodities we supply please check our online catalogue.
Organic Dried Champignons Organic Dried Oyster Mushrooms Organic Dried Porcini Mushrooms Organic Dried Shitake Mushrooms Organic Dried Wild Mushroom Selection

Essential Fairtrade Chocolate Covered Snacks

These snack packs are a delicious combination of organic fairtrade Banana Coins, Brazil Nuts, Cashew Nuts and Dates. A choice of light or dark chocolate.

For a full list of all the raw ingredients and commodities we supply please check our online catalogue.
Essential Fairtrade Dark Chocolate Banana Coins Essential Fairtrade Organic Dark Brazils Essential Fairtrade Organic Dark Chocolate Cashews Essential Fairtrade Organic Dark Chocolate Dates
Essential Fairtrade Organic Milk Chocolate Brazils Essential Organic Fairtrade Milk Chocolate Covered Cashews Essential Organic Fairtrade Milk Chocolate Dates

 

Essential Fairtrade Retail Packs

Just a small selection of the fairtrade ingredients we supply. For a full list of all the raw ingredients and commodities we supply please check our online catalogue. Available in 125g- 25kg sizes for retail and catering facilities.
Organic fairtrade cashew nuts Organic Fairtrade chewy banana coins Organic fairtrade cocoa powder Organic fairtrade dates
Organic fairtrade mango slices Organic fairtrade quinoa Organic fairtrade red quinoa Organic fairtrade vanilla pods

Organic Tinned Pulses Catering Sizes (1x2.6kg): Chickpeas, Red Kidney Beans, Mixed Beans

We are delighted to make available organic Chickpeas and Red Kidney Beans in big 2.6kg tins, which are over 55% more economic than the existing 400g tins weight for weight. No added sugar or salt, from the brand you can trust.

 
Chickpeas Organic Red Kidney Beans Organic Mixed Beans Organic

Essential Fairtrade Herbs and Spices Retail Pack
Here at Essential we are constantly adding to our range of delicious fairtrade goods. Our new organic and Fairtrade herbs and spices in retail packs are the perfect complement to our organic Fairtrade retail packs of rice, quinoa, nuts and seeds. A spice rack is also available upon request to display the range to your customers.
Fairtrade Pepper
Fairtrade Turmeric
Fairtrade Peppercorns
Fairtrade Cinnamon
Fairtrade Cloves
Fairtrade Ginger
+

Essential Fairtrade Light and Dark Tahini

Made from organic Fairtrade sesame seed sourced from Del Campo co-operative in Nicaragua. Del Campo is a farmer-owned co-operative which enables small scale farmers to gain economic return on high quality sesame seeds in a guaranteed, supportive market place. Del Campo represents 3500 farmers on Nicaragua's pacific coast, and the fairtrade guarantee enables Co-op members to bring investment opportunities, training courses, a health clinic and better nutrition to their local community.
Tahini Dark Fairtrade Organic
Tahini Light Fairtrade Organic

Essential Organic Coconut Milk - 6 x 400ml

NEW!! Essential Organic Virgin Coconut Oil in 6 x 690ml and 6 x 210ml sizes
The Essential coconut range is sustainably sourced from co-operative farms in Sri Lankal. The coconuts used to create this luxurious milk are organically grown in Sri Lanka, where traditionally every part of the coconut tree is used, giving local farmers a sustainable income. The milk is freshly pressed and packaged (in the same factory as our organic tinned fruit), which ensures that the local economy benefits from all aspects of the production process.
Many people - in particular children - suffer from lactose intolerance. This milk can act as a great replacement for milk and soya products since it is free of additives or animal-derived proteins.
Organic Coconut Milk
 Small Organic Coconut Oil Large Organic Coconut Oil
Coconut Cream Organic

 

Essential Organic Soups

NEW!! Organic Gazpacho Soup and 'Coming Soon' - Asparagus Soup! Vegan & Gluten Free!

We are delighted with this product range, not least because these are genuinely high quality soups with a home made feel and taste, but they also come in big 720ml jars enough for two greedy people!
There are soon to be eight soups to choose from, all no added sugar, virtually fat free, gluten free and organic. Half the soups are luxuriantly bolstered using butter, however the Pea, Lentil and Lentil & Pumpkin are all vegan.

Lentil & Pumpkin Soup V G , Lentil Soup V G , Mushroom Soup G , Vegetable & Tomato Soup G ,
Pea Soup V G , Tomato Soup G

Organic Pumpkin Soup
Organic Mushroom Soup
Organic Lentil Soup
Organic Gazpacho Soup
Organic Tomato Soup
Organic Pea Soup
Organic Vegetable & Tomato Soup
Organic Asparagus Soup

Organic Vegan Pesto
Essential's organic vegan pesto is a classic recipe and one which is true to the Italian tradition of keeping things simple and allowing the qualities of the individual ingredients to shine. Consisting of just four elements- extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, pinenuts and sea salt- Essential Pesto is a concentrated pesto and should be thinned with olive oil prior to use. The perfect complement to Essential organic pasta and organic tomato ranges (see below).
Organic pesto

Essential Organic Pasta

       
The new pasta range includes wholewheat and white pasta versions of classic pasta shapes, plus a couple of less well-know varieties: Tortiglioni, somewhat larger than penne and a little like twisted hollow macaroni, and Lumachi, a big snail shell shape.
Fusilli White
Fusilli Whole Wheat
Tortiglioni
Penne White
Penne Whole Wheat
Lumache
Spaghetti White
Spaghetti Whole Wheat

Essential Organic Clear Broth and Mediterranean Bouillon
Both are vegan and have yeast extract as their greatest ingredient. The Clear Broth, which can be a hot drink or a base for soups and stews contains a delicious combination of dried vegetables and spices. Mediterranean Boullion paste uses lovage, oregano and basil as a fragrant base of Southern European herbs.
Org Meditteranean Broth
Org Clear Veg Broth
Organic Yeast Extract
Yeast Extract

Essential Organic and Non Organic Yeast Extract
Essential yeast extract is made using an autolytic process using natural enzymes in the yeast itself. Other brands produce yeast extract by hydrolisation (using hydrochloric acid to crack the yeast cells) then sodium hydroxide afterwards for neutralisation, resulting in increased sodium chloride concentration. For this reason our yeast extract is low in salt (sodium) when compared to most yeast extracts. It is also gluten free – being processed from roots not grain – a natural product produced with minimal processing aids. We introduced the organic version to the UK – try it – your tastebuds will love you!

Essential - Organic and biodynamic herbal teas range
Organic and Biodynamic (demeter) herbal teas - all grown, processed and packed for us on a single organic farm in Egypt.
The farm benefits from a Kindergarten and school for the workers children. (Here at Essential we are, we believe, unique in being certified both Organic and Biodynamic!)
Click HERE to find out more about the origins of our herbal tea range
Organic Camomile Tea
Organic Hibiscus Tea
Organic Peppermint Tea
Organic Spearmint Tea
Organic Fennel Tea
Organic Camo/Spearmint Tea

Essential Organic Ground Coffee
100% Guatemalan Arabica coffee - Medium Roast
The Organic Guatemalan, Medium Roast is a delicate coffee with a pleasant acidity, good body & distinctive fruitiness. Fairly traded gourmet coffee produced by indigenous Guatemalan Co-operatives
Guatemalan Coffee - medium roast - 6 x 227g
100% Mexican Arabica- also Medium Roast.
Fine, high grown Mexican arabica with good acidity and a sweet flavour.Mexican Coffee
medium roast - 6 x 227g
Click here to find out more about the coffee producers.
Mexican Coffee
Guatemalen Coffee

Essential Organic Flapjacks
Our delicious flapjacks are produced locally and are made using our own fine ingredients. The range includes eight delicious flavours (sold separately) and two mixed cases; the mixed vegan range and the mixed luxury range, for those who prefer more of a selection.
Almond Fruit Flapjack
Date&Apricot Flapjack
 Choc&Brazil Flapjack Vinefruit Flapjack
Choc&Orange Flapjack Brazil and Banana Flapjack Mango Pineapple Flapjack Choc & Butter Flapjack

Essential Organic Fruit >>Convenience Foods<<
All are tinned in organic juice and contain no nasty additives or preservatives. All packed in trays of 6 x 400g and 410g. GMO free and no added sugar or salt.
Organic Papaya Organic Pineapple Tropical Fruits Organic Prunes
Organic Peaches Organic Grapefruit Organic Mango

Essential Organic Pulses >>Convenience Foods<<

A delicious and wholesome range of organic pulses with the convenience of a ring pull tin. No added salt or sugar. Fast food with a difference. Storecupboard essentials from the brand you can trust.

Essential Organic Baked Beans

Sourced through our Italian Co-operative, this is a high bean content recipe: fully 60% beans which compares with a typical 50% for other brands. Made from a classic recipe, this is an organic alternative to the nation's favourite storecupboard essential. Essential Trading – "food you can trust".
Essential Organic Baked Beans Butter Beans Chick Peas Haricot Beans Blackeye Beans
Mixed Beans Puy Lentils Red Kidney Green Soya Beans Cannellini organic

Essential Organic Vegetables in Glass Jars>>Convenience Foods<<Demeter Logo

Organic vegetables in Demeter glass jars come in packs of 6 jars of varied sizes. The entire range is organic and certified by Demeter to meet biodynamic standards. Please click here to discover more about biodynamic farming and certification. Possibly the first ever biodynamic and organic convenience foods in the UK.
Apple Puree Baked Beans French Beans Green Peas & Carrots Gherkins
Green Peas Sauerkraut Sliced Beetroot Spinach Sweetcorn

Japanese Soya Sauces

Essential Organic Traditional Japanese Soya Sauces
Shoyu - Organic
6 x 250ml
C526P
6 x 500ml
C527P
2 Ltr
C528P

 
Tamari - Organic
6 x 250ml
C523P
6 x 500ml
C524P
2 Ltr
C525P
Non-organic versions also available in 250ml, 500ml & 5 litre sizes

Essential Organic Cold Pressed Culinary Oils
Sesame, Olive, Sunflower and Safflower oils in 500ml size. The extra virgin organic olive oil and the sunflower oil are also available in a 5 litre size. These oils are absolutely delicious but still the most reasonably priced organic culinary oils we can lay our hands on.
Sesame Oil Org Olive Oil Sunflower Oil Safflower Oil

Essential Luxury Soft Toilet Tissue - 100% Recycled
An Ethical Consumer Magazine "best buy" - Essential 100% recycled toilet paper. Soft, strong and very very ethical . Packed in 10 x 4 rolls (pictured) or 1 pack of 36 rolls.

Essential Recycled Kitchen Towels- New!!
We are proud to present Essential Recycled Kitchen Roll. Made from 100% recycled, unbleached material, this 2-Ply Kitchen Roll is packed in fully compostable packaging, and is very competitively priced.

Essential Green Jute Bag
Keep your grocery bag and avoid having to recycle all those plastics- the perfect way to make your grocery shopping green!

Essential Compostable Carrier Bags

These biodegradable-compostable bags are manufactured from Mater-Bi™ guaranteed GM-free cornstarch, which breaks down in a composting environment by natural means into simple elements, carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. This ensures that 90% of the product has composted down within a 12 week period. Compostable products are subject to European standards that ensure that, under commercial composting conditions, 90% of the product has composted down within a 12 week period. Not only this, the resulting humus must be of good quality - governed by a separate BSI standard - and, crucially, usable: some degradable polymers result in poor quality compost and sometimes even prevent the compost from working. Not so Essential Compostable Carrier Bags! Made from guaranteed non-GM corn starch, these bags conform to the standards required for compostable packaging. Mater-Bi™ provides a material that is strong, water and odour proof. The bags are printed front and back with the designs shown above right. Sold in packs of a thousand, the price per bag works out at a mere 20p each. Great for keeping your compost bins clean!

Essential Compostable Carrier Bags

Here at Essential HQ we recycle our waste plastic into the very same bin bags that are now featured in our catalogue!

We use a double chamber bailing machine which compacts both cardboard and the Shrinkwrap plastic we use to keep goods safe during delivery. This massively reduces the quantity of waste we produce by 24 bin loads per bale. Although many companies are now selling these compacted bales to countries such as China, we of course prefer a more local solution. As we bail the waste ourselves in our warehouse, less pick ups are needed to be made to collect the bails. They are then taken to South Wales where they are processed into pellets and then recycled with a little virgin plastic to give a better structure. The plastic is then taken to Stroud where it is made into our very own bin bags, with a minimum of 80% post consumer waste, and maybe more! Our bin bags are not only locally sourced but are also cheaper and made from almost twice the percentage of post consumer waste as that of our nearest competitor!

 

Recycled Toilet Tissue Kitchen Towel Essential Green Jute Bag Essential Compostable Bag Essential Compostable Bag Essential recyled bin bags

Organic Herbs and Spices
Our range of 40 herbs and spices (available in retail packs of approximately 12g-40g).Also available is a free of charge spice rack for display purposes.
Cumin Seed Org Fennel Seed Org Green Cardamon Org Paprika Org Star Anise Organic Thyme

Organic and Commercial Commodities
A full range of Breakfast Cereals, Bulk chocolate, Flour, Fruit, Grains, Herbs & Spices, Nuts, Pulses, Rice, Salt, Savoury snacks, Seeds, Sugar, Superfoods, Sweet snack mixes and TVP in sizes ranging from 125g, 250g, 500g, 1kg, 2kg, 5 kg, 10kg, 25kg. Please see our >Catalogue< section of this website for more details. FT range available.