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FAQs

Our Products

 What makes Benji’s Bites different from other products?

Benji’s Bites new frozen toddler food range helps busy mums and dads give their little ones quick, tasty and wholesome meals which can easily be adapted to suit their children’s tastes and appetites. Our unique “Quick ‘n’ Mix” frozen cubes deliver choice, nutrition and flexibility, making mealtimes fun for kids and fast for parents.

 

 How do the cubes work?

Each part of a meal is cooked and frozen separately in 30g cubes. The idea is to “mix ‘n’ match” the combination and quantity of cubes to suit your children’s tastes and appetites.

The full range of Benji’s Bites “Quick ‘n’ Mix” cubes are;

 

“Mains”                                    “Carbs”                                     “Veggie Sides”

Beef Bolognese                         Mixed Pasta                             Mashed Peas & Carrots

Chicken & Veg Curry                 Cauliflower & Mixed Rice        Broccoli & Cauliflower

Veggie Chilli                            Mixed Grains

Fish Pie Mix                             Mashed Potato & Sweet Potato

Veggie Bolognese

Tomato & Veg Sauce 

 

 How many cubes shall I use?

You know your child’s appetite better than anyone, and also that it can vary day to day, so I’ll let you be the judge of portion sizes. However, Benji’s Bites have been developed with registered Dietitians to ensure they are nutritionally balanced. Based on their recommendations, below is a guide;

1 year – 4 cubes (i.e. 2 main, 2 carbs)

2-3 yrs – 6 cubes

4-5 yrs – 8 cubes 

Plus, any veggie cubes you want to add.

 

How do I heat up a Benji’s Bites meal?

Put the required number of frozen cubes in a microwaveable bowl and cover. Cook for half the time shown in the table below. Stir, then cook for the remaining time. Ensure the product is piping hot. Allow to cool and always check the temperature before serving. Do not reheat. All cooking appliances vary, this is a guide only. 


Age Range                                1 yr                              2-3yrs                          4-5yrs

 

Total no. of cubes                      4                                   6                                  8

(carbs & mains)

Total cooking time                 2.5 mins                      3.5 mins                      4.5 mins

(800W microwave)

 

I don’t have a microwave, what should I do?

Benji’s Bites meals can be defrosted in the fridge and warmed slowly in a pan on the hob, although this would work best for ‘Mains’ on their own, or ‘Mains’ and ‘Carbs’ together.

  

Can I use the cubes on their own or as part of other meals?

Absolutely. They are designed to give you help in the kitchen when you need it most, either as part of a “Quick ‘n’ Mix” combination with other Benji’s Bites products or as a time saver to accompany another meal, e.g. use the Tomato & Veg Sauce as a base sauce for a pizza, pasta dish or risotto. Or use the Mashed Potato & Sweet Potato as a side to sausages, veg & gravy or as a pie topping.

 

What age range is Benji’s Bites for?

The cubes are aimed at 1-5 years but could be used for children older than this, depending on the size of their appetite! It is not a weaning product and is not suitable for babies who are weaning. The products are proper meals and are not blended (apart from the tomato & veg sauce).

 

What if my child has allergies?

Allergens are labelled clearly on the back of the pouch in bold. However, they are cooked in a kitchen that deals with all the allergens (gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, milk, nuts, celery, mustard, sesame, sulphur dioxide/sulphites, lupin and molluscs), so please check carefully before you buy.

 

 Are there vegan or vegetarian options available?

All products are suitable for a vegan diet apart from the following;

-       Beef Bolognese

-       Fish Pie Mix

-       Mild Chicken & Veg Curry

 

Do you use preservatives in your dishes?

No artificial additives, preservatives or colourings are used. The food is flash frozen to preserve the freshness of the meals so there is no need for additives.

 

Where do you source your ingredients from?

I try to source as sustainably as possible. Fresh produce is as local as it can be, depending on the season. 

 

Do you use organic ingredients?

I use organic where it matters.  I source organic veggies that are on the “Dirty Dozen” list but don’t for the “Clean Fifteen”. For everything in between, I use organic if there isn’t too much of a price difference. I’m consciously trying not to add in cost where I don’t think it adds value, whilst still using good quality ingredients.

 (If you haven’t heard of the “Dirty Dozen”, it’s a list of fruits and vegetables that have the highest amount of pesticides when grown conventionally vs organically).

 

How are the dishes made?

All the dishes are cooked in my kitchen at home (approved by the Council) in big batches, blast frozen in small cubes and then packaged in resealable, compostable pouches.

 

Why frozen?

Frozen offers the ultimate convenience as the products are waiting for you for when you need them most. You can keep them in the freezer for up to 6 months so there’s no pressure to have to use them straight away. Also, blast freezing locks in the freshness without having to use preservatives.

 

How long can I keep them in the freezer for?

Benji’s Bites cubes will have at least three months shelf life when delivered to you, but most will have up to 6 months. If they aren’t gobbled up before then!

 

Orders & Delivery

Where do you deliver to?

Delivery to UK mainland and Northern Ireland only.

Excludes Scottish Highlands & Offshore, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight & Channel Islands.

If you are unsure, please check via emailing hello@benjisbites.co.uk or DM me on Instagram: BenjisBitesUK

How will my Benji’s Bites pouches get delivered?

Delivery by Courier: They are delivered in an insulated box via APC to your home (or work) address. You can opt to get them delivered on a Tuesday or Wednesday - please choose the relevant shipping option at checkout. Orders for Tuesday delivery need to be made by the previous Sunday. Orders for Wednesday delivery need to be made by the previous Monday. Otherwise you will get your order the following week.

Delivery by Benji’s Bites: They are delivered by me in an insulated food carrier. I will contact you to arrange a delivery time.

 

Is there a minimum order?

Yes, there is a 6-pouch minimum for all orders (excluding Taster Boxes)

  

What if I’m not home when you deliver?

No worries if you won’t be in, APC will leave your package in a safe place and it will be ok until you get home that evening.

For local delivery, let me know beforehand if you’re not going to be in and I’ll ensure it’s well insulated to stay frozen until you get home.

 

How much is delivery?

Local delivery by Benji’s Bites is £3. Please see below for more detail

Delivery by Courier to UK Mainland is £7.99

Delivery by Courier to Northern Ireland is £15 (Taster Boxes unavailable)

 

What areas are included in the ‘local delivery’?

Local delivery for £3 covers the following areas;

 -       Harrogate, Pannal & Knaresborough (All HG1, HG2 and HG5 postcodes)

-       Wetherby & Collingham

-       Boston Spa & Clifford

-       Killinghall & Ripley

-       Boroughbridge

- Harewood & North Leeds (Alwoodley, Chapel Allerton, Meanwood, Roundhay, Adel)

- York

- Leeds

- Otley, Ilkley, Burley-in-Wharfedale

For local delivery, please choose the ‘Local delivery’ option and use code ‘IAMLOCAL’ to reduce the delivery cost to £3

 If you are unsure if you’re included in the above, please DM or email before you place your order.

 

Can I get a subscription service?

I hope to be able to offer a subscription service soon. In the meantime, do drop me an email or DM if this is something you’d like, and we can see how I can make regular ordering more convenient for you.

 

Can I order gift vouchers?

Absolutely – they would make a thoughtful gift for a parent or carer. They are also a great present for parents with a new baby who already have a toddler to look after! You can also add a lovely Fliss & Rose card to go with your gift voucher and I will write your personal message inside.

 

How do I refer a friend?

If you recommend Benji’s Bites products to a friend (thank you!), and they place an order, please email or DM me and I’ll give you a discount code for your next order.

 

What if I’m not happy with my order?

I really hope you’ll be happy with your Benji’s Bites products. However, if you have any issues, please contact me first (email or DM) to give me a chance to resolve any issues. If you love your products, please tell your friends and give me a shout out on social media.

  

What if my child doesn’t like the food?

Toddlers and young children’s tastes can vary from week to week and they are not always consistent with what they like. It also takes a number of tries for a toddler to like a food so be patient and try again another time. The benefit of Benji’s Bites cubes is that you can just cook a small portion first for them to try.

  

What if I need to cancel my order?

I get that life can sometimes throw you a curve ball, so if you need to cancel your order, please do so before order cut off times (end of Sunday for Tuesday delivery, end of Monday for Wednesday delivery). Email or DM me if you have any questions

 

Can I return my order?

Due to the products being frozen, you can’t return your order. If you have an issue with your order, please get in contact (email or DM) and I will try to resolve any issues.

 


Unpacking your box

 Will the products stay frozen?

Yes, the products will stay frozen during delivery as they are well insulated and packed with frozen gel packs. If it is later in the evening that you open your delivery, some of the cubes may have thawed ever so slightly but you just need to put them in your freezer straightaway and they will be fine.

 

Are the pouches recyclable?

This pouch is 100% compostable and biodegradable. We think this is better than being recyclable. Add it to your home compost heap, green garden waste bin or food waste bin. The label is not currently compostable but is designed to easily peel off before composting the pouch.

  

Is the packaging recyclable?

The cardboard box and paper shred are all 100% kerbside recyclable. 

See below for the liner and gel packs.

 

Can I reuse the wool liner?

Absolutely. The wool liner is from Puffin Packaging and is made from all natural, responsibly sourced 100% sheep’s wool, housed inside a recyclable, food grade polyethylene. The wool is 100% biodegradable (put it on your home compost or even in landfill it will naturally biodegrade) but can also be reused in a number of ways….. in picnic baskets, hanging baskets, pet baskets, draught excluders, keeping slugs off plants, cushion stuffing…. the list is endless. 

 

What shall I do with the frozen gel packs?

You can pop the gel packs in your freezer and use again (great for picnics and lunchboxes). Alternatively, you can recycle them – let them thaw, cut the corner, empty the food-safe, non-toxic liquid down the sink/drain and recycle the outer plastic.

 

How do I store my products?

Put them straight in the freezer and keep them between -18oC and -20oC.

When you want to use the cubes, carefully rip the top off the pouch, get out your desired number of cubes and ensure the pouch is fully resealed before popping back in the freezer for when you need them next.

 

Any other questions?

Please email (hello@benjisbites.co.uk) or DM (BenjisBitesUK) me with any questions you have, I’d be happy to chat.