The Health Hero award honours a business that has made significant strides in promoting consumer health and well-being, whether through an innovative product launch or even a campaign.
Four companies are vying for the title of Health Hero - here we introduce you to each one and their commitment that won them a place in the final.
Frive
Frive, the chef prepared meal delivery service, has always focused on health as its core strategy.
Its mission is to make eating well effortless for busy people.
In 2024, Frive removed all artificial ingredients and ultra-processed foods from its entire range of c.300 SKUS. Every recipe was rebuilt from scratch using only real, whole ingredients with no artificial additives, preservatives, or synthetic flavourings.
Following the relaunch, Frive now serves 30,000 customers each week nationwide, with stronger repeat purchase and fewer product-related complaints.
Frive also has broader ambitions. The company already has nationwide delivery and is focused on expanding production to meet growing demand.
Over the next year, Frive is set to move into a larger facility where it will be able to increase output, efficiency and consistency while maintaining its zero-artificial, zero-UPF standards.
Founder George Taylor said his goal is to rebuild trust in convenience food by removing UPS and focusing on whole, natural nutrition that supports energy, focus and long-term health.
Heck! Food Ltd
Heck! Food, the well-known sausage brand, has put a commitment to empowering healthier choices at the heart of its strategy.
Its focus is on making better-for-you meat more accessible without compromising taste.
In 2024 it launched Smoky Pork Rashers and Smoky Chicken Rashers, introducing a healthier, more convenient way to enjoy meat products.
High in protein, low in fat, and made from lean British meat, the rashers are designed to support balanced diets. Following their success, it introduced Chicken Italia Rashers.
These rashers have significantly reduced saturated fat and calories versus traditional sausages.
Nutritionally, the rashers contain 87% lower saturated fat and 59% fewer calories, offering a lean, protein-rich option.
Since launch, the rashers have proved so popular that they are the fastest-growing NPD for the food manufacturer.
These items are also ranked among the ‘Top 10 most scanned products on Slimming World’.
With a qualified dietitian embedded in product development, it is reformulating recipes to reduce sodium, remove artificial additives, and expand its non-HFSS portfolio.
Protein Ball company
The Protein Ball Company produces an array of minimally-processed protein balls, that offer flavour and functionality.
The company champions big flavours, clean ingredients and a ‘no-go’ stance when it comes to sugars, fillers and emulsifiers.
This is a business that operates across 18 export markets and also makes ‘grazing’ treats for a number of the world’s most famous nutrition and sports brands.
The brand is stocked in a range of high profile operators from Caffe Nero, WH Smith’s Travel hubs and Ocado.
In 2025, The Protein Ball Company launched a sister brand, It’s the Dog’s, to address that poor diets of British dogs.
The Turmeric Co
The Turmeric Co. produces award-winning functional shots made with fresh turmeric, ginger, beetroot, ashwagandha, and other natural ingredients.
Each shot is 100% preservative-free and scientifically designed to support immunity, recovery, energy, and performance.
Health is at the heart of its mission as a brand, with an objective to provide a trusted, clinically-backed alternative that supports preventative health.
It has sold over 5 million shots sold to date and 78% of surveyed consumers reported improved energy and recovery.
It has also collaborated in independent clinical trials to bring scientific backing to its product. The brand has hit the mainstream and expanded into Tesco, Boots, and Sainsbury’s during 2024.
Its aim is to reach 1 million UK households by 2026 and continue developing functional products that address key health needs.
