Shots & Smoothies Competition 2025

A Celebration of Nutrition, Creativity, and Care

For the fifth consecutive year, Meallmore has proudly hosted its annual Shots and Smoothie Contest, a vibrant and highly anticipated competition where our talented chefs and kitchen teams push the boundaries of culinary creativity. This year’s event was nothing short of exceptional, showcasing an inspiring blend of artistry, nutritional excellence, and innovation.

The challenge was clear: create the most calorific yet delicious shots and the most vitamin-enriched, high-energy smoothies - essential menu staples that contribute to the well-being of residents. As always, the competition was fierce, with chefs from across our care homes striving to craft drinks that not only meet clinical dietary requirements but also excite the palate and please the eye.

At Meallmore, nutrition is at the heart of everything we do in the kitchen. It is woven into our holistic approach to care and aligns seamlessly with our values. We act with accountability in delivering the best possible care, ensuring that every sip and every bite our residents take supports their health and well-being. This competition is not just about showcasing culinary skills; it is about enhancing the quality of life for our residents, ensuring they receive the nourishment they need in the most enjoyable and engaging way.

Why Calories Matter in Care Nutrition

For many, the word “calories” has a negative connotation, often associated with excess weight. However, in the context of elderly care, calories are a vital source of energy and well-being. Many of our residents require high-calorie diets to maintain a healthy weight, combat malnutrition, and support recovery from illness or surgery.

As we age, our appetites can decrease, but nutritional needs remain high. This is why small, energy-dense portions like Meallmore’s calorific shots are crucial—they provide essential nutrients in just a few sips. These mini but mighty drinks ensure that even those with reduced appetites can maintain their strength, boost their immune system, and enjoy a better quality of life.

Meanwhile, our smoothies are a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and hydration. Packed with fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy or plant-based options, they offer an easy and delicious way to increase nutrient intake, enhance digestion, and improve overall health.

This Year’s Champions

Our chefs outdid themselves this year with flavours and textures that impressed both the judges and residents. Let’s take a look at the 2025 winners:

Highest Caloric Shot

🏆 Winner – Greenan Manor: “Khloe Kardashian”

Dark chocolate, cream, milk chocolate, and coffee combined to create a luxuriously rich and indulgent shot that not only delivered a high-energy boost but also tasted incredible.

🥈 Runner-Up – Antonine House: “Lemon Meringue Shot”

A tangy, sweet explosion of citrus and cream, this shot brought a refreshing twist to the competition.

✨ Special Commendations:

• Redwoods Care Home – “Minty Warriors”: A cooling, refreshing treat.
• Auchtercrag Care Home – “Lemon Meringue Shot”: A beautifully balanced delight.
• St Olaf Care Home – “Espresso Martini Shot”: A non-alcoholic take on a classic favourite.

Most Vitamin-Enriched Smoothie

🏆 Winner – Auchtercrag House: “Honey and Doughnut Smoothie”

A unique and creative blend that provided both high-calorie content and essential vitamins, proving that nutrition can be both beneficial and indulgent.

🥈 Runner-Up – Kelvinside Manor: “Baple”

With oat milk, kale, berries, and pineapple, this smoothie was a superfood powerhouse packed with essential nutrients.

✨ Special Commendations:

• Hilton Court – “Winterberry and Summer Smoothie”: A perfect balance of seasonal berries.
• Redwoods Care Home – “Heart of Redwoods”: A rich mix of raspberries and red currants.
• St Olaf Care Home – “Strawberry Daiquiri Smoothie”: A refreshing, fruit-forward blend.
• Antonine House – “Banoffee Pie Smoothie”: A comforting mix of banana and caramel.

A Culinary Showcase That Enriches Lives

The annual Shots and Smoothie Contest is about far more than just competition. It embodies the essence of Meallmore’s commitment to providing the best possible care through nutrition, creativity, and engagement. Residents actively participate in the selection process, offering input on flavours, textures, and presentation. This inclusivity ensures that the final products are not just nutritious but also enjoyable.

As Jody Marshall, Meallmore’s Group Catering Manager, puts it:

“The Meallmore Shots and Smoothie contest is a fantastic platform for our chefs to showcase their craft. Our residents are included with flavour choices, names, and visual presentation. Whilst the competition is great for internal kudos and respect amongst our culinary teams, it also provides a vital resource and inspiration. Ultimately, the winners of this event are the residents in our care.”

The Bigger Picture:

Meallmore’s dedication to high-quality nutrition is just one element of its broader commitment to holistic care. We understand that a well-nourished body supports a healthy mind, which is why our approach extends beyond just meeting caloric needs.

Our chefs work closely together to ensure that every meal, snack, and beverage aligns with health recommendations while being enjoyable and appetising. This commitment to excellence has been recognised in the care industry, with Meallmore receiving multiple award nominations for our approach to food, hospitality, and resident care.

Additionally, our Meallmore Shots and Smoothie Guide—born from this competition - has become an essential resource across our homes, ensuring that every resident has access to delicious, high-calorie, and vitamin-packed drinks tailored to their needs.

Celebrating Our Achievements

At Meallmore, we are proud to be recognised as one of Scotland’s most trusted care providers, a reputation built on our unwavering commitment to excellence, kindness, and accountability. Our annual awards and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives highlight our dedication to innovation in care, sustainability, and continuous improvement.

Our Vision & Values guide everything we do:

✔ Create environments of kindness where everyone feels welcome.

✔ Act with accountability to deliver the best possible care.

✔ Recognise and value the contributions of our colleagues.

✔ Engage in learning and improvement to grow continuously.

These principles were on full display at the Shots and Smoothie Contest 2025, proving once again that our care is more than just a service—it’s a promise to our residents and their families.

Looking Ahead

With another successful competition behind us, we are already looking forward to 2026, where we will continue to push the boundaries of care nutrition, culinary innovation, and resident engagement.

Meallmore remains committed to excellence in food, hospitality, and health, ensuring that our residents receive the best care in the best places to live. The Shots and Smoothie Contest is just one of the many ways we deliver on this promise, demonstrating that nutrition can be as delicious as it is essential.

Until next year - cheers to good health, great food, and a future filled with even more creativity and care!