Competition Overview

For 2026, successful entrants from the paper judging stage will progress to the Semi-Finals, held over three days across the North, Midlands, and South. Four finalists from each Semi-Final will then advance to the Final at Loughborough College in October 2026.

Entries continue to be sought from all sectors of the care market and both NACC members and non-members are welcome to take part throughout the UK.

For non-members an entry fee of £80+VAT applies which includes one year’s membership to the NACC.

What's Required?

We are looking for a two course menu, main course and dessert, suitable for service users in a care setting.

The combined food cost for both courses should be no more than £4.50 per head based on three portions and the meal should be nutritionally balanced and incorporate one of Unilever Food Solution’s products as listed in the competition rules 9.

Each contestant will be given 90 minutes to produce the meal.

How to Enter

With the 26 previous winners of this illustrious title proudly displaying their award in their place of work, will you be our 27th winner and produce award winning recipes?

Please encourage participation in this competition as it is a very effective means of raising the profile of care catering, and puts presentation and creativity skills to the test. It is a very useful tool in the workplace with regard to staff development.

Entries will be opening very soon!

Sponsored by