While it’s still too hot to cook properly, we’ve found ourselves endlessly wandering supermarket aisles trying to solve the nightly dilemma of what to eat in this heat. Granted, it does provide the perfect excuse to stand in front of a fridge.
So, for inspiration, we asked colleagues across the GH office what they’ve actually been buying from Waitrose this week – from grab-and-go salads to picky bits and heatwave-proof dinners. Here’s what’s genuinely worth adding to your trolley tonight, because it’s only getting hotter tomorrow.
Waitrose High Protein Thai Style Prawn & Noodle Salad
Waitrose High Protein Thai Style Prawn & Noodle Salad
“With juicy prawns, refreshing watermelon and zingy ginger dressing, I’m obsessed with these noodles, and have picked it up for lunch every day this week. Honestly, sometimes I buy it for dinner too.”
“When it’s too hot to cook and all I can cope with is opening packets, this labneh tzatziki dip is my go-to. I spread it over two plates, top with hot smoked trout and a handful of leaves, and call it dinner. It’s not revolutionary, but in this heat it’s exactly the kind of cool, low-effort meal I actually want to eat.”
“I’m obsessed with these skewers and have already re-bought them more times than I’d like to admit this summer. I love halloumi, but unless you really show it some love, the squeaky cheese can be a bit underwhelming. Thankfully Waitrose has done the hard work for me with a bright, herby marinade of oregano, parsley and lemon, so they’re ready to cook the minute I get home.
They’re also SO chunky that they genuinely feel like a proper meal – one that’s ready in minutes on the BBQ or under the grill. I serve them over flatbread with a little salted yoghurt on the side.”
“I always keep a pot of this crab pâté on standby during the summer months. Stir it through hot pasta – ideally bucatini – and it makes an insanely silky, luxurious cheat’s seafood sauce. Add a handful of rocket and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if you’re feeling fancy. Cold glass of Picpoul, mandatory.”
Dishpatch at Waitrose Antiguan Roast Chicken by Andi Oliver
Dishpatch at Waitrose Antiguan Roast Chicken by Andi Oliver
“A Sunday roast simply isn’t cutting it in this heat, so this weekend I’ll be opting for this Caribbean-inspired feast from TV chef Andi Oliver instead. With Wadadli-spiced spatchcock chicken, creamy coconut gravy, crispy cassava, fried plantain and a fresh papaya slaw with mango dressing, it’s everything I want from a roast dinner right now – just brighter, fresher and far more summery.
Most of the prep has already been done too, so it feels surprisingly low-effort for something this impressive. There’s even a rum and raisin dessert included for pudding.”
Waitrose Serrano & Ibérico Cheese Involtinis
Waitrose Serrano & Ibérico Cheese Involtinis
“When the sun makes an appearance, drinks al fresco become the main event – and these tide me over until someone finally caves and makes dinner. With a little bit of meat and cheese in every bite, they remind me of the Tipple Toppers from Christmas. Honestly, any excuse for a savoury nibble alongside a cold glass of wine and I’m in.”
Waitrose Loved & Found Vermentinu Rose
“If you buy just one bottle of wine from Waitrose this summer, make it this. Pink, fizzy and under a tenner, it ticks every box. It’s more interesting than prosecco – crisp, refreshing and bursting with berries – but not so fancy that I’d hesitate to open it on a sunny Wednesday night.”
Waitrose Orange, Mango & Passionfruit Fruit Juice
Waitrose Orange, Mango & Passionfruit Fruit Juice
“I’ve just got back from a long weekend in Mallorca, and this juice tastes exactly like the tropical one from the hotel breakfast buffet. Fruity, refreshing and properly summery, it feels like a little shot of holiday before the daily commute.”
Waitrose Frozen Pineapple & Coconut Lollies
Waitrose Frozen Pineapple & Coconut Lollies
“These taste like a pina colada on a stick. Need I say more?”
“When the sun finally disappears from the garden, I’ve been heading inside for another episode of Rivals. So, it feels only right to round off the evening with a bowl of this peach melba ice cream from Waitrose’s Rivals-inspired range. The creamy peach flavour is super refreshing in the heat, while the raspberry ripple and peach pieces give it a properly nostalgic feel.”
Stacey looks after all food and drink reviews — from coffee pods and veg boxes, to natural wine and tequila. Stacey is also founder of Crummbs, where she’s written nearly 2,000 restaurant and hotel reviews since 2013. Prior to this, Stacey wrote hundreds of in-depth buying guides for the Independent, i newspaper and BBC Good Food, as well as reviewing restaurants and interviewing celebrities in her column at Balance Magazine. Stacey has also appeared in BAFTA-nominated BBC documentary Blood, Sweat & Takeaways, where she investigated South East Asia's food production industry, appearing on both Newsnight and BBC World Service to share her findings. Regularly checking out the latest restaurants, bars and product launches, Stacey also loves experimenting with recipes at home, and is a WSET-certified wine and spirits expert, with over 10 years of experience in the business. You can follow Stacey on Instagram @crummbs_uk
