The Ultimate Picnic Checklist: 11 Essentials
Debating what to take on a picnic? It doesn't need to be a stressful affair. Pack up your blanket, plates, cutlery and cups into your picnic basket and browse our checklist to inspire your spread.
Can't wait to get started? Check out our full picnic collection here.
Bread:
The base of any great picnic begins with the bread. No matter your taste, we’ve got you covered. Avoid the frustration of hacking a loaf on uneven ground with Baker Tom's sliced sourdough. Long fermented and yeast free, this bread is a must-have for your next picnic date.
Prefer something slightly more old-school? Look no further than the sliced white loaf, a classic that pairs superbly with any filling imaginable.
Image: A winning combination.
If a little more crunch is what you’re after then Astons Bakehouse’s sour white flute is the prime candidate. A satisfying crust makes way for light, delicious dough. We’re aware that burgers and sausages may be making an appearance at your picnic.
We added finger rolls and white baps to our collection. It's really annoying to have to use regular bread as a burger roll.
Immediately level up your choice of bread with a healthy spread of Eversfield Organic butter.
Meat:
To us, a picnic is a prime time to tuck into cold cuts and charcuterie. Whether you’re layering combinations between your sourdough, or sampling mouth-watering slices one by one, cold cuts are synonymous with a good old-fashioned picnic.
Our Roam & Relish ham varieties are likely to steal the show, with traditional, honey roast and honey smoked flavours all available. To not leave them out, we also offer sterling options with our pastrami and salt beef. Just try to save some for the sandwich!
Cheese:
Speaking of sandwiches, none are truly complete without a wedge of organic cheese. There are (almost) too many to choose from in our picnic range, so we’ll just mention a couple of standouts.
For 100% grass-fed flavour, opt for the Lye Cross cheddar. You can tuck in knowing your choice of cheese stems from the happiest cows around! For a creamy companion to your feast, look no further than the Cotswold brie.
Image: Ethical and tasty.
We also stock several smoked, vintage and crumbly varieties. Explore the range to find your new favourite and begin assembling the perfect cheeseboard.
Vegetables and Salad:
We suggest assembling a fresh, zesty salad prior to heading out as this will make the most refreshing side dish. Pack it full of produce from our Market Garden. Include our mixed leaf mix, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers and whatever else you fancy throwing in there!
Complete with a healthy drizzle of organic Caesar dressing or balsamic.
Pastries:
Our Home Farm Kitchen team have been busy crafting small-batch savoury delights for your enjoyment. Enjoy a variety of delicious pastries, including steak, beef, veggie, pork sausage, lamb and beef sausage, and veggie rolls. Or maybe you’ll decide to sample one of each!
Take along a mini vegetable quiche courtesy of Astons Bakehouse for lighter snacking.
Image: Which filling will you opt for?
Pate:
Another excellent filler for your organic loaf comes in the form of our delicious range of Pyman’s Pates. Organic chicken, wild venison, wild pheasant and organic chestnut complete the lineup.
These beauties are silky smooth and taste that little bit better when eaten in the open air.
Nibbles:
Who doesn't love finger foods?
There’s nothing like having some picky bits on the side to keep you topped up between sandwiches. Nothing scratches this itch quite like an olive or five. The Real Olive Co have several sumptuous flavours to choose from, including wild garlic & basil and chilli, cumin & garlic. The supreme
Combine with Mr Organic grissini breadsticks, Biona light salted potato chips and Amaizin tomato corn rolls and you’ll be in grazing heaven.
Dips:
We can’t mention three varieties of organic crisps without offering some inspiration for what to dip them in. Precious Pea has set the bar with their range of organic hummus. Classic, turmeric and smoked are all terrifically tasty, providing the perfect texture balance for our crunch crisp selection.
Our Home Farm Kitchen tomato Kasundi relish has a little more kick if you’re that way inclined. Tomatoes, ginger, fenugreek and black mustard seed combine to spice up your picnic.
Fruit:
Apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, kiwis, pears, blueberries, peaches… You get the drift! There’s nothing like a sweet, juicy burst of organic fruit while you’re basking in the summer sun.
Consider preparing a fruit salad and popping it in a cool box for a healthy, vitamin-packed organic treat.
Drinks:
Call us biased, but we think Devon’s very own Luscombe Drinks hold the crown when it comes to picnic refreshments. They are committed to sourcing organic-certified produce, paying a fair price to growers and using real fruit with no added concentrates. This combination results in the finest-tasting soft drinks around!
Grab your bottle opener and sip on summery flavours such as elderflower bubbly, Sicilian lemonade and St. Clements and experience a genuine taste of organic Devon.
Image: The tastiest way to wash down your picnic.
After something a little stronger? Our range of craft ales and pilsners from Exeter Brewery is sure to add some extra life to your spread.
Desserts:
Sometimes we like to save the best for last! Our Home Farm Kitchen team have been hard at work perfecting the most indulgent fudgy chocolate brownies. A guaranteed hit with the whole family.
There’s also a varied selection of biscuits from our friends at Island Bakery. Their treats include orange melts, lemon melts, oat crumbles and many more. A new arrival in our range is the Devon Cottage fudge range. Crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth fudge in a variety of moreish flavours including clotted cream, sea salt and vanilla.
For the little picnic goers, Biona’s range of jelly sweets is certain to keep smiles on faces.
So, there you have the ultimate list of picnic food. We'd love to hear any of your suggestions for dishes that you feel complete the feast!
