The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) has begun the search for this year’s Care Chef of the Year, inviting entries from chefs and cooks working across the care sector who are keen to showcase their skills in this most prestigious of competitions.
Open to those working in care homes, day centres, lunch clubs, meals on wheels services, local authorities and other care organisations including hospices, the NACC Care Chef of the Year is the longest standing care catering competition in the UK, having celebrated its 25th anniversary last year with a record number of entrants.
Preparing nutritious and appetising meals for the most vulnerable in society requires dedication, passion and flair as well as specific skills, but it can also be the most rewarding of all catering roles. Older people in care homes and in the community often have complex dietary needs and increasing numbers are at risk of, or suffering from, malnutrition. Nutritious and appetising meals can not only save lives but are often the highlight of someone’s day.
NACC National Chair Neel Radia
NACC National Chair Neel Radia says: “The NACC Care Chef of the Year competition is once again set to raise the profile of the care catering sector and demonstrate the hard work, innovation, high standards and skill that our contestants channel in their workplaces to deliver a great mealtime experience every day. The excellent chefs who take part are always a fantastic inspiration to others who may be thinking of embarking on a career in care catering, where job satisfaction is second to none. I wish all who enter the very best of luck.”
The NACC Care Chef of the Year competition challenges entrants to create a delicious, nutritionally balanced two-course menu – main and dessert -suitable for service users in a care setting. The combined food cost for both courses is to be no more than £4.50 per head based on three portions, reflecting the tight budgets care chefs often have to contend with.
Head Judge Steve Munkley will again lead a team of experienced judges who will be looking for clear nutritional understanding of the dishes being prepared, plus culinary flair through flavours, menu balance and visual appeal, as well as waste management and hygiene best practice.
Unilever Food Solutions is once again the headline sponsor and competitors are asked to incorporate at least one product from Unilever’s sector-relevant catering range in their menu. The Worshipful Company of Cooks continues its longstanding sponsorship of the contest, alongside Rational UK as the Heavy Equipment Sponsor and Procurement for Care as the Procurement Sponsor for 2026.
Entries are now open for the 2026 competition. Online judging will be followed by a series of semi-finals in July with the 12 most talented chefs going through to the grand final on 14 October. Deadline for entries is 10 April.
For more information on the NACC Care Chef of the Year 2026 competition or to enter visit nacccarechefoftheyear.co.uk
Health and Welfare News
Explore current updates, guidance, and inspiration for caterers working across the health and welfare sectors, serving care, hospitals and nursing homes.
