There are certain things you can rely on every January. Grey skies. New Year’s resolutions already hanging by a thread. Supermarkets suddenly full of very virtuous-looking shoppers clutching kale. And then – thankfully – Product of the Year sweeps in to remind us why consumer goods are actually one of life’s great joys.
Last night marked the 21st year of the Product of the Year Awards, hosted in suitably glamorous style at Quaglino’s, with the ever-brilliant Claudia Winkleman at the helm. For me, it was a little more personal: this was my 18th year attending. At this point, Product of the Year isn’t just an industry event – it’s basically a January tradition. Honestly, I’m not sure the month would function properly without it.
Think of it as the Oscars… but for mattresses, mayonnaise and microwave miracles. And yes, I say that with deep affection.
The night where innovation puts on a tuxedo
Voted for by 8,000 UK consumers, Product of the Year remains the country’s largest consumer-voted award for innovation – and one of the hottest tickets in the FMCG calendar. It celebrates the products that quietly (or loudly) make our everyday lives better, easier, tastier, cleaner, safer or just a bit more comfortable.
From food and drink to home, personal care, health, beauty and lifestyle, this year’s winners reflected what modern families really care about: better sleep, smarter homes, feel-good food, convenience without compromise and wellbeing that fits real life.
In other words: less gimmick, more genuinely useful stuff. The holy grail of consumer goods.
Sweet dreams, safe homes and a very good night’s sleep
Let’s start where we all want to spend more time: bed.
Given that we spend roughly a third of our lives asleep (or trying to be), it felt only right that sleep innovation took centre stage. Simba Sleep Hybrid Pro Mattress claimed the Mattress category, while Emma Original Hybrid Pillow won for Pillows – proof that Britain is very serious about its sleep setup. Supreme relaxation? Yes please.
Meanwhile, the phrase “safe as houses” got a 2026 upgrade thanks to Verisure’s New Alarm System with LockGuard, which impressed voters with its intelligent front-door locking tech. Smart, secure and reassuring – exactly what families want when everyone’s out the door at 8am chaos o’clock.
And because a calm home should also smell good, Air Wick Advanced Electrical Plug-In took home its win for delivering consistent fragrance without overwhelming the senses. Subtle ambience: the unsung hero of domestic harmony.
Food glorious food (and snacks we pretend are for the kids)
Food innovation was very much having its moment this year.
Crunch lovers rejoiced as Cheez-It Snap’d proved that thin, crispy and unapologetically cheesy is very much a lifestyle choice. Over in frozen, Goodfella’s New York Style Pizza delivered authentic pizzeria vibes straight from the freezer – mamma mia indeed.
Classic British staples also got a global glow-up. Birds Eye Captain’s Discoveries brought international flavours to fish night, while Lamb Weston Fries Range showed that chips can still surprise us. It’s no small feat.
Breakfast became a lot more joyful thanks to Kellogg’s Bluey Breakfast Cereal, while Onken KiddOs won hearts (and health points) with its vitamin D–boosted, all-natural approach.
World flavours were everywhere: Daawat Extra Long Basmati Rice, Al’Fez Squeezy Sauces, Nando’s Churrasco Perinaise and Patak’s Seasoning Mix Range all made it easier to cook boldly at home – restaurant vibes, minimal effort. Chef’s kiss.
Even Japanese gyoza got its moment with Farmfoods Takeaway Crispy Chicken Gyoza, and plant-based eating levelled up thanks to Nutty Kitchen Supermince.
Drinks, caffeine and well-earned cheers
Hydration, protein and indulgence collided beautifully in the drinks categories.
Arla dominated with an impressive five wins, including its Protein Milkshake Range, while Highland Spring Apple & Blackcurrant Flavoured Water proved that flavoured water can still feel refreshingly grown-up.
Coffee lovers were not forgotten. L’OR BARISTA Absolu is essentially a barista living in your kitchen cupboard—no small comfort during long winter mornings.
On the celebratory side, Inch’s Cloudy Apple Cider sparkled its way to victory, while Bacardí & Coca-Cola showed that a ready-to-drink classic can still feel premium. Cheers to that.
Pets, bathrooms and everyday heroes
Our furry friends were well looked after, with GOURMET™ REVELATIONS™ Fine Cuts in Gelée elevating cat dinners and Wagg Chews winning over dogs everywhere. Five paws out of five.
In the bathroom, innovation was strong: from Wisdom’s LED Teeth Whitening Kit to Clairol Colour Strong Hair Colour, Honeybalm Lip Care, and Wilkinson Sword’s Mini Travel Razor – proof that small products can make a big difference.
Health and care categories were especially meaningful, with wins for TENA, Bodyform, Huggies Plastic Free Baby Wipes, Broncho 5 in 1 Cough Syrup and ANDYSMANCLUB XL ‘Man-Sized’ Tissues, which also support vital mental health awareness. Substance with purpose always deserves applause.
Why this night still matters (18 years on)
After 18 years of attending, I can confidently say this: Product of the Year endures because it’s rooted in real life. These aren’t abstract concepts or trend forecasts – they’re the products we put in our trolleys, cupboards, bathrooms and bedrooms.
The iconic red logo isn’t just marketing gloss. According to Product of the Year, 71% of consumers say it makes them more likely to buy, and 81% recognise it instantly. That’s trust, earned the hard way.
So yes, January may be cold, long and in need of multiple hot drinks – but without Product of the Year, it just wouldn’t be January.
Congratulations to all the Product of the Year 2026 winners. You’ve officially made everyday life a little bit better – and that’s something worth dressing up for.
Competition alert!
London Mums Magazine was also gifted two seriously generous goodie bags – heavy, indulgent and worth over £220 each – which we’ll be giving away to two lucky readers. Watch this space for our January and February competitions.
More videos of the night including Claudia Winkleman
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
