Royco has become more than just a pantry essential, it’s a symbol of home, comfort, and heritage for East African families living abroad. From Nairobi to Kampala, Royco has long been the go-to seasoning for stews, soups, and everyday meals. Now, with Royco available at 4Way Foods, households across the UK can enjoy the same authentic taste that has defined generations of East African cooking.
In a multicultural Britain where diverse cuisines shape mealtime traditions, Royco UK stands tall as a brand that connects families to their roots while also introducing others to the bold and savoury flavours of East Africa.

In East African households, Royco holds the same cultural weight that Heinz does in the British pantry—it’s the unmistakable taste that completes a meal. While you might not find Royco in every UK supermarket aisle, for Kenyan, Ugandan, Tanzanian, and Rwandan families, it’s a seasoning staple that instantly transports you home. Now, thanks to 4Way Foods, Royco UK shoppers can enjoy the rich, aromatic flavours that have defined East African cooking for generations.
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Brand History
Royco’s story begins in Kenya in the late 1970s when it was first launched under the name Roiko. At the time, it was the country’s first commercially available beef-flavoured seasoning powder, designed to simplify and enhance everyday cooking.
It quickly became a household name, later rebranded as Royco Mchuzi Mix under Unilever Kenya. The word mchuzi means “stew” in Swahili—perfectly reflecting the product’s main purpose: to transform stews, soups, and sauces into rich, full-bodied dishes with minimal effort.
From its early beginnings in Kenya, Royco spread across East Africa—becoming a trusted kitchen companion in Uganda, Tanzania, and beyond. As African migration patterns expanded in the 1980s and 1990s, so too did Royco’s reach, finding its way into the suitcases and shopping lists of the diaspora. Today, it’s stocked in African supermarkets in Europe, North America, and Australia, but until recently, access in the UK was limited.

Cultural Importance
For many in the UK’s East African diaspora, Royco isn’t just a seasoning—it’s an emotional connection. The aroma that fills the kitchen when Royco hits a simmering pot of tomatoes and onions is a sensory bridge to memories of family gatherings, school holidays, and special occasions back home.
It’s the secret behind nyama choma marinades, pilau spice depth, and the thick, savoury mchuzi served with ugali. Families pass down recipes that rely on Royco not just for flavour, but for a sense of cultural continuity.
Royco is also celebrated for its versatility—used in beef stews, chicken soups, vegetable curries, and even grilled fish. For the diaspora, a sachet of Royco represents convenience without sacrificing authenticity, allowing them to recreate traditional dishes despite busy UK lifestyles.
Signature Products at 4Way Foods
At 4WayFoods.com, we’re proud to bring you a variety of Royco products so you can stock your pantry with the same flavours that have seasoned East African kitchens for decades:
- Royco Mchuzi Mix Spicy Beef Flavour – The flagship beef seasoning mix, perfect for hearty Kenyan stews, minced meat sauces, and rich curries.
- Royco Mchuzi Mix Chicken – A lighter, poultry-friendly blend ideal for chicken pilau, grilled drumsticks, and chicken soup.
- Royco Usavi Mix Beef and Chicken Seasoning – designed to enhance the flavour and richness of stews, soups, casseroles, and traditional dishes such as potjies. Available in two distinct flavours—Chicken and Beef—this versatile seasoning not only adds depth to your meals but also acts as a natural thickener, creating the perfect consistency for slow-cooked dishes.
- Royco Usavi Mix Beef Seasoning – An authentic East African barbecue seasoning that works wonders on beef, goat, or lamb.
- Royco Mchuzi Mix Spicy Chicken Flavour Seasoning – This versatile seasoning adds rich, spicy depth to meats, poultry, and vegetable dishes.
Whether you’re cooking a midweek meal or preparing for a festive feast, Royco offers an easy shortcut to authentic East African flavour.
🍲 Recipe Ideas with Royco UK
1. Kenyan Beef Stew with Royco Mchuzi Mix
Ingredients
- 500g beef (cubed)
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Royco Mchuzi Mix (Beef flavour)
- 1 carrot (sliced)
- 1 potato (cubed)
- 1 cup water or beef stock
- Fresh coriander (for garnish)
- Salt to taste
Method
- Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until golden.
- Add garlic and tomatoes, cook until softened.
- Stir in the beef cubes and brown on all sides.
- Sprinkle Royco Mchuzi Mix and stir well.
- Add carrots, potatoes, and water/stock. Cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes.
- Garnish with coriander and serve hot with ugali, chapati, or rice.
2. Ugandan Chicken Pilau with Royco Curry Powder
Ingredients
- 500g chicken (cut into pieces)
- 2 cups basmati rice (washed and drained)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Royco Curry Powder
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 3 cups chicken stock
- Salt to taste
Method
- Heat oil in a pot, add cumin seeds, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Add onions and fry until golden brown.
- Stir in chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned.
- Add tomatoes and Royco Curry Powder, cooking until fragrant.
- Stir in rice, then add chicken stock.
- Cover and cook on low heat until rice is fluffy and chicken is tender.
- Serve with kachumbari (fresh tomato-onion salad).

Why It Matters
For years, African brands like Royco faced barriers to entering mainstream UK distribution. Supermarket shelf space was—and in many cases still is—dominated by European and North American brands.
Royco’s availability in the UK has largely been driven by community demand, with African supermarkets, Caribbean food shops, and independent world food retailers leading the way. Its inclusion on platforms like 4Way Foods represents a step towards mainstream recognition for African groceries ensuring that shoppers from all cultural backgrounds can explore and enjoy authentic East African flavours.
4Way Foods Partnership
At 4Way Foods, our mission is simple: to champion world food brands that mainstream supermarkets overlook. Stocking Royco seasoning means more than just adding another seasoning to our range—it’s about giving communities access to a product that is woven into their food heritage.
We understand that food is identity, and by offering Royco UK delivery, we’re helping families maintain their traditions while making it easier for anyone curious about African cuisine to cook it authentically.
With world food delivery UK-wide, halal-certified options, and an ever-growing selection of African, Caribbean, and Asian groceries, we’re proud to be a trusted source for Royco products and other pantry essentials that celebrate culinary diversity.
Conclusion
Royco UK is more than just a seasoning — it’s a flavour of home. From hearty stews to everyday meals, Royco keeps East African traditions alive in UK kitchens.
At 4Way Foods, we are proud to stock Royco, making it easy for families to enjoy the taste of home, no matter where they live. If you’re ready to add authentic East African flavour to your cooking, Royco UK is now just a click away.
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