Which foodie calendar will you be feasting on come December 1?IS the big Christmas countdown even happening if you don’t have an Advent calendar?
Looking at the options available this year, we’ve come a very long way from the basic festive picture windows of Christmases past.
And while the kids might get a thrill from grabbing their fave choc calendars off the supermarket shelves, for the more discerning buyer, there are all kinds of fabulous options out there.
So, with just over a week to go before you need to pop that first window open, has rounded up some of the most “treat-yo’self-worthy” buys.
Food Editor Kirsty Spence gets her hands on some of the best foodie calendarsCredit: Supplied
There are, of course, delicious choc treats – who could resist a Lindt calendar? – as well as boozy options, where you can enjoy a glass of wine each day throughout December!
Meanwhile, we were one of the first to get our hands on Red Bull’s hefty offering – coming soon to Tesco – plus we reckon there’s a ledge in some homes where a protein snack calendar will be most welcome…
This calendar will give you wings through DecemberCredit: Redbull
Red Bull Advent Calendar, £35 (£20 with a Tesco Clubcard) – launching November 26
We were lucky enough to get our hands on the not-yet-launched first-ever Red Bull Advent calendar, and boy is it a biggun!
It contains 24 x 250ml cans of the energy drink in 16 flavours – including cactus and apricot-strawberry, plus some exclusive editions.
Now, it might not be for everyone, but RB fans are going to go crazy for this and it’s sure to sell out.
Grab one in Tesco stores from launch date.
A classic chocolatey treat that will look festive on display, tooCredit: Lindt
Lindt Chocolate Factory Advent Calendar, £25 – BUY NOW
They’re a favourite of many, so what’s not to love about a whole calendar filled with Lindt chocs?
You won’t know which flavour ball you’ll get behind each door, plus you could end up with a foil-wrapped bear – cute!
Also, this is one stunning calendar to look at – in fact, it’s giving Liberty of London vibes – with festive illustrations and an open-out design based on the Swiss chocolatier’s original factory.
Magical!
Start every day with a hug in a mugCredit: Whittard of Chelsea
Whittard of Chelsea Hot Chocolate Advent Calendar, £59.95 – BUY NOW
If you prefer your chocolate in a mug, this calendar won’t disappoint.
Inside 24 drawers, you’ll find an individual hot chocolate pouch, ranging from a classic hot choc to white chocolate pistachio and salted caramel.
It’s guaranteed to set your day up right.
This is a cute alternative to chocolate for AdventCredit: Bonne Maman
Bonne Maman Advent Calendar, £33 – BUY NOW
This has been staple in our house since my daughter was little – she loved the teeny-tiny jar of jam behind each window, and sometimes they’d end up on her toast that morning, while other times she’d squirrel them away into her toy kitchen!
The calendar includes 23 mini conserves, including flavours not usually available, such as cherry with pink berries and fig and cardomom.
Plus, order it online and you will receive a personalised message, a festive-edition jar of chocolate spread and money-off vouchers!
This sold out last Christmas, so get involved now!Credit: The Naked Marshmallow Co
The Naked Marshmallow Co Gourmet Advent Calendar, £24 – BUY NOW
You might think you know marshmallows, but until you’ve tried these handmade pieces of heaven, you haven’t lived!
Find 25 mallows, including flavours like (our fave) honeycomb and choc, rhubarb and custard, cinnamon churro and even fizzy watermelon.
You can even add on a cool toasting kit to take your treat next-level – so fun!
Protein machine? You can bank on this to up your intakeCredit: Grenade
Grenade Protein Bar Advent Calendar, £55 – BUY NOW
Trying to stay on the fitness straight and narrow?
A protein bar a day keeps the osteopath away (maybe, kinda).
Packed with 24 bestselling protein snacks – think Fudged Up, Caramel Chaos and Cookie Dough – and even some fitness challenges to power you through till Christmas, this sold out last year.
So if you want to bank those gains, you’d better get ordering.
Have a very merry December with this tipple-tastic calendarCredit: Supplied
Virgin Wines Mixed Wine Advent Calendar, £99.99 – BUY NOW
If you don’t have enough Christmas parties in the diary, this is a party-for-one situation we are here for (though maybe not first thing in the morning!).
Featuring 24 x 187ml red, rose, white and prosecco treats, plus (spoiler alert!) a full-size beaut behind day 25, it will make for a very merry Christmas indeed.
It’s a splurge, but actually pretty great value!
Feeling fancy? This is the calendar for ultimate luxuryCredit: Supplied
The Caviar House 2025 Advent Calendar, £395 – BUY NOW
Nothing says pure luxury like a caviar Advent calendar, so we couldn’t not mention this sophis option for the person who has everything.
Described as offering “daily rituals of pure bliss”, behind each door awaits a gourmet bite of top-notch caviar in a decorative tin, to savour through December.
Of course, it comes with an eye-watering price tag… and optional add-on mother-of-pearl caviar spoons.
