I’ll admit it: my job might be on the line for writing about Christmas when we haven’t even finished pretending summer isn’t over. However, the FMCG world waits for no one - while you’re still debating pumpkin spice vs. gingerbread lattes, brands are already stuffing supermarket shelves with tinsel-wrapped snacks, boozy novelties and things you definitely don’t need but will buy anyway.
Let’s take a peek at the festive treats lining up to cause arguments at the dinner table this year.
Comfort Meets Chaos
This Christmas is all about comfort food with a twist. Marks & Spencer is going bold with peanut butter & jelly munch tins, hot maple popcorn, and even Marmite-infused sweets (yes, Marmite, because apparently pigs in blankets weren’t divisive enough). Babybel, usually the safe kid’s lunchbox cheese, has gone rogue with “Hellfire” spicy minis destined to confuse your nan. And Ben & Jerry’s has dug up “Minter Wonderland” from the flavour graveyard, because nothing says Christmas like mint choc-chip brain freeze.
Liquid Cheer (and Mischief)
The drinks aisle is turning into Santa’s cocktail bar. Baileys has teamed up with Terry’s Chocolate Orange to make a liqueur so indulgent it could replace dessert entirely. Aldi is pushing new RTD cocktails like Passionfruit & Pineapple Martini, apparently nobody wants to actually shake a cocktail shaker anymore and put the hard work in anymore. And for those who prefer a pirate’s Christmas, Kraken has released a Dark Caramel & Cornish Sea Salt rum - basically liquid Christmas pudding with a kick.
Sweet Nostalgia, Bigger Tins, and New Mischief
Supermarkets are once again wheeling out giant tubs of chocolates that will mysteriously vanish before Boxing Day. But alongside the classics, Nestlé is baking up some fun with Aero Double Choc Brownie, Milkybar Crispy Cookie and Munchies Vanilla Cheesecake. If you’re looking for snacks that scream “festive but slightly unhinged,” try pumpkin spice or cranberry jalapeño dairy dips, which sound like something invented after too much mulled wine.
Cocktails, Crackers, and Conversation Starters
For the gifting crowd, Kocktail’s new “Christmas Cracker Collection” might be the easiest way to look like you tried this year. Expect Instagram-ready cocktails wrapped like party favours - because who doesn’t want to pull a cracker and get tipsy instead of a paper hat that you end up dropping in your gravy at some point?
Vertex View
Expect gingerbread and spiced flavours in new guises, savoury snacks dressed up like Christmas dinner, and plant-based or lighter options that make you feel slightly less guilty before diving face-first into the Quality Street.
This year is shaping up to be a mix of tradition with novelty, indulgence with a side of chaos, exactly how Christmas should be.
