Counting down to Christmas has come a long way from opening a cardboard door to reveal a single chocolate. Advent calendars now offer full-on food experiences – from artisan cheeses and luxury biscuits to flavoured coffees and hot sauces.
Whether you prefer something sweet, savoury or a little bit unexpected, there’s a calendar out there to make each December morning feel like a treat.
This article is for general informational and browsing purposes only. Product availability, pricing and contents may vary by retailer and region. Always check labels if you have dietary requirements or allergies, and note that some items may be seasonal or limited edition.
1. Bonne Maman Advent Calendar
Ever wondered what it would be like to wake up to a different flavour of jam every morning? That's exactly the kind of treat Bonne Maman has bottled up for you. Behind each door sits a miniature jar of their famous preserves, from classic strawberry to fig confit.
Perfect for toast lovers and pastry fans alike, this calendar brings a taste of French tradition to your breakfast table. It's the sort of thing that makes even Monday mornings feel a bit more civilised.
2. Terre Exotique Spice Discovery Advent Calendar
Most people don't realise that spices lose their potency faster than milk goes off in summer. That's why getting fresh samples is brilliant for any home cook. This calendar delivers 24 different spices from around the globe, each one ready to transform your weeknight dinners into something memorable.
From smoky paprika to fragrant cardamom, you'll discover flavours you never knew your kitchen was missing. It's like a culinary passport without leaving your postcode.
3. M&S 25 Days Of Treats Advent Calendar
Marks and Spencer knows a thing or two about crowd pleasers, and their treats calendar proves it. With 25 days of carefully selected chocolates and confections, it's designed to satisfy every sweet tooth in the family. Think pralines, truffles, and all those little luxuries that make December feel indulgent.
What sets this apart is the variety. No two days taste the same, which keeps things interesting right up until Christmas Day arrives.
4. Lakrids Liquorice Advent Calendar
Liquorice tends to split people down the middle, but if you're in the love camp, this Danish creation will feel like heaven. Lakrids specialises in coating their liquorice in smooth chocolate and dusting it with everything from sea salt to coffee powder. Each piece is a textural marvel.
At 690 grams, this isn't a dainty calendar. It's substantial, sophisticated, and absolutely worth sharing with fellow liquorice enthusiasts who understand the appeal.
5. Baci Advent Calendar
Italian chocolate has a reputation for being impossibly smooth, and Baci delivers on that promise every single time. These little hazelnut filled chocolates come wrapped in foil with romantic love notes tucked inside, making them feel extra special. It's a tradition that dates back to 1922.
Opening one each day feels like receiving a tiny gift from Perugia itself. The combination of dark chocolate and whole hazelnuts is timeless, comforting, and never gets old.
6. Ilchester Cheese Advent Calendar
Britain produces over 700 named cheeses, which is more than France, believe it or not. Ilchester's calendar celebrates that dairy diversity with 24 portions of their finest creations. From tangy cheddar to creamy blends, each day brings a new excuse to crack open the crackers.
It's a brilliant option for anyone who prefers savoury over sweet. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a crisp apple and a quiet evening in.
7. Popcorn Shed Gourmet Popcorn Advent Calendar
Popcorn might seem like cinema snack fodder, but Popcorn Shed has elevated it into something genuinely gourmet. Their advent calendar features 24 mini bags of handcrafted popcorn in flavours like salted caramel, cheddar cheese, and even chocolate orange. Each one is made fresh in their London kitchen.
It's lighter than chocolate, endlessly snackable, and surprisingly moreish. Perfect for those who want something a bit different without straying too far from tradition.
8. Made Without Dairy Advent Calendar M&S
Around 3% of British adults are lactose intolerant, and many more choose plant based diets for other reasons. M&S recognised this and created a calendar that doesn't compromise on taste or texture. Each piece is crafted without dairy but still delivers that creamy, satisfying chocolate experience.
It's proof that dietary requirements don't mean missing out. Everyone deserves a proper advent calendar, and this one delivers exactly that.
9. Luxury Belgian Chocolates Advent Calendar Neuhaus
Neuhaus invented the praline back in 1912, so they know a thing or two about chocolate craftsmanship. This hefty 964 gram calendar is filled with their finest Belgian creations, from hazelnut pralines to ganache filled delights. Each piece is a miniature work of art.
It's the sort of calendar you buy when you want to treat yourself properly. The weight alone tells you this is serious chocolate, and the taste confirms it beyond doubt.
