Gluten-Free Christmas: The Foods To Have On Your Festive Shopping List
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1 month ago
The treats to see you through Twixmas (and beyond)
Party season is finally upon us now that December is in full swing – and what comes with parties? Party food. While forming a wholesome part of the annual celebrations, it becomes a trickier time of year for those with allergies, intolerances or conditions that prohibit them from eating certain things. A table filled with food you can’t try? Sounds like the opposite of merrymaking. But if you find yourself gluten-free this Christmas, fear not. We’ve done all the hard work this festive season to find the best gluten-free Christmas food for 2024. Here’s the verdict.
Christmas 2024: Our Top Gluten-Free Food Picks
Flapjackery
Chocolate Christmas Pudding, from £6.50
What’s Christmas without the namesake pudding? Flapjackery’s alternative dessert comes with a flapjack base, combined with vine fruits soaked in brandy and sherry, as well as cranberries, candied orange peel, mixed spices, toasted oats and crunchy honeycomb. And the best part? It’s covered in chocolate.
Thoughts From The C&TH Team: I wasn’t a fan of Christmas pudding even before my coeliac diagnosis – but Flapjackery’s GF take has me hooked. It’s rich, chocolatey and makes for the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea (or hot chocolate, if you fancy doubling down on the sweetness).
Baked To Taste
Traditional Mince Pies (Pack of 6), £6
Another festive classic has to be the humble mince pie. Baked To Taste make batches of six that are gluten-free and vegan, and feature sweet festive flavours housed in a shortcrust pastry case.
Thoughts From The C&TH Team: This is exactly what I crave on those cold, wintry nights in the lead up to Christmas. These mince pies are soft, crumbly and packed with flavour. Our top tip? Enjoy hot with custard.
Borough 22
The Festive Box, £32
If you find yourself sick of mince pies and Christmas puddings this season, why not spice things up with a box of doughnuts? Borough 22’s Festive Box comes filled with six plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free and halal friendly doughnuts – all themed around the festive season. Flavours include Candy Cane, S’mores, Boston Cream, Cranberry Glaze, Mince Pie and NoEgg Nog.
You can order the Festive Box (as well as individual doughnuts) online, or swing by Borough 22’s new outpost in Selfridges London.
Thoughts From The C&TH Team: Borough 22 never disappoints. Christmas is quite literally compacted into bite with the Festive Box, and the the flavours are spot-on. (Suitably festive, without being too strong.)
Nairn’s
Mini Cheese Bakes, £2.70
Nairn’s is known for its stellar line of gluten-free biscuity bakes – both sweet and savoury. And this year, they’ve unveiled a new festive snacking pick: Mini Cheese Bakes.
Thoughts From The C&TH Team: As someone who regularly misses Mini Cheddars, this was such a lovely surprise from Nairn. Our only warning is to not leave the bag out for too long, as these bakes prove far too tempting to leave alone.
Marks & Spencer
12 British Mini Chicken Kyivs, £5.50
A retro favourite makes a comeback at M&S this Christmas, with the arrival of its new party food range. Its British Mini Chicken Kyivs come coated in a glute-free golden crumb, and are stuffed with a garlicky, herby cheese filling.
Thoughts From The C&TH Team: The GF party food at M&S is a little sparse this year – but what is available is nothing short of delicious. These kyiv bites are rich, moreish and generously-sized (‘bites’ is probably an understatement here), and make for the perfect party treat.
Baked To Taste
Turkey, Ham, Brie & Cranberry Pie, £4.25
More festive fun comes from Baked To Taste in the form of its line of festive pies – but it’s the Turkey, Ham, Brie & Cranberry Pie that’s stealing hearts this Christmas. You’ll find them individually wrapped and packed with holiday flavours. Note that the first batch of online orders has already sold out, but stock is updated regularly by the Baked To Taste team.
Thoughts From The C&TH Team: It is officially pie season in the UK, and I’ve been on the lookout for a good festive spin. This one taste just like Christmas dinner in pie form – and while you can eat it cold, it’s better to take it up another notch and have it hot with all the trimmings.
Which Brands Have Gluten-Free Christmas Ranges?
- Baked To Taste: This dedicated gluten- and wheat-free craft bakery has all manner of festive favourites, including pies, pasties, mince pies, cakes and slices. | bakedtotaste.co.uk
- Borough 22: The ultimate location for gluten-free doughnuts in the UK, Borough 22 has two festive-themed boxes (and a Hanukkah box). | borough22.com
Who’s Doing The Reviewing?
Hello! I’m Charlie, our editorial team’s resident coeliac and GF goodies hunter. I’ve been checking in with the brands, reading all the labels and tasting all the products (a terribly difficult and burdensome job, as you can imagine) to bring you this definitive list of gluten-free Christmas foods and treats.
Featured image: Borough 22
