Christmas food is a divisive matter. Some can’t resist the appeal of succulent turkey coated in thick gravy, embellished with trimmings and topped off with a flaming figgy pudding. Others, however, find festive feasting unpalatable.
No matter your personal stance on classic seasonal grub, there’s one thing all families can all agree on - the irresistibility of Christmas chocolates.
A hearty box of chocolates is a Yuletide essential. Whether winding down post-meal or assembling to play a board game (which, if you have siblings, will inevitably end in mortal combat) a box of Christmas chocolates ties the household together with a sprinkling of sugar.
There are many options to choose from. So many, in fact, it’s almost hard to know where to start. Lindt is a go-to for super sweet offerings that will appease all from toddlers to grandparents, while artisan companies such as The Chocolate Gift Company curate decadent gift boxes that are almost too pretty to unravel.
The rise in veganism has led to a wider range of dairy-free alternatives being up for grabs, with Booja-Booja paving the way for other plant-based chocolate brands to follow suit.
It goes without saying that chocolate is a mood-booster and offers emotional comfort. This is vital during the Christmas period, which can be stressful and intense for a plethora of reasons. According to Astrid Nehlig in her 2013 paper 'The neuroprotective effects of cocoa flavanol and its influence on cognitive performance', “Chocolate may interact with some neurotransmitter systems such as dopamine (chocolate contains the dopamine precursor tyrosine), serotonin and endorphins (contained in cocoa and chocolate) that contribute to appetite, reward and mood regulation.”
So not only is chocolate an indulgence, but it may even be the key to a smooth-running Christmas devoid of parents fretting in the kitchen or sulky siblings who just lost Monopoly.
Step out of your Quality Street comfort zone this year and treat your loved ones to some delectable Christmas chocolates for sharing or scoffing solo.
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Lindt Christmas Collection Bundle 1.6kg
Go all out with an epic Lindt spread. Nibble away at the brand’s iconic gold teddies, festive reindeer and silky smooth Lindor balls, while using the smaller miniature milk festive figures to decorate your Christmas table.
Buy now £40.00, Lindt
The Chocolate Gift Company Christmas Wishes & Chocolate Kisses Gift Box
The Chocolate Gift Company wins on the wrapping font. The brand’s decadent goodie box is bursting with sweet surprises. Housed in an ornate package reminiscent of a hat box, the confection collection features honeycomb coal, mini marshmallows, milk chocolate bars and biscuit truffles galore.
Buy now £58.00, Anthropologie
Fortnum & Mason Chocolate Gingerbread Man Matchbox
Slip Fortnum & Mason’s Chocolate Gingerbread Man Matchbox into any lucky recipients’ stocking. The petite chocolate box is perfect for younger mouths to munch, especially with its adorable gingerbread facade and milk chocolate base, lightly spiced with hints of warming ginger.
Buy now £6.50, Fortnum & Mason
Love Cocoa The Nutcracker Chocolate Treat Tube
Behind the vibrant design of Love Cocoa’s nutcracker-themed treat tube lies a myriad of salted caramel cocoa-covered almonds, Colombian milk chocolate buttons, and salted caramel chocolate truffles. Sharing may be caring, but these treats make it tough.
Buy now £20.00, Anthropologie
Christmas Milk Chocolate Lobster
If they’re your lobster (Friends fans will get it), then treat them with just that. This adorable crustacean is a unique take on traditional chocolate. Delicately wrapped in red foil and complete with an illustrated box and pink tie ribbon, it would be hard not to shellect this friendly treat for a loved one.
Buy now £12.00, Oliver Bonas
Fortnum & Mason Piccadilly Milk Chocolate Coin Tin
Name a more quintessentially festive chocolate than a chocolate coin. Designed for children, these coins still tickle the tastebuds of the most mature adults. The beautiful tin is inspired by Fortnum & Mason’s famed Piccadilly store, making it a perfect pick for Londoners. Inside you’ll find milk chocolate coins, each individually embossed with Fortum’s famous clock motif.
Buy now £14.95, Fortnum & Mason
Selfridges Selection Milk Chocolate-covered Pistachios
Leave it to Selfridges to provide modern chocolates with flair. These milk chocolate-coated pistachios not only max out on chic design, but provide a satisfying crunch for nut lovers to enjoy. Choose from one of eight pastel designs and enchant guests with your luxury chocolate taste.
Buy now £22.99, Selfridges
Hotel Chocolat The Chocolate Wreath Box
Unsure what to give them this year? Opt for Hotel Chocolat’s chocolate wreath which features a flavour or two for all. From Caramel Espresso Martini to Burnt Caramel Praline, Cinnamon Bun and more, there are over 18 choc-tastic options to feast upon when the sugar cravings come knocking.
Buy now £44.95, Hotel Chocolat
Booja-Booja Magnificent Adventures Truffle Selection
Vegans are well-acquainted with Booja-Booja, the brand that put dairy-free chocolate firmly on the map. Indulge in this irresistible array of chocolate truffles, truffle mini logs and a truffle star. The selection box contains 25 melt-in-your-mouth characters that encourage you to sit back and relax while armed with a generous chocolate fix.
Buy now £45.00, John Lewis
Tony's Tasting Pack Gift Selection
Tony’s Chocolonely put the chunk back into chocolate. The gourmet snacks are hearty bites packed with subtle sweetness and texture. Tony’s is on a mission to end slavery in the chocolate industry. The widely beloved brand only uses slave-free cocoa which enables farmers to earn a living income and ensures the beans are traceable in order to eliminate the abuses in the farming industry.
Sink your teeth into flavours of nougat, caramel sea salt, hazelnut and almond sea salt knowing your chocolate has been ethically produced.
Buy now £12.00, John Lewis
