The anticipation of the holidays is a magical feeling, and what better way to ramp up the excitement than with an advent calendar? But forget the simple picture-behind-the-door calendars of your childhood! A new era of daily delights has arrived, and it’s all about food. Food advent calendars have exploded in popularity, offering a tasty treat each day as you inch closer to the big day. This year, the selection is more tempting than ever, with options catering to every palate and craving. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best food advent calendars 2023 has to offer, helping you find the perfect one to savor yourself or gift to a loved one. From rich chocolates to artisanal cheeses, savory snacks to soothing teas, get ready for a delicious countdown to the holidays!
Why Choose a Food Advent Calendar?
Beyond the nostalgia and the sheer fun of opening a little door each day, food advent calendars offer something truly special. They elevate the advent season from a simple tradition to a daily celebration of flavor and indulgence.
Beyond the Chocolate: While chocolate advent calendars remain a classic, the world of edible advent calendars has blossomed far beyond milk chocolate squares. You can now find calendars filled with everything from gourmet jams and honeys to exotic spices and craft beers. The possibilities are endless! It’s a step above what you’d expect and gives a more premium offering.
Daily Surprise and Delight: Let’s face it, the holidays can sometimes feel overwhelming. A food advent calendar provides a small, guaranteed moment of joy each day. It’s a little something to look forward to, a delightful break from the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations.
Explore New Flavors: Food advent calendars offer a fantastic opportunity to expand your culinary horizons. Whether it’s trying a new variety of cheese, discovering a unique tea blend, or sampling a gourmet snack you’ve never encountered before, these calendars are a delicious way to explore new tastes and textures. It’s a culinary adventure contained within a festive box.
Perfect Gift Idea: Struggling to find the perfect gift for the foodie in your life? Look no further! A food advent calendar is a thoughtful and unique present that’s sure to be appreciated. It’s a gift that keeps on giving throughout December, and it shows that you put thought into selecting something tailored to their interests. Plus, it’s a fun conversation starter and a memorable experience.
Delicious Categories of Food Advent Calendars
The sheer variety of food advent calendars available can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the options, let’s explore some of the most popular categories:
Chocolate Advent Calendars
The original and still a favorite! Chocolate advent calendars offer a classic taste of the holidays. This year, expect to see a wider range of options, from premium dark chocolate selections to calendars featuring unique flavor combinations like salted caramel, peppermint bark, and even chili-infused chocolate.
Brand A’s Premium Chocolate Advent Calendar: This calendar stands out with its assortment of single-origin dark chocolates from around the world. Each piece is individually wrapped and features a description of its origin and flavor profile. Expect a sophisticated and intense chocolate experience. It retails around $50 and is available at high-end department stores and online. The pros: excellent quality, unique flavors, and educational. The cons: higher price point, may be too intense for those who prefer milk chocolate.
Brand B’s Festive Chocolate Medley: If variety is what you crave, this calendar offers a delightful mix of milk, dark, and white chocolate squares, each with a different filling or topping. Think hazelnut praline, raspberry ganache, and caramel swirl. It’s a great option for those who enjoy a range of flavors. Priced at around $35, it’s widely available at grocery stores and online retailers. The pros: affordable, wide variety of flavors, family-friendly. The cons: lower quality chocolate than some premium options.
Cheese Advent Calendars
For the cheese lover in your life, a cheese advent calendar is a truly unique and unforgettable gift. These calendars feature a selection of miniature cheeses from around the world, offering a delightful tasting experience throughout December.
Brand C’s Around the World in Cheese Advent Calendar: This calendar takes you on a global cheese tour, featuring a curated selection of cheeses from France, Italy, Spain, and beyond. Expect to find everything from creamy Brie and tangy cheddar to nutty Gruyere and pungent blue cheese. It typically retails for around $100 and is available at specialty cheese shops and online retailers. The pros: exceptional cheese selection, unique and adventurous, great for entertaining. The cons: expensive, requires refrigeration, may not appeal to those with milder palates.
Snack Advent Calendars
If you’re looking for something beyond sweets and cheese, a snack advent calendar is a great option. These calendars offer a variety of savory and healthy snacks, from gourmet popcorn and artisanal crackers to dried fruit and nuts.
Brand D’s Gourmet Snack Sampler: This calendar is packed with a mix of sweet and savory snacks, including gourmet popcorn, artisanal pretzels, flavored nuts, and dried fruit. It’s a great way to discover new snack favorites and enjoy a guilt-free treat each day. It retails for around $40 and is available at department stores and online. The pros: good variety, caters to different tastes, reasonably priced. The cons: some snacks may contain allergens, packaging could be more festive.
Brand E’s Healthy Snack Countdown: For the health-conscious individual, this calendar offers a selection of nutritious and delicious snacks, such as trail mix, energy balls, fruit leather, and organic granola bars. It’s a great way to stay on track with your healthy eating goals during the holiday season. Priced at around $45, it’s available at health food stores and online. The pros: healthy and nutritious, caters to dietary restrictions, convenient for on-the-go snacking. The cons: may not satisfy cravings for indulgent treats, some snacks may be bland.
Tea Advent Calendars
For tea enthusiasts, a tea advent calendar is a perfect way to celebrate the season. These calendars feature a selection of different tea blends, from classic black teas to herbal infusions and festive spiced teas.
Brand F’s Tea Lover’s Dream Advent Calendar: This calendar offers a diverse selection of loose-leaf teas from around the world, including black teas, green teas, white teas, oolong teas, and herbal infusions. Each tea comes in a small tin with brewing instructions. It retails for around $60 and is available at tea shops and online retailers. The pros: excellent tea selection, high-quality loose-leaf teas, beautiful packaging. The cons: requires tea infuser or teapot, may not appeal to those who prefer tea bags.
Brand G’s Festive Tea Bag Collection: If you prefer the convenience of tea bags, this calendar is a great option. It features a selection of different tea blends in individual tea bags, each with a festive holiday theme. Think cinnamon spice, cranberry orange, and gingerbread tea. Priced at around $30, it’s widely available at grocery stores and online. The pros: convenient and easy to use, affordable, festive and flavorful. The cons: lower quality tea than loose-leaf options, may contain artificial flavorings.
Key Considerations for Choosing Your Food Advent Calendar
Before you rush out and buy the first food advent calendar you see, take a moment to consider these factors:
Dietary Needs: Be mindful of any dietary restrictions or allergies. Many food advent calendars offer vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free options. Always check the ingredients list carefully.
Budget: Food advent calendars can range in price from affordable to luxurious. Set a budget before you start shopping to avoid overspending.
Taste Preferences: Choose a calendar that aligns with your or the recipient’s taste preferences. If you’re not a fan of dark chocolate, a dark chocolate advent calendar might not be the best choice.
Shelf Life: Consider the shelf life of the items in the calendar. Perishable items like cheese will need to be refrigerated and consumed within a certain timeframe.
Presentation Matters: The presentation of the advent calendar is part of the experience. Look for calendars with attractive packaging and well-designed doors.
Where to Find The Best Food Advent Calendars
Ready to start your delicious countdown? Here are some of the best places to find food advent calendars:
Online Retail Giants: Amazon, Walmart, and Target offer a wide selection of food advent calendars at competitive prices.
Specialty Food Stores: Sur La Table, Williams Sonoma, and Dean & DeLuca carry a curated selection of gourmet food advent calendars.
Department Stores: Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s offer a range of food advent calendars from popular brands.
Brand Websites: Many food brands sell their advent calendars directly on their websites. This is a great way to find exclusive products and promotions.
Tips for Enjoying Your Food Advent Calendar
Storage is Key: Keep your advent calendar in a cool, dry place to preserve the freshness of the contents. Refrigerate perishable items like cheese as needed.
Serving Suggestions: Take the time to savor each treat. Pair cheese with wine, brew your tea properly, and experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations.
Make it a Family Affair: Open your advent calendar with family and friends and share the experience. It’s a great way to create lasting memories and build holiday cheer.
Conclusion: A Delicious Countdown Awaits
Food advent calendars are more than just a trendy gift; they’re a way to add a touch of joy and excitement to the holiday season. With a vast selection of options catering to every taste and budget, there’s a food advent calendar out there for everyone. Whether you’re a chocolate connoisseur, a cheese aficionado, a tea lover, or simply someone who enjoys a daily surprise, a food advent calendar is a delicious way to count down to the holidays. So, explore the options, choose your favorite, and get ready for a month of delectable delights! Don’t wait, the holidays are fast approaching – find the best food advent calendars 2023 has to offer and make this December a truly memorable and delicious one!
