The Ultimate Guide to the Best Food Advent Calendars of Twenty Twenty-Three

Heavenly Chocolate Delights

Forget the run-of-the-mill chocolate behind flimsy cardboard doors. This year, elevate your December with a delectable daily dose of holiday cheer. Food advent calendars are all the rage, transforming the traditional countdown into an exciting culinary journey. The anticipation builds each day as you unlock a new surprise, savoring flavors from around the world and discovering unique treats that ignite the holiday spirit. This isn’t just about satisfying a sweet tooth; it’s about creating memorable moments and adding a dash of deliciousness to the festive season.

The market is overflowing with options, from luxurious chocolate assortments to savory cheese collections, aromatic coffee blends, and exotic spice selections. Navigating this tempting terrain can be overwhelming, which is why we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to the best food advent calendars for twenty twenty-three. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift for a foodie friend, a delightful surprise for a loved one, or a self-indulgent treat to brighten your own December, this guide will help you find the perfect match. Our selection process considered variety, quality, price point, the uniqueness of the theme, and positive customer reviews to ensure we’re bringing you only the very best this year.

Heavenly Chocolate Delights

Chocolate advent calendars remain a timeless classic, and for good reason. The simple pleasure of unwrapping a piece of chocolate each day is a comforting tradition enjoyed by generations. But the world of chocolate advent calendars has evolved far beyond basic milk chocolate. This year, expect to find gourmet creations featuring single-origin cacao, decadent dark chocolate ganaches, and innovative flavor combinations that will tantalize your taste buds. Here are a few of our top picks:

Luxury Belgian Chocolate Countdown

Indulge in the rich, smooth texture of authentic Belgian chocolate with this exquisite advent calendar. Each door reveals a meticulously crafted chocolate, from creamy milk chocolate truffles to intense dark chocolate squares. The chocolate often features nutty inclusions or hints of sea salt, offering a complex and satisfying taste.

Key Features: Includes a variety of milk, dark, and white chocolate. Many use single origin cacao, giving each day a distinct profile.
Price Range: Usually priced in the mid-range for chocolate calendars.
Where to Buy: Available at many retailers that specialize in confectioneries, as well as through the manufacturer’s website.
Pros: High-quality chocolate, beautiful packaging, a classic choice.
Cons: Can be a pricier option than some others, and may not be exciting enough for those seeking a truly unique flavor.
Best For: Serious chocolate lovers who appreciate a classic, high-quality treat.

Artisan Chocolate Discovery Calendar

This advent calendar showcases the artistry of small-batch chocolate makers, offering a curated selection of bean-to-bar creations. Prepare to be surprised by unexpected flavors, such as lavender-infused white chocolate, chili-spiced dark chocolate, or sea salt caramel milk chocolate. Each piece tells a story, celebrating the unique terroir and craftsmanship of the chocolatier.

Key Features: Focuses on unusual and artisanal chocolate. Flavors are innovative and often locally sourced.
Price Range: A high price point is common due to the smaller scale of the operation.
Where to Buy: Boutique chocolate shops, specialty food stores, and online from the chocolate maker’s website.
Pros: Offers a unique and exciting chocolate experience. Great for supporting independent businesses.
Cons: May not appeal to those who prefer classic chocolate flavors. More expensive.
Best For: Adventurous chocolate eaters who want to discover new and exciting flavors.

Vegan Chocolate Paradise Calendar

Plant-based chocolate has come a long way, and this advent calendar proves it. Discover a selection of decadent vegan chocolates made with premium ingredients like coconut milk, cashew butter, and almond paste. From creamy truffles to crunchy chocolate bars, this calendar offers a guilt-free indulgence for vegan chocolate lovers.

Key Features: Entirely plant-based, using high-quality vegan chocolate. Focuses on delivering texture and creaminess without dairy.
Price Range: Can be comparable to traditional chocolate calendars, sometimes slightly higher depending on the ingredients.
Where to Buy: Online retailers specializing in vegan products, health food stores, and some mainstream retailers.
Pros: A delicious and ethical choice for vegans. Offers a wide variety of vegan chocolate treats.
Cons: May not appeal to those who aren’t vegan, or those who strongly prefer dairy-based chocolate.
Best For: Vegans and those seeking a dairy-free alternative.

Cheese Please: A Savory Countdown

Move over, chocolate! Cheese advent calendars have taken the food world by storm, offering a savory alternative to the traditional sweet treat. These calendars feature a delectable assortment of cheeses from around the globe, from creamy bries and tangy cheddars to sharp goudas and pungent blues. Each day brings a new opportunity to explore the world of cheese and discover your new favorite flavor.

Gourmet Cheese Journey Calendar

Embark on a culinary adventure with this thoughtfully curated cheese advent calendar. Each door reveals a different artisan cheese, carefully selected for its unique flavor profile and quality. You’ll discover cheeses from various regions, celebrating local dairy farms.

Key Features: Includes a diverse selection of cheeses from various countries. Usually pre-portioned for easy enjoyment.
Price Range: Typically more expensive than chocolate calendars, reflecting the higher cost of high-quality cheese.
Where to Buy: Specialty cheese shops, upscale grocery stores, and online retailers.
Pros: A unique and sophisticated treat for cheese lovers. Great for entertaining or enjoying as an after-dinner snack.
Cons: Requires refrigeration, and availability may be limited.
Best For: Cheese connoisseurs who want to expand their palate.

Caffeine Countdown: Coffee and Tea Adventures

For coffee and tea aficionados, a beverage-themed advent calendar is the perfect way to warm up the holiday season. These calendars offer a daily dose of caffeine and flavor, featuring a variety of single-origin coffees, aromatic tea blends, and specialty drinks that will awaken your senses.

Coffee Lover’s Brew Calendar

Discover new and exciting coffee blends with this meticulously curated advent calendar. Each day brings a different single-origin coffee or flavorful blend, sourced from around the world. Brew your way through the holiday season, exploring the nuances of different roasts and flavor profiles. Some even come with small filters to make each sample easy to brew as a single serving.

Key Features: Includes a variety of coffee beans or grounds, sourced from different regions.
Price Range: Varies depending on the quality and sourcing of the coffee.
Where to Buy: Coffee roasters, specialty coffee shops, and online retailers.
Pros: Great way to try different coffee origins and blends.
Cons: Requires a coffee grinder (if beans are included). Caffeine content may not be suitable for everyone.
Best For: Coffee enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with different flavors.

Tea Time Treasures Calendar

Sip your way to serenity with this soothing tea advent calendar. Each day reveals a different tea blend, from classic black teas and refreshing green teas to calming herbal infusions and fruity tisanes. Brew a cup of holiday cheer and unwind with a flavorful tea experience.

Key Features: Offers a wide variety of tea blends, including black, green, herbal, and fruit teas.
Price Range: Generally more affordable than coffee advent calendars.
Where to Buy: Tea shops, health food stores, and online retailers.
Pros: Offers a relaxing and flavorful way to celebrate the season.
Cons: Some blends may not appeal to everyone’s taste.
Best For: Tea lovers seeking a variety of flavors and a calming ritual.

Snack Attack and Gourmet Goodies

Beyond chocolate and cheese, a world of snack and gourmet food advent calendars awaits. These calendars offer a diverse selection of treats, from savory snacks and gourmet condiments to exotic spices and artisanal chocolates.

Spice Up Your Life Advent Calendar

Add a dash of flavor to your holiday season with this spice-themed advent calendar. Each door reveals a different spice blend, herb, or seasoning, perfect for adding a culinary twist to your favorite dishes.

Key Features: Includes a variety of spices, herbs, and seasonings.
Price Range: A surprisingly affordable option.
Where to Buy: Specialty spice shops, gourmet food stores, and online retailers.
Pros: A great way to expand your spice collection and experiment with new flavors.
Cons: May not be appealing to those who don’t cook regularly.
Best For: Home cooks who love to experiment with flavors.

Uncommon and Unexpected Food Adventures

For those seeking something truly unique, the world of unusual food advent calendars offers a delightful surprise. These calendars feature unconventional treats that will challenge your palate and ignite your sense of adventure.

Hot Sauce Inferno Calendar

Spice up your holiday season with this fiery hot sauce advent calendar. Each day reveals a different hot sauce, ranging from mild and tangy to scorching and intense.

Key Features: Includes a variety of hot sauces with varying levels of heat.
Price Range: Varies depending on the brand and quality of the sauces.
Where to Buy: Specialty hot sauce stores, online retailers, and some gourmet food stores.
Pros: A fun and exciting gift for hot sauce lovers.
Cons: May not be suitable for those with a low spice tolerance.
Best For: Heat seekers and those who love to add a kick to their food.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Food Advent Calendar

Choosing the right food advent calendar requires careful consideration. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:

Consider Dietary Restrictions: Take into account any allergies or dietary restrictions, such as vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free.
Set a Budget: Food advent calendars range in price from affordable to luxurious. Determine your budget before you start shopping.
Think About Taste Preferences: Choose a calendar that features items you know you’ll enjoy.
Check the Shelf Life: Consider how quickly you’ll consume the items.
Order Early: Popular food advent calendars sell out quickly, so order early to avoid disappointment.

You can find this year’s food advent calendars online at Amazon and other online retailers, specialty food stores, and department stores.

This year, ditch the predictable and embrace the deliciousness of food advent calendars. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect calendar to brighten your holiday season and discover new culinary delights. Indulge your taste buds, share the joy with loved ones, and make this December the tastiest one yet! This guide should set you on the right path to discover the best food advent calendars for twenty twenty three!