As we step into Christmas, the UK’s food scene is abuzz with innovative flavour profiles, cultural influences, and consumer-driven trends. I’ve been on an internet hunt to find and combine the top categories trending across ingredients and dishes from newly released Christmas menus, retail launches, and social media trends. Here’s what I found…

Alcohol-Infused Applications

Alcohol-inspired flavours are a hallmark of Christmas indulgence, and 2024 is no exception. Brandy, whisky, sloe gin, and even cocktails like espresso martinis are finding their way into desserts and baked goods. Highlights include Waitrose’s Jewelled Cointreau & Cranberry Christmas Pudding and Booths’ festive cheesecakes, such as Strawberry & Prosecco and Double Chocolate & Brandy​. For savoury lovers, Bridor’s Bakery has crafted Mulled Wine & Chestnut Bread, a pink-tinged loaf infused with red wine and spices.

Cherry’s Christmas Comeback

We can’t seem to escape all things Cherry in 2024! Its presence is more prominent than ever; from fashion to food, to decorations and beverages, it’s vibrant colour and flavour is everywhere. Co-op have released an indulgent Black Forest Cheesecake, and M&S has reimagined mince pies and festive cakes with cherry-infused variations. Additional cherry-infused desserts include @meatloafandmelodrama’s Cherry Cheesecake Dip, and Aldi releasing Cherry Bakewell Jaffa Cakes. We’re also seeing fruity glazes on roast meats across retail and social media starting to pick up, with Tesco’s Dark Fruit & Balsamic Glazed Spatchcock Duck. Ricky Gervais’ Dutch Barn Vodka made from British apples has also jumped on the band waggon with their latest release – Cherry Vodka.

Innovative Centrepieces and Sharing Plates

Sharing dishes are taking centre stage at Christmas so far this year, with Asda’s Camembert, Rosemary & Hot Honey Chutney Pastry and its Melt-in-the-Middle Pork Pie with Camembert.

DIY grazing boards featuring premium protein filled charcuterie, soft cheeses, and festive fruits continue to trend, with social media offering endless inspiration, especially when it comes to ​presentation. One key example being the TikTok trending Brie Christmas Trees featuring crushed nuts, crackers and cranberries atop triangular shaped brie with sticky honey.

Sweet Surprises and Dessert Upgrades

Desserts with hidden elements, like molten centres and spiced creams, are captivating dessert lovers this Christmas! Miller & Carter’s Christmas Menu features Croque-en-bouche cheesecake with a hidden passion fruit cream centre, while Sainsbury’s Golden Forest Dessert conceals ginger caramel under golden chocolate mousse​. Cream cookie filled chocolate pinecone truffles have continued to trend from last year, but with different varieties of chocolate cookies!

As we wrap up some of the key foodie trends of Christmas 2024, it’s clear that innovation, nostalgia, and melt-in-the-middle indulgence are driving this year’s festive food scene. From alcohol-infused treats to the continuation of beloved cherry-inspired flavours, these festive offerings showcase a perfect blend of tradition and creativity.

Whether you’re indulging in chocolate-centred masterpieces, curating TikTok-inspired baked goods and grazing boards, or savouring boozy desserts, we hope you have a very Merry Christmas this winter! And don’t forget to share your favourites with us on our socials @jellybeanagency