Christmas can be a tricky time for those following a plant-based diet. The traditional dishes are notoriously anti-vegan; roast turkey, pigs in blankets, and chocolate roulade to name but a few.
Unsurprisingly, this leaves plant-based guests feeling somewhat apprehensive when sitting down at the table for Christmas dinner. But, the tides are slowly changing and supermarkets are stocking their shelves with more free-from products each year.
This is all well and good for meal times, but what about advent calendars? Arguably the most exciting Christmas edible there is, advent calendars have traditionally been rolled out by names such as Cadbury and Lindt, who are yet to supply vegan alternatives. This means vegan shoppers need to look elsewhere.
Household names such as Pip & Nut, H!P and Hotel Chocolat have all produced delicious vegan advent calendars to consider where dark chocolate snacks, cocoa-dusted truffles and milkless figurines wait behind closed doors to be unearthed.
Broaden your horizons and you’ll find more creative advent calendar options that don’t just feature chocolate. Matcha teas, peanut butter cups and blood orange gummies make for flavoursome picks that are kind on the planet too.
Classic advent calendars, such as the first used by German Lutherans in the 19th and 20th centuries, were totally snackless. This is another option to ponder when doing the Christmas shop. Non-edible advent calendars offer the most thoughtful touch for your loved ones. They tend to be a tad more expensive but bear in mind that many are reusable and can be enjoyed for years to come. Plus, they are vegan by default. Gemstone treasure troves, colouring-in kits or empty pockets to fill with your own surprises require no dairy dramas. You can find more tempting picks here.
For both veteran vegans and the fledglings, scroll on to discover the best vegan advent calendars to delight in this Christmas.
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Monty Bojangles Vegan Cocoa Dusted Truffles Collection Premium Advent Calendar
If you’re familiar with Monty Bojangles, you’ll understand why we were so excited to see this hit the market. The brand’s vegan advent calendar features an array of cocoa-dusted vegan truffles for all ages. Comprised of three multi-award winning flavours such as Cocoa Nib Nights, Cocoberry Blush and Caramel Haze, the calendar promises a delicious 24-day countdown to Christmas.
Buy now £10.00, Boots
H!P Oat Milk Vegan Chocolate Christmas Advent Calendar
H!P's Christmas advent calendar is filled to the brim with surprises. There are four different flavours of creamy oat milk chocolate treats to delight any plant-based muncher. Flavours include creamy and smooth, salted caramel, gingerbread and orange.
Buy now £6.00, Anthropologie
Pip & Nut Advent Calendar
You’ll go nuts over Pip & Nut’s peanut buttery Christmas concoction. The brand’s advent calendar houses delectable peanut butter cups topped off with dark chocolate and almonds. For those craving some crunch, this is the calendar for you.
Buy now £22.00, Ocado
Happi Triple Flavour Plastic Free Advent Calendar
Another t-oat-al taste-fest, Happi’s advent calendar is plant-based, plastic-free and made from single-origin Colombian cocoa. Plain milk, orange and salted caramel notes are impossible to resist, especially when packaged up in such a playful box.
Buy now £9.99, Amazon
Hotel Chocolat 45% Nutmilk Chocolate Advent Calendar
A sophisticated, premium choice for adults, Hotel Chocolat’s vegan chocolate advent calendar is a rich yet refined buy for those tempted by veganism. Solid chocolate sculptures are moulded into adorable festive figures such as snowmen and reindeer. Open each of the petite doors to discover what magical creature is concealed within.
Buy now £13.00, Hotel Chocolat
Cocoa Libre Luxury Vegan Advent Calendar
Perfect for those with a sweet tooth, Cocoa Libre's advent calendar will build anticipation for anyone who receives it. There are 24 cocoa bites inside that await discovery behind each door, made from top-quality, natural ingredients. The pieces have been carefully modelled on classic Christmas objects such as gifts, baubles and more.
Buy now £15.00, NOTHS
Bird & Blend Tea Advent Calendar
Enjoy a cuppa every day of the Christmas countdown with Bird & Blend’s tea advent calendar. Ideal for those who’d prefer a soothing tipple over a sweet treat, the fully vegan calendar is a creative alternative to a classic chocolate rendition. Cosy up by the fire and discover what flavours await inside.
Buy now £38.00, Bird & Blend
Ombar Chocolate Advent Calendar
Offering a selection of delicious dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, Fairtrade and organic chocolates for the countdown to Christmas, Ombar has created the inclusive, sustainable advent calendar of dreams.
If you’re already familiar with the brand’s cult-favourite silky smooth oat milk chocolate, we highly recommend scooping up their Oat M’lk Calendar this Christmas. Or, if it’s your first time going for a vegan advent calendar, you won’t be disappointed.
Buy now £7.50, Ocado
