From a mum and nutritionist trying to keep ultra processed foods to a minimum
Christmas hampers are one of my favourite gifts to give and receive. Food feels personal, thoughtful, and genuinely useful at this time of year. But as a mum and nutritionist, I also know how easy it is for hampers to become a pile of festive looking foods that are heavily processed, overly sweet, and leave you feeling a bit rubbish.
When I put together a Christmas food hamper, I’m thinking about enjoyment first (always), but also ingredients, balance, and how these foods will actually make someone feel. Everything below is something I’d happily give, receive, and keep in my own kitchen. Foods that feel like a treat, are made with simple ingredients, and support real life eating over the festive season.
Snacky Stuff
HU Vanilla Crunch Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate contains polyphenols, plant compounds that act as antioxidants. This one feels indulgent without being sickly, and because it’s richer, you tend to enjoy a smaller amount. This flavour is divine and a regular in my cupboard! (available in Tesco and Sainsbury's).
Ekho Cacao Orange Almond Bar
Have you tried these yet? If you haven't you need to! Think healthy Terry's Chocolate Orange... Cacao is naturally rich in magnesium, which supports energy and the nervous system, something many of us need more of at Christmas. Combined with almonds for healthy fats and orange for flavour, this feels like a proper grown up snack.
Discount code: SOFI15
Sawley Kitchen Classic All Butter Shortbread
Shortbread doesn’t need a long ingredient list to taste good. This is a great example of choosing quality over quantity. One or two biscuits made with real butter is far more satisfying than lots of overly processed alternatives.
Kallo Organic Lightly Salted Rice Cakes
These are a really useful neutral snack. Low in ingredients and easy to pair with protein or fat, like cheese or nut butter, to keep blood sugar more stable. I like adding something practical into a hamper, not just sweet treats. (available in most supermarkets)
Talloes Sea Salt Potato Crisps
Cooked in beef dripping rather than seed oils, these crisps contain more stable fats and a much shorter ingredient list. They taste incredible and feel special, which is exactly what I want from a Christmas snack.
Vilgain Sea Salt Popcorn
Popcorn is a whole grain and naturally contains fibre. This organic version keeps things simple and light, making it a great option for festive film nights without that heavy ultra processed feeling.
Cocoa Loco Fruit and Nut Milk Chocolate
The combination of nuts and dried fruit adds texture, flavour, and some fibre and healthy fats. This is the kind of chocolate that encourages slower eating and actually feeling satisfied. It's one of those that when you've tried it, there's no turning back!
Cocoa Loco Hot Chocolate Spoon
Who doesn't love a hot choc spoon? This feels cosy, comforting, and perfect for slowing down on cold evenings, without the emulsifiers and artificial ingredients of a hot chocolate powder.
Condiments
Hunter and Gather Garlic Avocado Oil Mayonnaise
The hero of my kitchen cupboard, goes on EVERYTHING. Made with avocado oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats that support heart health. Definitely in my top three sauces.
Discount code: THEBASICNUTRITIONIST
Hunter and Gather Unsweetened Hot Sauce Sriracha
Hot sauce without the added sugar! Just full flavour without unnecessary extras. Great for spicing up favourite dishes.
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Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce
This is a great kitchen staple. Fermented foods can support gut health, and naturally brewed soy sauce is a classic example. A little goes a long way, adding depth and umami to meals. (available in most supermarkets)
Hunter and Gather Extra Virgin Avocado Oil
A brilliant cooking oil thanks to its stability at higher temperatures. Rich in vitamin E and healthy fats, this is something people often love receiving but don’t always buy for themselves.
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No Seed Oil Chilli Oil
a drizzle over some chicken udon noodles...my mouth is watering! Adds flavour without needing lots of sauces or extras. Chilli can support circulation and digestion, and this is a great way to make simple meals more exciting.
Buckwud Classic Maple Syrup
Contains small amounts of minerals like manganese and zinc. It’s also a lower fructose option compared to many syrups, making it a better quality sweetener choice. (can be found in most supermarkets)
Local Honey
Support local! Raw or local honey contains natural enzymes and has antimicrobial properties. It’s also a lovely way to support local producers and adds a really personal feel to a hamper.
Drinks
One Living Gut Health Shot
My daily routine for the past two years involves one of these. Designed to support digestion and gut bacteria with 4g of fibre, which can be a game changer when festive eating. A small, functional addition that feels modern and thoughtful.
Discount code: SOFI20
PerfectTed Single Serve Matcha Sticks
Matcha is rich in antioxidants, particularly EGCG, and provides a calmer, more sustained energy release than coffee thanks to its natural L theanine content. I love this for steady energy without the jitters. (Found in Sainsbury's and Tesco)
Teapigs Calm Relaxing Tea
Herbal blends like this can support relaxation and the nervous system. A perfect evening drink during a busy, overstimulating season. (Found in Sainsbury's and Tesco)
One Living Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented drink that can support gut health. It also works beautifully as an alcohol alternative, helping people feel included without drinking.
Discount code: SOFI20
Appletiser
Made from sparkling apple juice, it feels celebratory and works well for both children and adults. A classic for a reason and 100% apple juice. (Found in most supermarkets)
Belvoir Farm Sparkling Elderflower
Elderflower has traditionally been used to support immunity, and this feels light, floral, and festive. Lovely on its own or mixed. (found in Tesco and Sainsbury's)
Pukka Three Ginger Tea
Ginger supports digestion and can help reduce bloating and nausea. This is a brilliant winter tea, especially after rich meals. (found in most big supermarkets)
Pantry Stuff
Cantina Cali Street Tacos
Simple ingredients and incredibly versatile. Great for quick, balanced meals when you need something easy between festive events. (found in Sainsbury's)
Naturya Superberries
Rich in antioxidants and fibre, these are an easy way to boost breakfasts. I love pantry items that quietly add nutrition without extra effort. (found in most big supermarkets)
Naturya Organic Cacao Powder
High in antioxidants, fibre and magnesium. Great for baking, hot chocolates, or adding depth to recipes without lots of sugar. p.s. a hot chocolate made with this is something else. (found in most big supermarkets)
Bold Bean Co Queen Butter Beans
Luxury beans! Beans are a fantastic source of fibre and plant protein, supporting gut health and fullness. These are creamy, flavourful, and far removed from standard tinned beans.
Bold Bean Co Classic Baked Beans
A familiar food done better. Higher quality ingredients, more flavour, and a great option for quick, nourishing meals during the Christmas break.
Final thoughts
A Christmas food hamper doesn’t need to be perfect to be thoughtful. Choosing foods made with care, simple ingredients, and a bit of nutritional value means your gift feels generous but supportive, not just festive.
If you’re here from Instagram, you’ll find links and exclusive discounts on some of these favourites under the products.
I hope this helps you build hampers that feel good to give and even better to enjoy.
Big Love Always,
Sofi x
THE BASIC NUTRITIONIST
