Top of the chocs: the best sweet treats to give this Christmas

From velvety champagne truffles that melt in the mouth to foil-wrapped sweet treats to hang on the tree, chocolate season is officially here. And the good news is the choice is enough to tantalise the most jaded of tastebuds. ‘There are more exotic flavours and bespoke offerings than ever before,’ says Lizzie Batchelar, Partner & Assistant Buyer Gift Food & Drink.

Originating from the Mayan civilisation in Mexico – where cacao, served as a bitter-tasting hot drink, was believed to be a food of the gods – chocolate has come a long way. Brought to Europe by the Spanish, it wasn’t until the late 1700s, with the invention of the press, that it was produced on a grander scale. In 1828, a Dutch chemist called Coenraad van Houten, created the first piece of solid chocolate and the rest is history.

‘Our own brand range includes dozens of variations this year,’ says Lizzie. ‘Everything is made in the UK apart from the prosecco which is produced from a family run vineyard in Italy. All the product has been sourced from the best Waitrose & Partners-approved suppliers.’

The much-loved Quality Street tins are back in store. As well as customising a tin, you can also fill it with your favourite chocs (purple ones, please). While, here online, you can choose from contemporary twists on classics like the KitKat, through to traditional Christmas chocolate coins (ideal for stockings) and luxury chocolate selections in exquisite boxes for those extra special people in your life. 

Who said chocolate advent calendars were just for kids? Not if these luxe offerings from Godiva and Hotel Chocolat are anything to go by. A sweet and luxurious treat every day in the run up to Christmas? Sounds good to us. ‘With the sophisticated and delicious variations available this year, it’s now perfectly acceptable for adults to indulge in advent calendars,’ says Dan Cooper, Partner & Buyer, Christmas. 

‘Our exclusive and delicious range of KitKats make a unique, delicious gift during the festive season,’ says Lizzie. ‘And they look as good as they taste.’ In store, you can go one step further by creating a truly bespoke KitKat combination. Choose from various chocolate types, toppings and flavours including cherry bakewell, eton mess and marmalade.

Along with flowers, a big, sumptuous box of chocolates is a failsafe way to make someone feel extra special. From John Lewis & Partners’ luxurious 71-piece selection – which includes white, milk and dark chocolates in a range of flavours – to Charbonnel et Walker’s mouth-watering jumbo sea salt truffle selection, we’ve got a box to wow someone who really deserves spoiling.

This season, there are lots of fun designs (flamingoes, anyone?) and sophisticated flavour variations. ‘All of the flavours have been thoughtfully developed and selected with a mix of core classics and exciting, innovative flavours such as lime and mascarpone,’ says Lizzie. Look out for unusual but zingy citrus, spice and fruit combinations. 

Round, rich and dusted in cocoa powder, truffles are one of the most indulgent edible treats going. If you have a recipient who goes gooey for the ganache-filled treat, there are dozens of versions to choose from, including flavours which are exclusive to John Lewis & Partners. ‘Charbonnel et Walker's eggnog truffles are the finest quality and the best-selling Christmas truffle so far this year,’ says Lizzie. ‘Tapping into the gin theme, Prestat gin truffles, presented in a bold festive box are also selling well.’

To some a stocking isn’t a stocking without a scattering of golden chocolate coins. These days, as well as classic chocolate currency, John Lewis & Partners are also offering fun new takes on the festive theme, from Hotel Chocolat’s sleigh team to Whittard’s luxury hot chocolate baubles. ‘A Christmas stocking simply isn’t complete without a few chocolate coins,’ says Dan. 'I'm sure they'll be around a lot longer than the coins in our wallets.'