Best recipe subscription boxes to try in 2026: Gousto, HelloFresh and more, tried and tested by experts
Thinking of signing up for a recipe box subscription that delivers meal kits direct to your door? We put popular brands to the test to see whether they're a match for traditional home cooking.
Recipe subscription services – the concept of ingredients, individually portioned up for cooking meals at home and delivered straight to your door complete with detailed recipe cards– have boomed in recent years. They are certainly a convenient way to make evening meals without the hassle of planning recipes and visiting the supermarket. It's a step up from ready-meals as the food is prepared by hand, but it cuts out the legwork of cooking from scratch. However, they can be an expensive way to cook, especially if you like to hunt for reduced ingredients or shop at inexpensive local markets, plus there is no shortage of inspiration for easy recipes online if you're stuck in a food rut. There are also environmental pitfalls to using these services – they sometimes come with excessive packaging that can't be recycled. If you're thinking of signing up to a recipe delivery service, bear in mind the value for money, convenience factor and any limitations, especially the terms around cancelling a subscription. It's also worth considering any dietary requirements you have (some recipe boxes are more flexible than others) and how many people you want to serve. For solo cooks, few brands offer recipe boxes for one, but many offer meals for two if you're happy to have leftovers the next day. We tested and scored popular brands to help you make your decision. For more, visit our reviews section and find more than 400 practical buyer's guides offering unbiased advice on what foodie products and services are worth spending money on, including the best meal delivery services for when you don't want to cook at all, the best healthy meal box subscriptions and the best veg boxes to order to your door. We also have thousands of simple recipes for everyday mealtime inspiration. Best recipe boxes at a glance Best overall recipe box: Gousto, from £10.25 for two meals Best recipe box for diverse recipe ranges: HelloFresh, meals from £1.62 per person Best healthy recipe box: Mindful Chef, from £6.79 per portion Best for accessible healthy meals: Green Chef, from £22.50 for 3 meals Best letterbox-friendly recipe box service: SimplyCook, first box is free, just pay £1 postage Best organic recipe box: Riverford, from £7.50 for one meal Best recipe box for adventurous cooks: The Cookaway, from £35 to serve two Best recipe box for pasta: Pasta Evangelists, from £6.50 for one meal Best for indecisive cooks: Nonna Tonda, from £5.83 for one meal Best for video learning: Chefs for Foodies, from £14.95 per box Jump to: The best recipe boxes to order to your door in 2026 Are recipe boxes worth it? What to consider when choosing a recipe subscription box How we tested recipe boxes The best recipe boxes to order to your door in 2026 Gousto recipe box Sign up for the Gousto recipe box here Best overall recipe box Score: 4.5/5 Pros: Wide choice of recipes and dietary options Flexible subscription Option to have recipe boxes for one Cons: Ingredients in the box aren't divided by recipe – can be complicated to work out what you need each day Some unusual ingredient quantities – either extremely generous or quite minimal Gousto is one of the original recipe box providers and its offering is accomplished. There are over 175 recipes on offer at any one time, with the menu rotating each week, including recipes to suit plenty of different dietary requirements. This is the ideal choice for busy professionals who don't have time to shop, and want something quick, easy and tasty. It's also good for people who want to try cooking new dishes and need some inspiration. There are lots of different recipe styles to choose from (such as Double Protein, Quick & Easy, Everyday Favourites or Premium) and you can filter by dietaries too so you can create what suits you, such as vegetarian, dairy-free or gluten-free recipe boxes. When our Gousto box arrived, the ingredients were all intact and felt good quality. Unlike some other recipe boxes, the ingredients inside weren't divided by recipe, meaning it was quite tricky to work out what ingredients were required each day. You need a careful eye to divide it all up, and some plastic packaging was still present on ingredients, such as mini sachets of vinegar. Our recipe box served four people, but you can also get options for one, two, three or five people (with either two, three, four or five recipes per box). The first recipe we tested was Moroccan-style meatballs with bulgur wheat grain bowl, one of Gousto's high-protein recipes. The meatballs were easy to make, with a quick sauce. It's great to get a chance to use a more unusual spice such as baharat without needing to buy a whole jar that you might not use again. There was a huge amount of bulgur wheat for two people compared to the amount of sauce, but it's good to see portion sizes are generous. We also made a roasted red pepper orzo with goat's cheese. This was a quick and easy crowd-pleasing midweek meal that we can see becoming a staple. Again, the ingredient quantities were slightly off – only nine cherry tomatoes between two (we added more), but a very generous whole log of goat's cheese to crumble on top. The variety on offer from Gousto is its biggest appeal. You'll never run out of recipes to try, and it's a great way to try new things. If you're a regular customer, the Gousto app makes ordering and saving your favourite meals easy. The packaging could see some slight improvements, and you may need to be flexible with the quantities to expect. Read about how to sign up for the Gousto recipe box HelloFresh recipe box Sign up for the HelloFresh recipe box here Best recipe box for diverse recipe ranges Score: 4/5 Pros: Different recipe ranges for every need Speedy recipe options from 20 minutes Can deliver when you're out Cons: Some packaging tricky to open Low vegetable levels Optimistic suggested cooking times HelloFresh is another of the leading recipe box brands and remains a strong all-rounder. The dishes on offer are adventurous and bold, drawing on interesting flavour combinations from around the world, with plenty of choice and varied ranges designed for different needs, from family-friendly meals to calorie-smart healthy options. Weekly menus are available up to six weeks in advance. You can choose whether to get from two to five recipes per week, and whether to serve two, three or four people. HelloFresh will take your first selection as your custom plan, but you can change this week to week. Ingredients are, true to the name, fresh and mainly high quality, and ingredients for each different recipe are clearly marked in paper bags. Plastic use is relatively minimal but not completely eliminated, with some elements tricky to open compared to more familiar supermarket packaging. The first recipe I made was a Tuscan-inspired pulled chicken stew, which was straightforward to pull together and worked very well as a one-pot meal with very little washing-up. I'd make this again, even without reordering the box. The method was easy to follow, the kitchen smelled fantastic while it cooked, and the end result was excellent: a creamy, flavourful sauce with crunchy ciabatta for dipping. Although the recipe card suggested a 25–30 minute cook time, this felt slightly optimistic given steps such as frying for eight minutes and baking for 25, plus preparation in between. The portions of vegetables felt a little stingy, with just a few cherry tomatoes and 4og of spinach between two – I’d have happily added more if we’d had them to hand. Serving it with extra broccoli helped boost the veg count. I also made a sausage and roast potato traybake. The sausages were a slight letdown, with a lower meat content (75% pork) and a less premium feel than you might get from some rival recipe boxes. However, HelloFresh does excel at thoughtful finishing touches: generous herbs on the roast potatoes, a honey glaze over the sausages and a punchy harissa mayo all helped elevate the recipe and were easy extra elements I wouldn't have thought to add myself. This felt like exactly what I'd use HelloFresh for: interesting new cooking inspiration and techniques when you're in a rut, clever use of ingredients across different elements of the meal, plus the ability to make varied dishes packed with flavour throughout the week without having to have a fully stocked cupboard – and no waste at the end of the week. Overall, HelloFresh delivers reliable, tasty meals with minimal effort and plenty of flavour, even if ingredient quality and packaging could be improved. Read about how to sign up for the HelloFresh recipe box Mindful Chef recipe box Sign up for the Mindful Chef recipe box from £6.79 per portion Best healthy recipe box Score: 4.5/5 Pros: Inventive recipes with no refined carbs or sugars Ethically sourced protein Range of serving sizes available Wide recipe choice Cons: Some plastic packaging Mindful Chef is a health-focused B-corp certified food box delivery service, first launched in 2015. Each of the recipes are designed to be nutritious, gluten-free and low-carb, and all use ethically sourced ingredients from small UK farms and producers. Each week, there’s a rotating menu of 28 recipes to choose from, with lots of vegan and vegetarian options, and menus showing up to a month ahead. You can choose 2-5 recipes per box, and choose a box for one, two or four people. Recipes are helpfully labelled with different health perks, such as being high in protein, low in saturated fat or containing lots of plant foods. We tested Mindful Chef over a week. The delivery mentioned that 85% of packaging is recyclable from home or the supermarket; there is still some plastic packaging throughout, such as for mini pots of oil or wrapping meat. In the main box, ingredients for each recipe came in a clearly labelled brown paper bag (with meat and fish in a separate chilled compartment) – you could pop each bag in the fridge and just take out the right recipe each night. Interestingly, instead of the familiar recipe cards that often come with these boxes, Mindful Chef include a book of all the recipes currently on rotation. We were very impressed with the quality of the produce – fresh herbs, giant, glossy red peppers. The dishes are innovative and use different flavour pairings, so it's good for people who want some inspiration in discovering new dishes that are still healthy. The recipes we tried were delicious and well portioned. A Thai-style basa with coconut rice and stir-fried veg was a highlight, combining three different flavour-packed elements in ways we wouldn’t have thought to do at home. A warming Mexican-style beef shakshuka was given a fresh lift with a coriander and avocado salsa. Testing the box in winter, it was great to discover hearty, filling meals that didn’t rely on big portions of carbs and were still healthy. Read about how to sign up for the Mindful Chef recipe box Green Chef Sign up for the Green Chef recipe box here Best for accessible healthy meals Score: 4.5/5 Pros: A variety of dietary options covered Makes healthy eating easy and accessible Wide recipe choice Add-ons available, eg tofu, vegan burgers Fully recyclable packaging Cons: Lots of washing-up midweek from some recipes If you want to incorporate healthier meals into your routine but you're unsure where to start, Green Chef is a great option. There are eight ranges to explore – vegetarian, vegan, keto, high protein, calorie conscious, lower carb, pescatarian and flexitarian – all of which have been vetted by a qualified nutritionist. Even though the meals are categorises as 'healthy', you never get the impression you're missing out or eating 'diet food'; recipes still feel indulgent and easily accessible. Menus are updated weekly and you can view all the recipes up to three weeks ahead, with boxes available for two or four people and a maximum of five recipes per box. We tried a selection of veggie dishes, including colourful vegetable gyoza peanut noodles, topped with mushrooms and pea pods, and gochujang-glazed paneer with zesty rice, peas and peanuts. We also enjoyed the mozzarella-topped pesto gnocchi with plum tomatoes and rocket, which felt like comfort food without being too heavy. The recipes we sampled involved a bit of prep, but nothing too complicated, and we appreciated the level of detail on the recipe cards. The packaging, which was made up from a fully recyclable cardboard cool box, also impressed us and was easy to dispose of. Read about how to sign up for the Green Chef recipe box Riverford recipe box Sign up for the Riverford recipe box here Best organic recipe box Score: 3.75/5 Pros: Good quality organic ingredients Easy recipes to follow Generous portions Creative recipes Guest chefs Cons: Small recipe selection Often had leftover ingredients Expensive Riverford Organic’s recipe box puts seasonal produce at the heart of its colourful menu, with 13 recipes available each week across plant-based, vegetarian and meat categories. You can order as many as you like, with each recipe serving two or four people and prices starting from £7.50 per person. We tried one recipe from each category. For the meat option, we cooked a Mexican chicken, corn and tomatillo salad. We were excited to try tomatillos, a tricky ingredient to find in the UK, and the salad was full of flavour. It was the favourite of the three, though we felt it could have been taken further. The recipe suggested serving the corn raw or blanching it, but charring would have added more depth. We were also left with part-used ingredients, like half a courgette, one tomatillo and some chipotle paste. The vegetarian option was a courgette and spinach gnocchi carbonara. It was hearty and veg-packed, though not particularly memorable. Again, we ended up with leftovers including lemon, half a pot of cream and an egg white. The vegan choice, a Sri Lankan-style French bean curry, was vibrant and full of spice, but left us with three-quarters of a tin of coconut milk unused. The quality of the organic produce is undeniable and the recipes are straightforward to follow. Each dish felt nourishing and satisfying thanks to the abundance of fresh vegetables. The main drawback is waste: leftover ingredients cropped up in several recipes. There’s also less choice compared with some competitors, and Riverford’s once-a-week delivery policy may not suit those who need more flexibility. That said, the policy reflects the company’s commitment to reducing food miles. Riverford stands out for its ethics and quality, but the higher price and occasional inconvenience may not work for everyone. If you value organic ingredients and enjoy cooking with seasonal veg, it’s a strong option. Read about how to sign up for the Riverford recipe box SimplyCook recipe box Sign up to the SimplyCook recipe subscription box here Best letterbox-friendly recipe box service Score: 4/5 Pros: Fits through letterbox Long shelf life Covers wide range of cuisines Cons: Majority of ingredients must be purchased separately Read our full SimplyCook review SimplyCook is a unique service in that, unlike other recipe boxes, it's letterbox-sized. Each delivery contains four 'recipe kits' – dry ingredients in pots, to which you add your own fresh ingredients. The recipe list features a good mixture of cuisines, satisfying hot meals such as stews, curries and bowl food. It's a great option if there are cuisines you've not cooked before and are keen to try out before you commit to filling your storecupboard with new ingredients. The recipes are customisable, because the box is just recipe cards, pastes and seasonings. All of the other ingredients you buy yourself from the shops and suppliers you like/have access to. There are optional garnishes and additional serving suggestions too, should you want to customise further. You can filter by dietary requirements of vegan or vegetarian, but not gluten-free or dairy free. The portions are generous (kits serve 2-4 people) and the finished dishes very flavoursome. We also noted that it feels like a lot of thought has gone into using as little packaging as possible, with minimal excess. We liked that you’re not tied to it if your plans change. The sachets have a long shelf-life, so there's no pressure to cook the recipes within a limited time frame. Read about how to sign up to the SimplyCook recipe subscription box The Cookaway Order a The Cookaway box here Best for adventurous cooks Score: 4/5 Pros: Interesting recipes to choose from 95% of packaging is recyclable Good quality ingredients Can choose halal meat Cons: Expensive Read our full The Cookaway review. The Cookaway is the recipe box to choose when you're getting bored of your own cooking repertoire and want to try something new. Based around menus from eight different cuisines, there are over 55 menus to choose from, designed by expert chefs that specialise in Malaysian, Pakistani, Spanish, Indian and more cuisines. There is no subscription method here, you simply choose a recipe you want to cook – most come as a main and accompaniment in one box, and others may even have more dishes if you're choosing a meze or tapas-style feast. You can choose to serve 2 or 4 people. Our delivery was in a compact cardboard box and packaging didn't feel excessive. Recipes will introduce you to new ingredients and learn more about different global cuisines than the cliche dishes we may know. They also host free cook-alongs to join as you make your dish. It is expensive, so works best as a one-off treat or cooking experience to do as a couple and enjoy, rather than a shortcut for midweek cooking. Read more about how to order The Cookaway box. Pasta Evangelists Sign up to Pasta Evangelists here Best recipe box for pasta Score: 4/5 Pros: Quick and easy to prepare Generous portions Good for cooking for one Cons: Dishes don't rotate very regularly Smaller range of dishes than other recipe subscriptions Can get expensive if ordered often Billing itself as the first fresh pasta recipe box, Pasta Evangelists deliver fresh pasta to your door, complete with quality sauces and garnishes. There are 10 pasta recipes to choose from each week, plus sauces, a couple of side dishes and dessert options. You can can view the choices up to two weeks in advance if you’re planning ahead, although choices don’t change much. You can add as many recipes as you'd like to your basket – handy for filling up the freezer. Recipes serve one or two, but you could add extra portions if you'd like to serve more people. Dishes are priced individually, at around £7-10 per single portion, with slight savings if you order a double portion to serve two. The standard portion is for one, which is great if you're only cooking for yourself. We tested three recipes from Pasta Evangelists. Our delivery was left on the front step as we weren’t in, which was easy. One of our pet peeves with recipe subscription boxes is the amount of packaging, but this came in a compact box with gel packs to keep ingredients cool. Each order comes in its own paper bag, with instructions on the outside, and pasta, sauce and any toppings or additional ingredients in pouches inside. There is some plastic packaging at this stage and there aren’t instructions on whether it can be recycled. We were pleased to note that our three pastas could be kept in the fridge for 3-8 days, so you’ve got time to spread them over the week. Instructions on the bag also accommodate cooking from frozen. Unlike some other recipe boxes, there is minimal cooking involved here as a lot is done for you. Meals are ready in minutes – simply cooking the pasta and reheating or melting sauces. We were eating carbonara less than 5 minutes after opening the fridge. It was super-rich and a very generous portion. We were impressed by the quality of the finished recipes; they live up to the ‘restaurant-quality’ claim. Pasta Evangelists would be good for a hearty work-from-home lunch where you can have a hot meal with minimal thought, or for storing in the freezer for easy midweek shortcuts. Read about how to sign up to Pasta Evangelists Nonna Tonda Sign up to a Nonna Tonda pasta subscription here Best for indecisive cooks Score: 4.5/5 Pros: Quick and easy to prepare, no cooking skills required Fresh and high-quality ingredients Great results Cons: Gets expensive if ordered often Limited dietary filters No recipe choice Read our full review of Nonna Tonda If you get overwhelmed by choice, Nonna Tonda is the pasta delivery service for you. A hybrid of a meal delivery service and a recipe subscription box, Nonna Tonda delivers two pasta dishes a week. The choice is whether to go meat or vegetarian or a combo – there’s only two of each on the menu. Just boil the pasta, reheat the sauce, and dinner is served. You can also add an antipasti selection to your order, which changes weekly. Portions serve two, four or six – you could have leftovers the next day if you're cooking for one. We were impressed by how compact our delivery was, deceptively containing two pastas to serve two, and two antipasti selections in a cardboard box. Each pasta, cheese and sauce comes in a sleek cardboard box, so it's clear which elements go together. A lot of the packaging is recyclable and reusable – we kept the resealable bags that our ciabatta and pasta came in to use again. Finished recipes were impressive, and we'd definitely be tempted to order more as a treat for busy weeks. Sign up to a Nonna Tonda pasta subscription Chefs For Foodies Try out a Chefs for Foodies recipe box here Best for video learning Score: 4/5 Pros: Chef-led video to watch Complex recipes made simple Learn a new skill Cons: Lots of plastic packaging No physical recipe card Read our full Chefs for Foodies review Chefs for Foodies describes itself as 'recipe kits by award-winning chefs'. It's not a recipe subscription box – it's more like a restaurant meal kit, so you just pick one recipe you want to try at a time. Chefs and restaurateurs share their skills and expertise in signature recipes, whether that's a chicken tikka masala from the head chef of an Indian restaurant, pizza kits from Italian masters of pizza dough, or classic recipes such as beef wellington from MasterChef winners. There was more range when we tested the kit, but currently on offer are pizza, pasta or dessert recipes. We tested the chicken tikka masala, and appreciated the breakdown of step-by-step results and delivery of complex spices that would be tricky to source on our own. The amount of plastic packaging was disappointing, but Chefs for Foodies has told us that they're working on it. Try out a Chefs for Foodies recipe box Are recipe boxes worth it? The decision over whether a recipe subscription box suits you will depend on your lifestyle and what you’re hoping to get out of them. For busy weekdays or when you’re trying to reset your routine (recipe boxes often see a spike in demand after Christmas), recipe subscription boxes can take the stress out of meal planning and grocery shopping. You don't need to find time to go food shopping as everything arrives measured and ready to go, which saves time and reduces waste. On the plus side, they introduce variety and can help you learn new cooking skills, with clear recipes and fresh ingredients delivered to your door. Some services such as Gousto or HelloFresh offer hundreds of recipes a week to choose from, so you can break out of your traditional recipe rotation. Others, such as Pasta Evangelists and Nonna Tonda, are essentially delivering fully cooked meals with minimal cooking at all – good for busy weeks when you'll be home late. But they’re not perfect for everyone: the cost per meal is usually higher than shopping yourself, and the packaging can feel excessive. If you love choosing your own ingredients or eat very specific diets, the pre-selected meals might feel restrictive. Ultimately, they’re worth it for some, especially when life gets hectic, but less so if cost and control are your top priorities. What to consider when choosing a recipe box There are lots of recipe subscriptions to choose from, and finding the right one for you means thinking about a few things: How much cooking do you want to do? Some boxes will deliver elaborate recipes that can be great weekend projects or ideal for keen cooks, whereas others deliver you fully prepared meals that you essentially just reheat. Do you have specific dietary restrictions? Not all subscriptions can cater to all requirements, so check that there are enough dishes on offer that you want to eat. How many people are you cooking for? Not all boxes offer deliveries for one (Gousto and Pasta Evangelists do), and most only go up to servings for four people. Consider ingredients – for example, Riverford could be a suitable choice if eating organically is important to you. Flexibility – if your schedule is regularly changing, make sure you check that the recipe box you sign up to is equally flexible. Lots of schemes let you opt in and out for different days and cancel when you need, whereas others have strict delivery days you have to adhere to. How we tested recipe box subscriptions Members of the Good Food digital and cookery teams each tested a week of each recipe box subscription. There were several key criteria that teams based their verdict on: Range of recipes: was there plenty to choose from, and did recipes rotate regularly if you were going to repeatedly buy? Were all dietary options covered? Was it possible to scale recipes up or down to serve different family sizes? Ease of cooking: we looked for clear instructions (photos and obvious step-by-step methods were a bonus), accurate suggested cooking times and clear ways to distribute ingredients between elements and steps. Quality of the ingredients: some of the recipe boxes provided organic ingredients, but regardless we were looking for ethically sourced, fresh, high-quality ingredients. Packaging: with small quantities of ingredients individually sent, packaging can quickly add up. We looked for packaging to be sustainable, with minimal plastic where possible. Quality of the finished recipes: the all-important cooking results! After accurately following the recipes, we wanted delicious meals that we would want to cook again. Portion size and whether the meals were balanced were other consider. Value for money: how does the subscription compare to cooking from scratch? Would it be practical to regularly get a recipe delivery, or would it be more of a one-off purchase? Related reviews Best meal delivery services Best healthy recipe boxes tried and tested Best meat delivery boxes tried and tested Best veg boxes Best chocolate subscriptions Best baking subscriptions Are you signed up to a recipe delivery service? We'd love to hear about your experiences. Leave a comment below... This review was last updated in January 2026. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews, or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
The best gifts to buy for foodies – food, drink, gadgets, homewares and more
The definitive guide to the best gifts for foodies, from home kits, gadgets and homeware, to edible and alcoholic presents
Looking for a food- or drink-inspired gift? Look no further. We've compiled some of the very best presents for the budding chefs, passionate foodies and kitchen gadget lovers in your life. For a dose of gift magic, why not treat others or yourself to homeware too, from kitchen accessories and cookware, to unique handmade tableware. These are the ultimate foodie gifts to give to someone special this year, whether you're looking for a Valentine's Day gift or any special occasion. From gourmet food gifts that tickle the tastebuds, to your favourite food lover's top tipple, there are plenty of gifts to choose from, so treat those you love or even yourself – why not brighten up your own kitchen cupboards? There are indulgent sweet treats, special bottles for a home bar, useful gadgets, gorgeous homeware ideas, and so much more. Browse the list for gift inspiration and then check out our guides for much more, including the best hampers, best wine gifts or best gifts for cocktail lovers. You can also check out coffee table books on our sister brand olive magazine. Jump to section: Best food gifts Best drink gifts Best gadgets and kit gifts Best home and kitchen gifts Best food gifts MELT orange slices dipped in dark chocolate Available from MELT (£22.99) This is the box of chocolates we would want to receive for Valentine's Day this year: juicy confit orange slices dipped in 70 per cent dark chocolate, scattered with cocoa nibs for a little finishing crunch. Available from: MELT (£22.99) Dishpatch delivery Available from Dishpatch (menus from £48) Why not give a foodie the gift of a restaurant-worthy meal in their own home? Dishpatch offer a range of meal kits from iconic chefs including Michel Roux, Rick Stein, Andi Oliver and Sabrina Ghayour. Whether you want a taste of Mexico with a taco party from El Pastor, the ultimate gourmet 'picky tea' with a meze delivery from Bubala or a three-course Cornish seafood feast from Rick Stein, there's a menu and cuisine for everyone and a great way to celebrate a special occasion or a fuss-free date night in. All the cooking is done for you, with the most minimal prep needed – our Cafe Murano three-course meal simply required opening several pots and popping a gnocchi traybake in the oven to warm through. Available from: Dishpatch (menus from £48) Sylt Great Taste pickling starter pack Available from Not on the High Street (£26.99) Homemade pickles have never been easier. You only need to add fruit or veg to these jars of seasonally spiced liquor. The interesting flavours include Scotch Bonnet & Lemon or Dill & Mustard. Available from: Not on the High Street (£26.99) Dishpatch Cookies & cream malt balls Available from Selfridges (£9.99) A fancy edition of a favourite, these malt balls are coated in white chocolate and crunchy cookie pieces with an impressively deeply malty crunchy centre. Available from: Selfridges (£9.99) The Real Cure British charcuterie signature hamper Available from Not on The High Street (£45) Celebrate artisan British produce with a hamper packed with salamis, coppa and venison pepperoni. The spicy Dorset chorizo is our favourite. Available from: Not on The High Street (£45) Fitzbillies Chelsea buns Available from Fitzbillies (£24 for 6-pack) Cambridge-based bakery Fitzbillies has been making these iconic buns since 1920 and this subscription sees six buns delivered to the lucky recipient's door, complete with sticky bun syrup. Perfect for a decadent breakfast in bed. Available from: Fitzbillies (£24) Yiayia and Friends olive oil Available from Fenwick (£40) Beautifully designed bottles encase equally beautiful tasting fresh and flavourful Greek olive oil. Whether you’re opting for the original extra virgin olive oil option or one of Yiayia’s infused offerings (choose from lemon, basil, chilli, truffle and garlic), these lovingly produced oils are sure to make the perfect gift. Available from: Fenwick (£35) Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea for two Available from Virgin Experience Days (£140 for 2) This afternoon tea is something special. Head to Fortnum & Mason for an elegant afternoon tea in a salon opened by HM The Queen, featuring luxurious finger sandwiches, warm scones with velvety lemon curd, and seasonal patisseries. Enjoy a variety of teas including the famous smoky Earl Grey and champagne highlights like a light Brut rosé and Fortnum’s Brut sparkling from Cornwall. Available from: Virgin Experience Days (£140) Cutter & Squidge letterbox brownies Available from Cutter & Squidge (from £19.99) Who is ever going to say no to a box of brownies? Choose from a gift box of 12 or 24 in a range of flavours and with boxes for any occasion, and receive pre-cut, fudgy brownies delivered straight through the door. Available from: Cutter & Squidge (from £19.99) Summerdown ultimate mint chocolate collection Available from Summerdown (£9.99) Who says selection boxes are just for Christmas? Ideal for sharing in front of some TV at any time of year, this is the ultimate selection box for a mint chocolate fan. Available from: Summerdown (£9.99) Spice Pots Curry Night kit Available from Not on the High Street (£21.95) Spice Pots have made curry night simple with four clever dried spice blends (korma, bhuna, tandoori masala and Goan) plus recipes to make you a curry pro in no time. Available from: Not on the High Street (£21.95) Imp & Maker Italian Food Lovers hamper Available from Imp & Maker (£59) Full to the brim with Italian essentials, this hamper from Imp and Maker makes the perfect gift for the person in your life who is obsessed with all things Italy. There’s everything you’d need to accompany an afternoon aperitivo, from cured meats and cheese, to Perello olives and cannoli. Plus, almost everything you need to make a punchy arrabbiata with spaghetti. Mangia bene! Available from: Imp & Maker (£59) HydroHerb gift set Available from HydroHerb (£60, set of 3) If you're buying a gift for someone green-thumbed, a herb kit from HydroHerb is a fabulous choice. Pick your choice of herbs, there are 12 to choose from, and receive three, full-sized kits. Eco-friendly in design, the HydroHerb kit is crafted from a recycled wine bottle and has hand-smoothed edges for safety. Perfect for those short on space, this easy-to-maintain kit ensures fresh herbs for up to two years with organic hydroponic fluid plus spare parts for maintenance. Available from: HydroHerb (£60, set of 3) Trulli Ulivi olive oil Available from Trulli Ulivi (£22.50) Produced in Puglia, this peppery olive oil is just the thing for drizzling over roast veg or dipping bread. Available from: Trulli Ulivi (£22.50) Happy Cocoa Club Discovery Bundle Available from Happy Cocoa Club (£12.99) This time of year is the ultimate cosy season and that means one thing: it's hot chocolate time. This lovely starter bundle contains a trio of hot chocolates of different strengths, ideal for the whole family to enjoy. There's also two mini spice mixes if you want to add extra flavour to your hot choc. Cream and marshmallows on top are a must! Available from: Happy Cocoa Club (£12.99) Best drink gifts Whispering Angel & Hotel Chocolat macarons gift set Available from Laithwaites (£39 with free delivery) If you know someone who likes to keep up with the latest food and drink trends, you know they'll have seen this rosé plastered all over social media feeds the last couple of summers: Whispering Angel, a Côtes de Provence rosé is a delicious easy sipper and pairs with salted caramel macarons from the experts in all things cocoa at Hotel Chocolat. To make it extra special, these items are bundled in a keepsake "Just For You" engraved wooden box. Available from: Laithwaites (£39 with free delivery) Portofino Gin Available from Master of Malt (£43.50), The Whisky Exchange (£43.50) Here’s a pretty addition to someone’s bar cart collection. This Mediterranean-inspired gin contains 21 botanicals including lavender, rosemary and sage. Available from: Master of Malt (£43.50) The Whisky Exchange (£43.50) Mijenta reposado tequila Available from Harvey Nichols (£60), Master of Malt (£60.49), Selfridges (£67.99) Newly B-corp certified, this extra special artisan tequila is carbon-neutral, made in small batches and aged for six months for a complex final spirit. Read our round-up of the best tequilas to buy for more top-quality options. Available from: Harvey Nichols (£60) Master of Malt (£60.49) Selfridges (£67.99) Avallen calvados Available from Ocado (£37.50), The Whisky Exchange (£38.75), Amazon (£34.99) Every bottle of this floral, fruity calvados removes 2.73kg of CO2 from the atmosphere (as the apple trees absorb it), for a sustainable, quality spirit choice. Available from: Ocado (£37.50) The Whisky Exchange (£38.75) Amazon (£34.99) Orangino gin liqueur Available from English Spirit (£26) This would be a welcome addition to a cocktail lover’s drinks cabinet – a splash of English orange liqueur adds a citrussy kick to a glass of fizz. Available from: English Spirit (£26) Lockdown Liquor agave cocktail gift set Available from Lockdown Liquor (£45) Mezcal takes centre stage in this set, with a smoky mezcal picante, mezcal negroni (for a twist on the Italian classic) and a classic passion fruit margarita. Available from: Lockdown Liquor (£45) Best gadget and kit gifts Ninja Crispi Available from Amazon (£129.99), John Lewis & Partners (£149), Ninja (£149.99), Currys (£149.99), Argos (£149.99) Splash out with this latest release from air fryer stalwarts Ninja – a clever four-in-one model that can air-fry, roast, reheat and keep warm. Its glass base allows you to keep an eye on progress. We gave it a 4.5/5 when our experts tested it. Available from: Amazon (£129.99) John Lewis & Partners (£149) Ninja (£149.99) Currys (£149.99) Argos (£149.99) Jamie Oliver proper pie dish Available from John Lewis (£30), Dunelm (£30), Robert Dyas (£29.99) Pretty in pink, this stoneware dish will make a pie look even more tempting – and it makes a lovely serving dish too. Available from: John Lewis (£30) Dunelm (£30) Robert Dyas (£29.99) Smeg mini milk frother Available from Smeg (£99.95), Selfridges (£100) Available in a rainbow of colours to match any kitchen, this sleek mini frother will become an essential for a coffee and matcha fan. Available from: Smeg (£99.95) Selfridges (£100) Addison Ross bow tie corkscrew Available from Addison Ross (£35) Get ready to pop bottles in style with this sleek colourful corkscrew which comes in a range of colourways – the ideal gift for wine lovers with an eye for design. Available from: Addison Ross (£35) Our Place Mini Always Pan and Mini Perfect Pot Available from Our Place, Mini Always Pan (£100), Mini Perfect Pot (£110) Following on from their ever popular Always collection and the Instagram-famous Always Pan, Our Place launched the multifunctional Mini Pot and Mini Pan for cooking smaller quantities, reheating leftovers and simmering sauces. They have a non-stick, non-toxic coating and are compatible with all hob types. Available from: Our Place, Mini Always Pan (£100), Mini Perfect Pot (£110) Kuhn Rikon Black Star iron skillet pan Available from Kuhn Rikon (£139.97) Chosen as our ‘best lightweight skillet pan’ in testing, this innovative spun iron skillet can go straight from hob to oven. A versatile investment built to last. Available from: Kuhn Rikon (£139.97) MEATER Pro thermometer Available from John Lewis (£129), Amazon (£103) Help someone take their Sunday roast up a notch with this sleek wireless thermometer for perfect results every time. Available from: John Lewis (£129) Amazon (£103) Cuisinart ice cream and gelato professional ICE100 Latest Deals Earning a five-star rating from our reviews team, this is the ultimate gift for ice cream fans, producing silky smooth gelato, ice cream and sorbet at the push of a button. Read more in our test of the best ice cream makers review. Available from: Lakeland (£299.99) Uashmama beverage chiller Available from Uashmama (from £30) Made of innovative and sustainable washable paper, this wine chiller stores flat in the freezer and comes in 10 colours. Available from: Uashmama (from £30) Smeg non-stick frying pan Latest Deals Choose between red, cream or black finishes on this non-stick frying pan, available in three sizes and ovenproof for versatility. Latest Deals Netherton Foundry spun iron focaccia pan Available from Sous Chef (£79) Focaccia has been all over our social feeds this year. This pan-for-life will be well received by a home baker and is also great for roast potatoes. Available from: Sous Chef (£79) Falcon Enamelware decorative cake tin Available from Falcon Enamelware (£34) Bake impressive cakes to share or set grand jellies in this chic white enamel tin. Available from: Falcon Enamelware (£34) Best home and kitchen gifts Eleanor Bowmer star glass tumblers Available from La Redoute (£34, set of 4) <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2025/10/Pure-Table-Top-ELEANOR-BOWMER-FOR-PURE-TABLE-TOP-FABULOUSLY-FESTIVE-SET-OF-4-GLASS-TUMBLERS-40-8817296-copy-2261725.jpg" width="3898" height="2599" alt="Pure Table Top, ELEANOR BOWMER FOR PURE TABLE TOP FABULOUSLY FESTIVE SET OF 4 GLASS TUMBLERS, £40, 8817296 copy" title="Pure Table Top, ELEANOR BOWMER FOR PURE TABLE TOP FABULOUSLY FESTIVE SET OF 4 GLASS TUMBLERS, £40, 8817296 copy" /> A colourful quartet of glasses adorned with hand-painted stars to brighten up someone’s tablescape. Available from: La Redoute (£34, set of 4) Rolfe & Willis Sounds bone china mug collection Available from Not on the High Street (£50, set of 4) With patterns inspired by sounds, these colourful mugs will liven up any coffee morning. Available from: Not on the High Street (£50, set of 4) Neesh Home chilli crisp tea towel Available from Sous Chef (£14.99) A pop art tea towel for the person who adds chilli crisp to everything. Available from: Sous Chef (£14.99) Wick Guru buttery croissant candle Available from WickGuru (from £35), Not on the High Street (from £19) A friend will thank you for the scent of warm, fresh croissants with no baking required. This soy wax candle is handmade in the UK. Available from: WickGuru (from £35) Not on the High Street (from £19) LSA bowl set and paddle £50 Available from LSA International (£50) <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2025/10/Paddle-Pop-Bowl-Set-Ash-Paddle-L40cm-White-Tarn-Blue50-www.lsa-international.com-2-copy-350b945.jpg" width="2000" height="1333" alt="Paddle Pop Bowl Set & Ash Paddle L40cm, White Tarn Blue,_50, www.lsa-international.com (2) copy" title="Paddle Pop Bowl Set & Ash Paddle L40cm, White Tarn Blue,_50, www.lsa-international.com (2) copy" /> Drinks and nibbles get an upgrade with this smart bowl trio and serving board, ready to fill with olives, crisps, nuts or whatever your heart desires. Available from: LSA International (£50) Le Creuset Stoneware Camembert baker Latest Deals Serve up a melting Camembert in style with this glossy stoneware dish that gives perfectly gooey cheese every time. Latest Deals ‘Make mine an espresso’ print Available from Lyonette Designs (from £12) Must-have kitchen art for anyone who considers an espresso martini their go-to cocktail, plus 10 per cent of all sales are donated to a children’s charity. Available from: Lyonette Designs (from £12) So’home speckled cake stand Available from La Redoute (£34.99) Chic monochrome speckles won’t steal the limelight from the cake or tart a keen baker chooses to display on this simple cake stand. Available from: La Redoute (£34.99) Meri Meri gold star taper candles Available from Meri Meri (£18) Here’s a great way for your favourite host to make every dinner party sparkle. Available from: Meri Meri (£18) More gift inspiration... Best gifts for bakers Best letterbox gifts Best gifts for coffee lovers Best gins to give as gifts Best advent calendars Best sweet subscriptions and deliveries Best letterbox-friendly gifts by post Best gluten-free hampers to buy Best chocolate hampers to give Best cheese gifts 30 best gifts for coffee lovers Best jelly moulds If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
17 best gifts for wine lovers who have everything
From wine tools and accessories, to the perfect glasses and cheeses to pair with drinks, discover some top gifts to give wine lovers right here
The gift of a bottle when it’s a known favourite is a fail-safe option to give wine lovers. Of course, there are occasions when you may need a more creative approach to buying a wine gift. Perhaps they already have a collection or taste that’s beyond the realms of an achievable gift budget, or maybe you just want something to lighten what can sometimes seem like an exceedingly serious world of wine. Beneath the wine world’s serious carapace is a simple quest for flavour, and you don’t need to be an expert to join in it. If you find yourself stuck for ideas, we’ve brought together a collection of wine gifts that strike the balance of being both tasteful and practical. From centrepiece bottle holders and nifty glass-top sulphate filters, to wine-chilling gadgets that’ll save you going backwards and forwards to the fridge, we have options to suit all budgets. Want more inspiration? Check out over 400 unbiased expert buyer’s guides in our reviews section, including the best cocktail gifts, and gift ideas for cheese fans and coffee enthusiasts. The best wine gifts to buy wine lovers in 2025 Laithwaites Beautifully Bite-sized Wine & Snacks Hamper Available from Laithwaites (£38) This is a lovely way to give a special wine hamper without breaking the bank. Inside the traditional wicker basket you'll find three miniature bottles of excellent wines that are sure to impress: a prosecco, sauvignon blanc and Merlot to suit all tastes. The rest of the hamper is filled with snacks to go with the drinks, including truffle crisps and Perello olives. Available from: Laithwaites (£38) Whispering Angel & Hotel Chocolat macarons gift set Available from Laithwaites (£39 with free delivery) A simple yet sweet gift for the rosé lover in your life: Whispering Angel, a Côtes de Provence rosé that has seen huge success on social media these past couple of years (for good reason, it's a delicious easy sipper!), paired with salted caramel macarons from the experts in all things cocoa at Hotel Chocolat. To make it extra special, these items are bundled in a keepsake "Just For You" engraved wooden box. Available from: Laithwaites (£39 with free delivery) Prosecco & Hotel Chocolat macarons gift set Available from Laithwaites (£29.99 with free delivery) Celebrate with sparkle and gift this set to someone who needs a pick-me-up. Alessandro Galicci Prosecco is dry and crisp, and pairs beautifully with the salted caramel macarons from Hotel Chocolat. Plus, these items are packaged in an engraved wooden box with a "Just For You" message. Available from: Laithwaites (£29.99 with free delivery) Dibor vintage embossed wine goblets Available from Dibor (£28) These are a cheerful choice for long dinners, and would add colour to anyone’s glass collection. On a practical note, different coloured glasses also make it easier during dinner parties to distinguish what drink belongs to which person. Available from: Dibor (£28) M&S red wine and nibbles gift box Available from M&S (£35) What better gift for a wine lover than a bottle of the good stuff itself? This gift set from M&S comes in a smart wooden box with a bottle of Argentinian malbec, plus moreish rosemary smoked nuts and cheesy Cornish cruncher biscuits to pair with the wine. For a sweeter tooth, a red wine and chocolate gift box is also available. Available from: M&S (£35) Martell wine bottle holder Available from Anthropologie (£48) We love the delicate gold detailing and smart white marble base of this wine bottle holder, with space for two bottles. It makes an elegant statement to display good bottles of wine (perhaps one red, one white) and is handcrafted from iron and white marble. Available from: Anthropologie (£48) Addison Ross bow tie corkscrew Available from Addison Ross (£35) Be opening bottles in style with a fun bow-tie style corkscrew. Available in a range of duo colourways, from aqua and lilac to watermelon pink and cherry red, there's a style to brighten up any drinks party. It's ergonomic to hold so practical as well as pretty. Available from: Addison Ross (£35) Le Creuset wine cooler sleeve Available from John Lewis (£28), Amazon (£21.99), Harts of Stur (£22.40) Le Creuset claims that when stored in the freezer, its WA-126 cooler sleeve will chill a bottle from room temperature in 20 minutes. If the wine was chilled to start, this should keep it cold for hours. This could be a great addition to a backpack for picnic adventures, al fresco eating with friends, or simply on the side table in the living room. Available in black, burgundy, cerise, shell pink and volcanic orange. undefined Wine-Opoly board game Available from Amazon (£24.99) Wine-opoly is the board game that wine lovers will be playing this Christmas. As you travel round the board, you collect wine, build wineries and avoid getting hit with unexpected import taxes – the perfect way for any wine enthusiast to spend the afternoon. There's also a beer version, Brew-opoly, to try! Available from: Amazon (£24.99) Wine Christmas crackers Available from Virgin Wines (from £29.99) For a grown-up Christmas table treat, lay out these luxury wine Christmas crackers. Each cracker contains a 187ml bottle of wine with a lucky dip of three red and three white to open and enjoy with Christmas lunch. They'd also make great adult stocking fillers for a wine lover. Available from: Virgin Wines (from £29.99) Moleskine passion wine journal Available from John Lewis (£30) For those who like to savour every aroma, a wine journal becomes an archive of every bottle that has stirred the senses. Think of it as a diary – somewhere to record the grape, year, place and what it was paired with. A wine journal is a great gift for those who like to jot down tasting notes, are building their own collection, or associate memories with the drink they had at the time. Available from: John Lewis (£30) Personalised grapevine gift set Available from Not on the High Street (£68) For a wine lover who has everything, a pair of vines could be the perfect gift. British brand The Gluttonous Gardener selected two particular varieties, one white and one red, because of their ability to thrive in the UK’s fickle climate. They can even be grown in large pots. Just personalise the wooden crate with a name or personal message. Available from: Not on the High Street (£68) Cork Dork by Bianca Bosker Available from Amazon (£7.09), Waterstones (£10.99) What’s the big deal about wine? When professional journalist and self-proclaimed amateur drinker Bianca Bosker discovers the world of elite sommeliers, she dives headfirst into the life where taste reigns supreme. Cork Dork is a witty retelling of her fervour-fuelled adventure that takes the reader from underground tastings to a Neuroscientists fMRI machine in her pursuit of the answer to that question. Available from: Amazon (£7.09) Waterstones (£10.99) LSA International Mia recycled wine glasses Available from LSA International (£45) With a thin fluted finish, these wine glasses are made from recycled glass from disused bottles. They are all mouth-blown and have a blue tinge finish. There's even biodegradable organic inks on the box to ensure the circle of recycling can continue. Available from: LSA International (£45) undefined undefined Ullo wine purifier Available from Amazon (£89.99) undefined The Ullo contains four filters that help purify wine by removing sulfites and residual sediment. The former is a preservative widely used in winemaking that can cause allergic reactions in those who are sensitive. This little gadget simply sits on top of a glass, and also has an optional ‘aerate’ function for enhancing the flavour of reds. Available from: Amazon (£89.99) undefined Conundrum 1-litre decanter Available from Wayfair (£32.99) The swirling design of this glass decanter has two practical functions. The first is to oxygenate your bottle of red as it’s poured in and out, and the second is to give you purchase on the decanter as you pour its contents into glasses. The result is a glass of red that should have an enhanced bouquet. Available from: Wayfair (£32.99) Vintage wine poster print Available from Etsy (from £15.04) This vintage French liquor poster has been retouched and reborn into the kind of print that would sit quite happily in a variety of interiors. Sizes vary, and there’s the option to purchase it framed and ready for hanging. Available from: Etsy (from £15.04) Valley wine cooler Available from Nordic Nest (£39.90) This is a little bit of the outdoors, inside. Carved from natural stone, the textured exterior remains untouched while the inside has been carved and polished to hold a bottle. Filled with ice, the stone’s density maintains the cooled temperature for hours. Available from: Nordic Nest (£39.90) Personalised picnic table wine carrier Available from Uncommon Goods (£166) Some things taste better when eaten al fresco with friends. For wine lovers who enjoy the great outdoors, this nifty wine gift transforms from a food caddy to a low picnic table, and can be engraved to make it more personal – great for days when you’re not straying too far from the car or kitchen. Available from: Uncommon Goods (£166) More on wine and gifting Best advent calendars The best places to buy wine online How to match wine with pork How to match wine with chicken How to match wine with pasta Wine and food matching: a simple infographic guide Best wine glasses Best rosé wine Best Pinot Noir Best red wines for cooking Best cava deals Best wine for Christmas This page was last updated in October 2025. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
We've tested the best meal delivery services for stocking your freezer with top-quality ready meals when you're short on time, including Mindful Chef, COOK and more
We all have moments in life where we are short on time to cook but still want a hot, nutritious meal. This is where meal delivery services come in: simply order online. These are most likely cheaper and healthier than ordering a last-minute takeaway and can be stored in your freezer ready for busy nights. Meal delivery services are also useful for specific moments in life. New parents, for example, whose last priority at the end of the day is feeding themselves, will find a bundle of meals to keep on standby in the freezer a lifesaver. Most meal delivery services offer meals for one, which is helpful for those living on their own stuck for inspiration or for elderly grandparents who aren't always able to get out to do a food shop. Healthy meal delivery services can be great for getting your diet back on track if you have specific health aims or considerations, showing you the right level of nutrition or portion size to be aiming for. We have tested a selection of the best meal delivery services to bring you our verdict of the ones really worth trying – whether you want to look after someone from afar by sending them some meals or load up your fridge ahead of an extra busy week at work. For more, visit our reviews section & and find more than 400 practical buyer's guides offering unbiased advice on what foodie products and services are worth spending money on, including the best recipe box subscriptions and the best veg boxes to order to your door. We also have thousands of simple recipes for everyday mealtime inspiration. Best meal delivery services at a glance Best overall meal delivery service: COOK, prices vary Best sustainable meal delivery service: FieldGoods, prices vary Best for healthy meal plans: Field Doctor, from £7.29 per meal Best for pies: Great North Pie Co., from 4 pies for £24 Best healthy meal delivery service: Mindful Chef, from £4.75 Best for bold vegan flavours: Planty, prices vary Best for tailored fitness: Fresh Fitness Food, from £23/day Best for bundles: Breda Murphy, from £62.50 for 6 meals bundle Best meal delivery service for helping weight loss: Foodhak, from £60 for 10 meals Best for healthy meal prep: Prep Kitchen, prices vary Best meal delivery services to order 2026 COOK Available from COOK, prices vary Best overall meal delivery service Rating: 5/5 Pros: Huge variety of meals on offer Variety of serving sizes, from 1 to 8 people Easy to keep in the freezer Cons: Have to remember to defrost some dishes before cooking COOK is perhaps the most well-known meal delivery service, with over 100 high-street shops across the UK as well as the vast website to order from. For sheer variety, COOK has the most to offer. You could easily lose yourself browsing the website – there’s a breadth of main meals serving from 1 to 8 people, a broad entertaining range, hot and cold puddings, meal box bundles, seasonal ranges, lunch pots and more. The website is also packed with useful tips and recommendations alongside dishes, such as serving suggestions and how to adapt dishes. We tested a selection of meals from across the COOK offering. We started with the ‘lighter pots for one’ – ideal as quick and healthy lunches to take to work. The pots are all healthy meals with fewer than 400 calories, a great meal delivery for one. We tried the halloumi and roasted veg pasta, coming in at 317 calories, providing 2 of your 5 a day and low in sat fat – microwaved from frozen in just four minutes, it was an incredibly easy and filling healthy lunch that we’d happily eat again. At £5 (or 3 for £13), this is admittedly a little more than most high street sandwich shops. Next, we were also impressed by a tomato, basil and mozzarella risotto – again microwaving from frozen in just a few minutes, it was a great speedy supper after the gym, with a strong hit of lemon and plenty of creamy mozzarella. A family fish pie for dinner was also comforting, although with a slightly dry mash. We also tested their frozen sauces and were impressed by them all. A creamy tomato mascarpone and basil sauce was a comforting classic, whilst the bolognese had impressive depth of flavour and the pesto, broccoli and spinach sauce was vibrant and well-seasoned. We enjoyed these just with pasta, but COOK also suggest different recipes the sauces could be added to, such as pasta bakes or using a Mediterranean veg sauce with fish. The generous 500ml pots can be microwaved from frozen for easy last-minute meals. COOK meals all arrive frozen and use a variety of different cooking methods – our favourite were the speedy microwave ones, but dishes could also go in the oven or be defrosted overnight, such as a large chocolate roulade for a stress-free dinner party dessert. There’s lots more we want to try and would definitely buy again to explore more of the range. A happy all-rounder, COOK would be great for new parents (who get 10% off!), those living on their own, for freezer standby meals for busy families or for emergency last minute entertaining. Order a delivery for a grandparent living alone and you’ll soon be the most popular grandchild. Order from: COOK, prices vary FieldGoods Available from FieldGoods (prices vary) Best sustainable meal delivery service Rating: 5/5 Pros: No need to defrost before cooking from frozen Sustainable ethos Compostable packaging Cons: Meals have to be ordered in bundles More expensive than some FieldGoods was established by brothers Sam and Elliot Day after three years of running a restaurant, with the aim of reinventing the ready meal and prioritising sustainability alongside ease. There's a range of 15 meals to choose from, including classics such as beef bourguignon, lasagne and shepherd's pie, Spanish chorizo chicken and a Goan fish curry, with several of the meals being Great Taste Award-winning. There's also six sides and a concise collection of comforting desserts. Meals have to be ordered in bundles, starting at £27 for three meals for one, so they're admittedly not a cheap option. Meals are all cooked from frozen (usually taking 40-50 minutes in the oven) so you can stash your order in the freezer – great for last minute meals as you don't have to remember to defrost food overnight. Particularly handy for new parents or when you know a busy period is coming up. FieldGoods also delivers with free next day delivery, making ordering easy. We tested a cauliflower butter masala which was mild and creamy with robust depth of flavour. Another night, our side dish pick of dauphinoise potatoes was a highlight: it tasted impressively homemade and was rich and creamy, with pleasant cheesy flavour. The portion isn’t huge, but it is a rich and hearty side. We liked the clever touch that our sticky toffee pudding, which served two, was made up of two mini cakes (and plenty of sauce) for easy portioning. Sustainability is key to the FieldGoods mission: the trays and colourful sleeves of the packaging can be composted, the sleeve is made using renewable energy and the film is recyclable. After two orders, you can collect and return liners and cool blocks for FieldGoods to reuse, by scanning a QR code for a free shipping label. Produce is equally carefully considered, using 100% English free-range meat and less well-known sustainable fish (such as coley instead of haddock). Overall, FieldGoods is a great pick for people looking for a meal delivery service with a heart – transforming the idea of a cheap ready meal into a sustainable choice for hearty comfort food that could even pass as homemade. Available from: FieldGoods (prices vary) Field Doctor Available from Field Doctor, from £7.29 Best for healthy meal plans Rating: 4/5 Pros: Wide range of specific health requirements Meals can be microwaved straight from frozen Detailed health information on each meal Cons: Some dishes were a little bland Field Doctor has big goals. Believing in the principle of 'food as medicine', it aims to create delicious-tasting food that also boosts your health, with all meals assessed and designed by nutritional experts. There are several different ways to use Field Doctor, depending on the health advice you’re looking for. There are a selection of meal plans to choose from, in which meals have been bundled into plans to help target a specific dietary need, such as low-FODMAP, weight loss or gluten-free meals. Alternatively, you can shop the meals individually (there's a wide range of over 60 to choose from, some with Great Taste Awards) and build your own selection. When browsing all the meals, there's a wide variety of health filters to choose from, including low-saturated fat, low-carb, heart-healthy or IBS-suitable meals (along with each meal detailing the specific nutrients and health benefits it provides), which goes into much more depth than many other recipe box or meal delivery services. We tested a range of Field Doctor meals, from chicken tikka masala to teriyaki salmon. Meals can be microwaved straight from frozen, so no need to remember to defrost them the night before – this is handy when you need a quick, hot, healthy lunch or last-minute dinner. Meals are clearly labelled and colour-coded with their health properties to match when browsing online. Some meals felt a little bland and could have done with more seasoning, but this is likely due to their health restrictions. The beef ragu with wholemeal penne contains two of your five-a-day, seven of your 30 weekly plants and is low in saturated fat and sugar. Borlotti beans bulked out the mince, and it tasted hearty and nutritious. Available from: Field Doctor, from £7.29 Great North Pie Co. Available from Great North Pie Co., from 4 pies for £24 Best meal delivery for pies Rating: 4/5 Pros: Hearty comfort food Good for meals for one Can be frozen or enjoyed fresh Cons: Pies only come in one size If you’re just after one specific hit of comfort food, Great North Pie Co. (literally) delivers. Starting in a home kitchen just a few years ago, these award-winning pies now pop-up at farmers markets across the North East and in their Ambleside pie shop. For those living further afield, they can be delivered in boxes of 4 or 8 pies, between Tuesday and Friday. The pie menu is short and focusing on classics (with slight seasonal changes), plus you can also buy gift vouchers for the true pie-fanatic in your life. The pies serve one and have straight sides like a traditional Scotch pie, baked in custom-made tins. First up, we tried the vegetarian cheese and onion pie. The firm pastry was a great balance to the rich filling and only a little dry on its own – it reminded us of a slightly thinner pork pie pastry. Inside was a very indulgent melting cheese filling and plenty of white onion that still had slight bite. The chicken pie was dense with shredded chicken. All pies were £4.75 each (or 4 for £19) which feels good value for independent, small-batch baked pies made to order – each serves one very generously. We froze some of our pies and then defrosted fully before cooking and noticed no difference from trying them fresh: so stock up your freezer ready for cosy dinners on a cold winter’s night. Available from: Great North Pie Co., from 4 pies for £24 Mindful Chef Available from Mindful Chef, from £4.75 Best healthy meal delivery service Rating: 5/5 Pros: Ingredients are sustainably sourced Diverse dietary requirements catered for Cons: Smaller variety of meals than some services Mindful Chef is best known for its recipe box subscription service, but its 'Ready to Go' range has a wide range of ready meals, snacks and smoothies that can be bought as bundles or one-off purchases. The central focus of all of their meals is to be healthy and sustainable, using no refined sugars and only ethically sourced proteins from UK farms – plus, Mindful Chef partners with the charity One Feeds Two so for every Mindful meal sold, a school meal is donated to a child living in poverty. There is a smaller variety of meals to choose from than some services we tried but still plenty of choice to keep you going. The inclusion of smoothies, snacks, desserts and even vitamins in the offering means you are covered for food at all times of day. Different dietary requirements are all catered for and the option to order bulk bundles is handy if giving for a gift or sending to someone you want to look after. Meals arrive all still frozen in eco-conscious insulation (with next-day nationwide delivery if ordered before 7pm) and all meals serve one. We tried a selection of different dishes and found the meals were simple, light and satisfying. The portions were filling but not too big, which is just what you want for a healthy weekday dinner. Some of our favourites were the broccoli and butternut squash dhal, shepherd's pie and lamb tagine. We appreciated the transparency of Mindful Chef's commitment to sourcing sustainable, healthy and responsible ingredients, and the high quality of ingredients was clear in the finished meals. While some meal delivery services can focus on being either cosy indulgence or specific dietary requirements, Mindful Chef is a simple middle ground that will appeal to anyone wanting to be healthy but with a shortcut. Available from: Mindful Chef, from £4.75 Planty Available from Planty, prices vary Best for bold vegan flavours Rating: 4/5 Pros: Makes plant-based food convenient Good range of meals to choose from Cons: Meals are on the hearty side - fewer light options Planty is a meal delivery service providing 100 per cent plant-based, chef-prepared meals on a subscription model, so you sign up to regular deliveries. This is handy if you want to get into a routine of always having a back-up meal in your freezer for when you know you have busy periods, or if you're consistently looking for easy evenings free of cooking. Meals are ordered by creating your own Planty box bundle of meals, choosing up to 12 meals and 3 desserts. Each meal serves one person. There's a wide range of meals to choose from (some of which are Great Taste Award winning), with the ability to filter easily by dietary requirements as well as handily by cooking method, if you're specifically looking for meals you can quickly microwave or you want to use your oven. When we browsed, meals included dishes such as pumpkin ravioli, yaki miso udon noodles, mac 'no' cheese, tempeh lasagne and a buddha bowl. There was a noticeable amount of hearty, comforting dishes based around pasta and carbs. Meals are delivered frozen on your selected delivery date – all in eco-conscious recyclable insulated padding to keep them cool. Overall, the meals we tried were simple, tasty and satisfying. We really appreciated the clear nutritional signposting on the meals to indicate whether a dish was gluten-free or contributed to your five-a-day. Quite a few of the meals were on the spicy side, which might not be to everyone’s taste, but for those who like that, their flavour profiles were great. The meals offered a good balance of seasoning, with herbs and spices remaining fresh and vibrant despite being pre-prepared. The clear best thing about Planty is the ability to make plant-based food convenient and varied, ready to pop a frozen meal in the microwave at a moment's notice. Available from: Planty, prices vary Fresh Fitness Food Available from Fresh Fitness Food, from £23/day Best for tailored fitness Rating: 4/5 Pros: Helps you achieve specific health goals Covers all meals of the day Cons: Expensive If you’re looking to achieve a particular fitness or health goal, bespoke nutrition brand Fresh Fitness Food may be the delivery service best suited to you. Using the brand’s nutrition calculator, you can find out exactly what meals you should be eating, whether your goal is to gain muscle, lose fat or for general health. You can then choose your nutrition preference: balanced, low-carb, flexitarian, pescatarian, veggie or vegan. Select your activity level (not very active, fairly active, very active), the hours you spend exercising, your height and weight. The calculator will then curate your very own personal meal plan – created by qualified nutritionists – and the rest is done for you. A reusable cooler bag arrives at your door or office each morning, containing breakfast, lunch and dinner in biodegradable containers. You can also include extras such as juices, smoothies and snacks. These meals are ready to eat, although they can also be heated up in the microwave. Some of our favourites were the lemongrass turkey salad, dressed in a delicious miso sesame dressing alongside sugar snap peas, baby gem, carrots and rice noodles; oregano baked tofu with savoy cabbage, roasted peppers, slow-roasted sweet potato and red pepper relish; and lastly the Maldivian chicken curry, with cauliflower and broccoli, curry sauce, brown rice, yogurt dressing and coriander. We felt these were well-balanced, nutritious and full of flavour, and far better than your average ready meal. On top of this, you’ll be assigned a nutritionist to ensure that your plan adapts to your changing requirements, and that you’re enjoying your meals. You can also follow your progress using the app, which allows you to count macros, sync calorie data, view meal plans and access fitness and wellness content. We think Fresh Fitness Food provides a great service for the time-poor who want to stay on top of their health. This service does sit on the pricier side, with the upfront commit plan priced at £24.50/day and the flexi plan priced at £27/day, so it’s worth considering whether this is appropriate for your lifestyle. Available from: Fresh Fitness Food, £23/day Breda Murphy Available from Breda Murphy, from £62.50 for 6 meals Best for bundles Rating: 3.5/5 Pros: Meals available to serve one Bundles for different requirements Cons: Meals have to be defrosted overnight Desserts were hit-and-miss Breda Murphy is an Irish chef with a restaurant and bakery in Lancashire who began a meal delivery service in 2021 with the promise of delivering ‘restaurant quality at home’. The meals follow a unique format of being available in different bundles, such as a Singles Meal Box (with meals to serve 1), Mixed Meals Box or Doubles Meal Box (meals to serve 2). Within the bundles you can choose which meals you’d like to receive. We tested out the Singles Meal Box which contains 3 single-portion meals, 3 single-portion desserts and a loaf cake for £55 (working out at approx. £7.80 per item). The meals all arrive frozen and we like the distinctive colourful packaging that makes the dishes easy to spot once you’ve stashed them in the freezer. Unlike some other meal delivery services we tried, these cannot be cooked from frozen and should be defrosted overnight, so a small element of planning ahead is still needed. Each meal had pleasing short ingredients lists with all natural, familiar ingredients. There are six main meals to choose from and four puddings. A chickpea curry was fresh and warming for a light lunch in winter. You could add extra protein or cheese if you wish or it’s just as good on its own. The fish pie had a pretty piped mash presentation and was packed with fish just coated in super creamy sauce. A fragrant Thai green chicken curry was another winner. We liked the luxury of having puds included in the bundle (if you don’t have a sweet tooth, there are savoury-only bundles too) – although we weren’t big fans of the sticky toffee pudding and our slightly dry lemon drizzle cake, we were incredibly impressed by the fruit crumble, which proved to be an irresistible combination of apples, blackberries, raspberries and gooseberries. Definitely one we’d order again! The bundle ordering functionality makes this a good idea for a gift for new parents or a student you want to ease into living alone, or as a quick way to stock the freezer ahead of a busy period. We’d recommend sticking to the savoury options and then adding a crumble! Available from: Breda Murphy, from £60 for 6 meals Foodhak Available from Foodhak (from £60 for 10 meals) Best meal delivery service for helping weight loss Rating: 4/5 Pros: Variety of meals to choose from Meals tasted home-cooked Cons: Expensive Foodhak is the brainchild of West Londoner Sakshi Chhabra. After she was diagnosed with a rare liver disease during pregnancy, she switched to a plant-based diet that focused primarily on ayurvedic dishes. This is how she discovered the power of food as medicine, and so Foodhak was born. What makes Foodhak different is the dishes are made with all-natural, wholesome ingredients to give you a nourishing boost with every bite. They include a plethora of vegetables, herbs and spices – including turmeric, ginseng and ashwagandha – carefully chosen to support your health and increase energy levels. You can feel confident knowing that every meal is backed by science, as nutrition research underpins all their work. On the easy-to-use online menu there are 50 dishes for you to choose from. You can pick from mains, bowls, soups, and snacks – and you’re given the option to add a small side portion of grains. For your afternoon pick-me-up, there are several sweet (but healthy) treats to try. Meals are delivered in plastic pouches, making it easy to reheat in the microwave and keep your meals fresh for a few days (just in case you have a change of plans). These can be washed out and recycled at most supermarkets. Five meals for two people (that’s 10 servings in total) comes to £73, which works out at about £7.30 per serving. It gets cheaper if you add more days, or meals, to your plan. Alternatively, go for one of their curated plans for £60 – these include 10 meals for three or four days and there’s weight loss, ayurvedic and vegan options available. Delivery is free. On tasting, we were really impressed with Foodhak. The dishes are less like ready-meals and more like home-cooked food that a skilled chef has lovingly made for you, and popped into your fridge for another day. Every vegetable is perfectly cooked with a slight al dente crunch, sauces are bursting with flavour, spices are fragrant without being overpowering and the choice on the menu is incredibly varied. Our favourites included soya mince in a Thai jasmine sauce, comforting Cantonese congee (a savoury rice porridge) and Szechuan-style mapo tofu with mushrooms. Between meals, we happily nibbled on spicy crackers, ashwaghandha choc chip cookies and a fudgy millet brownie. The only thing we would say is the vegan paella wasn’t as flavoursome as the other dishes – but everything else was good enough to make up for it. We tried the weight loss plan which consisted of breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and although we initially feared the portions were a bit small, we were satisfied after eating and continued to feel energised throughout the day. We would happily order Foodhak again, especially during winter when a quick, healthy meal that requires no more than a buzz in the microwave is exactly what we’re after. There are several dishes on their menu that we look forward to trying, and we still can’t stop thinking about that millet brownie. Available from: Foodhak, from £60 for 10 meals Prep Kitchen Available from Prep Kitchen, from £62.50 Best for healthy meal prep Pros: Helps achieve health goals Meals were filling Cons: Some dishes were hit-and-miss Prep Kitchen aims to make it easy for you to stick to your healthy eating and nutrition goals, no matter how busy you are. They create individually portioned meals with a balance of macronutrients to help you boost your strength and overall fitness. They offer two plans – one for fat loss and one for muscle gain. Once you’ve picked your plan, you choose between balanced meals (£6.25 per meal for fat loss and £7.50 for muscle gain) and lower carb (£7 per meal for fat loss and £8.25 for muscle gain). Prices for a week’s worth of meals starts at £62.50. You also have the option to add breakfasts, snacks and treats, for an extra cost. When our food arrived for the week, we had concerns the seemingly small meals wouldn't leave us satisfied. However, after our first dinner of chicken massaman curry, we knew we needn’t have worried. All the meals were packed with protein, hearty and filling, despite the minimal use of carbs. The menu is varied and includes curries, stir-fries, pies, risotto, burgers and more. The dishes we had were a bit hit and miss – the sweet and sour chicken and Korean bibimbap weren’t to our liking. But there were some tasty highlights, including a chicken and tomato risotto with nutty chickpea rice, beef lasagne with roasted vegetables instead of pasta and a comforting buffalo mac and cheese with vegan chicken strips. Overall, we found the quality of the meat was noticeably better than supermarket ready-meals and they include plenty of vegetables. We thoroughly enjoyed the spicy chorizo frittata with a green salad for lunch. Not to mention the fudgy healthy chocolate brownies – what a treat. Prep Kitchen have a long list of pro athletes who regularly enjoy their meals, just take a look at their Instagram. This ethos of food as fuel was reflected in the meals which, although not always pretty to look at, provided a good balance of protein and carbs. We can’t deny, we were happy to tuck into a healthy, portioned meal which took no longer than a few minutes in the microwave to prepare. If you’re someone who squeezes in regular workouts, this is a definite plus and a reason to give Prep Kitchen a go. Available from: Prep Kitchen, from £62.50 How we test meal delivery services Members of the Good Food digital and cookery teams each tested a week of each meal delivery service, ensuring we tried all the different aspects that were on offer. There were several key criteria that teams based their verdict on: Range of recipes: was there plenty to choose from, and did recipes rotate regularly if you were going to repeatedly buy? Were all dietary options covered? Were there a range of serving sizes to choose from? Ease of preparing: after testing several dishes from each service, we were looking for clear instructions (photos and obvious step-by-step methods were a bonus), accurate suggested cooking times and ease of preparing e.g. could meals be microwaved, did frozen meals have to be defrosted first etc. Quality of the ingredients: some of the services provided organic ingredients, but regardless we were looking for ethically sourced, fresh, high-quality ingredients. Packaging: with individual meals, packaging can quickly add up. We looked for packaging to be sustainable, with minimal plastic where possible. Quality of the finished meals: the all-important results! We wanted delicious meals that we would want to eat again. Portion size and balanced meals was also considered. Value for money: how does the service compare to cooking from scratch or buying ready meals from a supermarket? Would it be practical to regularly get a delivery, or would it be more of a one-off purchase? Related reviews The best recipe subscription boxes The best healthy recipe boxes tried and tested The best meat delivery boxes tried and tested Best veg boxes to try Best chocolate subscriptions Best baking subscriptions Best coffee subscriptions
The best hampers to buy in 2026 – chocolate, pasta, cheese and more
Gift hampers are an extra-special present at any time of year. Discover our favourite hampers to buy, stuffed with everything from chocolate to cheese, gourmet ingredients and pasta
There’s something so exciting about receiving a hamper as a gift – opening it up and rummaging inside to unearth not one, but a whole host of goodies, all selected to complement each other. A carefully chosen hamper makes a great gift or treat to share with your family for birthdays, weddings or any special occasion all year round when you want to truly treat someone. Show some love and send an extra-special gift hamper to the foodie in your life. We have plenty of fantastic options perfect for foodies, from indulgent chocolate and cheese to top-quality wine and global delicacies. We’ve picked some of the best hampers from our favourite foodie stores with options for home cooks, budding chefs, and everyone who loves to celebrate with great food. For more gift guides (including the best chocolate gifts, best coffee gifts and best cheese gifts), visit our reviews section to find more buyer's guides. Best hampers at a glance Best chocolate hamper: The British Hamper Company Divinely Decadent Chocolate Hamper, £79.97 Best hamper for farm-to-table luxury: The Flavours of Oldstead food hamper, £190 Best hamper to bring as a guest: Fitzbillies The Cambridge hamper, £90 Best for Mediterranean food lovers: Odysea Classic Greek Hamper, £55 Best hamper for a pasta lover: Lina Stores La Pasta Hamper, £55 Best for trying new ingredients: Lebnani The Luxe Beirut Box, £49 Best hamper for lovers of authentic Chinese cuisine: Poon's London heritage gift hamper, £70 Best cheese hamper: Paxton & Whitfield The Clarence cheese and wine hamper, £100 Best build your own hamper: Guzzl hampers, from £40 Best chocolate hamper: The Best of Lindt Collection hamper, £108.50 Best hampers to buy for foodies in 2026 The British Hamper Company Divinely Decadent Chocolate Hamper Available from The British Hamper Company (£79.97) Best chocolate hamper This is our new favourite pick for a hamper for a sweet tooth. It's filled with a variety of chocolate treats in all forms – from a trio of mini bars to chocolate-dipped almonds, truffles and drinking chocolate. Our favourite was the smart box of dark chocolate mint creams. The signature British Hamper Company packaging is chic throughout, with the hamper arriving in a smart reusable navy box and everything inside in matching speckled tins or boxes – lots of which you could easily reuse, too. Perfect for a Valentines's Day gift or special treat to indulge a chocolate lover. Available from The British Hamper Company (£79.97) The Flavours of Oldstead food hamper Available from Made in Oldstead (£190) Best hamper for farm-to-table luxury The Made in Oldstead Flavours of Oldstead food hamper brings Michelin-starred dining into your home, curated with ingredients, finished dishes, and drinks from Tommy Banks’ Yorkshire farm and kitchen garden. Featuring 23 artisanal delights, this hamper is a celebration of the very best of local produce. Highlights include the rich beef shin ragu, the umami-packed beer and brown sugar-glazed ham, and the fragrant spruce and lemon verbena salmon. The cicely hot chocolate is a divine twist on the familiar with its notes of aniseed from the sweet cicely. Beautifully curated and deeply rooted in Yorkshire’s culinary heritage, this hamper is a real celebration of farm-to-table excellence, ideal for feasting all year round. Available from: Made in Oldstead (£190) Fitzbillies The Cambridge Hamper Available from Fitzbillies (£90) Best hamper to bring as a guest The Fitzbillies Cambridge Hamper offers a delicious array of treats. Fitzbillies’ Chelsea buns are a standout — decadent, sticky and even more irresistible when warmed and drizzled with their treacly syrup. The hamper also features a moist vanilla and raspberry cake in a collectible tin, ideal for sharing. Plus, there are six macarons in assorted flavours, buttery shortbreads (plain and chocolate chip) and crunchy chocolate honeycomb, alongside loose-leaf English breakfast tea, sweet raspberry jam and zesty marmalade. This hamper offers a cosy twist on a festive gift, making it a wonderful choice for those after something a little less traditional. Available from: Fitzbillies (£90) Odysea Classic Greek Hamper Available from Odysea (£55) Best for Mediterranean food lovers Bring the sunshine home with Odysea’s celebration of classic Greek flavours. This thoughtfully curated hamper captures the essence of the Mediterranean diet — rich olive oil, tangy vine leaves and sweet, floral honey. Inside, you’ll find PDO Kalamata extra virgin olive oil, plump Kalamata and Halkidiki olives, delicate balsamic vinegar from Messinia and hearty gigantes baked beans. Two varieties of raw honey (Spring Blossom and Pine & Fir Tree) add natural sweetness, while a reusable cotton tote completes the gift. Balanced, vibrant and full of Greek character, it’s a great choice for anyone dreaming of warmer days and relaxed feasting. Available from: Odysea (£55) Lina Stores La Pasta Hamper Available from Lina Stores (£55) Best hamper for a pasta lover The Lina Stores signature green and white packaging never fails to make us smile and this hamper makes the prettiest gift for any pasta lover. Arriving in a sturdy Lina Stores tote, dig inside and you'll find elevated Italian store-cupboard staples that will make everyday cooking feel extra special. There are three pretty boxes of pasta plus a selection of tomato sauces, artichoke pesto and cime de rapa so you can build the ultimate bowl of pasta, hassle free. Available from: Lina Stores (£55) Lebnani The Luxe Beirut Box Available from Lebnani (£49) This is a great gift option for a keen foodie, coming in at under £50. Whether they're a seasoned chef or a keen newbie, the Lebnani hamper has everything they need to explore Lebanese cuisine and try some new ingredients. There's generous jars of sumac and za'atar, a big tub of tahini (perfect for making hummus), fragrant rosewater and orange blossom water and more. Available from: Lebnani (£49) Poon's London heritage gift hamper Available from Poon's (£70) Best hamper for lovers of authentic Chinese cuisine The Poon’s hamper celebrates Chinese culinary heritage in a striking box, featuring the brand's signature artwork. Inside, you’ll find all four of Poon’s iconic sauces, including vibrant chilli vinegar dressing and smoky black bean-infused extraordinary chilli oil, plus its premium soy and umami-packed WO sauces. Accompanied by jasmine rice and noodles, the hamper also includes Poon’s wind-dried meats: mildly sweet lap cheong, duck liver sausage and richly flavoured Chinese bacon for enhancing stir-fries and rice dishes. Ideal for lovers of artisanal, authentic Chinese flavours. Available from: Poons (£70) Paxton & Whitfield The Clarence cheese and wine hamper Available from Paxton & Whitfield (£100) Best cheese hamper If you love an evening of cheese, wine and all the accompaniments, this is the hamper for you. It has three cheeses: a well-balanced and nutty hard goat’s cheese from Devon, an artisanal blue stilton with a deep, savoury flavour, and a smoked cheddar with complex, rich notes. To pair with these, a cheeseboard selection of biscuits, fruit preserve made with forged damson and crab apple, vibrant and spicy piccalilli, an impressively wrapped ball of baked figs, and an unusual yet incredibly moreish pear and vanilla confit spread are included. Enjoy the bottle of merlot with beautiful notes of soft plum and cassis on the nose and a deep garnet colour, and buttery, crumbly Scottish shortbread. Check out our full round up of the 25 best cheese hampers to buy. Available from: Paxton & Whitfield (£100) Guzzl hampers Available from Guzzl (£40) Best build your own hamper At Guzzl, flexibility is the name of the game. Y0u can build your own hamper and fill it with a range of contents so that the selection perfectly suits your lucky recipient. Choose an eco hamper box or different sizes of wicker baskets, then fill with all sorts of goodies from the site selection, from spirits and wine to confectionery, jams, chutney, pasta, vinegars, chilli sauces and much more. If you don't have time for this, there are pre-made hampers to choose from too: we tried the 'Chocolate In My Face' hamper, filled with a selection of artisan chocolate bars, chocolate spread, hot chocolate and truffles. We particularly liked that every item inside came wrapped in bright red tissue paper, making the unboxing feel extra special. Available from: Guzzl (£40) The best of Lindt collection hamper Available from Lindt (£108.50) Best chocolate hamper The best of Lindt collection hamper is a chocolate lover's dream, brimming with Lindt's finest creations. This generously filled hamper includes a varied assortment of Lindt’s best-selling chocolates and indulgent boxes, perfect for sharing. The highlight is the customisable 650g pick-and-mix selection, which works out to be around 52 Lindor truffles: select from the brand's favourites, or choose unique flavours not often seen in shops, like pistachio, Irish cream, matcha and popcorn. Alongside three boxes of classic Lindor truffles, you’ll find an array of Lindt chocolate bars and a decadent dark chocolate spread. Beautifully presented, this hamper offers a truly indulgent experience, making it the ultimate gift for those who can never resist the offer of some chocolate. Available from: Lindt (£108.50) More foodie gift guides Best advent calendars Best Easter eggs to buy Best chocolate hampers Best cheese hampers Best gifts for foodies Best cookbooks Best gin to give as a gift Best letterbox-friendly gifts Best Thanksgiving gifts Hotel Chocolat Black Friday deals Hamper inspiration How to make a homemade hamper If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
We've found the best chocolate hampers to treat a lucky loved one, from crowd-pleasing Cadbury and Lindt to luxury hot chocolate hampers and more
An indulgent hamper will always feel like an absolute treat to receive, and never more so than when it is filled to the brim with chocolate. The best gift for any chocoholic you know, this is sure to bring a smile to their face for a generous treat, a chocolate hamper filled with more treats is the ultimate gift. The world of chocolate hampers is booming and there are a wide variety of styles to choose from. Some hampers focus on one specific area such as trunks filled with truffles from top chocolatiers, baskets dedicated to one brand or a quirky popcorn-themed gift boxes. Others focus on giving a little bit of everything, combining bars, biscuits, fudge, booze and more for the ultimate chocolate-themed selection box. We've found chocolate hampers from some of the best known chocolate brands: think baskets of Cadbury, boxes of Hotel Chocolat treats and popcorn-themed offerings from Joe & Seph. Starting at £35 and going all the way up to a decadent £120 option for a luxury chocolate hamper, there's a chocolate hamper to suit everyone. Read on for our full reviews of the best chocolate hampers to buy this year. For even more gifts for foodies, check out our best hampers, best budget gifts all under £15 or best sustainable gifts. Continue the chocolate theme with our best chocolate subscriptions and discover over 400 more buyer’s guides in our reviews section on everything from the best stand mixers to drinks, all tested and rated by Good Food experts. Best chocolate hampers to buy at a glance Best crowd-pleasing chocolate hamper: Cadbury chocolate basket, £35 Best chocolate hamper for variety: The British Hamper Company Divinely Decadent Chocolate Hamper, £79.97 Best value chocolate hamper: Hotel Chocolat Everything Collection hamper, £34.95 Best luxury chocolate hamper: Chococo giant assorted chocolate hamper box, £120 Best for chocolate truffles: Lindt Lindor collection hamper, £63.50 Best unusual chocolate hamper: Snowdonia Cheese & Chocolate Tasting Basket, £48 Best chocolate hamper for popcorn lovers: Joe & Seph’s Chocoholic popcorn gift box, £35 Best chocolate and alcohol hamper: Hampers.com red wine and chocolate hamper, £35 Best chocolate hampers to buy 2026 Cadbury chocolate basket Available from Cadbury Gifts Direct (£35) Best crowd-pleasing chocolate hamper It’s impossible not to love the sight of some signature Cadbury chocolates, so this hamper is sure to please, whether for nostalgia factor or just appealing to a seriously sweet tooth. With a Milk Tray plus boxes of Roses and Eclairs, it’s great for sharing, plus there’s classic bars and buttons to keep the Cadbury fix going. It's all wrapped up in a sweet mini wicker basket for that classic hamper feel. Available from: Cadbury Gifts Direct (£35) The British Hamper Company Divinely Decadent Chocolate Hamper Available from The British Hamper Company (£79.97) Best chocolate hamper for variety This smart hamper is perfect for gifting – we love the smart matching packaging throughout, from the navy box it arrives in to each tin and bar. It's filled with a variety of chocolate treats in all forms – from a trio of mini bars to chocolate dipped almonds, chocolate-dipped honeycomb and drinking chocolate. Our highlights were the smart box of dark chocolate mint creams and luxurious sea salt caramel chocolates. It's the perfect gift to indulge a chocolate lover, with a little bit of everything to enjoy. Available from: The British Hamper Company (£79.97) Hotel Chocolat Everything Collection hamper Available from Hotel Chocolat (£34.95) Best value chocolate hamper If you’re buying a chocolate hamper as a gift and are not sure what type of chocolate the lucky recipient likes, this hamper is the solution. The appropriately named ‘Everything Collection’ has a variety of Hotel Chocolat’s popular signature treats, including milk chocolate batons, Trillionaire’s shortbread truffles and an ‘Everything’ selection box including fruity and boozy chocolates. There's plenty of variety in here for under £35. Available from: Hotel Chocolat (£34.95) Chococo giant assorted chocolate hamper box Available from Chococo (£120) Best luxury chocolate hamper Swap a wicker basket for a box filled to the brim with top quality chocolate with this Chococo hamper offering. As the name suggests, there’s a varied selection (14 different items!) of popular Chococo items hidden in here. Highlights include a signature box of assorted truffles, candied orange segments, fruit and nut clusters and blonde chocolate goldfish. It's a great one for families, with some items sure to please children (such as the chocolate dinosaurs, turtles and duck) as well as other more grown-up flavours. Available from: Chococo (£120) Lindt Lindor collection hamper Available from Lindt (£63.50) Best for chocolate truffles Surely one of the most decadent chocolate hampers we’ve tried, we love the element of personalisation involved in this 1.6kg offering from Lindt. As well as three boxes of truffles, plus a selection of large and small bars, the compact box is completed by choosing a whopping 650g of Lindt truffle pick 'n' mix. Fill your quota however you like – go all in on 650g of a favourite, or choose a selection from the wide range of flavours, some of which we hadn’t seen before, such as matcha, mango and popcorn truffles. The lucky recipient will be kept going with chocolate for a very long time. Available from: Lindt (£63.50) Snowdonia Cheese & Chocolate Tasting Basket Available from Snowdonia Cheese (£48) This chocolate hamper is a whole unique tasting experience. Snowdonia Cheese have collaborated with Willie's Cacao to pair four cheeses with four chocolates, with a tasting leaflet to guide you through this experience. Delivered in a gift basket a lucky recipient can keep, these unusual pairings can be tried together as well as enjoyed separately – think chilli cheese with white chocolate, or garlic and herb-infused cheddar with tangy lime milk chocolate... Available from: Snowdonia Cheese (£48) Joe & Seph’s Chocoholic popcorn gift box Available from Not on the High Street (£35) Best chocolate hamper for popcorn lovers The dream chocolate hamper for settling down in front of a Christmas movie and a winning gift for chocoholic popcorn lovers, this contains a whole medley of popcorn treats and best of all, you can pick exactly what goes into it yourself. Choose your ideal flavours of popcorn, popcorn bites and caramel sauce from a wide range, plus add a gift box and gift note if giving as a present. Available from: Not on the High Street (£35) Hampers.com red wine and chocolate hamper Available from hampers.com (£35) Best chocolate and alcohol hamper No need to choose whether to take chocolate or wine next time you’re a guest! Hosts will be thrilled by this simple, smart hamper combining a bottle of Spanish Garnacha with a mini box of ribbon-tied chocolate truffles. All Hampers.com hampers are also 100% carbon neutral, including delivery. Available from: hampers.com (£35) Related reviews Best hampers The best chocolate subscriptions and clubs The best sweet subscriptions and clubs Best Easter eggs to buy Best marshmallow toasting kits 50 best budget Christmas gifts Best foodie advent calendars Hotel Chocolat Black Friday deals This review was last updated in February 2026. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
Good Food Easter Taste Awards 2026 – the supermarket Easter eggs and hot cross buns to buy this year
Our expert panel of Good Food judges tasted more than 100 products to find the best supermarket hot cross buns, Easter eggs, simnel cakes and Easter desserts available this year
From snacking on chocolate Easter eggs to hot cross buns for breakfast, the Easter period is packed with delicious treats. Which is why we held the Good Food Easter Taste Awards 2026, designed to find the very best supermarket hot cross buns, chocolate eggs, Easter desserts and simnel cake for you to enjoy. We invited nine supermarkets to submit their best Easter treats across 13 categories. Packaging was removed and judges tasted all items blind. Comments and a score out of 10 were submitted for each product in the category via anonymous online judging forms. The entire judging process was overseen by an independent adjudicator. This year, the team tested more than 100 different products to find favourites in each category. Please note that some of these products are only available to buy in-store and not online. The best supermarket chocolate Easter eggs 2026 Best milk chocolate egg Winner: Aldi Moser Roth Millionaire Overload Egg Available from Aldi (£8.49, in-store) This dramatic filled half-egg is a super-indulgent Easter treat. There's a lot going inside to channel the flavours of millionaire's shortbread: a generous layer of sweet caramel and plenty of crunchy, buttery shortbread pieces inside a super-thick milk chocolate shell – which is sprayed gold for a little extra Easter glitz. Best dark chocolate egg Winner: Tesco Finest Free From Seville Orange & Dark Chocolate Egg Available from Tesco (£8.50) Fans of chocolate orange will enjoy this egg. The smooth dark chocolate is thin with a good snap and a gentle orange flavour that isn't overpowering or artificially sweet. The appearance is simple with a subtle orange speckle, for a grown-up egg. Best alternative flavour egg Winner: Waitrose No.1 The Chocolate Almond Croissant Available from Waitrose (£15, in-store from 16 Feb) This new egg for 2026 was a big hit with all our judges and will make a memorable Easter talking point. The fun croissant shape has a smart nutty glaze on one side, but it more than delivers in taste as well as appearance. The ultra-thick blonde chocolate has a heavy dose of almond extract in, along with crunchy pieces of almond, to deliver maximum almond croissant vibes. We kept going back for more. Best novelty shape egg Winner: Waitrose Lulu Guinness Milk Chocolate Lips Available from Waitrose (£15, in-store from 16 Feb) These smooth milk chocolate lips are rich and fruity, with a dark-milk flavour that isn't too sweet, and a good snap to the thin chocolate. The fun design would make a good gift. Runner up: Lidl Deluxe Golden Chocolate Croissant Available from Lidl (£9.99) Croissant-shaped Easter chocolates seem to be a growing trend, and we have a soft spot for this one. The golden chocolate is creamy and rich and melts well on the palate. Best chocolate bunny Winner: Aldi Specially Selected Milk Chocolate Baby Bunny Available from Aldi (99p) A dupe of a well-known chocolate bunny at Easter and one that you can't go wrong with at under £1. It is sweet and creamy so milk chocolate fans will happily enjoy – good for kids and adults alike. The best supermarket hot cross buns 2026 For the full list of winning buns and cakes, including highly commended products, visit our best hot cross buns page. Best traditional hot cross buns Winner: Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Fruity Hot Cross Buns Available from Sainsbury's (£2) These classic hot cross buns have a glossy golden appearance with an attractive shiny top. The fluffy white buns are filled with a generous amount of juicy fruit and a touch of orange zest to balance out the sweetness. We taste tested these plain, but can imagine they'd toast brilliantly. Best alternative hot cross buns Winner: Aldi Village Bakery Mighty Cheesy Hot Cross Buns Available from Aldi (£1.29, in-store in March) Our top pick for a savoury hot cross bun. These have a mild cheese flavour reminiscent of a cheese toastie. They would be great toasted with lots of butter. Runner up: Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Carrot Cake Hot Cross Buns Available from Sainsbury's (£2) The carrot cake flavour in these buns are subtle, for a gentle twist on a classic hot cross bun. They are made with roasted carrots but the highlight is the balanced level of warm spicing and good fluffy texture. Best chocolate hot cross buns Winner: Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Double Chocolate and Sour Cherry Hot Cross Buns Available from Sainsbury's (£2) There is a lot going on in these decadent hot cross buns: you'll find pieces of cherry, dried cranberries, candied peel, dark and white chocolate chips all inside a chocolate bun. The buns have shiny tops and a plump, squidgy texture. Some judges found the cherry flavour erred on artificial, so definitely one for those with a sweet tooth to enjoy. Best free-from hot cross buns Winner: Co-op Free From Hot Cross Buns Available from Co-op (£2.25, in store) A classic fruited hot cross bun with a pleasant texture that would be best toasted. The best supermarket Easter desserts 2026 Best simnel cake Winner: Waitrose No.1 Hand-Finished Simnel Cake Available from Waitrose (£15) This classic simnel cake has a pretty design with a smart fluted edge to the evenly toasted marzipan top. It's a generous size with a good level of spicing and lovely extra-squidgy texture. The cake is generously spiced and the marzipan gives good depth of almond flavour. Best alternative Easter cake Winner: Waitrose No.1 Millionaire's Panetton-Egg Available from Waitrose (£12.50) Who says panettone has to be just for Christmas? This Italian treat has been given an Easter makeover by Waitrose in this fun large egg-shaped panettone, topped with chocolate and chocolate chips for a celebratory centrepiece. It is fluffy and light inside with swirls of caramel sauce throughout. This review was last updated in February 2026. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.
This £2.50 chocolate bar will be your new favourite treat (plus 7 more must-try buys for February)
Try something new this month with one of our top food and drink buys for February
February may be the shortest month of the year but it’s a great excuse to linger over food and drink that feels a little indulgent. This month, the Good Food team has rounded up a new selection of standout buys to try that deliver on flavour, quality and feel-good appeal. From a beautifully balanced olive oil to luxurious chocolates worth savouring (ideal for Valentine's Day), plus sophisticated non-alcoholic drinks for easy evenings in, these are the products that impressed us most. Whether you’re looking for clever kitchen shortcuts, gifting (yourself or others) or simply upgrading your everyday staples, consider this your guide to what’s worth buying right now. Good Food recommends for February Firebrand Brewing Co Shorebreak Hazy Pale For an award-winning beer Cornish craft brewery Firebrand’s Shorebreak is the Best Non-Alcoholic Pale Ale in Britain, according to the World Beer Awards. Light, smooth and bursting with tropical hop flavour from simcoe, citra and cascade, it’s gluten-free, vegan and only 35 calories. Available from: Firebrand Brewing Co. (£2.70/440ml) Jamu Sodas Raspberry & Hibiscus For a gut health boost This fruity, naturally gut-friendly soda is instantly refreshing: sharp from raspberry, floral sweetness from hibiscus and a dash of rose, and apple cider vinegar giving a tangy finish – 1% of every can sale goes towards helping to replant vital British seagrass and ocean habitats. Available from: Jamu (£29.99, 12 x cans) The Audrey’s Heart – Milk & Dark For your valentine We’ve fallen in love with these beautifully presented chocolates. Discover a range of traditional milk and dark chocolates (available in several sizes), from fruity fondants to smooth ganache and caramels. It’s the ultimate elegant valentine’s gift. Available from: Audrey's Chocolates (from £9.95) Aagrah Butter Chicken Tarka Paste For a warming curry Making the famous butter chicken curry takes times, so this paste from Aagrah is just the ticket for a quick, after-work dinner packed with spice. Unlike a ready-made curry sauce, which you heat and serve, a tarka paste is the starting point of a great curry. Try it massaged onto a whole chicken before roasting. Available from: Aagrah Foods (£3.75) Tesco (£3.30) Merchant Gourmet x Sabrina Ghayour Persian Style Rice & Lentils For a vibrant shortcut Queen of the big flavours Sabrina Ghayour has created her own easy to use spiced grain and rice pouches to add an instant burst of flavour to dishes. This one has aromatic, warming notes of cumin and cinnamon, and is studded with sultanas for a hint of sweetness. Served warm tossed with roasted veg or use as the base for a vibrant salad bowl. Available from: Ocado (£2.15) Waitrose (£2.25) Sainsbury's (£2.15) Two & One olive oils For dressing and drizzling Two & One celebrates the picual olive in three distinct harvest styles, all picked at just the right moment in the foothills of Spain's Sierra Morena. Go for Verde for a bright, grassy lift, Envero for a rounded floral-nutty balance, or Negra when you want something rich and buttery. Available from: Two&One olive oil (from £12/250ml) Jungle Butter Almond Ginger Nut Crunch For nut butter fans Give your nut butter a warming twist. Inspired by a classic ginger nut biscuit, chunks of crystallised ginger are mixed into roasted almond butter, giving irresistible texture and spice. Great swirled into porridge. Available from: Jungle Butter (£6.50) Morrisons Chunk Belgian Chocolate Loaded with Pretzels, Caramel, Nougat & a Sprinkle of Sea Salt For chocolate lovers This is our favourite flavour from Morrisons’ new range of chunky chocolate bars. Creamy milk chocolate is generously studded with crunchy pretzel pieces, caramel and nougat. The pretzel pieces give a pleasing salty edge to the sweet chocolate. Available from: Morrisons (£2.50)
This Waitrose dessert is the ultimate January comfort food (plus 7 more must-try buys this month)
The best food and drink to try in January, tried and tested
January is the perfect time to discover the latest foodie gems to make your everyday meals (and the odd treat) feel a little more special. This month, the Good Food team have rounded up eight standout buys that impressed us for flavour, value and versatility. From a seriously comforting Waitrose pud to a new breakfast treat and an alcohol-free beer for those sticking to their Dry Jan resolutions, there's plenty to try out this month. Consider this your shortcut to smarter, tastier shopping right now. Good Food recommends January Hundred House Single Origin Hot Chocolate For cosy nights in This sustainably produced hot chocolate is made with rare variety single origin cacao from Ecuador. Mix with water and milk for a rich and fruity cup, then top with plenty of whipped cream. It gets bonus points for the fun tin, too. Available from: Hundred House Coffee (£10.50/250g) Selfridges (£12.99/250g) Waitrose No.1 Treacle Torte For a comforting pud Two classic desserts combine in this torte: rich, sticky treacle sits on top of a thick, buttery, cheesecake-style biscuit base. Add a generous pour of cold cream to serve... Available from: Waitrose (£7.50) Mei Mei Crispy Chilli Oil For a little extra spice We love discovering a new chilli oil – this jar from Mei Mei is made with avocado oil, and loaded with crunchy shallots and garlic for heat and texture. Available from: Mei Mei Goods (£11/100g) Golden Hooves Vintage Cheddar For cheese lovers The farmer-owned First Milk co-op’s regeneratively farmed cheddar was recently crowned UK Supreme Champion at the Global Cheese Awards for the second time. It’s rich, deeply savoury and spikily mature. Available from: The Cheese Market (£4/200g) Collider Mushroom & Botanical Beer For a functional tipple Infused with mushrooms to relax the body, this is a flavourful, naturally brewed, alcohol-free beer. Available from: Drink Collider (from £27 (12 x 330ml cans)) Rodeo Disco Cucumber Pickles For pickle fans The vibrant mix of coriander, pink peppercorns, nigella, dill and mustard seeds flavour thinly sliced cucumbers for delicate, aromatic pickles. Available from: Goat Rodeo Goods (£10/500ml) Pip & Nut Caramel Almond Protein Bars For an energy boost Crispy, crunchy, gooey – these have it all, and are a great entry into the world of protein bars if you’re on a January health kick. The top layer of almond butter caramel is our favourite part. Available from: Amazon (£24.95/15 bars) Jason's Sourdough Crumpets For weekend breakfast January is undoubtedly crumpet season – it’s the comfort food breakfast that cold mornings need. Made with just four ingredients, these are perfectly springy and light, ready to be loaded with butter, jam or your favourite toppings. Available from: Tesco (£1.80)
The best flavoured vodka taste tested 2026
With variations including salted caramel, fruit and chilli on the shelves, vodka is knocking it out of the park in the innovation stakes. Read on for our expert picks of the best flavoured vodka
Flavoured vodka isn't necessarily always a term to bring joy to many people's hearts. Memories may exist of luminous jars of sweet-steeped booze lingering behind the bar to entrap unwary students, but this is seldom the case anymore. Over the last decade, vodka distillers have been experimenting with interesting ingredients and methods to come up with flavoured vodkas that are well worth a try. Alongside the familiar big vodka brands such as Smirnoff, Absolut and Ciroc are plenty of creative smaller artisan producers worth discovering. Fruit-flavoured vodkas are the most common flavoured vodkas: our list encompasses everything from zesty citrus vodkas to juicy berry or summery peach. The options don’t stop there, however. Flavoured vodka offers a chance for artisans to get creative – we’ve tried everything from spicy chilli vodka to smooth strawberry or fiery ginger. Read on to discover the best flavoured vodkas to buy. For more, visit our reviews section to find more than 200 practical buyer's guides, including taste tests of gin, vodka, rum and brandy, plus round-ups of the best rhubarb gins, pink gins and citrus gins. Best flavoured vodka at a glance Best rhubarb vodka: Chase English rhubarb vodka, £33 Best mango vodka: Desi Daru Alphonso mango vodka, £36.50 Best unique flavoured vodka: Hepple fir flavoured vodka, £39.95 Best marmalade vodka: Chase Aged Marmalade vodka, £32.67 Best strawberry vodka: Black Cow Vodka & English Strawberries, £26.90 Best flavoured vodka for beer drinkers: Mikkeller dry hop Simcoe vodka, £34.95 Best Scottish flavoured vodka: Dunnet Bay Distillery Holy Grass Scottish vodka, £34.99 Best chilli vodka: Arbikie Chilli vodka, £34.50 Best apple vodka: Trøve green apple with ginger botanical spirit drink, £14.52 Best flavoured vodka for cocktails: Absolut Vanilla, £24 Best passion fruit vodka: Smirnoff mango & passion fruit twist, £19 Best ginger vodka: Virtuous vodka ginger, £29.99 Best flavoured vodkas to try in 2026 Chase English rhubarb vodka Available from Master of Malt (£33), The Bottle Club (£29.99) Best rhubarb vodka Size: 70cl ABV: 40% A top pick from Chase, the English rhubarb vodka is one of our favourites. Depending on how it's cooked, rhubarb can vary between mouth-puckeringly tart and sugary sweet, and this vodka infusion carries the complexity well. On the nose and initial palate, it's fresh with strong, tart aromas. As it develops on the palate, the balanced sweetness comes through to round out the flavours. Use in a rhubarb mule for a twist on a classic moscow mule. The towering pink bottle also makes it perfect for gifting. Available from: Master of Malt (£33) The Bottle Club (£29.99) Desi Daru Alphonso mango vodka Available from Amazon (£40.94), The Whisky Exchange (£36.50) Best mango vodka Size: 70cl ABV: 41% Be transported to a tropical island with this juicy mango vodka. British-born Indian founders Mohit Singh and Aneet Kaur aimed to combine the best of Britain and India in this flavoured vodka, using creamy English wheat for the vodka base with the rich, sweet flavour of Alphonso mangoes. The finish is slightly sweet and would be great as a base for fruity cocktails, but is equally luxurious enough to let the vodka flavour shine on its own. Available from: Amazon (£40.94) The Whisky Exchange (£36.50) Hepple Douglas fir flavoured vodka Available from Master of Malt (£39.95), Fenwick (£35.10) Best unique flavoured vodka Size: 50cl ABV: 41% Moorland Spirit Co hails from a remote corner of Northumberland and counts noted foodie Valentine Warner among its founders. The distillery uses a copper pot still and the team draws upon vacuum distillation and supercritical CO² extraction in order to get the flavours they want, where they want them. Although Moorland Spirit Co is primarily a gin producer, this vodka flavoured by Douglas fir tips is a diamond in its own right. It has a light, clean nose with lively pine notes and a softer citrus undercurrent. Drunk neat, it’s smooth and light-bodied with a big initial pine rush. Starting fresh and zingy, but without any harsh menthol edge, it then reveals a soft, sweet melon note as it finishes and has a final coolness when you exhale. Excellent simply as a sipping spirit, it has more than enough in it to lift a simple martini or sour and would happily present new aspects to most gin cocktails. Available from: Master of Malt (£39.95) Fenwick (£35.10) Chase marmalade vodka Available from Amazon (£27.99), Master of Malt (£32.67) Best marmalade vodka Size: 70cl ABV: 40% Herefordshire potato farmer William Chase set up Chase Distillery after enjoying the success of his earlier venture, Tyrrells crisps. A complex methodology, involving marmalade and Seville and Valencia oranges going through maceration, redistillation, further maceration and final filtering, leaves you with a spirit bursting with the flavour and intensity of good marmalade. There's orange with undertone of lemon on the nose, all marmalade richness and zesty spritz, before a sip doubles down on all of that. Orange marmalade, orange zest, a bit of juice and more sweet marmalade assail you in the most glorious manner. The depth of flavour is hefty, but noticeably moreish when drunk cold and neat. It happily sits astride a good tonic, and does great things to a sour. Available from: Amazon (£29) Master of Malt (£32.67) Mikkeller dry hop Simcoe vodka Available from The Whisky Exchange (£34.95) Best flavoured vodka for beer drinkers Size: 70cl ABV: 44% Mikkeller is better known in the beer world as the nomadic brewer of an endless profusion of unpredictable and intriguing beers made to founder Mikkel Borg Bjergsø’s peripatetic vision, often using the facilities at Belgium’s respected De Proef brewery. This vodka, then, is a sideways step. It uses dry-hopping, a technique where the aromatic hops are steeped in the liquid after the brewing process, which gives aroma and flavour, but no bitterness. The modern American hop variety Simcoe is used here. Associated with stone fruit, citrus and pine when used in beer, it gives the clean, smooth vodka base a delightful lifting accent. Somewhat surprisingly, the essential element here is of blueberries, namely blueberry muffins, with a slightly cake-y edge on the fruit. There’s a little pine at the end, but this is a less-is-more introduction to the hop, delicate enough to lend itself to a wide range of drinking. Available from: The Whisky Exchange (£34.95) Black Cow Vodka & English Strawberries Available from Master of Malt (£26.90), Amazon (£18.23), Ocado (£29.50) Best strawberry vodka Size: 70cl ABV: 37.5% Black Cow vodka stands out due to its sustainable ethos (it was chosen as one of our top best sustainable spirits), making the most of both milk and wonky strawberries. Borne out of the desire to make use of whey leftover from cheese production, yeast is added to the whey to turn lactose into a beer, which is then distilled into vodka. This strawberry variety uses locally sourced, leftover or wonky berries rejected by supermarkets to prevent them going to waste. These are pressed and infused into the vodka for four days to impart their flavour (and gentle pink-orange hue) and the berry flavour bursts through the finished drink. The strawberries add enjoyable sweetness without any added sugar and it’s undeniably a great summer drink – fans of Pimm's are sure to enjoy, and it’s great for Wimbledon season. Add a splash to rosé or use in pitcher cocktails with plenty of ice. Available from: Master of Malt (£26.90) Amazon (£18.23) Ocado (£29.50) Dunnet Bay Distillery Holy Grass Scottish vodka Available from Amazon (£34.99), Master of Malt (£34.99) Best Scottish vodka Size: 70cl ABV: 41.5% Dunnet Bay Distillery resides about as far north as you can get on the Scotland mainland, but this vodka is kin to the open plains of eastern Europe, using as it does Hierochloe borealis (better known as bison grass). The grass imparts a gentle character, which is accentuated by the addition of apple juice in the distillation. The aromas are of creamy vanilla with light hints of cinnamon and jasmine, which carry through to the drinking on a lightly sweet base with murmurs of crisp apple and camomile. An obvious, and excellent, partner to a good apple juice, or simply enjoyed as a chilled shot straight from the freezer. Available from: Amazon (£34.99) Master of Malt (£34.99) Arbikie chilli vodka Available from Master of Malt (£34.50), Amazon (£41.06) Best chilli vodka Size: 70cl ABV: 43% Arbikie is a Scottish producer aspiring to be a self-contained single-estate outfit. As with Dà Mhìle and Chase, everything that can be grown on the farm is – including the chillies in this vodka, which are also smoked by Arbikie in whisky casks. A potato vodka base with a smooth, soft body, it has a smokey nose with a disarmingly light chilli prickle behind it. On the tongue again there’s smoke, a pause and then the heat, paired with a fruity sweetness. The finish is long, slow and hot, with a smoke warmth and ham sweetness. Not painfully spicy, but definitely warming – and an obvious contender for bloody marys or bull shots. Available from: Master of Malt (£34.50) Amazon (£41.06) Trøve green apple with ginger botanical spirit drink Available from Amazon (£14.52) Best apple flavoured vodka Size: 70cl ABV: 43% Trøve claims to be ‘fanatical about flavour’, focusing on using whole fruits to infuse spirits. The resulting drinks are lower alcohol options (30% ABV) but can be used just like full-strength vodkas – take your pick of serving with tonic, soda or lemonade. The crisp green apple flavours come through first, with their tart notes balanced by warming spice from ginger. It’s almost like an apple crumble in a glass, but the ginger balances out this slightly confusing flavour. Serve over ice with soda and a thin slice of apple to garnish. Available from: Amazon (£14.52) Absolut Vanilia Available from Amazon (£19), Waitrose Cellar (£24), Tesco (£22.50) Best flavoured vodka for cocktails Size: 70cl ABV: 38% A common complaint with flavoured vodkas is that they are too sweet, strong or overpowering. This may often come from fruit or heavily spiced spirits. If this sounds like you, Absolut Vanilia may be the best flavoured vodka for you. Just like in baking, the vanilla enhances the flavour of your finished drink and can be endlessly versatile. It does have clear fragrant vanilla sweetness (but there’s no added sugar), with almost butterscotch notes yet simple freshness. Its subtle versatility makes it perfect for cocktail: it is most classic in a passion fruit martini. Available from: Amazon (£18) Waitrose Cellar (£24) Tesco (£22.50) Smirnoff mango & passionfruit twist Available from Amazon (£19), Tesco (£19) Best passion fruit vodka Size: 70cl ABV: 37.5% From the bold packaging to the vivid orange hue of the vodka, this is unabashedly loud and proud – adding a splash of fun to the world of flavoured vodkas. We were impressed by the extremely intense aromas on opening – juicy tropical fruit leaps out instantly. This follows up on tasting, too, with plenty of juicy sweet mango balanced by slight passion fruit tartness. The finished drink is like an alcoholic Rubicon, and extremely easy to drink. A great gift for cocktail lovers (this would add instant oomph to a passion fruit martini) or students. Available from: Amazon (£19) Tesco (£19) Virtuous vodka ginger Available from Master of Malt (£29.99), The Whisky Exchange (£35.50) Best ginger vodka Size: 70cl ABV: 700ml% Made in Sweden with 100% organic ingredients, Virtuous vodka is made from a base of organic rye. The unique Virtuous ginger flavour is distilled once before being macerated, then gently filtered. A great option for those who don’t want a sweet flavoured vodka, the fresh ginger is dominant on the nose and continues onto the palate. Even after the macerating and filtering process, the ginger retains its signature spice and heat on the tongue for a unique final result. We also tried and enjoyed the intensely jammy Virtuous raspberry and bitter lemon, which balances sweet, aromatic lemon with a touch of bitterness for an essence of marmalade. Available from: Master of Malt (£32.49) The Whisky Exchange (£35.50) How we tested flavoured vodka Our drinks experts Richard Davie and Lucy Roxburgh tried and tested flavoured vodkas. Richard Davie is a writer, barman and brewer with roots in home-brewing. With Miriam Nice, he co-wrote The Art of Drinking Sober. When he's not making his own beer and cocktails, he works at award-winning micro pub The Beer Shop. Find him on Instagram @richarddaviebrews. Good Food’s Lucy Roxburgh is WSET Level 2-qualified and writes a range of drinks reviews for Good Food, including best cocktail subscriptions and best gins to give as gifts. To find the best flavoured vodka, we tested each one neat, before mixing with soda and lemonade, to experience the different flavour profiles. We wanted the named ingredient to come through clearly – it’s disappointing when a flavoured vodka is too subtle, only evident in the aroma or instantly lost when combined with a mixer. We also looked for well-rounded drinks: flavoured vodkas can easily be too sweet, and we wanted the flavour to not be too artificial, plus the finished bottle should still be distinguishable as a vodka. Finally, the spirit shouldn’t overwhelm if used in cocktails. Is gin flavoured vodka? In some ways, you could describe gin as flavoured vodka. Gin is created by distilling a neutral spirit – most commonly vodka! – with juniper (crucial for defining it as a gin) and other botanicals. However, while gin is always made from grain-based spirit, vodka can be potato-based. The complex distilling process of creating gin also means the end result differs from vodka. How to make flavoured vodka Inspired to try some flavoured vodka, but can’t find a flavour you love? Have a go at making your own and creating the best flavoured vodka for you. Check out our guide on how to make flavoured vodka to get started with all the tips and tricks you need. There’s a flavoured vodka creation for every season: in summer, try elderflower and gooseberry vodka or strawberry and rhubarb vodka. At Christmas, go for festive Turkish delight vodka , while tangy marmalade vodka works all year round. Flavoured vodka recipes Spruce up your drinks cabinets with your own flavoured vodkas. In our toffee vodka, you can use store-bought hard toffees to make a deep caramel vodka to gift to friends and family. Seasonal rhubarb can be showcased in this strawberry and rhubarb vodka that lasts in the cupboard for up to a year. We also have a cranberry vodka recipe that makes a bittersweet fruity vodka that has a deep burgundy colour. If you have any Turkish delight leftover, you can make our Turkish delight vodka for a rose-water infused concoction and, for when autumn strikes, we have our three ingredient damson vodka. The best drinks, taste tested The best vodka The best flavoured gin The best craft whiskies The best gin to buy as a gift The best tequila The best rosé wine Visit our review section This review was last updated in January 2026 If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability, please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk. What’s your favourite flavoured vodka? Let us know in the comments below...