This Waitrose dessert is the ultimate January comfort food (plus 7 more must-try buys this month)

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)