Waitrose Unveils 2025 Christmas Food Range: Festive Delights Await
Waitrose has unveiled its Christmas food range for 2025, featuring 665 festive products, including 267 new additions designed to inspire every foodie. Highlights include protein-packed centerpieces like the “turkey bauble” with cranberry and orange glaze, slow-cooked British beef shin, and salmon roulade Wellington. Plant-based options shine with dishes like mushroom, malbec, and port Wellington, and cauliflower cheese galette crown. Sides range from stuffing balls with bacon and sage to wagyu beef dripping Yorkshire puddings, while desserts include the No.1 “nutcracker” amber-lustre dessert, boozy mince pies with Limoncello and cognac, and pistachio and cherry stollen wreath. Free-from desserts cater to dietary restrictions, and party food options promise convenience with retro classics like vol-au-vents. Waitrose’s Christmas food to order service opens on 22 September, offering culinary inspiration for festive celebrations. Maltese food enthusiasts can adapt these ideas using fresh Mediterranean produce
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It’s that curious time of year again – summer in Malta is just beginning to wind down, and the island’s vibrant restaurant scene is preparing for the festive season ahead. While locals are savoring the last of alfresco dining and refreshing swims, international supermarkets are unveiling their Christmas food ranges for 2025, tantalizing taste buds with promises of indulgent holiday feasts. Among these, Waitrose – renowned for its quality and innovation – has taken the lead by announcing its impressive lineup of 665 festive products, including 267 exciting new additions. From twists on traditional favorites to show-stopping desserts, there’s something to inspire every foodie. Whether you’re planning a celebratory feast at home or seeking ideas to incorporate into your healthy lifestyle, this preview is sure to spark your imagination.
Waitrose’s Christmas Food Range: A Feast for Every Palate
Waitrose’s 2025 Christmas menu is a masterclass in culinary creativity, offering options for every type of celebration. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or a cozy dinner party, the selection includes mains, sides, desserts, party food, and more. For those looking to center their meal around a protein-packed centerpiece, the free-range turkey breast with a stuffing center wrapped in dry-cured beechwood smoked bacon is a standout. Aptly named the “turkey bauble,” it comes with a cranberry and orange glaze that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors.
Other protein-rich options include the No.1 slow-cooked British beef shin with bone marrow and the sweet-cured British gammon with a black cherry glaze. Fish lovers can enjoy health-focused alternatives like the No.1 stuffed Scottish salmon with prawns and salsa verde drizzle, or a salmon roulade Wellington filled with ricotta, spinach, and pine nuts – dishes that pair omega-3-rich ingredients with festive flair.
For those embracing plant-based eating, Waitrose’s vegan and vegetarian range shines. Highlights include the No.1 mushroom, malbec, and port Wellington, packed with earthy flavors and antioxidants, and the cauliflower cheese galette crown, which offers a twist on traditional sides. These dishes are perfect for anyone in Malta looking to maintain a balanced diet during the indulgent holiday season.
Wholesome Sides and Flavorful Classics
No festive meal is complete without sides, and Waitrose’s offerings don’t disappoint. Options include No.1 stuffing balls with bacon, smoked chestnuts, and sage, as well as wagyu beef dripping Yorkshire puddings, which add a luxurious touch to any table. For pastry enthusiasts, the range introduces new pies, including a turkey pie that’s ideal for repurposing leftovers into a hearty meal.
In Malta, where locally sourced ingredients are often at the heart of holiday dining, these dishes could inspire home cooks to adapt recipes using fresh Mediterranean produce. Imagine pairing stuffing balls with Maltese sage or crafting a pie filled with local turkey and seasonal vegetables for a healthier take.
Decadent Desserts with a Twist
Desserts are where Waitrose’s creativity truly shines. The No.1 “nutcracker” dessert dazzles with an amber lustre dusting, while lighter options like the Sicilian lemon and mascarpone delice provide a refreshing citrus finish. For those who love rich flavors, the triple chocolate snowflakes and No.1 sticky toffee yule lodge – complete with caramel sauce and sugar snow – are bound to be crowd-pleasers.
Maltese food enthusiasts will appreciate the fusion of traditional and modern flavors in Waitrose’s desserts. The boozy mince pies, featuring golden Limoncello and brandy buttercream with cherry mincemeat and cognac, could easily be paired with Malta’s own citrus liqueurs or local cherry preserves to bring a unique Mediterranean touch to Christmas celebrations. Other innovative options include the Bueno-inspired hazelnut crème panettone and pistachio and cherry stollen wreath – indulgent treats that balance festive decadence with nut-based nutrition.
Inclusive and Health-Conscious Choices
For those with dietary restrictions, Waitrose’s free-from desserts ensure no one has to miss out on indulgence. Options such as salted caramel hazelnut brownies, cranberry and orange blondies, and all-butter shortbread cater to gluten-free and lactose-free diets, providing inclusive choices for guests. Health-conscious diners in Malta can take inspiration from these offerings, using local ingredients like almonds, oranges, and cranberries to recreate similar recipes that align with Mediterranean eating habits.
Party Food and Deli Delights
Waitrose’s party food selection promises convenience and variety, with dishes that can be oven-cooked at the same temperature for effortless entertaining. While specific items remain under wraps, Emilie Wolfman, trend innovation manager, has teased the return of retro classics like vol-au-vents and toasties – sure to evoke nostalgia while satisfying guests. Deli options such as No.1 partridge in a pear pâté, pigs in blanket scotch eggs, and gouda and cider bake add sophistication to any spread. Maltese households could easily adapt these ideas, incorporating local cheeses, cured meats, and fresh pears for a Mediterranean twist.
When Can You Order?
Waitrose’s Christmas food to order service officially opens on 22 September, giving you ample time to plan your perfect holiday menu. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece, classic sides, or indulgent desserts, the range offers inspiration for every occasion.
For food lovers in Malta, this preview of Waitrose’s festive offerings provides not only culinary ideas but also an opportunity to reflect on how traditional holiday feasts can align with a healthy lifestyle. By incorporating local ingredients, balancing indulgence with nutrition, and embracing creativity, you can elevate your Christmas dining experience while staying true to the values of good health and great food.
Looking for more festive inspiration? Stay tuned for the latest updates on holiday dining and explore how Malta’s vibrant food scene can help you create memorable meals this Christmas.