This year a whole host of seasonal goodies have been launched by supermarkets and cafés alike and just in time too! As our hands slowly become victim to the classically chilled Scottish air, there’s no better time to curl up with a festive hot choc.
Let’s face it, since the Christmas markets are now closed, picking up a turkey Tesco meal deal is now the height of entertainment. And conveniently, with the library perpetually full I have sampled many of these festive treats. So, here are my top picks for all of your café study sessions:
Best Hot Chocolate: without a doubt, Costa’s Terry’s Chocolate Orange.
This year Costa’s Christmas drink range is quality street themed – a big yes from me. But the shining star of them all was definitely the Terry’s hot chocolate. Creamy, indulgent and such a classic festive flavour combination, it’s the perfect pick-me-up after a scheduled four-hour library session. Extra points to Costa for the piece of chocolate each drink comes with!
Best coffee: Gregg’s Mint Mocha
A clear winner as it is not too sweet, and still has a decent coffee taste! I was sceptical about the mint flavour, but it is delicious and not toothpastey at all. Plus, at £1.99, it is the cheapest festive drink on the market.
Best local option: Redbox Marchmont
Redbox has long been my favourite café in Edinburgh, but this year their salted caramel latte’s and epic hot chocolates give all the cosy festive vibes you could want!
Weirdest addition: M&S Percy Pig Mince Pies
Not for the traditionalists, this mince pie replaces the mincemeat with jam, pink icing, and a Percy pig on top for good measure. If you think raisins are the antichrist, this might just be the thing for you, but personally I think it is little more than a glorified jam tart. (For a real mince pie, nothing beats the Aldi ones!)
Best meal deal: Tesco and Pret
This was a toughie: Tesco takes the biscuit for its variety and price (obviously), but Pret definitely had the best tasting sandwich. An added plus is 50p from every Christmas sandwich sale at Pret goes to the Pret Foundation, which works towards the end of the cycle of homelessness.
Best vegan option: co-op No Turkey Feast
Containing all the elements of a Christmas dinner, this is definitely the most satisfying of all the vegan options out there. If you aren’t a fan of fake meat, then the Pret Butternut Sandwich is another winner!
Tastiest Treats: Bailey’s Choco Lebiniz biscuits and White Chocolate Orange
Perhaps two of the tastiest treats have had a Christmas make over, and it is glorious. Head to Tesco asap to pick them up for £2 each!
Happy Holiday snacking!
Image: Fallon Michael via Pexels