Where to Buy Diabetic-Friendly Christmas Puddings and Treats in the UK

One of the best parts of Christmas is gathering round the table for pudding. But if you’re catering for guests with diabetes, the traditional sugar-heavy options aren’t always suitable. 

Luckily, the UK has plenty of alternatives – from ready-made puddings to DIY kits and mixes – so no one has to miss out on the magic of a festive dessert.

Here’s a guide to some of the best places to shop for diabetic-friendly Christmas puddings and other low-sugar treats this year.

Diabetic Hampers UK – Ready-Made & Delivered

If convenience is your priority, Diabetic Hampers UK is a fantastic place to start. They stock reduced-sugar Christmas puddings and beautifully presented hampers packed with diabetic-friendly goodies. You can even choose your delivery date, making it a reliable choice if you’re planning ahead for the big day.

Perfect for: hassle-free gifting or ensuring there’s a pudding on the table without extra work. https://www.diabetichampers.co.uk

Plum Duff & Stuff – A DIY Pudding Kit for Diabetics

Want to keep a traditional feel while still looking after sugar levels? The Plum Duff & Stuff Christmas pudding kit is a brilliant option. It comes with all the dry ingredients measured out – dried fruits, wholemeal flour, seeds, spices, and stevia for sweetening – plus a ceramic basin and wrapping. All you need to add are fresh fruit zest, juice, and eggs.

Perfect for: bakers who love a “make it yourself” pudding with a festive ritual.

No-Added-Sugar Christmas Pudding

If you’re looking for a pudding that gets its sweetness naturally, keep an eye out for no-added-sugar puddings. These are usually made with dried fruits like dates, apples, and prunes, delivering a lovely richness without refined sugar. They’re often stocked by specialist retailers like Diabetic Hampers UK and seasonal online shops.

Perfect for: guests who prefer a more natural sweetness.

https://www.plumduffandstuff.co.uk

LillyPuds – Reduced-Sugar & Vegan Options

LillyPuds is a small British producer offering luxurious puddings that don’t overload on sugar. Their Reduced-Sugar Christmas Pudding has over 50% fruit and no artificial sweeteners, while their vegan and gluten-free option is also lower in sugar (around 5%). Both taste indulgent while catering for a wide range of dietary needs.

Perfect for: guests who need vegan, gluten-free, or reduced-sugar puddings that still feel special.

A Quick Homemade Fix – Low-Carb Recipes

For those who like a hands-on approach, there are excellent low-carb, sugar-free recipes online. For example, Sugar Free Londoner has a microwave-friendly pudding that takes just 10 minutes to make. It uses almond flour, erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, eggs, spices, and a little fruit for flavour. The result is a festive, portion-controlled pudding with only about 8g net carbs per serving.

Perfect for: last-minute bakers who still want a homemade touch.

https://www.lillypuds.co.uk

Sugar-Free Baking Mixes

If pudding isn’t your thing, you could offer another festive bake made from sugar-free baking mixes.

The Skinny Food Co has brownie and sponge cake mixes

Betty Crocker produces sugar-free cake and cookie mixes in the UK.

Bulk™ Protein Brownie Mix is low-sugar and high in protein, offering a filling alternative.

Perfect for: adding variety to the dessert table with minimal effort.

Extra Sugar-Free Festive Treats

Don’t forget about those extra nibbles to go with coffee and tea. Shops like Healthy Supplies stock sugar-free delights such as Turkish delight, Viennese biscuits, coconut wafers, and even sparkling cranberry drinks. These little touches can make diabetic guests feel thought of when the selection box comes out.

Perfect for: stocking fillers, snacking, or a “sweet plate” at the end of the meal.

Supermarkets – Check Labels Carefully

Mainstream supermarkets do carry free-from puddings (for example, Tesco Finest Free-From Christmas Pudding). However, most of these are gluten-free rather than sugar-free, and often still contain a lot of sugar. They’re useful for those with coeliac disease, but not ideal for managing blood glucose.

Perfect for: gluten-free diets, but not suitable as a true diabetic-friendly option.

Sweet Traditions, Thoughtful Choices

From ready-made reduced-sugar puddings to DIY kits, quick recipes, and sugar-free treats, there’s a wealth of ways to make sure diabetic guests feel fully included in the festive spread. Whether you order from a specialist site like Diabetic Hampers UK, treat your guests to a LillyPuds showstopper, or bake your own with a sugar-free mix, there’s no shortage of options.

After all, Christmas pudding should be about sharing memories – not worrying about sugar.

Keeping Children Happy at Christmas: Rich Tea Biscuits with Cinnamon Sugar Icing

Christmas is a magical time for families, but let’s be honest—keeping children entertained and happy amidst the festive chaos can be a challenge. 

Enter the humble rich tea biscuit and a touch of homemade cinnamon sugar icing. This simple yet delightful activity and treat will engage little ones and add a festive sparkle to your holiday celebrations.

The Beauty of Rich Tea Biscuits

Rich tea biscuits are the unsung heroes of the biscuit world. They’re versatile, not overly sweet, and have a sturdy texture that makes them perfect for decorating.

Whether you're working with toddlers or school-aged children, these biscuits are an ideal blank canvas for festive creativity. (Other suitable flat biscuits can be pressed into service if rich tea biscuits aren't available.)

Why Cinnamon Sugar Icing?

Adding a festive twist to the icing with cinnamon not only enhances the flavour but also fills the air with the cosy scent of Christmas. The subtle spice pairs perfectly with the simplicity of rich tea biscuits, creating a treat that’s as pleasing to adults as it is to children.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this quick and easy activity:

For the biscuits:

A pack of rich tea biscuits (or several if you’re hosting a crowd!)

For the cinnamon sugar icing:

200g icing sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3-4 tablespoons water (adjust as needed)

A few drops of vanilla extract (optional)

Optional decorations:

Sprinkles

Edible glitter

Mini marshmallows

Chocolate chips

How to Make It

Prepare the Icing:

In a medium bowl, mix the icing sugar and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the mixture forms a smooth, spreadable consistency. If desired, add a few drops of vanilla extract for extra flavour.

Set Up the Decorating Station:

Lay out the rich tea biscuits on a tray or a clean surface. Place the icing in small bowls and provide a selection of decorations in separate dishes. Make sure each child has their own spoon or small spatula to spread the icing.

Get Decorating:

Let the children spread the cinnamon sugar icing onto the biscuits. Encourage them to get creative with sprinkles, marshmallows, and other decorations. This is their moment to shine, so don’t worry about perfection!

Allow to Set:

Once decorated, place the biscuits on a baking sheet or cooling rack to allow the icing to set. This will take about 15-20 minutes at room temperature.

Enjoy the Fruits of Their Labour:

Serve the biscuits with a cup of warm milk or hot chocolate, and watch as the children beam with pride at their creations.

The Benefits of This Activity

Keeps Children Engaged: The decorating process is fun, hands-on, and keeps little hands busy.

Encourages Creativity: Kids can express themselves through their choice of decorations and designs.

Creates Festive Memories: This activity is a wonderful way to spend quality time together during the holidays.

Easy Cleanup: Since the icing is thick and the biscuits don’t crumble excessively, the mess is minimal compared to more elaborate baking projects.

A Christmas Tradition in the Making

Rich tea biscuits with cinnamon sugar icing might just become a new Christmas tradition in your household. They’re easy to make, delightful to decorate, and delicious to eat. Plus, this activity provides a wonderful opportunity for bonding and laughter, which is the true magic of the festive season.

So this Christmas, stock up on rich tea biscuits and let the cinnamon-infused fun begin. Your children—and your taste buds—will thank you!

The person who taught me this idea? My own mother who used this simple trick to keep us occupied whilst she was busy with other Christmas tasks.

A Sweet Slice of Christmas: The British Love Affair with Assorted Biscuit Boxes

Christmas in Britain is a time of cherished traditions: decorating the tree, singing carols, pulling crackers at the dinner table. And, of course, indulging in a box of assorted biscuits. 

For many families, the arrival of a decorative tin or box filled with a variety of sweet treats marks the start of the festive season. But how did this tradition come to be, and why is it so beloved?

A Timeless Tradition

The tradition of buying a special box of biscuits for Christmas can be traced back to the Victorian era, when advancements in food production and packaging made it possible to produce biscuits in bulk. Companies like Huntley & Palmers and McVitie’s began marketing beautifully designed tins filled with an assortment of biscuits, making them ideal for gifting or sharing during festive gatherings.

Over the years, this tradition has become a quintessential part of British Christmas celebrations. Whether it’s a selection from Marks & Spencer, the ever-popular McVitie’s Family Circle, or a luxury tin from Fortnum & Mason, there’s a box to suit every taste and budget.

Why We Love Them

Something for Everyone:

Assorted biscuit boxes cater to a variety of tastes. From buttery shortbread and chocolate-coated digestives to jam-filled Viennese whirls and crunchy ginger snaps, there’s a biscuit for every family member to enjoy.

Perfect for Sharing:

Christmas is all about spending time with loved ones, and nothing brings people together like a box of biscuits on the coffee table. They’re perfect for dipping into during a cosy afternoon with tea or as a treat after a festive meal.

A Nostalgic Indulgence:

For many, the sight of a biscuit tin evokes fond memories of childhood Christmases, when opening the box felt like uncovering a treasure trove of sweet delights. Even the sound of the tin lid being removed can bring a rush of nostalgia.

Beautiful Presentation:

Many biscuit tins are designed with festive motifs, making them as much a decoration as a snack. Some families even repurpose the empty tins for storage, keeping the Christmas spirit alive all year round.

Making It Your Own

While store-bought boxes are a classic choice, some families have turned this tradition into a homemade affair. Creating your own biscuit selection allows you to customise the treats to suit your family’s preferences and add a personal touch. Popular choices include gingerbread, shortbread, and festive spiced cookies.

The Debate: Biscuit Hierarchy

No discussion of Christmas biscuit boxes is complete without mentioning the playful debates they spark. Every family has their own "biscuit hierarchy," with certain favourites disappearing first while others linger at the bottom of the tin (looking at you, plain rich tea!). These debates are all part of the fun and add to the charm of this tradition.

The Future of the Biscuit Box Tradition

In recent years, the tradition has evolved to accommodate modern tastes and dietary preferences. Gluten-free, vegan, and artisanal options are becoming more common, ensuring that everyone can partake in this festive custom.

A Sweet Celebration

The humble biscuit box may seem like a small thing, but it represents so much more: family togetherness, nostalgia, and the joy of simple pleasures. So this Christmas, as you open that treasured tin or box, take a moment to savour not just the biscuits, but the memories and traditions they embody.

What’s your favourite biscuit in the Christmas assortment? Share your thoughts below—just don’t start a fight over the last chocolate digestive!