Preparing for Christmas in Early September: Why It’s Never Too Soon to Start

It may feel as though the summer has only just wound down, but for many, early September marks the quiet start of the Christmas season. 

Shops are beginning to tuck a few festive treats onto their shelves, supermarkets are planning seasonal ranges, and households up and down the country are quietly making lists (and checking them twice!). 

Starting your preparations now can make December less stressful and far more enjoyable.

Why Start in September?

Less Stress, More Joy – Tackling things bit by bit helps you avoid the last-minute rush.

Spreading the Cost – Picking up gifts, decorations, and food gradually helps ease the financial burden.

Better Choice – The early bird really does catch the worm: limited-edition items and popular toys are more likely to be in stock.

Time for Homemade Touches – From crafting decorations to making Christmas cakes and puddings, September gives you a head start.

Key Preparations to Begin Now

1. Make Your Christmas List

Start jotting down names for gifts, who you’ll be sending cards to, and any festive gatherings you’ll host. Having a plan helps you stay organised.

2. Budget and Save

Create a Christmas budget in September. Work out what you can afford and begin spreading purchases across the coming weeks.

3. Get a Head Start on Gifts

Keep an eye out for early sales, back-to-school discounts, and special offers. Even one or two presents bought now will ease December’s shopping load.

4. Stock the Pantry

Staples such as dried fruit, mincemeat, flour, and spices will all keep beautifully. Picking them up now means you’ll be ready for festive baking.

5. Plan Your Decorations

Whether you’re looking to try a new colour scheme, upgrade your lights, or simply need a few fresh baubles, early September is the time to plan your look.

6. Start Crafting and DIY Projects

Homemade decorations, knitted gifts, and even advent calendars take time. Begin in September and you’ll enjoy the process rather than rushing.

7. Book Experiences Early

Christmas markets, pantomimes, Santa’s grottos, and festive train rides all sell out quickly. Secure your tickets now to avoid disappointment.

A Gentle Seasonal Shift

Preparing for Christmas in September doesn’t mean diving headfirst into tinsel and carols (unless you want to!). Think of it as laying the groundwork for a calm, magical festive season. By getting ahead, you give yourself more time to savour the real joys of Christmas: being with loved ones, sharing good food, and making memories.

After all, when December rolls around, wouldn’t you rather be sipping mulled wine by the tree than dashing through the shops in a panic?

The Elf on the Shelf: A Modern Christmas Tradition Full of Magic and Mischief

One of the most enchanting Christmas traditions to capture the hearts of families everywhere in recent years is the Elf on the Shelf. 

What began as a sweet little storybook and toy has grown into a full-blown festive phenomenon, bringing with it laughter, creativity, and just the right amount of mischief during December.

A Magical Adoption

When you welcome an Elf on the Shelf into your home, it’s not just another Christmas decoration – it’s an experience. Each elf comes with an official adoption certificate, meaning your elf is now truly part of the family. 

Children delight in giving their elf a special name, cementing the feeling that this festive visitor has come straight from the North Pole. (Our Elf is called Harvey and has made friends with our cat!)

Cute, Quirky, and Full of Personality

It’s hard to resist the charm of these little red-suited elves. With their cheeky grins and twinkling eyes, they look ready to get into all sorts of adventures.

 Every morning, children race to see what their elf has been up to overnight, whether it’s dangling from the lampshade, hiding in the fridge, or leaving a sprinkle of glitter on the kitchen counter.

The Elf on the Shelf Ideas Kit

To make the magic even easier for parents, there’s now the Elf on the Shelf Ideas Kit – a brilliant box filled with high-quality accessories and props. 

This kit is a lifesaver for busy mums and dads who want to keep the festive fun flowing without spending hours scratching their heads for ideas.

Packed with clever, ready-to-use props, the kit helps elves create all sorts of imaginative scenarios – from mini games and pranks to cosy Christmassy setups. The quality is impressive too: sturdy pieces, lovely detail, and reusable accessories that can be enjoyed year after year.

Why Families Love the Tradition

What makes Elf on the Shelf so popular is how it brings families together. Children wake up full of excitement, parents rediscover their creative spark, and everyone shares in the laughter. It’s a tradition that builds lasting memories, one cheeky elf antic at a time.

If you’ve not yet welcomed an elf into your home, this could be the year to start. With the adoption certificate, the adorable elf itself, and the help of the Ideas Kit, you’re set for a December filled with fun, giggles, and plenty of Christmas magic.

The Elf on the Shelf®: A Christmas Tradition is £19.95.

 The Elf on the Shelf® Polar Props™ 24-Day Ultimate Elf Ideas Kit is £32.95 

https://elfontheshelf.co.uk

Bored with Christmas Puddings and Cakes? Delicious Alternatives to Try This Festive Season

For many, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without the familiar traditions of a rich Christmas pudding or a dense, fruit-laden Christmas cake. 

But what if you’re not a fan of heavy dried fruit, suet, or rich marzipan? Or perhaps you just fancy shaking things up a little this year? 

The good news is, there are plenty of festive alternatives that are every bit as celebratory, yet lighter, fresher, or just a bit different.

1. Festive Cheesecakes

A baked or chilled cheesecake can be a show-stopper on your Christmas table. Flavours such as spiced orange, cranberry, gingerbread, or even a boozy Baileys cheesecake bring seasonal flair without the heaviness of traditional puds. Decorate with sugared cranberries, candied peel, or chocolate curls for a festive finish.

2. Chocolate Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)

This classic French dessert is already popular in many British households, and for good reason. A light sponge rolled with buttercream and coated in chocolate ganache makes for a decadent yet not-too-heavy treat. You can also play with flavours—hazelnut praline, black forest, or even peppermint for a refreshing twist.

3. Panettone or Pandoro

Italian Christmas breads like panettone (filled with dried fruits or chocolate chips) and pandoro (a buttery golden cake dusted with icing sugar) are lighter alternatives that pair perfectly with a glass of prosecco or a hot coffee on Christmas Day.

4. Pavlova with Winter Fruits

For something refreshing, a crisp meringue base topped with whipped cream and jewel-like fruits such as pomegranate seeds, clementines, or passionfruit is a colourful alternative that adds a touch of sunshine to a winter’s table.

5. Spiced Layer Cakes

Swap the dense fruitcake for a lighter sponge flavoured with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Think carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, or a ginger and pear cake drizzled with caramel sauce. You’ll still get that warm, spiced festive feel, but with a lighter bite.

6. Trifles with a Twist

Traditional trifles can be reimagined with festive flavours—gingerbread, black forest, or tiramisu-inspired layers. Individual servings in glass jars also make for a pretty and practical way to serve dessert at parties.

7. Ice Cream or Frozen Desserts

Not everyone wants something warm and heavy after a roast dinner. Frozen treats like spiced cinnamon ice cream, cranberry sorbet, or even a semifreddo studded with nuts and chocolate can make a refreshing end to the feast.

8. Scandinavian or German Bakes

Stollen, with its marzipan centre and dusting of icing sugar, or the Scandinavian kransekake (an almond ring cake) bring European flair to the table. These can be served in smaller slices alongside coffee or mulled wine.

Final Thoughts

Christmas traditions evolve, and so can your festive menu. If you find yourself bored with the same old pudding or cake, why not try one of these alternatives? 

Whether you lean towards lighter fruity desserts, chocolate indulgences, or festive international flavours, you’ll still capture the joy of the season—without the pressure to follow tradition to the letter.

Life Postpartum. The Ideal Christmas Gift For the Mums in Your Life

With the festive period just around the corner, postpartum wellbeing brand, Life Postpartum, offers a selection of truly special gifts for anyone looking to support a loved one who is expecting or has recently welcomed a baby.

Created by mums, for mums, Life Postpartum is an online subscription platform that provides mothers with expert-led physical, nutritional and emotional support for up to a year after birth, a time when many women feel forgotten once the initial six to eight weeks of standard postnatal care have passed.

With expert input from physiotherapists, nutritionists, psychologists, hormone specialists and midwives, a Life Postpartum subscription includes:

● Personalised recovery and exercise plans

● Tailored nutritional guidance and recipes to restore depleted energy and nutrients

● 24/7 access to live and on-demand sessions

● Midwife-led baby advice

● A beautifully curated care package of nutrient-rich treats, books, and self-care products (included with the annual membership)

Whether it’s for your wife, daughter, granddaughter, niece or friend, Life Postpartum is more than a present - it’s a lifeline for new mums at Christmas and beyond.

The Gift Package includes

● Matrescence by Lucy Jones

● The Life Spice Blend (40g)

● The Life Granola Blend

(100g)

● Gratitude & Affirmation card deck

● NutraMother Tea from NutraTea

● Annual membership to Life Postpartum - instant access to over 300 hours of on-demand, expert-led physical, nutritional, emotional and hormonal support.

Stocking fillers…

The Life Granola

Blend (500g)

RRP: £8.99

Handmade by their nutritional consultant and chef Melanie Hadida, this small-batch granola is thoughtfully formulated to balance energy, support hormonal health, and aid recovery.

The Life Blend (40g - 100g) RRP: £4.99 – £9.99

Perfect for adding to curries, as well as teas and warm milk, this blend is crafted with warming, restorative spices to gently nourish from within. 

To learn more and to check on prices, etc, visit https://www.lifepostpartum.com/membership/

It's Gin, but Without the Hangover. For Your Christmas Parties Meet Clean G!

OK, so it's cocktail time for your next Christmas or New Year party, you have the vodkas, the Scotch, the bottled IPAs that Uncle Kevin loves... but what about those not drinking alcohol? 

For example the total abstainers? Cousin Sue who is pregnant with twins? What are they supposed to drink? That dreadful sugar-free diet orange squash that always puts a film on your teeth? Maybe a tonic without the gin? Canned pre-mixed drinks that look radioactive in the glass?

Not anymore! Because now, everyone can spend an absolutely delightful Christmas and New Year enjoying cocktails and straight drinks without getting sick, hungover or risking a driving ban. How? Meet CleanCo!

CleanCo was founded in 2019 by Spencer Matthews a TV personality, entrepreneur and podcaster. Spencer decided that he didn't want to drink alcohol any more but was irritated that the alcohol free choices available to him where soft drinks, water or mocktails that really were not that enjoyable.

So like many inventive people before him, when Spencer realised that as there weren't any suitable alternatives he would set out to create them. And after much research, experimentation, blending and testing CleanCo was founded.

But CleanCo state very firmly that the company is not anti-alcohol in any way. They are just pro-choice and pro the idea of being able to enjoy several G&Ts after your evening meal or after the Christmas feasting without waking up with a hangover and a thumping headache!

So, what's available for your Christmas drinks table?

CleanG which is a very tasty dry gin which has delicious notes of juniper, citrus fruits and herbal essences. My wife described this as an exceptionally clean gin-style drink that had definite digestion calming effects. "Don't forget, gin was originally sold as a medicine for stomach ailments," she told me.

There's also CleanG Rhubarb, a rhubarb flavoured version. 

CleanR is a delightful spiced rum, crafted to have a comparable mouthfeel an flavour to rum with alcohol, it's excellent for making perfect recreations of your rum cocktails but with no nasty hangovers!

CleanT is an alcohol-free Tequila, which has all of the Tequila taste with none of the after-effects when blended to make lovely acohol-free cocktails.

CleanW is an alcohol-free whiskey which has bold oakwood, orange, and vanilla notes with a smooth and spicy finish. Ideal with a splash of tonic water or in a whiskey cocktail.

CleanV is a vodka with the alcohol. Carefully blended to replicate the taste and mouthfeel of vodka, it has a crisp wheat and rye spirit with a peppery and spicy finish. Ideal for those hangover-free cocktails on Christmas morning!

After tasting her first glass of CleanG my wife expressed her opinion that she thought it would be about £45 a bottle. 

She was suitable impressed when she discovered that each 75cl bottle actually retails at £16.00 a bottle, as do all the other drinks in their range. And you can save money by signing up for a subscription, too, with a 10% discount.

But you can also buy CleanCo products as part of your regular shopping runs including Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsburys, ASDA, Morrisons and Ocado, as well as a range of independent bottle shops.  

Also check out bars, restaurants and experiential venues across the country too. Find the full list here https://clean.co/pages/store-locations

https://clean.co

You'll also find a fantastic range of cocktails here https://clean.co/blogs/clean-cocktails

Play in CHOC is the ideal chocolate gift for Christmas

It can be really hard to find chocolate that is inclusive for all children and adults who different dietary requirements.

Rather than waste time trying to sort out different types of chocolate for different dietary requirements for all of the people you are buying for, all you need do is to ensure that you source all your chocolates for Christmas from Play in Choc.

Why are we suggesting this? Because Play in CHOC have carefully and lovingly crafted some of the smoothest, most delicious chocolates we have ever tasted.

Their chocolate is guaranteed free from the top 14 allergens and uses only three plant ingredients using cacao, coconut and vanilla. 

They are 100% vegan, fully dairy-free & 100% organic, so everyone can enjoy great-tasting, award-winning chocolate which is 14 allergen free without even a hint of guilt.

But there's much, much more than that, because Play in CHOC combines their delicious chocolate with some absolutely amazing toys!

You can combine the excitement of playing & eating chocolate with their ToyChoc Boxes. Enjoy delicious dairy-free & allergy-free organic chocolate with a collectable 3D cardboard animal puzzle toy to assemble and a fun facts card. 

Their toys include endangered animals, dinosaurs, woodland animals,  rabbits & Christmas characters. Play, learn & eat delicious chocolate at the same time.

There are also chocolates, Pic Gift Sets and Gift Cards, too.

Let us remove the stress of finding the perfect chocolate by simply browsing through their stunning chocolate collections!

And they claim with justifiable pride to be fully sustainable. 

https://playinchoc.com/

Doggedly looking for Canine Christmas Gifts? Pointer Christmas Gift Guide Shows You the Way

If you’re looking for the perfect dog friendly gift this Christmas, then look no further than Pointer – a British-based dog treat company with a range of tasty festive snacks on the menu this year.   

Born in South Yorkshire in the 1950s, Pointer is now based in the heart of Lincolnshire and stocked across the whole of the UK. 

As a leading biscuiteer, they still bake their treats in their family-run farm bakery, using ingredients harvested from their very own fields.

Their products are created by a family of dog lovers, for the well-loved dogs in your family. 

From advent calendars to crackers, share some Christmas spirit The Pointer Way this year. Their festive range includes: 

Pointer Dog Advent Calendar- can't wait till the big day? Give your dog a daily taste of Christmas from December 1st! Filled with crunchy carob and cheese flavoured bones, this Countdown Calendar is the perfect way to include your dog in the festive excitement.  

Pointer Christmas Cracker- Stuffed with crunchy turkey and cranberry flavoured shapes, don’t let your furry friend miss out on all of the Christmas cracker fun!  

Pointer Christmas Selection- Want to spoil your dog this festive season? Well Pointer’s 10kg box of Turkey & Cranberry flavoured biscuits is the perfect way to stay stocked up with festive treats! 

Made with real turkey and oven-baked to perfection – it’ll be hard to resist woofing these down. 

Pointer Christmas Hamper- can't decide? Fill your pup’s stocking with a paw-fect selection of an advent calendar, Christmas cracker, hand iced bone, and a card from the Pointer family! 

https://www.pointerpetfoods.co.uk

Welcome to a Winter Wonderland! Revealing the 2025 Bonne Maman Advent Calendar

It’s time to take a magical walk in an enchanted forest with this year’s exclusive limited edition Bonne Maman Advent Calendar. 

Cheerful little festive characters and adorable cheeky animals will help you discover 23 mini jars of delicious seasonal conserves, chocolates and caramels, plus a surprise decorative gift on Christmas Eve.  

A perfect gift to treat loved ones, or yourself!, every Advent Calendar purchased from the Bonne Maman website will also receive a complimentary special edition Christmas jar of Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, embellished with an evocative, winter wonderland design. 

A truly lovable, exclusive item for 2025, that makes a sweet home accessory after use. Simply pop in a string of twinkling lights or battery tea light for a pretty, personalised decoration for years to come.   

In the advent calendar, you, or the fortunate recipient, will discover mini jars of special conserves, chocolate spreads and caramels, to enjoy a different taste sensation for breakfast every day of Advent. 

Many flavour combinations have been developed exclusively for this Christmas and not usually available in the UK, such as Orange, guava and lime, Madagascar vanilla caramel, Mango and ginger, or Blueberry and lychee with rose. 

As an extra treat behind the final door, on Christmas Eve, discover a pretty, decorative surprise gift – just in time for Christmas day itself!

A delicious way to spread the festive joy this Christmas season, the Bonne Maman Advent Calendar is available to order from mid-August online at https://www.bonnemaman.co.uk/advent at £33.00 including postage and packing. 

The Bonne Maman Advent calendar will also be available from retailers such as Waitrose & Partners, Selfridges and Fenwicks.                                                

For further information, tips and recipes visit www.bonnemaman.co.uk, like on Facebook @BonneMamanUK and follow on Instagram @bonnemaman_uk. Stockists may vary. 

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.

A Sweet Christmas Without the Sugar: Catering for Diabetic Guests

Christmas is a time for indulgence the mince pies, Christmas pudding, chocolates, and festive cocktails all seem to take centre stage. 

But if you’re welcoming friends or family with diabetes, you may be wondering how best to cater for them without leaving them out of the seasonal fun. 

The good news? With today’s wide range of zero sugar alternatives, syrups and flavourings, you can create festive treats that are both delicious and diabetic-friendly.

Why Think About Zero Sugar Options?

Traditional festive foods are often packed with refined sugar, which can cause blood glucose levels to spike. For those living with diabetes, this makes navigating the Christmas table tricky. 

By making simple swaps with sugar-free ingredients and naturally sweet alternatives, you can help ensure that everyone enjoys the celebrations without worry.

Sweet Swaps: Baking and Desserts

Zero sugar syrups – Brands now offer syrups in flavours such as vanilla, caramel, hazelnut and even festive gingerbread. Perfect for drizzling over pancakes, flavouring coffee, or adding to whipped cream.

Sugar-free chocolate – A great option for stocking fillers or to melt into sauces.

Sugar substitutes for baking – Stevia, erythritol and monk fruit sweetener can be used in Christmas puddings, cakes and biscuits without compromising taste. (However, people like my wife are allergic to Stevia)

Drinks Without the Sugar Crash

Christmas drinks are often loaded with sugar – from mulled wine to hot chocolate. Try these alternatives:

Sugar-free hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of zero sugar syrup.

Mulled spice tea – brew black tea with cinnamon, cloves and orange peel, then sweeten with a sugar substitute.

Festive mocktails – mix sparkling water with sugar-free syrups, a splash of lemon or lime, and fresh fruit garnish for a seasonal fizz.

Savoury Options That Shine

It’s not all about sweet treats. Luckily, most of the Christmas dinner spread is already diabetic-friendly: roast turkey, Brussels sprouts, red cabbage, carrots, and parsnips. Just be mindful of glazes and sauces – opt for reduced-sugar cranberry sauce or make your own using a sugar substitute.

Little Touches That Make a Big Difference

Label dishes so guests know what’s sugar-free.

Offer choice – a traditional pudding alongside a zero-sugar trifle or cheesecake ensures everyone has something special.

Stock your coffee corner with sugar-free syrups so guests can customise their festive lattes.

A Christmas Everyone Can Enjoy

With a little planning and the help of zero sugar syrups and flavourings, you can make your diabetic guests feel not just included, but spoiled with thoughtful festive treats. After all, Christmas is about togetherness, and that means ensuring everyone can join in the feast.

Here are some excellent zero-sugar syrup options available in the UK, perfect for making your Christmas festivities more inclusive for guests managing diabetes.

Festive classic — Christmas maple & spice

Maple & Cinnamon Syrup - Skinny Syrup - 425ml

£4.99

theskinnyfoodco

Gingerbread festive flavour

Mint Syrup | Mint Syrup For Coffee | Skinny Syrups

£6.99

theskinnyfoodco

Nutty barista‑style syrup

Mint Syrup | Mint Syrup For Coffee | Skinny Syrups

£6.99

theskinnyfoodco

Versatile vanilla for coffee, drinks

Monin Sugar Free Vanilla Flavouring Syrup (1 litre)

£9.49

Maple & Cinnamon Syrup - Skinny Syrup - 425ml

A delightfully festive blend of maple and warm spices — ideal for drizzling over porridge, cakes, or into hot beverages without any calories or sugar. A classic seasonal touch.

Mint Syrup | Mint Syrup For Coffee | Skinny Syrups

Rich hints of gingerbread with cinnamon, cloves and molasses make this perfect for spicing up hot chocolate, coffee, or desserts with winter warmth — all sugar-free.

Mint Syrup | Mint Syrup For Coffee | Skinny Syrups

A creamy, nutty favourite for flavouring latte, hot chocolate or even breakfast bowls. Totally sugar-free and delicious.

Monin Sugar Free Vanilla Flavouring Syrup (1 litre)

A versatile vanilla syrup, perfect for lattes, cocktails, baking or mocktails. Made with sucralose, delivering rich flavour without the sugar.

Other Notable UK-Friendly Options

The Skinny Food Co is a notable British brand offering a wide range of zero-calorie, sugar-free syrups. They're stocked in major supermarkets including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Lidl, and health stores such as Holland & Barrett. 

Wikipedia

NextDayCoffee.co.uk features sugar-free syrups from Amor, Monin, and Simply, including festive picks like:

Monin Gingerbread Sugar-Free Syrup

Monin Vanilla Sugar-Free Syrup

Amor Caramel / Hazelnut / Vanilla Sugar-Free Syrups — all priced around £4.99 for 750 ml 

Nextday Coffee

Bulk™ Zero Calorie Syrup is another UK-available option sweetened with sucralose, offering calorie-free choices in flavours like maple and butterscotch. 

Community recommendations include:

“I quite like the Skinny Syrup ones. I find that the Maple one has the most flavour but the Salted Caramel is also pretty good.” — a user from r/AskUK

Sweeteners & Health Considerations

While syrups offer festive flavour, many use artificial sweeteners such as sucralose or aspartame, both generally have minimal impact on blood glucose levels, making them acceptable for diabetic guests. 

However, experts advise moderation as some individuals may experience digestive discomfort or changes in appetite or gut health. 

Stevia, monk fruit, or allulose are natural or low-glycaemic sweeteners that can be used in baking; allulose behaves more like real sugar in recipes, though it’s currently more niche. 

Quick Recommendations for a Diabetic-Friendly Festive Spread

Ingredient Recommendation

Syrup for coffee / drinks Skinny Food Co Maple & Cinnamon or Monin Gingerbread

Dessert drizzle Skinny Food Co Hazelnut or Chocolate Fudge Cake flavour

Baking sweetener Consider sucralose-based syrup or natural substitutes like stevia/allulose

Label clearly Mark sugar-free options at your buffet to minimise confusion

Offer variety Include one traditional sweet alongside sugar-free alternatives so everyone can enjoy

Using zero sugar syrups lets you create festive menus—think flavored coffees, mocktails, baked treats—that are both indulgent and considerate of diabetic dietary needs. 

The Skinny Food Co range stands out for availability and flavour variety in the UK; Monin offers rich, barista-style quality; and Bulk™ is a reliable calorie-free alternative.