December in the UK always brings a wave of festive launches, cosy nights in and a bit of indulgence, but this year there’s something different in the air. Consumers are leaning heavily into what TikTok has started calling “comfort-core” — big flavours, nostalgic snacks, hearty drinks and affordable treats that feel warm, familiar and satisfying.
With the cost of living still biting and the weather colder than ever, the “big night in” has become a genuine cultural shift. And the supermarkets have responded with some of the boldest, most comforting food and drink launches we’ve seen in years.
Here’s what’s driving the trend, and the best things to try right now.
The rise of the cosy ‘big night in’
More people are staying home this winter, not just to save money but because it simply feels better. Instead of heading to the pub, shoppers are recreating that homely pub-snack feeling:
- pork scratchings
- pickled onions
- chilli-spiced nuts
- big-flavour crisps
- cheese boards and sharing snacks
It’s nostalgia, indulgence and value all mixed together. People want treats, but not the kind that empty your bank account.
What’s trending in supermarkets this December
1. Pickled snacks are everywhere
Pickled onions, pickled eggs, pickled gherkins, they’ve all gone viral again thanks to TikTok’s obsession with “sour snacks”. Every major retailer has expanded its range.
2. Hot honey is the flavour of the season
From hot honey chicken tenders to halloumi drizzles, it’s become a must-have condiment. Aldi and Tesco both released limited-edition spicy honey products this month.
3. Festive limited-edition crisps
The classics are back — pigs in blankets, turkey stuffing, roast beef- but this year flavours are punchier and more experimental.
4. High-protein winter snacks
The protein trend hasn’t slowed down. Expect festive-flavour protein bars, winter-spice yoghurts, and low-calorie “comfort” treats aimed at the gym crowd.
This year’s biggest drink trends
1. Cosy hot drinks
Gingerbread lattes, mint hot chocolate, toasted marshmallow coffees — cafés and supermarkets are battling for the top festive cup. DIY mixes are flying off the shelves for those staying in.
2. Alcohol-free Christmas drinks
0% mulled wine, 0% cider and non-alcoholic spirits are selling faster than ever as more people take “mindful drinking” seriously.
3. Cream liqueur alternatives
Aldi, Lidl and M&S are all releasing flavour-packed rivals to Baileys and many are cheaper and stronger on flavour.
4. Festive twists on functional drinks
Energy drinks, hydration mixes and vitamin shots have all dropped limited-edition flavours to cash in on the December buzz.
Why comfort-core is hitting so hard this winter
A few things are driving this shift:
- People want affordable indulgence
- Nostalgic flavours feel grounding during busy, stressful weeks
- Supermarkets have massively pushed seasonal launches
- TikTok has made “snack culture” more mainstream than ever
- Cold weather = grab snacks, get cosy, stay in
Comfort is in and brands know it.
My top picks to try this week
Here are the standouts worth grabbing if you want to taste the trend for yourself:
- Aldi Specially Selected Irish Cream Liqueur – a brilliant Baileys alternative.
- Tesco’s Pigs in Blankets Crisps – rich, smoky and very festive.
- Marks & Spencer Pickled Onions – sharp, crunchy, perfect with cheese.
- Costa Gingerbread Latte (DIY sachets) – surprisingly good at home.
- Lidl Hot Honey – great on chicken, chips, or even pizza.
Quick DIY comfort snack ideas
If you fancy making something yourself rather than buying it:
- Hot Honey Roasted Nuts – mix nuts with honey + chilli flakes, roast 10 minutes.
- Festive Loaded Fries – chips topped with stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce.
- Pub-Style Pickled Platter – pickled onions, cheese cubes, crackers, chilli jam.
- Air-Fryer Stuffing Balls – cheap, quick, and ridiculously satisfying.
To find out about other trends shaping the Food & Drink sector this Christmas read our latest edition of Inside Food & Drink HERE
