Best protein powder 2026, tried and tested
Our team put a range of protein powders to the test to find which ones rank top in terms of taste, quality and ingredients
Formerly only used by frequent gym goers and those looking to build muscle, protein powders are a now a regular supplement for many to support growth and repair throughout the body. An essential macronutrient, protein is vital for our minds and bodies to function properly, so if you think your diet may be lacking, it might be time to purchase a powder. To help you make the right choice, our team tested all the well known brands – and some smaller ones – rating them all for taste, quality and ingredients. Our top picks of the best protein powder this year include pancake-perfect mixes from Protein Works to top-rated shakes from The Organic Protein Co. Read on for our selection. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Jump to: Best protein powder at a glance Best protein powder to buy 2026 What type of protein powder is best? Who could benefit from using protein powder? Is it ok to drink protein powder everyday? How we test protein powders Best protein powder at a glance Best tasting protein powder: The Organic Protein Co organic whey protein, banana and lucama, £28.50 for 600g Best allrounder protein powder: MyProtein Impact whey protein, chocolate brownie, £13.49 for 500g Best low-calorie protein powder: Protein Works diet whey isolate 90, vanilla crème, £23.99 for 500g Best protein powder for women: Free Soul vegan protein blend, chocolate, £27.49 for 600g Highest protein per serving: Innermost The Strong Protein, chocolate, £29.95 Best protein powder for bulking: Maxi Nutrition Cyclone Strength, banoffee, £49.99 for 1.26kg Best protein for pancakes: Protein Works Loaded Protein Pancakes Gold Innovation, £13.29 for 500g Best protein powder for adding to smoothies: Huel Complete Protein, chocolate fudge brownie, £25 for 750g Best protein powder to buy 2026 The Organic Protein Co organic whey protein, banana and lucama Available from Amazon (£27.99), Planet Organic (£28), Abel & Cole (£28.50) Best tasting protein powder Star rating: 5/5 Many protein powders fall short when it comes to flavour, but not this one from The Organic Protein Co. We found it tastes just like a slice of banana bread and whisked into a smooth, creamy drink is similar in texture to a milkshake. We were also impressed by the ingredients of this supplement which shuns artificial sweeteners in favour of dried banana and uses whey from organic milk. Plus the addition of lucama powder which adds a hint of sweetness. At £26 for 600g (16 servings) it's one of the more expensive on this list, but if you ask us it's worth it. Available from: Amazon (£27.99) Planet Organic (£28) Abel & Cole (£28.50) MyProtein Impact whey protein, chocolate brownie Available from MyProtein (£13.49 for 500g) Best allrounder protein powder Star rating: 4.5/5 If you like to switch things up when it comes to flavour this could be a great option. It's available in a staggering 40 flavours with everything from Peach Tea to Tiramisu. We tried the Chocolate Brownie flavour which was subtle with a lovely milk chocolatey aftertaste. When mixed with water the shake became thick and we found it very filling when we had it at breakfast time. Available from: MyProtein (£13.49 for 500g) Protein Works diet whey isolate 90, vanilla crème Available from Protein Works (£23.99 for 500g) Best low-calorie protein powder Star rating: 4.5/5 This protein powder is available in a host of flavours, or you can buy it unflavoured to add to smoothies without overwhelming the taste. We tried it in the Vanilla Crème flavour which was custardy and sweet thanks to the stevia. With 0g of fat per serving this could be a good option if you're looking for a protein powder which doesn't add more fat into your diet. Available from: Protein Works (£23.99 for 500g) Free Soul vegan protein blend, chocolate Available from Free Soul (£27.49 for 600g) Best protein powder for women Star rating: 4.5/5 We tried this supplement from Free Soul in the Chocolate flavour which we found pleasantly malty and nutty without being overpoweringly sweet. Suitable for those on a vegan diet, it mixed into a nice and smooth shake which could be drunk on it's own or blended with other ingredients. As part of it's ingredients this supplement also includes added nutrients for women which include calcium, biotin (B7), thiamine (B1), vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and pantothenic acid (B5). Since it has so many added ingredients it's worth checking any other supplements you might be taking to ensure you're not consuming more than your daily dose on any nutrients. Available from: Free Soul (£27.49 for 600g) Innermost The Strong Protein, chocolate Available from Innermost (£29.95), Boots (£29.95), bodykind (£25.49) Highest protein per serving Star rating: 4.5/5 If you're looking for bang for your buck when it comes to protein, this powder has 34g of protein per 40g. It also includes other ingredients for increasing muscle mass, boosting exercise performance and reducing inflammation, like creatine monohydrate, Montmorency cherries, bilberries and magnesium. On test, we were impressed by how easily this protein powder blended in the shaker, especially compared to many others we've tested. The chocolate flavour was delicate and not too sweet. Available from: Innermost (£29.95) Boots (£29.95) bodykind (£25.49) Maxi Nutrition Cyclone Strength, banoffee Available from Maxi Nutrition (£49.99 for 1.26kg) Best protein powder for bulking Star rating: 4/5 If you're goals include growing muscle this powder could be a good option as it includes creatine as well as protein which aids energy in the muscles. With 60g per portion this supplement also has an impressive amount of protein in it compared to other powders we tested. We tried the Banoffee flavour which might not be for everyone as it's very sweet, but we found it similar to foam banana sweets. Available from: Maxi Nutrition (£49.99 for 1.26kg) Protein Works Loaded Protein Pancakes Gold Innovation Available from Protein Works (£13.29 for 500g) Best protein powder for pancakes Star rating: 4/5 The Protein Works protein pancake mix is a more filling option if you're looking to boost your protein intake while still enjoying light and fluffy pancakes. We found the texture to be soft and the flavour works well on its own or with toppings like berries, yoghurt or maple syrup. It mixes easily with water or milk and cooks evenly, although the pancakes can brown quite quickly so you may need to keep the heat low. Each serving contains around 20g of protein, and the mix is low in sugar. Vegan options are also available depending on the flavour you choose. Available from: Protein Works (£13.29 for 500g) Huel Complete Protein, chocolate fudge brownie Available from Huel (£25 for 750g) Best protein powder for adding to smoothies Star rating: 3.5/5 Huel is a big name when it comes to supplements, and we tried its protein powder in the Chocolate Fudge Brownie flavour. Mixed with water it created a nicely thick textured shake although we didn't find the flavour as chocolatey as we would have hoped. This would be a good option if you're looking for a protein to add to your morning smoothie as it would pair well with ingredients like banana and peanut butter. Each serving contains 20g of protein, and the powder is suitable for those on a vegan and/or gluten-free diet. Available from: Huel (£25 for 750g) What type of protein powder is best? The type of protein powder best for you will be entirely dependant on your own personal requirements and goals — there isn't a 'one size fits all' approach when it comes to supplements. When choosing a protein powder, make sure you look at the ingredients and think about what you're already getting in your diet. It's important to buy from a reputable retailer and if you're in any doubt talk to your pharmacist or GP. Who could benefit from using protein powder? If you are unable to eat enough protein through your diet, or if high-intensity exercise means that you have an increased protein need, than you may benefit from a protein supplement. It's worth bearing in mind that, if you're regularly getting enough protein through the food you're eating, then you'll be unlikely to see a big difference from a protein powder. Is it ok to drink protein powder everyday? All supplements need to be taken as part of a health balanced diet. It is possible to take too much protein, and it is recommended by the Department of Health that adults shouldn't take more than twice the daily recommended intake of protein. That's 55g for men and 45g for women. It's important to think about the other sources of protein you're getting from your diet as well as the dose of your protein powder to make sure you're not taking too much. There are possible long term affects of taking too much protein such as a greater risk of osteoporosis. Some people should avoid protein powders all together, for example children should not take them unless directly advised by their doctor to do so. If you are concerned about which supplement to take or whether your should be taking a specific supplement you should get in touch with your GP. How we test protein powders When testing we mixed each protein powder with water using a handheld milk frother to achieve a consistent taste and consistency. We used the packaging instructions for the ratio of powder to water. Each protein powder was scored against a number of criteria including: Taste: was the flavour of the drink pleasant when mixed with just water? Texture: were we able to achieve a smooth consistency without any lumps of powder? Value for money: how many servings were included versus the cost of the product? Type of protein: what type of protein is used in the powder? Nutrient profile: we look for how much protein is included per serving as well as the volume of other ingredients and nutrients. Related content Best biotin supplement UK Best protein bars Best vegan protein powder Best ashwagandha supplement UK Best magnesium supplement for sleep Best probiotics UK Best vitamin D supplement UK Best collagen supplement UK Best greens powder Best smoothie blender Best Nutribullet Best portable blender
Best collagen supplements UK, tried and tested by experts 2026
Our health experts have tried and tested marine, vegan and bovine collagen in the form of gels and powders to help you find the best option
Collagen is a natural protein found in the body and plays a vital role in the health of skin, bones, muscles and connective tissue. Making sure your diet provides enough protein is key to supplying the amino acids your body needs to produce collagen. Adding a collagen supplement may also support skin health and elasticity, and could offer benefits for joint comfort and maintaining bone strength. Sponsored by Absolute Collagen Get a Marine Collagen Skincare Bundle at Absolute Collagen and enjoy 20% off, plus a £100 free gift. In today’s world, skincare routines are all about smart choices. Which is why collagen remains a must-have for anyone looking to support glowing skin from within. Supplement subscriptions at Absolute Collagen will have you looking and feeling your best, as they can promote hair growth, skin hydration, wrinkle repair and more. Subscribe now and you'll get 20% off your first order, as well as a free gift worth £100. Plus, enjoy an exclusive extra 10% off supplement subscriptions with code AC0126SUPP-OLIVE (new customers only, does not include Sculpt pre-order. Ends 28 February.) Choose a Marine Collagen Skincare Bundle to enjoy 20% off today. As we get older, our bodies naturally produce less collagen, which is why some people turn to supplements. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to know which type is best, how they taste, and whether they’re worth the cost. We’ve tested collagen supplements for flavour and ingredient quality, so you can make an informed choice. Keep reading for our favourite picks of the best marine, vegan and bovine collagen supplements. Looking for more healthy inspiration? Read our guides to the 10 foods to fight seasonal allergies and what is the dopamine diet. Jump to: Best marine collagen Best vegan collagen Best bovine collagen What is collagen? Types of collagen: marine, vegan and bovine What is the best form of collagen to take? How do collagen supplements work? Best collagen supplements UK at a glance Best marine collagen Best flavoured marine collagen: Hunter & Gather Rise & Glow Collagen Daily Beauty Tonic, £40 Best marine collagen for adding to smoothies: JS Health Vitality X + collagen, £39.99 Best marine collagen for skin: Rejuvenated collagen shots, £49 Best marine collagen sachets: Revive Collagen hydrolysed marine collagen drink, £27.74 Best marine collagen powder: Sixways raspberry flavour marine collagen, £42.99 Best vegan collagen Best vegan collagen: Shreddy Superskin, £38 Best flavour vegan collagen: Feel strawberry peach vegan collagen powder, £56.43 Best bovine collagen Best bovine collagen: Ancient + Brave cacao and collagen, £22.40 Best blended collagen Best blended collagen: NaturesPlus Collagen Peptides, £22.99 Best collagen supplements to buy in UK 2026 Best marine collagen Hunter & Gather Rise & Glow Collagen Daily Beauty Tonic Available from Ocado (£38), Healf (£36) Best flavoured collagen Star rating: 5/5 Despite having a marine collagen base, this supplement from Hunter & Gather didn't have a hint of fishiness, and was our favourite on test for its fruity flavour. The flavour is so good, it can be taken with water rather than needing to be disguised in fruit juice or a smoothie. The overall taste is sweet yet tangy, with a slight floral undertone thanks to the hibiscus. As well as the 5,000mg of collagen per serving, it also contains vitamin C from the blend of fruit powders, which includes açai, blueberry, blackcurrant and raspberry. This would be a good option if you want to add collagen to your diet but you're worried about the taste. Available from: Healf (£40) Ocado (£38) JS Health Vitality X + collagen Available from JS Health Vitamins (£39.99) Best marine collagen for adding to smoothies Star rating: 5/5 From JS Health Vitality, this collagen supplement makes a light, fruity drink. Even though it's made from wild deep sea cod skin – along with other ingredients – there wasn't any trace of marine flavour when we tested it. Other ingredients include turmeric and blueberry powder, which contributes to the fruitiness. We also noted tropical fruits, which had a nice acidity that balanced the sweetness. We found it tasted best when added to a morning fruit smoothie, which is an easy way to start the day with a collagen hit. Available from: JS Health Vitamins (£39.99) Rejuvenated collagen shots Available from Rejuvenated (£52.50) Best marine collagen for skin Star rating: 4/5 As there is a known connection between a healthy gut and good skin, Rejuvenated created a powder which combines hydrolysed marine collagen, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid with a probiotic. Don't worry, there's no taste of fish, in fact it's very subtle in flavour. Available from: Rejuvenated (£52.50) Revive Collagen hydrolysed marine collagen drink Available from Revive Collagen (£29.27), Sephora (£36.99 for 14) Best marine collagen sachets Star rating: 4/5 Unlike many options on this list, which come in the form of powders, this collagen supplement is a gel, with a similar consistency to an undiluted cordial. In fact, we think adding it to water is the best way to consume it, as the lemony citrus flavour is pleasant. But, you could take it with juice, if you prefer. As well as marine collagen, these gels contain retinol and hydrolysed keratin, which are known to have skin-plumping benefits. You get two weeks' worth in a regular box (14 sachets), but if you sign up to a Revive subscription, you'll get two boxes every 28 days, with free delivery. Available from: Revive Collagen (£29.27) Sephora (£36.99 for 14) Sixways raspberry flavour marine collagen Available from Ocado (£42), Holland & Barrett (£42.99) Best marine collagen powder Star rating: 4/5 This collagen supplement comes in powder form, so it's easy to mix into whatever you fancy. We were hit with sour raspberry, which reminded us of undiluted fruit cordial. Luckily, no fishiness made it through. We like that Sixways gets its marine collagen from sustainably sourced fish in the Atlantic. As well as collagen, this supplement contains vitamins C and A. With 28 servings per pack, it should last a month, but you can purchase a monthly subscription to save money. Available from: Ocado (£42) Holland & Barrett (£42.99) Best vegan collagen Shreddy Superskin Available from Shreddy (£38) Best vegan collagen Star rating: 5/5 Formulated from a plant-based collagen alternative, this powder performed brilliantly on test. The peach iced tea flavour was sweet and refreshing and would be easy to drink on a daily basis. Like many vegan collagen powders this supplement includes additional nutrients including the daily dose of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Available from: Shreddy (£38) Feel strawberry peach vegan collagen powder Available from Feel (£56.43) Best flavour vegan collagen Star rating: 4/5 This collagen has a pleasantly sweet, fruity flavour similar to strawberry sherbet, with a tangy acidity. It was one of the best we tried – most testers said they would happily take it every day. It also comes in a pineapple and grapefruit flavour, although we didn't try these. As this is a vegan collagen supplement, it's designed to mimic the amino acids produced by collagen in our bodies. It's combined with other ingredients that help to boost collagen production, like the ancient herb, gotu kola. Available from: Feel (£56.43) Best bovine collagen Ancient + Brave cacao and collagen Available from Healf (£22.10), Ancient + Brave (£28) Best bovine collagen Star rating: 5/5 Bovine collagen is a close match to human collagen, which makes it easy to absorb, but it can often come with an unpleasant flavour. That's not the case with this option from Ancient + Brave. The collagen is combined with raw Peruvian cacao, which contains antioxidants and ashwaganda. It's chocolatey, with deep, earthy notes and elements of spice thanks to the cinnamon, baobab and carob. Available from: Ancient + Brave (£22.10) Healf (£28) Best blended collagen NaturesPlus Collagen Peptides Available from Amazon (£24.95), Healf (£22.04) Best blended collagen Star rating: 4.5/5 If you're looking for an unflavoured collaged to add to cold or warm drinks this could be a great option as we found it has a crisp, clean flavour without any unpleasant aftertaste. Rather than using a single source of collagen like most supplements in this list, this one uses a combination of sources: grass-fed beef, wild-caught cod, free-range chicken and eggshell membrane. It's worth noting that we found that even after mixing with water the powder was a little lumpy, so this may benefit from being blended in a high powdered blender, or added to smoothies. Available from: Amazon (£24.95) Healf (£22.04) What is collagen? Collagen is a protein that is found in lots of different areas of the body, including connective tissues, organs, blood and bones. It is involved in essential processes, including protecting the nervous system, helping wounds heal and making blood clot. As we age, less collagen is produced in the body, which can lead to less elasticity in connective tissues and skin. Types of collagen: marine, vegan and bovine Collagen supplements generally come from three sources: marine, vegan and bovine. Marine and bovine are the easiest for us to absorb as they are the closest match to human collagen; however, vegan options have been developed to work as well. These don't contain standard collagen, but will more likely contain other products, like vitamin C, to help the body produce more collagen. Marine collagen, as the name might suggest, is made from fish, while bovine collagen is made from cows. The later is the closest to our own collagen, while marine collagen contains smaller molecules, which may help us absorb them more quickly. What is the best form of collagen to take? Collagen supplements come in several different forms. You can find collagen available as powder, gel, capsules and even creamer to add to coffee. There's no real best form to take, except what might work best for you. How do collagen supplements work? Collagen supplements mostly contain collagen from external sources. They might be described as 'collagen peptides' or 'hydrolysed collagen', which essentially means the same thing – the collagen has been broken down into smaller peptide particles that are easier for the human body to absorb. Our friends at Good Food have a brilliant guide on do collagen supplements work, which has lots more information. Related content Best ashwagandha supplement UK Best supplement for sleep Best vegan protein powder Best magnesium supplement Best probiotics UK Best protein powder Best vitamin D supplement UK Best greens powder Best matcha tea powders Best smoothie blender Best portable blender Best Nutribullet Best Ninja air-fryer Best small air-fryer Best dual air-fryer Best beauty supplements Best glucosamine supplement Best omega 3 supplement UK
Best omega 3 supplements UK 2026, tried and tested by experts
Our team have put a range of omega 3 supplements to the test to help you find the right one to fit your routine
Omega 3 is a fatty acid that's classified as 'essential' because it is necessary for our bodies to function correctly. Although used in the membrane of every cell in the body, as well as being important for other functions, we cannot create or synthesise it – we need to get it from the food we eat. Good natural sources of omega 3 include oily fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines, as well as plant sources like flaxseed and chia seeds. If you're looking to supplement your omega 3 intake it can be hard to cut through the noise and find one that's effective and offers value for money. We've tried and tested a range of omega 3 supplements for criteria like sustainability, ease of use, quality, purity and dosage, like one of our favourites for 2026 is Seven Seas Omega-3 Max Strength with Vitamin D. Read on to find the best omega 3 supplement for you. Jump to: Best omega 3 supplement UK at a glance Best omega 3 supplement UK to buy 2026 Why we need omega 3? What are omega 3 fatty acids? What is the most effective form of omega 3? What to look for in an omega 3 supplement Best omega 3 supplement UK at a glance Best high-strength omega 3 supplement: Seven Seas Omega-3 Max Strength with vitamin D, £12.60 Best softgel omega 3 supplement: WeightWorld Omega-3 2000mg fish oil, £18.99 Best everyday omega 3 supplement: Vitabright Omega-3 2000mg fish oil, £25.99 Best affordable omega 3 supplement: California Gold Nutrition Premium omega-3 fish oil, £11.27 Runner up affordable omega 3 supplement: Holland & Barrett omega-3 fish oil 1500mg, £25.99 Best vegan omega 3 supplement: Together Health Omega-3 – algae vegan source, £11.99 Best liquid omega 3 supplement: Viridian Organic Rainbow Trout Oil, £30.15 Best omega 3 supplement for small capsules: Feel vegan omega 3, £35.04 Best sustainably sourced omega 3 supplement: BioCare Vegan omega 3 (Algal DHA and EPA), £26.53 Best blowout omega 3 supplement: Wild Nutrition Pure Strength omega 3, £36.10 Best easy-to-take omega 3 supplement: Vitl omega 3, £10.99 Best omega 3 supplement for kids: Maxmedix Omega 3-6-9 gummies for kids, £18.49 Best omega 3 gummy supplement: Novomins Omega 3-6-9 vegan gummies, £19.99 Best omega 3 supplement UK to buy 2026 Seven Seas Omega-3 Max Strength with vitamin D Available from Boots (£12.60), Ocado (£22) Best high-strength omega 3 supplement Star rating: 4.5/5 With a single daily capsule, this omega-3 supplement delivers 1,250mg of fish oil providing about 1,063mg of omega-3 plus vitamin D, supporting normal heart, brain, vision, bone and immune health. The one-a-day dose makes it convenient to take, and the capsule dose is straightforward without needing multiple pills. We found the capsule size larger than average, but generallythese are high potency, good quality and easy to swallow with a glass of water. Available from: Boots (£12.60) Ocado (£22) WeightWorld Omega-3 2000mg fish oil Available from Weight World (£18.99), Amazon (£17.79) Best softgel omega 3 supplement Star rating: 4.5/5 At 16p per softgel capsule, this omega 3 supplement offers a good value for money. This supplement is small and easy to swallow, although the dose is two daily. We did find there was a slight fishy odour from the bottle but this didn't translate to taste when we took the supplement. The omega 3 in here has high level of EPA/DHA from sustainably sourced wild anchovies, with contaminate free oils. Although the source is sustainable, we would have liked to see some more information about recycling on the packaging. Available from: Weight World (£18.99) Amazon (£17.79) Vitabright Omega-3 2000mg fish oil Available from Vitabright (£25.99), Amazon (£20.99) Best everyday omega 3 supplement Star rating: 4.5/5 This supplement is in the form of capsules rather than softgels, but we still found it easy enough to swallow two of them, as instructed daily with food. While there's certainly a fishy smell when you open the bottle we didn't find the supplement fishy tasting which meant we were happy to take it alongside a meal. The fish oil used here is sustainably sourced although from multiple oceans, but we were impressed that there are no filler oils or bulking agents used. Available from: Vitabright (£25.99) Amazon (£20.99) California Gold Nutrition Omega-3 Premium fish oil Available from iHerb (£11.27) Best affordable omega 3 supplement Star rating: 4.5/5 We were impressed that these softgels didn't have a particularly fishy odour or taste, although we did find it tricky to swallow the two large capsules required for the daily dose. They are made with gelatine sourced from fish (tilapia) rather than a bovine or porcine equivalent, the oils are distilled for purity and sourced from named varieties of fish. Available from: iHerb (£11.27) Together Health Omega-3 – algae vegan source Available from Superdrug (£11.99), Waitrose & Partners (£14), Bodykind (£11.24) Best vegan omega 3 supplement Star rating: 4.5/5 If you have a vegan diet or find the fishy smell and taste associated with omega 3 difficult, this supplement could be a good option. They use algae oil, which is a concentrated source of omega 3, particularly DHA. This meant on test we found they had a neutral taste and only a slight grassy smell which wasn't unpleasant. Available from: Superdrug (£11.99) Waitrose & Partners (£14) Bodykind (£11.24) Viridian Organic Rainbow Trout Oil Available from Victoria Health (£30.15) Best liquid omega 3 supplement Star rating: 4.5/5 For those who don't like swallowing pills, this liquid could be the answer. Our testers were pleasantly surprised by the flavour: it contains lemon and orange oils, so there is a light scent and gentle flavour of citrus on top of a relatively neutral oil. There's no taste or smell of fish at all. Certified Soil Association organic (which has sustainability requirements built in), 1 tsp provides a total of 520mg EPA and DHA (the recommended, long-chain fatty acids most useful to your body). But it also contains other types of omega 3s, 6s, and even omega 7 and omega 9 for the most complete spectrum of all the samples tested. Available from: Victoria Health (£30.15) Feel Vegan omega 3 Available from Feel (£35.04) Best omega 3 supplement for small capsules Star rating: 4/5 This supplement uses a vegan source of omega 3, derived from algae. In the pack, you get a monthly dose with two of the small capsules making up a daily amount. Each daily serving delivers an adequate 300mg of DHA and 150mg of EPA. If you're looking for a vegan supplement to avoid the fishy taste often associated with omega 3, it's worth noting we found these capsules smelled and tasted like seaweed. Available from: Feel (£35.04) BioCare Vegan omega-3 (Algal DHA and EPA) Available from revital (£20.71), Amazon (£22.31), BioCare (£29.59) Best sustainably sourced omega 3 supplement Star rating: 4/5 Another good vegan option, BioCare's omega 3 supplement uses micro-algae as a source, which is considered sustainable, environmentally friendly and unlikely to contain any contaminants. We found there was a slight grassy smell from the bottle, but it wasn't unpleasant. With an RRP working out to 97p per capsule this was one of the more expensive supplements we tested. Available from: revital (£20.71) Amazon (£22.31) BioCare (£29.59) Wild Nutrition Pure Strength omega 3 Available from Amazon (£36.10), Healf (£29.99) Best blowout omega 3 supplement Star rating: 4/5 Although the capsules for this supplement are pretty small, the recommended does is four per day, which we found difficult to incorporate into our daily routine. The total recommended dose delivers a higher dose than any other supplements on test though. The fish oil used is sourced from wild Alaskan pollock which is Marine Stewardship Council-certified. With an RRP of £37 this supplement works out to a price of £1.23 per day, the most expensive on test. Available from: Amazon (£36.10) Healf (£29.99) Vitl omega 3 Available from Ocado (£6.70), Vitl (£10.99) Best easy-to-take omega 3 supplement Star rating: 4/5 We found these softgels small and easy to take, although they definitely had a strong fishy aftertaste which wasn't pleasant. One to two capsules per day is recommended, although you would need to take two to deliver the daily recommended dose. They are certified for sustainability by Friends of the Sea, the international sustainable fisheries certification. Available from: Ocado (£6.70) Vitl (£10.99) Holland & Barrett omega 3 fish oil 1500mg Available from Holland & Barrett (£25.99) Runner-up affordable omega 3 supplement Star rating: 4/5 These large capsules are contained within a gelatine shell which means there isn't any smell or taste. The label states that the product contains pure, contaminant-free fish oil. However, we were disappointed that there was no information regarding the source of the fish or its sustainability. If you're looking for an affordable omega 3 supplement where you don't need to take multiple capsules per day this could be a good option. Available from: Holland & Barrett (£25.99) Maxmedix Omega 3-6-9 gummies for kids Available from Weight World (£18.49), Amazon (£16.64) Best omega 3 supplement for kids Star rating: 3.5/5 Suitable for children aged three and upwards, these gummies come in a cute bear shape that appealed to our testers. We tried the strawberry and raspberry flavour which we liked but didn't love. The sweet flavour inevitably means a higher sugar content which is something to watch out for, especially for children. This supplement contains a combination of omega 3-6-9. Available from: Weight World (£18.49) Amazon (£16.64) Novomins Omega 3-6-9 vegan gummies Available from Novomins (£19.99), Amazon (£11.47) Best omega 3 gummy supplement Star rating: 3.5/5 On test we found taking two of these gummies a day easy thanks to the pleasant orange flavour. The supplement uses a vegan source of omega 3 rather than fish oil, so could be a good option if you're averse to fish flavours or have a vegan diet. It contains omega 3-6-9 rather than just omega 3. Available from: Novomins (£19.99) Amazon (£11.47) Why we need omega 3? Omega 3 might be best known for its role in cardiovascular health, but it plays a number of important roles in our bodies. In terms of heart health, omega 3 fatty acids could help to improve circulation and in preventing blood clots. It is also thought the omega 3s EPA and DHA could help to reduce a type of fat in the blood, triglycerides, high levels of which are associated with heart attacks and strokes. Omega 3 fats are present in every cell membrane in the human body, so help all the cells to function as they should. They are also crucial for the development of the retina in our eyes, as well as our brains. What are omega 3 fatty acids? Omega 3s are a group of fats which are important for our health. These could be short-chain omega 3s like ALA, which is considered less active, and can be found in nuts, seeds and their oils. Long chain which includes EPA and DHA which are considered more active, and the best choice to supplement omega 3. Oily varieties of fish including anchovies, sardines and herring are rich in EPA and DHA, while some white fish and shellfish have long chain omega 3s but at lower levels. What is the most effective form of omega 3? The omega 3 supplements in this list come in three forms: softgels, capsules and gummies. Softgels are great if you have trouble swallowing capsules as they're gentle to swallow. Gummies can also be a good options if you find capsules difficult to swallow, although it's worth bearing in mind that these also often have other ingredients in them. What to look for in an omega 3 supplement In a lot of the supplements we tested there are claims on the label about the strength of the product, for example that it might contain 1000mg, but to properly check the EPA and DHA levels you'll need to check the ingredients breakdown. We'd recommend looking for a supplement that delivers a daily dose of 450mg of EPA and DHA combined. A single capsule would have to be very large to deliver this quantity, so we'd expect a supplement that's reaching these levels to have a servings of two capsules or more daily. The source of the omega 3 is also an important thing to consider when choosing a supplement. Unless it's a vegan omega 3 supplement, most will use omega 3 sourced from fish oil which need to be both high quality and from fish that are sustainably caught. It's also important that the oil is contaminant-free. Related content Best vitamin B12 supplement Best biotin supplement UK Best ashwagandha supplement UK Best magnesium supplement Best magnesium supplement for sleep Best vegan protein powder Best probiotics UK Best vitamin D supplement UK Best collagen supplement UK Best protein powder Best portable blender Best Nutribullet Best glucosamine supplement All health content on olivemagazine.com is provided for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information. Always keep supplements out of the reach of children. Unless otherwise stated, we tested products available in the UK market and suitable for adults. Check the product label and ingredients before purchase to ensure it is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
The slow-morning edit – the new homeware pieces you need for cosy, easy Sundays
Embrace the cosy new interiors trend inspired by slow mornings and comfort-first homeware. Here’s how to create that easy Sunday feeling at home
There's a rare pleasure in unhurried mornings. The kind that begin without an alarm, stretch gently into brunch and invite you to stay in your pyjamas a little longer. The easy Sunday morning approach to your home and kitchen is about designing a space that encourages these moments, where comfort comes first and everyday rituals are treated with care. If you've seen this interiors trend on Pinterest and Instagram, you’ll agree that the colder season is the perfect time to embrace the aesthetic in your home. And the good news is, it's easy to do. Rather than dramatic statements or fast-changing trends, this look favours pieces that feel good to live with: thoughtfully made tableware, soft linens, warm textures and simple objects that effortlessly elevate the home. It's the perfect setting for enjoying the slower moments, whether it's grazing from a generous brunch board, lingering over fresh waffles with family, or savouring the smell of freshly made French toast as it drifts through your home. These are homes designed for relaxation, from bed to kitchen and back again – and for making the most of time spent doing very little at all. Jump to: How to make the most of easy Sunday morning style in your home What is easy Sunday morning style? Our favourite easy Sunday morning home inspiration Oak Wood Folding Bed Tray Available from John Lewis (£65) Breakfast in bed just got easier. Made from solid oak, this folding tray has a natural, warm finish and sturdy legs that fold flat for storage. It’s ideal for coffee and pastries in bed, or even for using your laptop comfortably on the sofa. Available from: John Lewis (£65) Cowshed Relax Calming Diffuser Available from Look Fantastic (£24), Boots (£32), Cowshed (£32) There’s nothing like a gentle scent to ease you into the day. This diffuser from Cowshed fills your space with soft lavender and sage, perfect for lingering over a book or a slow coffee in your slippers. The glass bottle and simple reeds add an understated elegance to any corner of your home. Available from: Look Fantastic (£24) Boots (£32) Cowshed (£32) Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker Available from Healf (£299), Selfridges (£365), Harrods (£365) Just like any slow Sunday, this coffee maker is about doing the simple things beautifully. The Fellow Aiden has a clean, unfussy design that sits easily on the worktop. You can start your brew from bed using the app, so coffee is ready by the time you wander into the kitchen. Fresh coffee with very little effort leaves you to enjoy a quiet morning, a second cup, and nowhere in a rush to be. Available from: Healf (£299) Selfridges (£365) Harrods (£365) Villeroy & Boch Crafted 4-Piece Porcelain Plate Set Available from Selfridges (£91.90) Simple and sturdy, these porcelain plates feel light but durable. They have a subtly textured finish that gives them a handmade look, making breakfast or brunch feel a little more thoughtful. They’re easy to mix and match with other tableware too, with soft blue hues and artisanal texture that elevate everyday dishes. Toast, fruit or pastries feel a little more considered when served on these subtle plates. Available from: Selfridges (£91.90) Swan Alexa Smart Kettle Available from AO.com (£59), Boots (£79.99), Argos (£80) This kettle can be controlled via Alexa or Bluetooth, so you can ask it to boil water without leaving your bed or sofa. It also has six temperature settings and a keep-warm function, making it easy to brew everything from delicate green teas to strong black coffee at exactly the right heat. Ideal for a relaxed Sunday breakfast table. Available from: AO.com (£59) Boots (£79.99) Argos (£80) Ferm Living Flow Mug With Saucer Available from Selfridges (£39) This simple mug is ideal for those who like minimalist kitchen decor. The Flow mug comes with a matching saucer, perfect for tea or coffee on the sofa, and the slightly uneven, handmade-inspired shape makes it feel more personal than a standard cup. It's the kind you instinctively reach for with your first coffee of the morning. Available from: Selfridges (£39) Piglet in Bed Linen Bedding Bundle Available from Piglet in Bed (from £237) Crisp yet soft, these extra-deep linen sheets are made for lingering mornings; linen that only gets better with time and makes Sunday lie-ins feel even more luxurious. These sheets are lightweight and breathable, made to feel soft from the first night. This set comes in a selection of patterns and colours to create a relaxed, calming atmosphere in your bedroom. Perfect for lingering in bed on a Sunday morning. Available from: Piglet in Bed (from £237) John Lewis New Zealand Single Sheepskin Rug – Wood Rose Available from John Lewis (£38) Indulgently soft and warm underfoot, this fluffy rug is ideal beside the bed for cold mornings, adding a warming touch that invites you to stay in slippers a little longer. Coming in a selection of colours, the sheepskin is soft and thick, perfect for draping over a chair, stool, or sofa, and it adds a natural texture that warms up any corner of the room. Available from: John Lewis (£38) Bearaby Cotton Weighted Blanket Available from Healf (£289.49) This hand-knitted cotton blanket is soft, breathable and evenly weighted to provide gentle pressure across your body. It’s perfect for curling up on the sofa or in bed, helping you feel calm and settled during a slow morning or a quiet evening. Designed to encourage deeper relaxation, this weighted blanket is perfect for slow Sunday starts with a book and a second cup of coffee, helping you feel grounded and cosy. Available from: Healf (£289.49) Ozone Coffee Roasters Available from Ozone Coffee (from £10.95) What’s a slow Sunday without a coffee? Ozone is a New Zealand roastery that’s brought its café-style brunch vibes to London since 2012. Their home coffees cover origins like Bolivia, Colombia and Guatemala, with flavour notes from bright citrus to nutty and cocoa, plus a 'half-caff' option if you want just a little buzz. Packaging is fully recyclable, deliveries are reliable, and their tasting packs make trying new beans easy. Perfect for a Sunday morning brew that feels a little indulgent. Available from: Ozone Coffee (from £10.95) What is easy Sunday morning style? Easy Sunday morning style is about making your home feel calm, comfortable and easy to live in. It focuses on soft colours, natural fabrics and furniture that feels good to use every day, rather than simply looking nice. The idea comes from the feeling of a slow Sunday morning at home. A relaxed sofa, light curtains, a wooden table that shows a bit of wear, and plenty of cosy layers like cotton throws or linen cushions – nothing too perfect, nothing too polished. It’s a style that suits UK homes particularly well. Easy Sunday morning style works with our light and our climate, helping spaces feel warm and welcoming all year round. Rather than following trends, it’s about creating a home that feels comfortable, familiar and easy to enjoy. Our favourite easy Sunday morning home inspiration Cate St Hill's calm interiors London‑based interiors writer, stylist and designer Cate St Hill offers an Instagram feed filled with simple Scandi‑inspired spaces and everyday living ideas. Her home and posts are known for serene colours, uncluttered styling and a focus on how spaces feel in daily life rather than staged looks. That calm, quiet atmosphere fits perfectly with easy Sunday morning homes – rooms where you can make breakfast, curl up with a book or simply enjoy sunlight on a soft sofa. She says: "I love the idea of 'wintering' – of hiding away, retreating from the world and rewarding yourself with rest and gentleness, instead of rushing through the start of the year and sprinting before you can run, or indeed, walk. I like the idea of letting winter be winter, to not fight its cold embrace, but to seek comfort in cosiness and quiet in the darkness." Leanne Kilroy's Victorian home Leanne Kilroy shares the ongoing renovation of her Victorian terrace in London, documenting how cosy, lived‑in spaces can be created even during major renovation projects. Her feed shows bright gatherings of neutral walls, wood textures and thoughtful design choices that balance period features with everyday comfort. She says: "I often have a North Star when designing a room. It could be a piece of furniture or a feeling. In [my daughter] Stella’s room it was her request that it feel like a warm hug." Followers love watching how she makes the most of original architectural details, clever storage and relaxed furnishings that make a home feel welcoming on a slow morning. Leanne's project blends heritage with light, warm interiors that invite relaxed mornings and long breakfasts with family. Related content Dopamine décor: our guide to the colourful interiors trend Kitchen inspiration: Japandi kitchen style Best cutlery sets Best Ninja air fryer Best dual air fryer Best milk frother Best coffee pod machine Best espresso machine Best pizza oven
Best vegan protein powder, tried and tested by experts 2026
Find out which are the best vegan protein powders to buy, including pea and hemp varieties and a protein powder made for women
Protein isn't just for bodybuilders. It is essential for our overall health and everyday bodily functions. We need an adequate amount of protein to build and repair cells, produce enzymes that help break down food, and maintain a strong immune system to protect against illness. It also supports muscle development, helps keep energy levels stable, promotes fullness, and plays an important role in exercise and recovery. But for those who don’t eat animal products such as meat, fish, dairy or eggs, meeting daily protein requirements can be more difficult without careful planning. To make sure that you're getting enough, consider investing in a vegan protein powder. These have been specially formulated for a plant-based diet and will get you closer to your daily protein quota. Just make sure that you continue to eat a varied and balanced diet which includes tofu, nuts, beans and pulses – all great sources of plant-based protein – instead of relying solely on the powder. You'll get plenty of other important nutrients from these whole foods, including fibre which supports gut health. Read our review of the best vegan protein powders below, then check out our vegan high-protein meals, healthy vegan recipes, how to follow a plant-based diet and 10 things I wish I knew before going vegan. Best vegan protein powders at a glance Best premium vegan protein powder: Hermosa Vegan Protein Powder, £67 / 1kg Best clean vegan protein powder: Dr Vegan Protein and Creatine Superblend, £26.99 / 450g Best pea vegan protein powder: WelleCo Nourishing Protein £29/300g Best hemp vegan protein powder: Free Soul Vegan Protein Blend, Chocolate £27.49/600g Best overall vegan protein powder: Protein Works Vegan Wondershake £24.99/750g Best flavour vegan protein powder: MyVegan Plant Protein Superblend, Caramel £22/560g Best vegan protein for fitness fanatics: Nuzest Clean Lean Protein, Coffee Coconut & MCTs £21.49/500g Best clear vegan protein: MyVegan Clear Vegan Protein, Strawberry, £18.99/320g Best vegan protein powder to buy in UK 2026 Hermosa vegan protein powder Available from Hermosa (£67) Best premium vegan protein powder Star rating: 5/5 This premium vegan protein powder really stood out for its refined formulation and smooth finish. Made from a carefully balanced blend of high-quality plant proteins, it mixes effortlessly with water to create a creamy, lump-free shake that feels indulgent rather than chalky. We especially appreciated that Hermosa uses high-quality, grass-fed whey, natural sweeteners, non-GMO sources, and avoids artificial additives, so it is easier to digest compared to other products we have tried. Both the vanilla and chocolate flavours are subtle yet still with a natural sweetness, making it ideal for daily use without becoming overpowering. It is also perfect for smoothies as the flavour won’t dominate. While it sits at a higher price point, the quality, taste and texture justify the investment for those looking for a more luxurious plant-based protein option. Available from: Hermosa (£67 / 1kg) Dr Vegan Protein and Creatine Superblend Available from Dr Vegan (£26.99) Best clean protein powder Star rating: 5/5 This no-nonsense vegan protein powder impressed us with its straightforward yet effective formulation. Designed for those who prioritise performance and transparency, it blends plant protein with added creatine to support strength, recovery and muscle function. We noted that the texture is smooth for a clean blend, though slightly thicker than standard protein powders, and it mixes well with both water and plant milk. A major plus for us was the minimal ingredient list, making it a great choice for anyone avoiding unnecessary fillers or sweeteners. Overall, it’s a solid, functional option for fitness-focused users. Available from: Dr Vegan (£26.99 / 450g) WelleCo Nourishing Protein Available from WelleCo (£29/300g), Cult Beauty (£29/300g) Best pea vegan protein powder Star rating: 5/5 We were genuinely impressed with the quality of this powder, made from a blend of pea and rice protein. The texture is silky and smooth when mixed with water, making this easily sippable as it is, no need to blend into a smoothie. One big pro for testers was the addition of pre- and probiotics, turmeric, açai powder and psyllium which combine to support energy levels and good gut health. Available from: WelleCo (£29/300g) Cult Beauty (£29/300g) Free Soul Vegan Protein Blend Chocolate Available from Free Soul (£27.49/600g), Amazon (£24.74/600g) Best hemp vegan protein powder Star rating: 4.5/5 There are a lot of extra benefits to this vegan protein powder. Created with women in mind, it contains maca for hormone balance, B vitamins for hair and nails, as well as magnesium, iron, calcium which support mood and energy. It also contains 20g protein per 30g serving. The flavour is rich and chocolatey, without being too artificial or leaving a cloying aftertaste. undefined Protein Works Vegan Wondershake Available from Protein Works (£24.99/750g), Amazon (£24.45/750g) Best overall vegan protein powder Star rating: 4.5/5 This vegan protein powder really stood out to our testers for quality, texture and taste. It becomes like a thick milkshake when mixed with water and doesn't taste too sweet, despite using the sweetener sucralose. It contains an impressive 20g protein per 25g serving and comes in at 94kcals. It's also a great keto option. undefined MyVegan Plant Protein Superblend Caramel Available from Holland & Barrett (£22/560g), Boots (£25/560g) Best flavour vegan protein powder Star rating: 4/5 If you've got a bit of a sweet tooth, this protein shake is for you. It has a strong caramel flavour that feels decadent, but with 21g protein per 28g serving, this is more than just a treat. Testers noted the easily digestible type of protein used and felt this offers a lot for the fairly low price. undefined Nuzest Clean Lean Protein Coffee Coconut & MCTs Available from Healf (£23.84/500g), Nuzest (£40/500g), Amazon (£40/500g) Best vegan protein for fitness fanatics This high-quality pea protein contains 9 essential amino acids and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) – a type of supplement popular among athletes and bodybuilders. As well as being keto-friendly, it provides 18g per 25g serving. We tried the flavour Coffee Coconut & MCTs which is more coconut than coffee but we found the combination a winner. undefined MyVegan Clear Vegan Protein, Strawberry Available from MyProtein (£16.49/320g) Best clear vegan protein This could be a great option if you're look for an alternative to the creamy protein shakes that are most common. This product is more akin to a squash and can be mixed with water for a light, refreshing drink. It has a lower protein content than many products we've tested so won't be a good option for high performance athletes or weightlifters but it still offers 10g of protein per serving. There's a wide choice of flavours on offer and we tried strawberry which we found fruity and refreshing. Available from: MyProtein (£16.49/320g) Related content Best biotin supplement UK Best protein bars Best magnesium supplement Best magnesium supplement for sleep Best collagen supplements Best probiotics UK Best protein powder Best vitamin D supplement UK Best greens powder Best matcha tea powders Best smoothie blender Best beauty supplements Best glucosamine supplement Best omega 3 supplement UK
Best multi-cookers to buy in 2025, tried and tested by experts
Versatile and efficient, multi-cookers can be a real time and space-saver in the kitchen, reducing the need for multiple gadgets. Here's a few tried-and-tested favourites, hand-picked by our reviews team
Multi-cookers have come on leaps and bounds in recent years. First developed (in their current form) over a decade ago, the extent to what they can now offer home cooks has far surpassed pressure and slow cooking. Most newer models now come equipped with between 10 and 15 settings, including presets for specific ingredients like meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables. In others, you can bake cakes, cook rice, or roast a whole chicken. A handful of multi-cookers come with air fryer functionality too, so you can create the familiar taste and texture of fried dishes like chips or halloumi fries, using little to no oil. Perhaps most importantly, one of the things we love most about multi-cookers is they reduce the need to have multiple appliances sitting on your worktop. For the most part, these gadgets can handle it all and often in a fraction of the cooking time – saving you both money and kitchen space too. We also wanted to test which models were the cheapest to run. Pressure-cooking is generally a low-cost method of cooking, and you can hear more about it in this episode of the olive podcast. Here's are our tried-and-tested pick of the best multi-cookers available to buy right now. Looking for more on big name brands like Ninja? Take a look at our best Ninja air fryer guide, our best dual air fryers, or find the latest Ninja deals. Jump to: Best multi-cookers at a glance Best multi-cookers to buy in 2025 What to consider when buying a multi-cooker How we tested multi-cookers View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Best multi-cookers at a glance Best multi-cooker slow cooker: Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker 8-in-1 slow cooker, £119.99 Best overall multi-cooker: Crockpot Turbo Express 14-in-1 pressure cooker, £106.99 Best rice cooker for top-end multi-cookers: Sage Fast Slow Go multi-cooker, £149.95 Best stylish multi-cooker: Cosori 9-in-1 Electric 5.7L pressure cooker, £99.99 Best large multi-cooker: Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid, £220 Best multi-cooker for pressure cooking: Tefal Turbo Cuisine multi pressure cooker, £79.99 Best air fryer multi-cooker: Ninja Foodi MAX 15-in-1 SmartLid 7.5-litre multi-cooker, £229.99 Best multi-cookers to buy in 2025 Ninja Foodi PossibleCooker 8-in-1 slow cooker Available from Amazon (£119), Ninja Kitchen (£119.99) Best multi-cooker slow cooker Star rating: 5/5 While this product is technically a slow cooker, after testing it we believe that it offers such great versatility to be classed as a multi-cooker. As well as slow cook, the functions include simmer, braise, sear, sauté, prove and keep warm. With an eight-litre capacity, it's larger than many in this list, ideal for cooking for a crowd. The pot is removable, which we found really useful for something like a pie, where you can make the filling in the slow cooker, remove the pot, top with pastry and move to the oven for it to crisp up. undefined Crockpot Turbo Express 14-in-1 pressure cooker Latest Deals Best overall multi-cooker Score: 5/5 stars Wattage: 1400W Cost to run: n/a With 14 functions and 5.6-litre capacity, this is an excellent multi-cooker for medium to large households. It also features a 'turbo cooking' function that turns meals around 40 per cent more quickly – ideal if you're hurrying to get dinner on the table. We were most struck by its user-friendly credentials: the cooker's lid lifts up and off, which makes it much easier to clean than some hinged models, and all 14 cooking modes are selectable via a simple push-button. There's a keep-warm function that automatically jumps into action once cooking is finished. The slow-cook function proved successful too, creating a richly infused chicken korma with succulent meat and a creamy sauce. Latest Deals Sage Fast Slow Go multi-cooker Latest Deals Best rice cooker for top-end multi-cookers Score: 5/5 stars Wattage: 1100W Cost to run: n/a This gadget is a stylish addition to the countertop, featuring a large digital touchscreen and brushed stainless-steel design. Its 14 functions are selectable via the push-button interface, with a particular focus on pressure cook and slow functions, as well as stews, stocks, yogurt and sous vide. It's a chunky piece of kit, but its versatility warrants its price and size. Where this multi-cooker impressed us most was grain and rice cooking, and we produced a creamy risotto that didn't require the usual effort of stirring by hand. Latest Deals Cosori 9-in-1 Electric 5.7L pressure cooker Latest Prices Best stylish multi-cooker Score: 4.5/5 stars Wattage: 1100W With a sleek polished-steel body and robust lid with matching metallic handle, this pressure cooker from Cosori instantly looks impressive. It comes well-equipped with a manual quick-start guide and recipe book, as well as a range of accessories, including a ladle, rice paddle and steam rack. This machine has a 5.7L capacity, which is plenty of space to cook meals for a large family or household. There are 12 functions to choose from, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sous vide and sauté, as well as presets to cook rice, stew, grains and more. There are also customisable timings on most settings. When using the sauté function, you can choose your preferred setting, which gives good control, and it meant our vegetables were evenly cooked on test. Latest Prices Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid Latest Prices Best large multi-cooker Score: 4.5/5 Wattage: 1500W Cost during test: 5.05p Instant Pot is well-known for producing high-quality multi-cookers, and this gadget – complete with air fryer functionality – is equally impressive. Grill, roast, slow cook, and dehydrate are all selectable via the multi-cooker's interface, as well as sous-vide setting that allows you to precisely control the water temperature. As multi-cookers go, it's fairly chunky-looking with a sleek black body and digital display. We loved the vast 6.2-litre pot, which is ideal for cooking large batches or feeding a crowd. The sliding lock function is also much slicker and easier to use than most traditional pressure-release switches. This appliance produced a pleasant beef stew too, with tender meat and a thick gravy. Latest Prices Tefal Turbo Cuisine multi pressure cooker Latest Deals Best multi-cooker for pressure cooking Score: 4.5/5 stars Wattage: 1000W Cost during test: 4.38p This Tefal multi-cooker benefits from a smooth, spherical body with a rounded, almost cauldron-like interior. Operating it is a simple affair thanks to the bright, clear display and well-written instruction manual, where you'll also find guidance on how to use the sous-vide preset. Other functions include sauté, steam, bake, stew, soup, slow cook, bread rise, rice, yogurt and porridge. Because it's shorter than most other multi-cookers, it's a great choice for those with lower kitchen cupboards. Should you wish to move it around, there are also two wide handles for easy lifting, plus silicone feet to keep it fixed onto the worktop. The large, central button for releasing pressure is also a smart design feature, both for safety as well as aesthetic. Latest Deals Ninja Foodi MAX 15-in-1 SmartLid 7.5-litre multi-cooker Latest Deals Best air fryer multi-cooker Score: 4.5/5 stars Wattage: 1760W Cost during test: n/a Ninja's multi-cookers were among the first to feature air-fryer functions alongside a wide range of presets. This version comes with 15 settings, which include pressure cook, air fry, grill, bake, dehydrate, prove, sear/sauté, steam, slow cook, and yogurt, as well as five combi steam-meal options. Its 7.5-litre capacity makes it a practical choice for households of between four and six, and it also features a single-lift lid with a sliding lock that doubles as a mode selector. The sear/sauté function was also effective, rendering the fat and caramelising the ingredients efficiently without burning. Some of the cooking aromas clung to the lid's seal even after washing, but there is advice in the manual for a cleaning function. Latest Deals What to consider when buying a multi-cooker Multi-cookers can vary widely in versatility and capacity, with some larger models offering extra functionality that smaller ones don't. Before you buy, it's worth considering the following: Size: If you're cooking for a larger household or plan on using your gadget to batch cook, you'll find bigger models offer ample capacity, but there are mini ones for smaller households too. Think about where your multi-cooker will sit: do you have sufficient countertop or storage space for it? Some also come with hinged lids, which means they stand quite tall – this is something to consider if you have lower kitchen cupboards. Functionality: Multi-cookers can be a fantastic way to experiment with new cooking methods and can inject some excitement into everyday meal prep. Look carefully at the presets on offer and consider how or whether you would use them – some may save you investing in two or more large appliances further down the line. Extra attachments: Several models also come with bonus accessories like utensils, while some have steaming baskets that allow you to double the capacity of your cooker. Cooking smells can often permeate the sealing ring of the lid when pressure-cooking, so others – like the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus multi-cooker – come with additional rings when switching between savoury and sweet dishes. How we tested multi-cookers Where a gadget has a range of functions, we like to run multiple tests to make sure everything is working as it should be. Most of the multi-cookers we tested come with 10 or more presets, including pressure cook, slow cook, sear/sauté, air fry, bake, grill, and roast, plus extra settings for specific ingredients like chicken, fish or vegetables. We adapted a beef and vegetable casserole recipe by our friends at BBC Good Food to test pressure cooking, reducing the quantity of water by half and adding flour at the end of cooking to thicken the gravy. We made chicken korma to help us determine the effectiveness of each multi-cooker's slow-cooking function, assessing whether they successfully tenderised the meat without overcooking it. Since spice aromas tend to linger in this dish, we also tested whether any cooking smells permeated the sealing ring of the lid. Some of the multi-cookers also come with bake functions, so we tested these using a gluten-free lemon drizzle cake recipe. We looked for evenly baked cakes with consistent browning and a moist crumb. All the multi-cookers we've featured in this review were tested in controlled conditions and using standardised criteria. In testing, we scored each model against the following: Performance We were looking for flavoursome stews and kormas with succulent, tender meat, even browning and well-infused flavours. Some pressure cookers can turn vegetables soggy because of the volume of water they need to cook, but we wanted our veg to have a soft yet slight bite. Quality of materials We looked for robust, sturdy designs with components and attachments that are built to withstand years of use. Multi-cookers also come with a large inner bowl that sits inside an outer with a lid – we wanted to see a good fit. Design and aesthetic Most multi-cookers are bulky and weighty, so you may not want to be moving it from the counter to the cupboard and back every time you use it. We wanted to see sleek, good-looking gadgets that would suit a range of kitchens and slot neatly amongst other worktop appliances. Ease of use We assessed each multi-cooker for its intuitiveness during set-up and cooking, assessing whether you need to rely on the manual to master the controls. The highest-scoring models came with simple functions, updates on the cooking process, properly fitting lids, clear controls and easy-to-open pressure release valves. Value for money Prices varied broadly across the models we tested, so we factored in performance, quality of materials, design, ease of use, and versatility to score each multi-cooker out of five. Sustainability We questioned whether the multi-cooker is covered by a fair guarantee, and whether there's any advice on how to recycle it at the end of its life. We also measured how expensive each gadget was to run based on a standard tariff of 31.8p/kWh, and whether its packaging could be recycled. To find out more about how we review appliances and kit at olive, read our guide on how we test products. Multi-cooker recipes Slow-cooked lamb shawarma Coq au vin Slow-cooked pulled pork carnitas Lamb shank shepherd's pie Slow-cooked lamb gyros Light paneer curry Aubergine dhansak Slow-cooker meatballs Chicken risotto Slow-cooker beef curry More reviews Best slow cookers Best coffee subscriptions Best coffee machines Best bean to cup coffee machines Best espresso coffee machines Best ice cream makers Best bundt tins Best loaf tins Best springform cake tins Best mixing bowls Best KitchenAid stand mixers Best cookie cutters Best spatulas Best chef's knives Best nakiri knives
Best festive afternoon teas in London 2025
Looking for a festive treat? We’ve found the best spots to take friends and family over the Christmas season, from traditional afternoon tea at The Ritz to afternoon tea with a view from The Shard
Treat loved ones and dine in style over the Christmas season with one of these festive afternoon teas for a Christmas treat. Classic afternoon tea menus of sandwiches, scones and perfect patisserie get a festive makeover at this time of year, from turkey sandwiches and cranberry jam to go with scones, to carefully crafted yule logs, Christmas trees made of cake, savoury mince pies and many more magical discoveries. You're sure to leave full and with a wonderful new Christmas tradition to return to year after year. If you're not after a Christmas theme, check out the best afternoon teas in London and the best across the UK, too. Best festive afternoon teas in London 2025 Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill, Marylebone Known for its travel-themed Flavours of the World afternoon teas, this Christmas, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill has fittingly chosen Lapland as its destination inspiration for guests. However rather than just a few festively named desserts, the hotel fully embraces a sense of delightful theatricality, transporting guests on board a ‘Montagu Kitchen Airlines’ flight to Lapland. Upon arriving our hostess immediately donned a pillbox air stewardess hat, stamped our boarding pass ‘in-flight menus’ and escorted us to our seats ready for take-off. Our napkins were tied with a chic leather luggage tag, two of our three courses were gorgeously presented in multiple compartments of a suitcase, and champagne was offered upon lift off. Our in-flight menu boasted an array of spiced treats, including a tangy sweet water shrimp tartelette and, my personal favourite, a rich but light brioche roll topped with forest mushroom duxelles and Witheridge cheese. Following this there was the classic, traditional plain and raisin scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam – it was however given an exotic twist by featuring a zesty passion fruit jam, all suitably located in the side compartments of our luggage. Lastly, the main part of our suitcase opened to reveal a vibrant display of sweet, delicate pastries – all appropriately Christmas themed, from a Santa Belly made of an almond financier, gooseberry compote and vanilla crémeux, to Scandinavian favourite, kaffe rulltårta, everything was beautifully light and rich in flavour. Price: Festive afternoon tea from £59pp Address: 30 Portman Square, London W1H 7BH Book festive afternoon tea at Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill here. Corinthia London, Whitehall Corinthia London will be serving its festive afternoon tea in The Crystal Moon Lounge with a selection of festive treats from 14 November-4 January 2026. Relax in the stylish lobby under the glistening chandelier and listen to grand piano playing in the background while you feast on elevated turkey or honey roasted ham sandwiches, followed by scones with both strawberry and blackcurrant jams. Finish with the patisserie, including a black forest bûche de Noël, gingerbread and mandarin cake and pear and Tahitian vanilla choux, to name just a few of the many treats on this classically luxurious menu. Price: Festive afternoon tea from £95pp Mon-Thurs, £105 Fri-Sun, caviar afternoon tea from £150pp. Address: Whitehall Place, Westminster, London SW1A 2BD Book festive afternoon tea at Corinthia London here. The Ritz, Piccadilly The Ritz will be serving its traditional afternoon tea with a fun festive twist from 15 November-3 January 2026, with five sittings per day. Take in the luxurious surroundings while you feast on six different sandwiches (think classic cheddar and chutney, ham and mustard mayonnaise, traditional smoked salmon sandwiches and more), Christmas-inspired British pastries; and choose from over 20 different teas including a bespoke Ritz Christmas spiced tea. Price: £120pp; £79 per child (up to 15 years old), except for Christmas Day which is priced at £135 per adult and £90 per child Address: 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR Book the Ritz Christmas afternoon tea here. Festive afternoon tea by Lily Vanilli, Four Seasons Tower Bridge For a modern take on a a festive afternoon tea, head to Lily Vanilli at the Four Seasons Hotel London Tower Bridge. The Christmas treat is served in the grand setting of the Rotunda Bar, complete with towering Christmas tree at the centre. There's no finger sandwiches here. Instead, the tea kicks off with a range of unique savouries including parmesan gougères, confit potatoes topped with smoked salmon and roe, and gildas with fiery pickled chilli. Even mince pies get a savoury twist, with buttery pastry holding a hearty cheese, cabbage and potato filling. Classic scones are served with clotted cream and blackberry compote. Make sure you save room for the sweet course, which includes mini lemon meringue tarts, and sticky toffee madeleines served with a generous cup of toffee sauce. The highlight is a grand mini chocolate salted caramel cake served on it's very own cake stand, adorned with gold baubles and decorated in Lily Vanilli’s signature style with rich, buttery icing. If you can’t slice into it there and then, the team will box it up for you to take home and savour later. Price: £65 per person Address: Four Seasons Hotel London Tower Bridge, 10 Trinity Square, London, EC3N 4AJ Book the Four Seasons Tower Bridge tea here. oblix at The Shard Nothing starts off a festive afternoon tea like walking through a corridor lined floor to ceiling with sparkling fairy lights. Oblix, on the 32nd floor of The Shard, more than delivers that Christmas feeling. If you can tear your eyes away from panoramic views of London including Tower Bridge, the City and the Walkie Talkie building, then the Oblix tea has been given a Christmas makeover until the 4th January. Start with a plate of sandwiches including coronation chicken, egg mayo with generous amounts of truffle and classic smoked salmon. Cranberry scones are served with raspberry and orange preserve and clotted cream, whilst patisserie includes a Christmas tree carrot cake, festive chocolate bauble and snowflake mont blanc. Price: from £69pp Address: oblix East, Level 32, The Shard, 31 St. Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY Book the oblix festive afternoon tea here. The Savoy, The Strand The festive afternoon tea at The Savoy is available now. You can expect classic sandwiches with a Christmas twist, such as oak-smoked cheddar with plum and ginger chutney, coronation turkey on cranberry bread, and a savoury parsnip and carrot cake. Traditional freshly baked plain and raisin scones come with strawberry jam, lemon curd and clotted cream to accompany festive spiced teas. To finish, enjoy a cluster of seasonal cakes and pastries such as the chocolate and orange log, fruit cake bauble and pistachio and redcurrant tree. Price: Afternoon tea starts at £95pp and £115 with a glass of Nyetimber. Address: Strand, London WC2R 0EZ Book The Savoy afternoon tea here. TĪNG Shangri-La, The Shard TĪNG at the Shangri-La is serving a 'Season of Wonders' afternoon tea until 6 January 2026. The first thing you'll notice are the striking views of London from the heights of The Shard. The stunning scenery makes this trip worth it alone. Then choose from the extensive list of signature teas or add a festive cocktail, mocktail or glass of champagne. The finger sandwiches include coronation chicken, roast beef and truffle egg mayo, while extra savouries include a smoked duck bun with blackberry vinaigrette. Warm scones are served with clotted cream and cranberry jam for full on festivities. Finish with pastries including a 'Festive bauble-choux' and 'Charmed snowy tree'. A vegetarian tea is also available. Price: £89pp, £99 with a glass of champagne. Address: 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU Book the TĪNG festive afternoon tea here. Fortnum & Mason, The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, Piccadilly Fortnum & Mason serves its seasonal afternoon tea in The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. For the Christmas tea, you can expect classic sandwiches with a festive twist such as Christmas spiced ham, alongside familiar cucumber or egg mayo. Still-warm scones are served with Somerset clotted cream, strawberry and champagne preserve and orange curd, while cakes and patisserie highlights include a mince tart, mandarin mousse and sticky figgy loaf. Price: £84pp for traditional or vegetarian afternoon tea with a pot of Fortnum’s Tea Address: 181 Piccadilly, St James's, London W1A 1ER. Book the Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea here. The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, Knightsbridge This festive afternoon tea served at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah until 11 January 2026 is inspired by Cadogan Gardens. It's perfect for a spot of indulgence after a shopping trip. Cosy up in their dedicated tearoom, complete with a warming fire and pastry counter. Start with a selection of sandwiches and savouries including a truffle beignet, lobster tartelette and Norfolk turkey sandwich. Expect the unexpected with the 'Scones Experience', with four different flavours of scones to enjoy. After a quince lollipop palate cleanser, the pastries to finish include a pear tart, chocolate pecan tree and apple bread pudding. The tea is accompanied by a selection of JING teas, chosen for flavour and wellness benefits. £1 from every tea is donated to The Felix Project. Price: from £85pp Address: The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, 1 Cadogan Pl, London SW1X 9PY Book festive afternoon tea at The Carlton tower here. Related reviews and recipes Best afternoon teas in London Best afternoon teas in the UK Best afternoon tea recipes
Best Christmas foodie hampers to buy 2025
Whether you want to stock your cupboards with treats or need a gift for the foodie in your life, these are the most indulgent hampers to buy
Looking for the best Christmas hamper to treat a lucky loved one? Whether you're looking for the ultimate cheese box, a wicker basket full of sweet and savoury treats, we've gathered the best Christmas foodie hampers to buy this year, whether as a treat for yourself or friends and family. Looking for more gifting inspiration? If you've got someone specific to buy for try our specially tailored gift guides for beer enthusiasts, coffee lovers and gin fans. If you fancy making your own gifts this year, we've gathered our best edible gift recipes for delicious homemade presents. Read on for our picks of the best gourmet food hampers for Christmas. Best Christmas foodie hampers to buy at a glance Best unique produce hamper: The Flavours of Oldstead Hamper, £190 Best luxury Christmas hamper: Daylesford Organic 12 Days of Christmas Hamper, £130 Best luxury artisan hamper: The Osip Christmas hamper, £165 Best Spanish hamper: Brindisa Indulgence Hamper, £165 Best Christmas breakfast hamper: Ginger Pig Butcher’s Champagne Breakfast Box, £78 Best afternoon tea hamper: British Hamper Company afternoon tea gift basket, £63.97 Best hamper for cider lovers: DukesHill Whisky Cask Cider Savoury Hamper, £85 Best Cornish hamper: The Fruit Scone Cream Tea Hamper, £23.95 Best hamper for keen gardeners: Petersham Nurseries Gardening Hamper, £95 Best for Chinese cooking: Poon’s Heritage Hamper, £70 Best Christmas cheese hamper: Paxton & Whitfield 12 Days of Christmas Cheese Hamper, £85 Best Christmas foodie hampers to buy 2025 The Flavours of Oldstead Food Hamper Available from Made in Oldstead (£190) Best unique produce hamper A unique hamper with handmade products featuring seasonal ingredients grown and foraged by Tommy Banks and his team in North Yorkshire, this will keep someone going with delicious treats throughout the festive season. As well as a tomato leaf and lemon verbena candle, there are a selection of seasonal British cheeses like Young Buck, jars of spruce tip honey and red onion chutney, salami, Yorkshire lomo and classics such as beerglazed ham and chicken liver parfait, as well as a homemade beef shin ragu. Available from: Made in Oldstead (£190) Daylesford Organic 12 Days of Christmas Hamper Available from Daylesford Organic (£130) Best luxury Christmas hamper A selection of 12 festive treats to enjoy in the run-up to the big day including sweet and savoury snacks, a log fire candle, Christmas cocktail and the bestselling rosé frizzante sparkling wine. Available from: Daylesford Organic (£130) The Osip Christmas Hamper Available from Maison Osip (£165) Best luxury artisan hamper This hamper delivers a taste of gourmet luxury. A celebration of local producers and artisans from Maison Osip, it is a carefully curated selection of festive treats. The centrepiece is a hefty Christmas pudding, arriving in a ceramic bowl to reuse year after year. There's a wedge of Westcombe cheddar for festive cheeseboards, a bottle of English sparkling wine and a bottled fig leaf negroni – a chic twist on the classic cocktail. Coffee, chocolate from Pump Street Bakery and a tote bag round out the wicker hamper. It's expensive, but each item has been carefully chosen for quality. Available from: Maison Osip (£165) Brindisa Indulgence Hamper Available from Brindisa (£165) Best Spanish hamper Jam-packed with a wealth of luxury Spanish food gifts, from La Solana truffled cheese to Amatller white chocolate coated marcona almonds. The contents would all make brilliant snacks for a gourmet Christmas drinks party. Available from: Brindisa (£165) Ginger Pig Butcher’s Champagne Breakfast Box Available from The Ginger Pig (£78) Best Christmas breakfast hamper Create a festive breakfast of champions with thick-cut streaky and back bacon, sausages and black pudding, homemade rhubarb and blood orange jams, and tomato sauce, all served with a chilled glass of champagne. Available from: The Ginger Pig (£78) British Hamper Company afternoon tea basket Available from British Hamper Company (£63.97) Best afternoon tea hamper This smart hamper from British Hamper Company, delivered in a wicker basket and with every item in signature navy and red packaging, would make a great classic gift for someone with a sweet tooth. There's tins of earl grey and English breakfast tea, a dark and rich fruit cake loaded with nuts and cherries, a jar of strawberry jam and two boxes of biscuits – buttery shortbread or, our favourite, crunchy stem ginger cookies, that are perfect with a cup of tea. It is traditional classics done well for a simple sharing hamper. A personalised gift message can be added to the delivery. Available from: British Hamper Company (£63.97) DukesHill Whisky Cask Cider Savoury Hamper Available from DukesHill (£85) Best hamper for cider lovers Cider fans will love this sumptuous hamper. Inside, discover three bottles of Dukeshill’s rich and warming cider aged in whisky, accompanied by Isle of Mull cheddar and a lavish selection of sliced charcuterie including pastrami, bresaola, lomo and porchetta, plus accompaniments like fig chutney and multi-seed crackers. Available from: DukesHill (£85) The Fruit Scone Cream Tea Hamper Available from Not on the High Street (£23.95) Best Cornish hamper For a taste of the Cornish countryside, this hamper contains everything you need for the perfect Cornish afternoon tea (that's jam then cream). As well as freshly baked scones for four you'll find Rodda's clotted cream, strawberry jam, Cornish tea and two flavours of biscuit. Available from: Not on the High Street (£23.95) Petersham Nurseries Gardening Hamper Available from Petersham Nurseries (£95) Best hamper for keen gardeners A great gift for budding kitchen gardeners that includes a hand trowel and fork, herb and heirloom veg seed collections, and a smart pair of Niwaki gloves. Available from: Petersham Nurseries (£95) Poon’s Heritage Hamper Available from Poon's Pantry (£70) Best for Chinese cooking A striking red box with signature Poon’s artwork, this brings together Bill Poon’s wind-dried meats made from a traditional family recipe with daughter Amy Poon’s signature chilli oil and WO sauce. Available from: Poon's Pantry (£70) Paxton & Whitfield 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' Hamper Available from Paxton & Whitfield (£85) Best Christmas cheese hamper Because Christmas isn't complete without a good selection of cheese. This hamper is a true celebration of artisan cheese and luxurious accompaniments. It includes rich Cropwell Bishop stilton, creamy Aldwych and bakeable Celtic Soft, plus sea salt fudge, Taylors LBV port, spicy chutneys and crispbreads. Available from: Paxton & Whitfield (£85) Related reviews Best baking gifts Best cheese gifts Best vegan hampers and gifts Best advent calendars Best coffee advent calendars Best alcohol advent calendars Best Italian cookbooks Best gifts for cheese lovers Best gifts for foodies Best tea advent calendars Best matcha tea powders
From using native botanicals to being inspired by local history, explore the vibrant best British gins that celebrate a sense of place
The gin boom in recent years has seen gin distilleries spring up the length and breadth of the British Isles, and it's likely that wherever you go in the UK you'll discover a locally made gin, often using botanicals and ingredients from the surrounding area, whether that's wheat grown on Salisbury plain, Yorkshire gooseberries or foraged sea vegetables in Suffolk. Here are some of the best gins that make the most of where they come from. Want to discover more unique gins? Try our favourite Scottish gins, Welsh gins and flavoured gins, or travel the world from your home with our unusual international gins. Looking to really impress fellow gin lovers? Bring the bar to your home with our best drinks trolley ideas, and buy from one of our favourite online bottle shops. Best UK gins to buy at a glance Ludlow: Pink Ludlow gin, £42.91 The Cotswolds: Cotswolds Distillery No.2 wildflower gin, £38.50 Northumberland: Hepple Gin, £39.99 Ayrshire: Hendrick's Flora Adora gin, £34.12 Norfolk: Bullards Coastal gin, £45 Suffolk: Fishers gin, £40 Yorkshire: Slingsby gooseberry gin, £32.99 Northamptonshire: Warner's London dry gin, £31 Lanarkshire: Biggar gin, £38.81 Devon: Salcombe Start Point London dry gin, £41.99 Wiltshire: Ramsbury lemon balm gin, £36 Cornwall: Tarquin's gin, £38.50, Aureus Vita gin, £175 Cambridge: Cambridge Distillery Three Seasons gin, £90 The Cairngorms: Caorunn gin, £31.50 Thurso: Rock Rose Scottish gin, £33.39 Surrey: Silent Pool gin, £40.13, Magna Carta gin, £40, Brockman's Intensely Smooth, £36 Wales: Aber Falls small batch gin, £28.93 London: Sipsmith chilli and lime gin, £30 Swansea: Cygnet 77, £130 Northern Ireland: Boatyard Double gin, £39.58 Best UK gins to buy 2025 Ludlow: Pink Ludlow gin Available from Master of Malt (£42.91) A rich and complex pink gin, with floral notes from hibiscus, warmth from pink peppercorns and zesty orange notes to round everything off. Flavour profile: citrus Botanicals: Juniper, coriander, orange, angelica, orris, hibiscus, pink peppercorn Perfect pairing: Try in a contessa with equal parts gin, dry vermouth and Aperol. Available from: Master of Malt (£42.91) The Cotswolds: Cotswolds Distillery No.2 wildflower gin Available from Cotswolds Distillery (£38.50) Inspired by the grasslands of the Cotswolds, this golden gin is headily floral and herbaceous, with lemony notes from lemon balm and assertive bitterness from gentian. Flavour profile: floral Botanicals: lemon balm, elderflower, chamomile, gentian, juniper, coriander and angelica Perfect pairing: its assertive botanical notes would work well in a negroni Available from: Cotswolds Distillery (£38.50) Northumberland: Hepple gin Available from Master of Malt (£39.99) Made on the Northumbrian moors using its own home-grown juniper alongside botanicals of Douglas fir, lovage, bog myrtle and blackcurrant, this is a fresh and vibrant gin that sings with bold juniper and citrus flavours. Flavour profile: juniper-forward Botanicals: green juniper, Macedonian juniper, Douglas fir, lovage, bog myrtle, blackcurrant leaves, blackcurrants, Amalfi lemon, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, orris, liquorice and angelica Perfect pairing: its heady juniper notes work brilliantly in a dry martini Available from: Master of Malt (£39.99) Ayrshire: Hendrick's Flora Adora gin Available from Master of Malt (£34.12) This gin was inspired by the flowers favoured by pollinating bees and butterflies in the garden at Hendrick's Gin Palace in Ayrshire. As the name suggests, this is a turbo-charged floral bomb of a gin, with very intense perfumed rose and lavender aromas. On the palate, more juniper and grassiness comes through, as well as lemon and cucumber. Flavour profile: Floral Botanicals: Flora Adora uses Hendrick's house gin as its base with botanicals including cucumber and rose, as well as a secret blend of other floral ingredients. Perfect pairing: Try in a white lady cocktail with lemon juice, triple sec and egg white Available from: Master of Malt (£34.12) undefined Norfolk: Bullards Coastal gin Available from Bullards (£45) Inspired by the Norfolk coastline, this is the gin equivalent to a fresh sea breeze, with a subtle salty, savoury profile and complex notes of sea vegetables, citrus and fennel. We were also impressed with their eco-friendly refill service, which offers 700ml pouches of gin to top bottles back up (and you can post the pouch back to Bullards free of charge for recycling). Flavour profile: herbaceous Botanicals: juniper, sea purslane, marsh samphire, sea aster, Douglas fir Perfect pairing: Try in a dirty martini, with a couple of raw oysters alongside. Available from: Bullards (£45) undefined Suffolk: Fishers gin Available from Fishers (£40) This unusual gin features a host of rare botanicals foraged on the Suffolk coast. Herbaceous and subtly saline on the nose (we were reminded of sea vegetables), it’s slightly sweeter to taste, with aromatic cardamom notes. Flavour profile: herbaceous Botanicals: spignel, rock samphire, wood avens and bog myrtle Perfect pairing: try it in a dirty martini Available from: Fishers Gin (£40) Yorkshire: Slingsby gooseberry gin Available from Ocado (£30.55) Slingsby’s rhubarb gin was a hit at olive HQ and now the Yorkshire distillery has released another tart and zesty winner. Here, tangily fruity gooseberries (also sourced in Yorkshire) marry perfectly with the citrussy notes of the base gin. Flavour profile: citrus Botanicals: severn sea rosemary, silver posie thyme, green and jasmine tea, citrus thyme, garden thyme, rhubarb, sage, lovage, chervil, nettle, sweet cicely, rose hip, angelica, cassia, orris root, coriander, liquorice, grapefruit and juniper Perfect pairing: the gin’s creamy mouthfeel means it would be lovely sipped neat with ice, or try topping up with some sparkling white wine for a spring-like spritz. Available from: Ocado (£30.55) Northamptonshire: Warner's London dry gin Available from Tesco (£31) A rich and full-bodied London dry gin made using lemon verbena, lavender and angelica root grown on the distillery's own farm, as well as discarded lemon peel from a local fruit factory. It's vibrant with bold juniper and zesty flavours, with a subtly spicy edge. Flavour profile: Juniper and citrus Botanicals: Lemon verbena, angelica root, lavender, lemon peel, coriander, elderflower, cinnamon, almond, nutmeg, juniper Perfect pairing: tonic and a wedge of orange undefined Lanarkshire: Biggar gin Available from Master of Malt (£38.63) This award-winning small-batch gin uses botanicals local to the Scottish town of Biggar, where it’s made. As to be expected from a London dry gin it’s got plenty of juniper character, as well as vibrant orange notes, subtle herbaceousness and spice, and a restrained sweetness. It’s also super smooth to drink, with a lingering finish. Flavour profile: juniper Botanicals: rowan berry, rosehip, nettle, pink peppercorns, coriander seed, cardamom pods, lavender cassia bark, orris root Perfect pairing: tonic and a few pink peppercorns Available from: Master of Malt (£38.63) Devon: Salcombe Start Point London dry gin Available from Master of Malt (£41,99) The Start Point lighthouse in Salcombe marked the beginning of the voyages of the 19th-century fruit schooners that carried exotic goods from the Azores and Mediterranean to the UK. This produce inspired this super-smooth London dry gin's flavour. Though earthy juniper is dominant, it’s followed by bright, zingy citrus – as well as a subtle, warming spice. Flavour profile: juniper Botanicals: juniper, coriander seed, ruby grapefruit, lemon, lime, cubeb Perfect pairing: slice of red grapefruit Available from: Master of Malt (£41.99) Wiltshire: Ramsbury lemon balm gin Available from Ramsbury (£36) This fresh, summery gin is made using wheat grown on the distillery’s own Wiltshire estate, as well as lemon balm picked from its garden. It delivers masses of herbaceous lemon notes that match really well with the aromatic juniper in the spirit. Flavour profile: citrus Botanicals: juniper and lemon balm Perfect pairing: drink in a G&T with lemon tonic water and a wedge of citrus Available from: Ramsbury (£36) Cornwall: Aureus Vita gin Available from Master of Malt (£175), Fortnum & Mason (£169) Made using an innovative distillation method just once a year in autumn (when the gin’s key botanicals have been freshly harvested and are at their peak), this striking gin is full-bodied, with luscious, velvety texture and good balance, despite the hefty ABV. It's full of peppery, piney juniper notes, and would be a very special gin for martinis. Flavour profile: juniper-forward Botanicals: juniper and baobab pulp Perfect pairing: use for a next-level martini Available from: Master of Malt (£175) Fortnum & Mason (£169) Cornwall: Tarquin's gin Available from Waitrose Cellar (£38.50) Featuring 12 botanicals sourced across the globe as well as locally along the Cornish coast, this is a well-balanced gin with all the classic botanicals coming through on both the nose and the palate. The juniper is prevalent (as it should be) but a strong lemony coriander reminds us of a deep pine forest on a hot summer stroll – earthy notes and warm orange blossom faintly joining in. Floral notes from Devon violets only come through after a couple of sips, but are balanced by the amount of citrusy and rooty/earthy botanicals mingling around. Flavour profile: citrus Botanicals: juniper, coriander seeds, orange, lemon, grapefruit, angelica root, orris root, green cardamom seeds, bitter almond, cinnamon, liquorice root, violets Perfect pairing: twist of grapefruit peel Available from: Waitrose Cellar (£38.50) Cambridge: Cambridge Distillery Three Seasons gin Available from Laithwaites (£90) We've come to expect great things from the Cambridge Distillery and their latest release doesn't disappoint. Designed to evoke the changing seasons of an English country garden, this is a botanical powerhouse of a gin. Featuring local and seasonal ingredients of lemon verbena, blackcurrant leaf and rose, it's fresh yet richly floral, with herbaceous citrus notes, hints of dark fruits and a complex, evocative finish. Yes, it's priced on the steep side, but with a beautiful bottle it would make a special gift for a gin lover. The more budget conscious should try their excellent Cambridge Dry Gin, at £39.99. Flavour profile: floral and citrus Botanicals: Lemon verbena, rose, blackcurrant leaf Perfect pairing: we think this richly complex gin would shine in a dry martini. Available from: Laithwaites (£90) The Cairngorms: Caorunn gin Available from Waitrose Cellar (£31), Tesco (£30.50) Distilled and bottled in Scotland, Caorunn firmly takes on the mantle of a national product. The distillery is situated in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, at the foot of the Haughs of Cromdale. It's inspired by the landscape that surrounded them – Simon Buley (one of the distillers) wanted to use the ancient skills and recipes of spirit-making, using age-old Celtic botanicals that grow on the surrounding hills of Balmenach Distillery. Drunk on its own, the gin is crisp, dry and well-balanced yet still full-bodied. The botanicals jump out in the palate with spices, citrus and floral notes all working well to compliment a dry juniper note that leaves you with a crisp, clean finish. Flavour profile: floral Botanicals: juniper, coriander, lemon peel, orange peel, angelica root, cassia bark, rowan berry, heather, dandelion, coul blush apple Perfect pairing: tonic and thin wedge of red apple Available from: Waitrose Cellar (£31) Tesco (£30.50) Thurso: Rock Rose Scottish gin Latest Prices Proving the British craft distilling movement has gone all the way to the northern tip of Scotland, Rock Rose harnesses its regionality in its gin, using local and regional botanicals such sea buckthorn and rhodiola rosea for a bright gin packed with fruity berries and a delicate astringency. Flavour profile: floral Botanicals: juniper, rose root, sea buckthorn, rowan berries, bilberries, cardamom, coriander seed, verbena Perfect pairing: tonic and a sprig of rosemary undefined Surrey: Silent Pool gin Latest Prices A clean juniper-driven spirit that uses an impressive 24 botanicals and fresh spring water from the Albury Estate, where the gin is made. The end result has gentle citrus and perfumed floral notes that make it the perfect summer tipple. Flavour profile: floral Botanicals: juniper, chamomile, lavender, citrus, honey Perfect pairing: tonic and a twist of orange peel undefined Surrey: Magna Carta gin Available from Magna Carta (£40) Inspired by Runnymede's historic connections to the Magna Carta, this gin uses ingredients with medieval roots such as green peppercorn, citrus peel and hibiscus. Flavour profile: juniper led Botanicals: green peppercorn, lemon peel, orange peel, hibiscus, tonka bean Perfect pairing: tonic and twist of lemon peel Available from: Magna Carta (£40) Surrey: Brockman's gin Available from Sainsbury's (£36) This is a distinctively fruity gin with a super-sweet nose and masses of berry aromas and flavours, plus a pleasingly light and smooth character. Flavour profile: fruity Botanicals: blackberries, blueberries, juniper, lemon and orange peels, coriander, cassia bark, liquorice, angelica, almond and orris Perfect pairing: try in a clover club cocktail with dry vermouth, lemon, egg white and raspberry syrup with fresh raspberries to garnish Available from: Sainsbury's (£36) Wales: Aber Falls small batch gin Available from Waitrose Cellar (£27.30) Piney juniper and lavender are surprise best pals in this subtly floral number that showcases Welsh-inspired botanicals, with peppery notes adding to its complexity. One for those who prefer sweeter gins. Flavour profile: floral Botanicals: lavender, rowan berries, black pepper, juniper, angelica and liquorice Perfect pairing: tonic and a slice of cucumber Available from: Waitrose Cellar (£27.30) London: Sipsmith chilli & lime gin Available from Sainsbury's (£30) An intriguing release from craft gin pioneers Sipsmith, seven different chillies from around the world are used to make this unusual gin. It’s a much more subtle spirit than you’d expect, with earthy, warming spice, bright citrus and delicate tingling heat. Flavour profile: citrus Botanicals: Sipsmith’s chilli blend includes scotch bonnet, cascabel pepper and Carolina reaper, as well as lime peel, juniper and yuzu peel Perfect pairing: try in a gin-based picante cocktail with chilli and coriander Available from: Sainsbury's (£30) Swansea: Cygnet 77 Available from Harrods (£130) A luxurious, blow-out Welsh sipping gin that has been aged in Welsh whisky casks for more than a year and flavoured with manuka honey. This gives it lush depth, with rich juniper, subtle woodiness and herbaceous flavour. Flavour profile: herbaceous and floral Botanicals: juniper, coriander, almond, angelica root, orris root, cardamom, lime peel, liquorice, orange peel, chamomile flower, lemon peel, pink grapefruit, manuka honey, bee pollen, calendula, hibiscus, heather, rose petals, peppercorn, sea salt, lemon balm and cassia bark Perfect pairing: it’s designed for sipping neat, or try in an extra-decadent martini Available from: Harrods (£130) Northern Ireland: Boatyard Double gin Available from Master of Malt (£35.99) You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but this smooth, juniper- led gin lives up to its classy label. It also has a hint of floral sweetness thanks to the wild sweet gale that’s foraged from Boatyard’s farm in Fermanagh. Flavour profile: juniper led Botanicals: juniper, sweet gale, grains of paradise, angelica, lemon, orris, liquorice root, coriander Perfect pairing: tonic and a twist of orange peel and juniper berries Available from: Master of Malt (£35.99) undefined Related gin reviews Best gins to try – our favourite bottles Best gin subscriptions and clubs Best American gins to try Best gifts for gin lovers Best savoury gins Best international gins Best citrus gins Best pink gins to try Best flavoured gins to try Best Welsh gins The best UK gin experiences
19 best vodkas to buy, tried and tested 2025
Drinks expert Hannah Guinness has tested the best vodka to buy so you'll be ready to make a whole range of classic cocktails at home
Looking for the best vodka to try? Read our guide then check out our vodka cocktail recipes, then check out our alternative spirits and best sustainable spirits to try. This clear spirit is an essential ingredient for any drinks cupboard. Vodka has always been celebrated for its versatility as a cocktail ingredient, and in recent years the launches of new artisan brands have meant that it’s also seen as a premium spirit that can be sipped and savoured. In places such as Russia and Poland, it’s a spirit usually drunk neat, ice-cold and in shots, and with two things – company, and food (especially pickles and salty snacks). It’s vodka’s versatility as a drinks base, however, that saw it soar in popularity in countries including the US in the 20th century, with vodka cocktails such as the moscow mule and cosmopolitan ensuring that sales boomed. Recent years have seen vodka’s crown slip a little, with sales dented by the boom in ‘craft’ spirits, especially gin (interestingly, gin is effectively made from vodka, with extra flavourings added). This status quo is shifting, however, with the emergence of new vodkas that champion their raw ingredients and position themselves as premium artisan products. Because while it’s popularly seen as a ‘flavourless’ spirit, the best expressions will have subtle differences – potato vodkas will have a creamier texture, while a rye-based spirit can have nutty notes. This can be especially appreciated in classic, spirit-forward cocktails such as a vodka martini. The UK has witnessed its own mini-boom in premium English vodkas, made with anything from potato and grains (the traditional base ingredients for vodka) to grapes and even milk. Here are a few of our favourite vodkas to buy from the UK and beyond. 19 best vodkas to buy at a glance Best herbal vodka: Colwith Distillery Aval Dor Cornish Rosemary and Bay Vodka, £39.25 Best vodka for gifting: Sapling vodka, £31.25 Best floral vodka: Jo Vodka 103 – The Artist, £49.99 Best full-bodied vodka: Discarded Grape Skin Chardonnay Vodka, £27.95 Best citrus vodka: Wildjac Homegrown Distillery Fresh Citrus Vodka, £30 Best Scottish vodka: Eight Lands Organic Speyside Vodka, £34.25 Best potato vodka: Chase Original Potato Vodka, £35.93 Best unusual vodka: BlackLion Vodka, £55 Best vodka for a martini: Cove Vodka, £41.95 Best single origin vodka: Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka, £31.99 Best sustainable vodka: Black Cow vodka, £30.50 Best premium vodka: Edwards 1902 vodka, £39 Best Finnish vodka: Koskenkorva Vodka Climate Action, £26.95 Best Ukrainian vodka: Dima's Vodka, £35.53 Best barley vodka: Witchmark Single Origin English Vodka, £43 Best Swedish vodka: Virtuous Vodka Organic Rye, £35.99 Best wheat vodka: 58 & Co Triple Distilled Vodka, £36 Best value vodka: Helix 7 Vodka, £25.75 Best sipping vodka: Golden Egg Vodka, £34.50 19 best vodkas to buy 2025 Colwith Distillery Aval Dor Cornish Rosemary and Bay Vodka Available from The Whisky Exchange (£39.25) Best herbal vodka Colwith Farm Distillery have married their creamy potato vodka with botanicals of rosemary, bay and black pepper for a super-charged spirit brimming with savoury herbaceous character. It's so flavourful that a little goes a long way – it's delicious in a reverse martini, made with two parts dry vermouth to one part vodka. undefined Sapling Vodka Available from Waitrose (£32.50), Master of Malt (£32), Ocado (£32.55), The Whisky Exchange (£31.25) Best vodka for gifting There’s a wonderful story behind Sapling – billed as the world’s first climate-positive vodka: for every bottle sold a tree is planted to offset carbon output (a unique code on each bottle will tell you what tree was planted where). This is happening in forestry initiatives across the country and beyond, from fruit trees in London and oak trees in Bristol to community planting projects in Morocco. But how does the actual vodka taste? Made exclusively from British wheat, it’s pleasingly soft and smooth while still being crisp, with a touch of subtle herbaceous and citrus perkiness. It’s an accessible, easy-drinking vodka that would lend itself well to most cocktails, or we think it would be delicious with tonic, ice and a fruit or herb garnish. Available from: Waitrose (£32.50) Master of Malt (£32) Ocado (£32.55) The Whisky Exchange (£31.25) Jo Vodka 103 – The Artist Available from Jo Vodka (£49.99) Best floral vodka British perfumer Ms Jo Malone CBE has created her own range of characterful vodkas. This expression has fresh, delicate floral tones and a hint of peppery warmth. Try mixing with tonic or soda water. Available from: Jo Vodka (£49.99) Discarded Grape Skin Chardonnay Vodka Available from The Whisky Exchange (£27.95) Best full-bodied vodka A typically innovative release from this zero-waste spirit brand, grape pomace (crushed skins, stems and seeds left-over from winemaking) is distilled to make a spirit and blended with the flavourful alcohol produced from making alcohol-free wine. The resulting vodka is one of the most full-bodied we’ve tried, with a complex, lasting finish. With fruity notes of apple, pear and guava, it’s delicious sipped neat over ice, or try in a simple highball with tonic or sparkling water. Latest Deals Wildjac Homegrown Distillery Fresh Citrus Vodka Available from Master of Malt (£30) Best citrus vodka This English vodka, distilled with Worcestershire Endeavour hops and lemon thyme, is worth buying for the aroma alone. Bright and sunny with overwhelming tangerine and grapefruit notes, it’s as bold as perfume and would be the perfect spirit choice on a summer’s day. A blend of 12 homegrown and locally foraged botanicals (including elderflower, pink grapefruit, eucalyptus and bergamot) makes Fresh Citrus Vodka, which is batch-distilled at Wildjac’s eco-distillery in Worcestershire’s Wyre Forest. To taste, it’s all lemon peel, lime and orange, with a subtle, sherbet-like sweetness. Intense on its own, it would be best tempered with ice or tonic water. Available from: Master of Malt (£30) Eight Lands Organic Speyside Vodka Available from Master of Malt (£34.25), The Whisky Exchange (£34.25) Best Scottish vodka Speyside in Scotland is a region best known for its fruity, mellow whiskies, but it turns out it's also home to some noteworthy clear spirits, too. This elegant organic vodka, made from barley and grain, is distilled and bottled at the foot of Ben Rinnes. It’s clean, smooth and nuanced, with vanilla and toasted coconut notes, buttery sweetness, a touch of creaminess and a whisper of spice at the finish. Keep it simple and try in a highball with sparkling water to appreciate these delicate flavours. We also liked their Organic Speyside Gin – its vibrant citrus and pine aromas, and warming spice, would make a cracking martini. Available from: Master of Malt (£34.25) The Whisky Exchange (£34.25) undefined Chase Original Potato Vodka Available from Amazon (£35.93) Best potato vodka Voted the world’s best vodka at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2010, this acclaimed field-to-bottle potato vodka is made using spuds grown on the distillery’s family farm in Hertfordshire. It’s a classy, super-smooth affair with a creamy, slightly oily mouthfeel and peppery notes. A natural match for a vodka martini – try 60ml of vodka stirred in a cocktail shaker with 15ml of dry vermouth and ice. Strain into a frozen martini glass and garnish with lemon peel. You can play around with the ratio of vodka to vermouth, and we also think a dash of orange bitters is a nice touch. Available from: Amazon (£35.93) BlackLion Vodka Available from BlackLion (£55) Best unusual vodka BlackLion uses milk from rare crossbreed sheep on its Cotswolds family farm to make this distinctive vodka. Silky and rounded, with subtly creamy and caramel tones. Available from: BlackLion (£55) Cove Vodka Available from Cove (£41.95) Best vodka for a martini This English vodka is made using King Edwards potatoes grown on a family farm overlooking Hope Cove in Devon. Small-batch traditional copper pot distillation creates a super-smooth and soft vodka that captures the essence of the county, thanks to the use of Devon spring water and the salty sea air in which the potatoes are grown. Perfect for sipping or creating a truly English martini. Available from: Cove (£41.95) Ramsbury Single Estate Vodka Available from Waitrose Cellar (£31.50), Master of Malt (£31.99) Best single-origin vodka Made using Horatio wheat grown on the Ramsbury Estate in Wiltshire (each bottle can be traced back to a single field), this elegant vodka has appealing vanilla and subtle cocoa notes. We think it’d be a knockout in another iconic vodka cocktail – an espresso martini (try our classic recipe here). Do check out our review of Ramsbury’s equally delicious gin in our best British gins – it’s made with homegrown quince and locally picked juniper. Available from: Waitrose Cellar (£31.50) Master of Malt (£31.99) undefined Black Cow Vodka Available from Amazon (£26.99), Master of Malt (£30.50) Best sustainable vodka The past few years have seen drinks brands get creative when it comes to using waste and surplus produce, from gin made from surplus table grapes to a vermouth that uses the discarded fruit of the coffee cherry (both, incidentally, come highly recommended by olive). Dorset farmer Jason Barber uses milk from his herd of dairy cows to make this distinctive vodka. Or, to be specific, left-over whey from the cheesemaking process (the curds get turned into Jason’s award-winning cheddar). With distinct lactic notes, it has a lusciously silky texture and is soft and smooth enough to drink on its own at room temperature. It’s also a great-value vodka. Available from: Amazon (£26.99) Master of Malt (£30.50) undefined Edwards 1902 vodka Latest Deals Best premium vodka This premium vodka is made using King Edward potatoes (hence the name) grown in Lincolnshire just a few miles away from the distillery. Though a newish entrant to the British vodka scene, this potato vodka has already garnered a clutch of awards, and we can see why – it’s elegantly sweet and creamy, with appealing vanilla-scented custard notes. The company also makes a single-origin cold-brew coffee liqueur, which is all the excuse you need to make a white russian with milk or double cream. Latest Deals Koskenkorva Vodka Climate Action Available from The Whisky Exchange (£26.95), Master of Malt (£26.95) Best Finnish vodka This sustainably minded Finnish spirit is made used regeneratively farmed barley, which removes CO2 from the atmosphere and stores it in the ground, as well as having other beneficial environmental effects, such as improving biodiversity. The vodka itself is a delicate affair, smooth and sweet with grassy hints, vanilla and lemon notes. Latest Deals Dima's Vodka Available from Master of Malt (£35.53), Dima's Vodka (£35) Best Ukrainian vodka A Ukrainian vodka made with three different organic grains – barley, wheat and rye – this is a layered spirit with creamy vanilla and anise notes, nuttiness and a hint of spice. Subtly sweet, with a silky texture, sip neat and ultra chilled (try stashing the bottle in the freezer). A delicious match with pickles. Available from: Master of Malt (£35.53) Dima's Vodka (£35) Witchmark single origin English vodka Available from Master of Malt (£43) Best barley vodka Made in south-west Wiltshire on the Fonthill Estate (and named, intriguingly, for the medieval ‘witch marks’ carved into the old stone buildings of Fonthill's buildings), this barley-based vodka has a rich, creamy character. It's smooth and subtly sweet – one for sipping. Available from: Master of Malt (£43) Virtuous Vodka organic rye Available from Selfridges (£35.99), Master of Malt (£29.99) Best Swedish vodka An award-winning Swedish vodka with a rye base that imparts subtle spice and bread notes. Super-smooth and silky, it would make a lovely base for cocktails. Available from: Selfridges (£35.99) Master of Malt (£29.99) 58 & Co triple-distilled vodka Available from 58 & Co (£36) Best wheat vodka This British wheat vodka from ethical East London distillery 58 & Co has a clean, fresh profile, with appealing hints of lemon peel and cream. Available from: 58 & Co (£36) Helix 7 vodka Available from The Whisky Exchange (£25.75) Best-value vodka Made using French wheat spirit and Icelandic water, this has a creamy mouthfeel and a touch of citrus. It's well-priced and a good all-rounder to keep in your cocktail cupboard. Golden Egg vodka Available from The Whisky Exchange (£34.50) Best sipping vodka This Berkshire vodka is made with an added touch of honey, which ensures the spirit is ultra-smooth with a faint sweetness that makes it very palatable. Available from: The Whisky Exchange (£34.50) How is vodka made? For centuries vodka has been the spirit of choice in countries such as Russia, Poland and across Eastern Europe, the Baltic and Scandinavia – indeed, where vodka was invented is still hotly contested between the first two nations. It’s typically distilled from fermented grains such as rye and wheat, as well as potatoes (although you can make vodka from many ingredients – see below), usually in a column still. Unlike spirits such as whisky, cognac and rum, vodka isn’t given time to rest and mature in casks, which accounts for its colourless, neutral-tasting character. Related reviews Best tequilas Best gins to try - our favourite bottles Best British gins to try Best American gins to try Best gifts for gin lovers Best savoury gins to try Best international gins Best citrus gins to try Best pink gins to try
We’ve found the best tequilas to buy, from silver varieties for cocktails to rich aged spirits perfect for sipping
Looking for the best tequila to buy? Want to try new varieties of the popular agave spirit? Check out our round up of the best tequilas brands to try this summer... For more drinks inspiration, check out our expert guides to the best mezcal to buy or best premium rum to try. Best tequilas at a glance Blanco tequilas Best tequila for easy drinking: Espolòn Blanco Tequila, £30.50 Best pink tequila: Código 1530 Rosa Blanco, £49.99 Best smooth blanco tequila: 1800 Blanco Tequila, £34.20 Best tequila for beginners: Cazcabel Honey Tequila, £32.18 Best silver tequila: Don Fulano Blanco Tequila, £45.50 Best flavoured tequila: Beeble Honey Tequila, £35 Best coffee tequila: Hacien Coffee Tequila Blanco, £37.50 Añejo tequila Best value añejo tequila: El Mayor Añejo Tequila, £41.75 Best tequila with a whisky twist: Storywood Tequila Speyside 14 Añejo, £56.95 Best tequila for sipping: VIVIR Tequila Añejo, £69 Best tequila for a Manhattan: Código 1530 Añejo, £112 Best herbaceous tequila: Tapatio Añejo Tequila, £32.89 Best añejo for special occasions: Komos Anejo Reserva, £184.62 Reposado tequila Best reposado tequila: Casa Noble Reposado, £65.90 Best delicate tequila: Mijenta Reposado Tequila, £60.49 Best blow out tequila: Komos Reposado Rosa Tequila, £139 Best mellow tequila: Herradura Reposado Tequila, £42.70 Best single-estate tequila: Ocho 8 Resposado Tequila, £29.50 Best reposado for sipping: Codigo 1530 Reposado Tequila, £51.75 Other tequilas Best charcoal-filtered tequila: Maestro DOBEL Diamante, £61.50 What is tequila? Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the cooked and fermented juice of blue agave. Most tequilas fall into three categories. Blanco tequila is unaged and bottled within two months, and is typically used in cocktails. It usually has strong agave and earthy flavours. Reposado tequilas have been aged in wooden casks for at least two months – which mellows the spirit and imparts oaky notes. Try them in cocktails like margaritas, or drink them neat. Añejo tequilas are barrel-aged for at least one year and are typically very smooth to drink, with spice, vanilla and caramel notes – they’re perfect for sipping. 20 best tequilas to buy 2025 Best blanco tequilas Espolòn Blanco Tequila Available from Master of Malt (£30.50), Ocado (£34.85) Best tequila for easy drinking A great-value, unaged tequila, smooth and sweet, with lime peel notes and a subtly peppery finish. Easy-drinking, this works well in most cocktails. Available from: Master of Malt (£30.50) Ocado (£34.85) Código 1530 Rosa Blanco Available from Amazon (£46.95), The Whisky Exchange (£46.95), Selfridges (£54.99) Best pink tequila This blanco tequila gets its pretty pink hue from ageing in Californian cabernet sauvignon barrels. It's light and delicate, with subtle sweet red fruits. Available from: Selfridges (£54.99) The Whisky Exchange (£46.95) Amazon (£46.95) 1800 Blanco tequila Available from Master of Malt (£34.20), Amazon (£36.70), The Whisky Exchange (£41.25), DrinkSupermarket (£39.99) Best smooth blanco tequila This silver tequila uses 100 per cent blue agave and is double-distilled for a smooth, rounded finish – a versatile pick for sipping neat or using in cocktails. A selection of white tequilas are blended together for the finished product, adding some extra complexity and depth of flavour: fruity on the nose but light and refreshing to finish. Available from: Master of Malt (£34.20) Amazon (£36.70) The Whisky Exchange (£41.25) DrinkSupermarket (£39.99) Cazcabel Honey tequila Available from Amazon (£32.18), Master of Malt (£25.95), Spirits Kiosk (£29.50) Best tequila for beginners A winning marriage of blanco tequila with Yucatán and New Zealand manuka honey, this is a fragrantly rich but not sickly sweet flavoured tequila – a good entry-level option for those new to the spirit, or those who prefer liqueurs. Available from: Amazon (£32.18) Spirits Kiosk (£29.50) Master of Malt (£29.55) Beeble Honey tequila Available from John Lewis (£35) Best flavoured tequila Honey spirits brand Beeble had the rather delicious idea of combining its Wiltshire honey with Mexican blanco tequila – the sweetness of the former is a winning match with the earthy agave notes of the spirit. One for after-dinner sipping and, thanks to its pretty recyclable box, gifting, too. Available from: John Lewis (£35) Hacien Coffee tequila blanco Available from Master of Malt (£35) Best coffee tequila A pleasingly light, coffee-flavoured tequila with dark chocolate notes – it would be a hit in a tequila-based espresso martini. Available from: Master of Malt (£35) Best añejo tequilas El Mayor añejo tequila Available from The Whisky Exchange (£41.75) Best-value añejo tequila Aged for at least 18 months, the richly fruity agave heart of this spirit is complemented by a touch of smoke. Available from: The Whisky Exchange (£41.75) Storywood Tequila Speyside 14 Añejo Available from Hard to Find Whisky (£56.95) Best tequila with a whisky twist Tequila with a Scottish twist! Aged for 14 months in single-malt Scotch whisky barrels, expect inviting notes of caramel and nuts, and rich oakiness. Available from: Hard to Find Whisky (£56.95) VIVIR Tequila Añejo Available from Waitrose Cellar (£69), Master of Malt (£58.50), Fenwick (£69) Best tequila for sipping Matured in bourbon casks for 18 months, this aged tequila has a lush vanilla and oak character, alongside agave herbaceousness. One for sipping slowly. Available from: Waitrose (£69) Master of Malt (£58.50) Fenwick (£69) Código 1530 añejo Available from Master of Malt (£112), Amazon (£111.99) Best tequila for a Manhattan Aged for 18 months in Californian cabernet barrels, agave herbaceous oomph is matched with a backbone of caramel, oakiness and spice. Sip neat or try in a manhattan. Available from: Master of Malt (£112) Amazon (£111.99) Tapatio Añejo Tequila Available from Amazon (£32.89), The Whisky Exchange (£37.25), Master of Malt (£37.25) Best herbaceous tequila Ageing for 18 months in oak gives this tequila a rich and almost creamy character, with subtle spice and caramel notes that complement a delicate herbaceousness. Available from: Amazon (£32.89) The Whisky Exchange (£37.25) Master of Malt (£37.25) Komos añejo reserva Available from Master of Malt (£184.62) Best añejo for special occasions An opulent añejo with wonderful coffee and chocolate flavours and aromas, alongside caramel, red fruits and vanilla. One for special occasions. Available from: Master of Malt (£184.62) Best reposado tequilas Casa Noble Reposado Available from The Whisky Exchange (£77.50), Master of Malt (£65.90) Best reposado tequila This reposado has been aged for exactly 364 days, one day shy of being classified as an añejo. This extra ageing imparts vanilla notes and woody oakiness that complement the sweet agave character of the spirit. Available from: The Whisky Exchange (£77.50) Master of Malt (£65.90) Mijenta Reposado Tequila Available from The Whisky Exchange (£61.25), Master of Malt (£60.49) Best delicate tequila Aged for up to six months in oak and acacia casks, this has delicate vanilla, honey and floral grassy notes. Use to give a margarita depth. Available from: The Whisky Exchange (£61.25) Master of Malt (£60.94) Komos Reposado Rosa Tequila Available from The Whisky Exchange (£137) Best blow out tequila Pink tequila typically gets its colour from barrel ageing, as is the case with premium brand Komos’s reposado expression. Aged for two months in Californian red wine barrels, which tinges the spirit a delicate blush hue, it’s full of summery red berry notes as well as grassy agave herbaceous character. Enjoy in a refreshing long drink with soda or tonic water. Available from: The Whisky Exchange (£160) Herradura Reposado Tequila Available from Amazon (£44.75), Master of Malt (£49.99), Spirits Kiosk (£49) Best mellow tequila Aged in wood for 11 months, this tequila has a really mellow burn, more like a fine whisky than a tequila. Smoky, smooth and a little sweet. Available from: Amazon (£44.75) Master of Malt (£49.99) Spirits Kiosk (£49) Ocho 8 Resposado Tequila Available from Great Wine Co. (£29.50) Best single-estate tequila A single-estate tequila (meaning all the agave used was taken from the same field) rested for two months in oak barrels: this is extremely smooth and balanced, with restrained vanilla notes. Available from: Great Wine Co. (£29.50) Código 1530 reposado tequila Available from The Whisky Exchange (£51.75) Best reposado for sipping Aged for six months in ex-Napa Valley cabernet barrels, this reposado has soft oakiness and warmth, along with pepper-like spice that matches the soft, sweet agave heart of the spirit. Available from: The Whisky Exchange (£51.75) Best other tequilas Maestro DOBEL Diamante Available from Amazon (£61.50), Master of Malt (£61.50) Best charcoal-filtered tequila This blend of aged tequilas is charcoal filtered, resulting in a bright, light and sweet spirit with an appealingly soft and silky character. Available from: Amazon (£61.50) Master of Malt (£61.50) Don Fulano Blanco Tequila Available from The Whisky Exchange (£45.50), Amazon (£49.49) Best silver tequila Silver tequilas are usually seen as a great base for drinks such as margaritas, but this delicate number, with its herbal and fruity notes, is just as enjoyable sipped neat. If you do want to mix it, try pairing with tonic water. Available from: The Whisky Exchange (£45.50) Amazon (£49.49) Related reviews Best gins to try - our favourite bottles Best premium rums to try Best English whiskies to try Best British gins to try Best gin subscriptions and clubs Best gifts for gin lovers Best international gins Best citrus gins to try Best pink gins to try Best flavoured gins to try
Best induction pan sets UK, non-stick and stainless steel, tried and tested
Find the best pans sets for using on an induction hob, tried and tested by our expert reviews team
You'd struggle to find a piece of cookware more frequently used than a saucepan. Its uses are infinite, from everyday tasks like boiling pasta and cooking vegetables to more specialist ones like making choux pastry. They are the workhorses of any kitchen. More people are opting for induction hobs for their energy efficiency as well safety credentials. They heat up and change temperature quickly, plus look sleek if you're designing a modern kitchen. With an induction hob you'll need to make sure you pick pans that are compatible with the surface. When buying, this will usually be indicated by a symbol on the pans, although you can test any pan by using a magnet on the base. Saucepans come in many shapes, sizes and finishes and buying a set can be the best way to furnish your kitchen. We've tested a range of induction pan sets from the UK's most popular cookware brands to help you find the best one for you. Best induction pan set deals Hoping to make a saving on one of the induction pan sets in this list? Black Friday isn't until 28 November 2025, but several retailers have launched their sales early this year. We've been scouring the market to find the biggest discounts – here are the best we've seen so far: Kuhn Rikon Allround 3-piece saucepan set | £179.95 £128.50 at Amazon (save £51.45 or 29%) Our Place Titanium Pro cookware set | £720 £465 at Our Place (save £255 or 35%) HexClad Hybrid Pot 6-piece set | £399 £358.95 at Amazon (save £40.05 or 10%) Our Place 4-piece Cookware Set | £470 £275 at Our Place (save £195 or 41%) MadeIn CeramiClad non-stick cookware set | £656 £499.99 at MadeIn (save £156.01 or 24%) Circulon C Series SteelShield 3-piece pan set | £240 £119.99 at Circulon (save £120.01 or 50%) Stellar Profile 5-piece draining saucepan set | £258 £129 at Stellar (save £129 or 50%) Judge Vista 3-piece pan set | £117 £58.50 at Harts of Stur (save £58.50 or 50%) Looking for inspiration? Read our guide to the best cookware brands, best cast iron skillet and find great savings in our guide to the best Le Creuset deals. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Jump to: Best induction pan sets to buy in the UK 2025 Do you need special pans for an induction hob? What to look for when choosing a pan set Best induction pan sets UK at a glance Best everyday induction pan set: ProCook Soho Cookware Set, 4-piece, £99 Best induction pan set: Kuhn Rikon Allround 3-piece saucepan set, £179.95 Best non-stick induction pan set: Ninja Zerostick stainless steel 3-piece pan set C63000UK, £149.99 Best stainless steel induction pan set: HexClad Hybrid Pot 6-piece set, £399 Best induction pan set for no-coating non-stick: Our Place Titanium Pro cookware set, £465 Best blowout induction pan set: Green Pan x Stanley Tucci 11-piece set, £699.95 Best attractive induction pan set: Our Place 4-piece Cookware Set, £275 Best ceramic induction pan set: Joseph Joseph Space folding-handle 6-piece cookware set, £615 Best versatile induction pan set: MadeIn CeramiClad non-stick cookware set, £499.99 Best hybrid pan set: Circulon C Series SteelShield 3-piece pan set, £119.99 Best easy-to-use induction pan set: Stellar Profile 5-piece draining saucepan set, £129 Best affordable induction pan set: Judge Vista 3-piece pan set, £58.50 Best induction pan sets to buy in the UK 2025 ProCook Soho Cookware Set, 4-piece Available from ProCook (£99) Best everyday induction pan set Star rating: 5/5 We've been frequently impressed by ProCook's cookware offering and this pan set is no exception. If it's a colourful set you're after, but have a midrange budget to spend, this could be a great choice. In this set you get a sauté pan with lid, saucepan with lid and a 24cm casserole dish with lid and steamer insert. On test we were impressed by how sturdy these pans felt given the price, yet they were still lightweight enough to carry with one hand. Each handle was ergonomic and felt easy to hold and move from the hob to the oven — each pan is oven safe up to an impressive 260C. We found the pans heated quickly and responded to changes in temperature well, resulting in custardy softy scrambled eggs and golden caramelised onions. Available from: ProCook (£99) Kuhn Rikon Allround 3-piece saucepan set undefined Best induction pan set Star rating: 5/5 This is a set of three saucepans which we found were incredible quality for the price and would be brilliant as a starter set, or if you're looking to refresh your most-used kitchen equipment. Made from the highest quality 18/10 stainless steel they have an almost professional look and feel. Each saucepan comes with a glass lid with a strainer built in and a pouring spout on each side, making it really easy to drain our pasta during testing. On testing, we were impressed with how quickly the pans heated up and their responsiveness to heat change on our induction hob. The handles remained cool even when we were cooking on a high heat, but they will get hot if you put the pan in the oven (they're oven-safe up to 240C). undefined Ninja Zerostick stainless steel 3-piece pan set C63000UK undefined Best non-stick induction pan set Star rating: 5/5 Ninja might be well-known for its appliances like air-fryers, but the brand also makes stand out cookware including this three-piece saucepan set. They're made from stainless steel with an impressive non-stick coating and each pan has a glass lid. On test we found absolutely nothing stuck to these pans, from sticky caramelised onions to porridge. Thanks to the non-stick coating we found the pans very quick to clean, although they are dishwasher safe too. One of the things that impressed us most about this was was its responsiveness to heat. We brought 1.5 litres of water from cold to the boil in just four minutes. undefined HexClad Hybrid Pot 6-piece set Available from HexClad (£399), Amazon (£358.95) Best stainless steel induction pan set Star rating: 5/5 HexClad's pans feels luxurious even in their packaging as they're nestled in protective cloth bags. Once removed they look and feel beautiful with a glossy stainless steel exterior and distinctive honeycomb non-stick which is the brand's signature design. In this set you get three saucepans, two with a long handle and the largest with a small handle on either side, each with a glass lid. Much like cast iron, HexClad's coating needs seasoning before the first use, but once that's out of the way you'll be left with a robust yet non-stick set of pans which are as brilliant for searing as they are cooking — making them perfect for stews like beef bourguignon. undefined Our Place Titanium Pro cookware set Available from Our Place (£465) Best induction pan set for no-coating non-stick Star rating: 4.5/5 Our Place's Titanium Pro cookware boasts non-stick capabilities without a coating, plus a level of durability you don't normally get with non-stick. In this set you get two sizes of deep frying pan, plus a large casserole dish and saucepan, each with a lid. You also get a spoon and metal spatula as part of the set. The look of these pans is certainly eye-catching, with a chrome finish shiny enough to apply your eyeliner in as you're cooking – although it's worth noting we found they showed fingerprints pretty easily. Overall, we were impressed by the pans' temperature sensitivity and ease of use. We did find that for some delicate foods, like a French omelette, the hexagonal pattern on the surface imprinted onto the surface of the omelette. Available from: Our Place (£465) Green Pan x Stanley Tucci 11-piece set Available from Fortnum & Mason (£699.95) Best blowout induction pan set Star rating: 4.5/5 This set is designed as part of a collaboration between GreenPan and actor Stanley Tucci. The pans are beautifully packaged (in fully recyclable packaging), and the unboxing experience is like unearthing a treasure trove. In this set you get a sauté pan, small and large saucepans, 7.5-litre stock pot with colander insert, small and large frying pans and lids for each pan. The pans come in a choice of colours with either matching or contrasting handles, with a sleek overall design. On thing we noticed immediately were how heavy the pans were and while the sauté pan and stock pot each have two handles, we struggled to lift any of the other pans with one hand. The non-stick coating of these pans impressed us on test and nothing from porridge to pancakes stuck to the surface. If you're looking for an extensive set of matching pans and have money to spend this could be a great option. undefined Our Place 4-piece Cookware Set Available from Our Place (£275) Best attractive induction pan set Star rating: 4.5/5 This set from Our Place includes two frying pans, the 5.2l-capacity Perfect Pot and a saucepan. We love Our Place's pans, not only for their good looks but also for their versatility. The Always Pan 2.0, the large frying pan included in this set, comes with a metal steaming basket. There are also innovative features which make the pans a joy to use, such as the built-in colander that both the pot and the saucepan have. Each pan comes with a wooden spoon, plus they're all oven-safe up to 230C, so you can transfer the pan from an induction hob into the oven, or put them underneath the grill. undefined Joseph Joseph Space folding-handle 6-piece cookware set Available from Joseph Joseph (£615) Best ceramic induction pan set Star rating: 4.5/5 There's no denying that, at £615, this cookware set is an investment. Although it's worth noting that, unlike some other brands in this list, Joseph Joseph don't count pan lids as a separate piece of cookware so in this set you get two saucepans (with lids), two frying pans, a sauté pan (with lid) and a casserole pan (with lid). We really liked that the pans come with three felt protectors so you can stack the pans without worrying about damage to the delicate (and highly effective) ceramic non-stick coating. These pans have folding handles which are brilliant if you're short on storage space in your kitchen. They reacted well to temperature changes on our ceramic hob, although we did find that the pans struggled slightly with even heat distribution leading to some hot spots. Overall this is an extensive and attractive set which would set you up well in a new kitchen. undefined MadeIn CeramiClad non-stick cookware set Available from MadeIn (£529) Best versatile induction pan set Star rating: 4.5/5 MadeIn is a US brand born from four generations of a family in the hospitality business. The result is beautifully crafted cookware that looks sleek and performs brilliantly. This set includes a frying pan, saucepan with a lid, stock pot with a lid and sauté pan with lid. Each has a ceramic coating in a pleasant cream colour, which helps you to see how your food is browning more easily than dark coloured pans with non-stick coatings. On test, we were impressed with how the pans performed. They heated quickly and responded swiftly to changes in temperature. The sauté pan was particularly versatile thanks to the deep, high sides and lid. This set may be pricier than the others in this list, but if you're looking to invest and like to cook on non-stick, these pans are a high-quality option. Available from: MadeIn (£529) Circulon C Series SteelShield 3-piece pan set undefined Best hybrid pan set Star rating: 4.5/5 This set is made up of three saucepans with a 1.4 litre, 1.9 litre and 2.8 litre capacity, each with a glass lid. They feature the brand's well-known design of concentric circles on the base which combine a non-stick coating with raised stainless steel peaks to make the base more durable. The distinctive design doesn't end there — the lid handles are in an 'S' shape which would fit in a modern kitchen, but won't be to everyone's taste. On test we found these pans responded well to changes in heat on our induction hob. While the hybrid design makes it efficient for searing, we found the gaps between the ridges at the base of the pans meant that small amount of food gets trapped there, which would be difficult if you're making a smooth sauce like a béchamel. undefined Stellar Profile 5-piece draining saucepan set Available from Stellar (£150) Best easy-to-use induction pan set Star rating: 4/5 With four saucepans and a non-stick frying pan, this set is comprehensive especially given the price. It has a professional look thanks to the high shine finish of the stainless steel exterior, and the long handles are comfortable to hold. We really like that each of the saucepans has lips on both sides for easy pouring and the lids all have built-in draining holes too. We found the pans offered impressive heat control which allowed us to gently cook our scrambled eggs to a custardy consistency over a low heat. Our American pancakes released from the frying pan with ease thanks to the effective coating, which also meant clean up was a breeze. undefined Judge Vista 3-piece pan set undefined Best affordable induction pan set Star rating: 4/5 Perfect for sending your child off to university with, or restocking some of your kitchen essentials, this set of three saucepans from Judge is affordable yet sturdy. The stainless steel finish gives them an attractive look and although they're more lightweight than many pricier options we found they generally performed well on test. Each saucepan heated up quickly and efficiently, and we liked that the gently curving sides allow you to get right into the corners when stirring. As expected the absence of a non-stick coating meant these pans were trickier to clean compared to others we've tested, but with a bit of soaking and elbow grease we were able to get all the ingredients off. undefined Do you need special pans for an induction hob? The short answer is yes, you do need special pans for an induction hob. This is because induction hobs work by the positioning of a copper coil beneath the ceramic surface which works to generate heat in the pan itself. This essentially means your pans need a magnetic material to be able to transfer this heat. Most modern saucepans are compatible for all surface types, especially if produced in the UK where induction surfaces are increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency. What to look for when choosing a pan set There are several factors to keep in mind when choosing a pan set. Saucepans and frying pans are some of the most-used equipment in of our kitchens and we recommend that you buy the best set that you can afford, given that the cost-per-wear will likely be pretty low. The style of your kitchen is important to think about — pans come in all shapes and designs from classic French to sleek and modern. Your storage space should also be a consideration in terms of the number of pans you'll need but also the design of the handles and lids. Related content Staub vs Le Creuset Best pancake pan Best stainless steel frying pan Best ceramic frying pan UK Ninja deals Best bread knife Best collagen supplement UK Best greens powder Best slow cooker UK
Best alcohol Advent calendars to buy 2025
From high-end whiskies to exclusive craft beers, the countdown to Christmas has never been more fun. Here are our best alcohol Advent calendars to buy this year
The beauty of a boozy Advent calendar (aside from the obvious) is that it’s a great way to try lots of different drinks without having to commit to the expense of larger bottles. We’ve got all bases covered here – from flavoured G&Ts to spiced rum and craft beers, so get sampling! Still looking for Advent calendar inspiration? Check out our picks of the best coffee Advent calendars, best tea Advent calendars and best Advent calendars for foodies for plenty more ideas. Best alcohol Advent calendars to buy 2025 Craft Gin Advent calendar Available from Craft Gin Club (£95) Craft Gin Club's calendar features 25 different double measure servings to open all month long, including seven mystery spirits. It's impressively compact and although the cardboard design doesn't feel excessively luxe, you could definitely refill the satisfying-to-open boxes year after year. Alongside larger brands such as Salcombe, it's a great way to discover small craft distilleries from across the UK, with unique gins without novelty flavours. Available from: Craft Gin Club (£89.99) MOTH cocktail Advent calendar Available from MOTH (£79) If a well-mixed cocktail is your drink order of choice, then this is the alcohol Advent calendar for you. The design is minimalist monochrome on the outside but each door hides a colourful cocktail can. The calendar contains nine of MOTH's most popular flavours, so there's enough variety to not feel repetitive, while still getting a couple of each of your favourites. Cocktails include a negroni, margarita and paloma. Available from: MOTH (£79) Drinks by the Dram rum Advent calendar Available from Master of Malt (£124.95) An alcohol Advent calendar is a great way to explore the complexities of a single spirit – and this rum calendar from Drinks by the Dram does just that. Any rum lover will enjoy the chance to deep dive into this journey of discovery of 25 different wax-sealed rums sourced from around the world. For an even more specific experience, a spiced rum calendar is available, and also more affordable. Available from: Master of Malt (£124.95) Laithwaites Wine Advent calendar Available from Laithwaites (£99.99) We were impressed with the value for money that this calendar offers, with 23 different 187ml bottles, plus a full bottle of prosecco to open up on Christmas Eve. What’s not to love? There are three different Laithwaites wine calendars to choose between depending on your preferred wine: a mix of red and whites, all reds or all whites. We'd go for the mixture, to try a bit of everything. The extra festive design this year gets bonus points too. Available from: Laithwaites (£99.99) Drinks by the Dram Bourbon & American Whiskey Calendar Available from Master of Malt (£134.95) If you thought that American whiskey began and ended with bourbon, think again. Drinks by the Dram has brilliant Advent calendars for spirits, and this one does not disappoint. Featuring 25 wax-sealed 30ml drams, embark on a journey of discovery across the USA, covering a variety of styles and plenty of top brands and distilleries, including Bulleit, Michter’s, Maker’s Mark and FEW. Available from: Master of Malt (£134.95) Fever-Tree gin & tonic Advent calendar Available from Ocado (£70) Gin and tonic lovers, this is the calendar for you. Posh tonic water expert Fever-Tree has supplied everything you need for a G&T-fuelled December, with 12 x 50ml of craft gin and 12 cans of Fever-Tree tonic and mixers (from classic Mediterranean to festive clementine). Mix and match to create your favourite pairings. It's a balanced way to approach an alcohol Advent calendar and the quality of gins inside is high. Available from: Ocado (£70) Brewdog craft beer Advent calendar Available from Brewdog (£64.99) One of the more affordable alcohol Advent calendars, this is perfect for the beer fanatic. Inside the giant box you'll find 24 full-sized cans of beer, plus a Brewdog glass to drink from all month long. There are no repeats which means you get to try a great variety of styles, from hoppy IPAs to rich stout. Available from: Brewdog (£64.99) That Boutique-y Gin Company Advent calendar Available from Master of Malt (£59.95) If you're a gin lover in search of wacky and innovative flavours then this is the calendar for you. This collaboration between That Boutique-y Gin Company and Drinks by the Dram features 24 x 30ml wax-sealed drams of an eclectic array of gins – we're talking everything from festive gin liqueurs to cherry-flavoured spirits. Our favourite is the spit-roasted pineapple. Available from: Master of Malt (£59.95) Whitebox Cocktails classic Advent calendar Available from Selfridges (£110) Another great cocktail Advent calendar option. These single-serve, full-strength cocktails are perfect for December party season, with an impressive 10 varieties inside. There's the familiar negroni, cosmopolitan and espresso martini as well as flavours less commonly found in canned form, such as a boulevardier and dirty martini. Available from: Selfridges (£110) Drinks by the Dram Scotch whisky Advent calendar Available from Master of Malt (£134.95) This luxury alcohol Advent calendar feels special from the moment you unbox its smart navy blue box. Inside are 25 samples of whisky from all across Scotland, introducing you to the varied styles across the country, including multiple impressive 15-year-old varieties. It's an investment but there's plenty in here to keep you sipping into January. Available from: Master of Malt (£134.95) Related reviews The best coffee Advent calendars The best Advent calendars for foodies Best champagne gifts for champagne lovers Best wine gifts Best beer gifts Best gin gifts Best whisky gifts
Best foodie Advent calendars for Christmas 2025
Help build up the excitement to the big day with these indulgent foodie Advent calendars, whether you’re after a daily dram of whisky or chocolate truffle.
Looking for the best foodie Advent calendar or a new chocolate Advent calendar to enjoy this year? We've chosen our favourite calendars from those available, and there's sure to be something for everyone. In the world of chocolate calendars alone, you can take your pick from truffles, pralines, mini bars and more. Alternatively, treat yourself to a decadent whisky or hot sauce calendar might be a new favourite for those who prefer savoury over sweet. Read on to discover the best Advent calendars to buy this year. For more inspiration, see our round-ups of the best alcohol Advent calendars, the best coffee Advent calendars and best tea Advent calendars. Once your Advent calendar is sorted, check out our best gifts for coffee lovers, best beer gifts or gin gifts for gifting inspiration. Best foodie Advent calendars to buy 2025 Chococo classic Advent calendar Available from Chococo (£37.50) A classic chocolate Advent calendar gets a serious upgrade with this Chococo option – redesigned this year as a full calendar, not just a selection box. Every day includes a different handmade truffle or chocolate, all intricately designed and multi-layered. There are plenty of festive flavours and new chocolates to discover this year, including 'Purely Pistachio' and earl grey tea, alongside fruity, boozy and caramel chocolates. The sea salt caramel and marzipan are two of our favourites. A plant-based version is also available for vegans. Available from: Chococo (£37.50) Hotel Chocolat The Grand Advent calendar Available from Hotel Chocolat (£80) Go all-out with a luxury chocolate Advent calendar from Hotel Chocolat. It's a reliable luxury chocolate calendar choice every year. There's more than just a single square behind each door – in this giant calendar, you'll find a whole range of chocolate treats, from truffles and chocolate penguins to hot chocolate and even minis of the famous Hotel Chocolat Velvetised creams. Available from: Hotel Chocolat (£80) The Cartwright and Butler Advent calendar Available from Cartwright & Butler (£200) For a truly decadent Christmas, you can’t top this luxury offering from Cartwright & Butler. The mammoth calendar is filled with full-sized products, including plenty of biscuits, plus cake, marmalade, sweets, hot chocolate and much more. A Christmas hamper in calendar form – you’ll just need a good place to display it! Available from: Cartwright & Butler (£200) Grind coffee pod Advent calendar Available from Grind (£29.95) Your morning coffee just got a fun makeover for December with this stylish coffee pod Advent calendar. The fun Where's Wally-style design is filled with 16 different coffee pod flavours (more variety than last year), plus two pods to share on Christmas Day in the limited-edition Christmas blend. The pods are Nespresso-compatible and compostable. For more like this, check out our full round-up of the best coffee Advent calendars. Available from: Grind (£29.95) Chilli No.5 hot sauce Advent calendar Available from Not on the High Street (£135) Credit: Chilli No.5 Who says all Advent calendars have to be sweet? This hot sauce Advent calendar is a fun new launch this year, and a great luxury choice if you're looking for a more savoury calendar. Inside the double-door design are 24 different hot sauces in a huge variety of styles, from chimichurri and harissa to spicy ketchup and sriracha. We love the presentation, in quirky test tubes and miniature bottles that offer just enough to try each flavour without getting overwhelmed – plus, you get a full 100ml bottle on Christmas Eve. Available from: Not on the High Street (£135) Marks & Spencer 25 Days of Treats Advent calendar Available from Ocado (£12) A chocolate Advent calendar is a classic, and we like this fun upgrade on the theme from M&S, back again after being very popular last year. There is a variety of chocolate treats hidden inside, including peanut butter chunks, milk chocolate mini whips and blonde fudge bites. The calendar goes all the way up to Christmas Day, when you'll open up a full-size bag of giant milk chocolate buttons to share. Available from: Ocado (£12) Venchi chocolate Advent calendar Available from Venchi (£58), Amazon (£58) We couldn't stop playing with this Advent calendar when it arrived: the compact column design unfurls into an extremely satisfying and clever interlocking drawer design. It's definitely one you could reuse and refill another year, with no branding on the inside. The drawers are filled with a variety of Venchi's popular chocolates and pralines – there are even a couple of days where you get two to try. It's expensive, but the quality feels worth it, especially if you repurpose it later. Available from: Venchi (£58) Amazon (£58) The world whisky Advent calendar Available from Master of Malt (£134.95) Get in the festive spirit with 24 drams of whisky from around the world, each presented in a wax-sealed bottle. The selection is a great way for a whisky lover to discover a new favourite tipple from top distilleries. For more like this, check out our full round-up of the best alcohol Advent calendars to buy this year. Available from: Master of Malt (£134.95) Daylesford Organic farm shop Advent calendar Available from Daylesford Organic (£275) For the ultimate decadent Christmas, this beautiful Daylesford Organic calendar could easily replace a Christmas hamper. We were impressed by the generous size of products within, as well as the variety, from plenty of food and drink (we love the mini Christmas cake!) to embroidered napkins, a tea towel and Christmas decorations. The impressive design – illustrated by artist Hugo Guinness – could be refilled year after year. Available from: Daylesford Organic (£275) Bonne Maman Advent calendar Available from Amazon (£33.99), Ocado (£28), Selfridges (£34.99), Bonne Maman (£33) A perfect Advent calendar to brighten up your mornings. Open each door of this Bonne Maman Advent calendar to discover an adorable mini jar of jam. Going beyond the familiar flavours available in the supermarket, this is your chance to try exclusive or unique flavours, including fig with cardamom, mango and ginger or cherry with violet leaf. There's also mini chocolate spreads and caramels hidden inside. If you purchase via Bonne Maman direct, you'll also receive a jar of its hazelnut chocolate spread. Available from: Amazon (£33.99) Ocado (£28) Selfridges (£34.99) Bonne Maman (£33) Tony’s Chocolonely countdown calendar Available from Waitrose (£15), Amazon (£15), John Lewis (£15) This giant calendar contains 24 ‘Tiny Tony’s’ in ten of Tony’s classic flavours, including milk, dark and white chocolates. The inner door is printed with tiny missions, tying in with Tony’s ethical principles and commitment to eliminating slavery in chocolate production. Read these carefully, as there is one controversial day when you won't get any chocolate... Available from: Waitrose (£15) Amazon (£15) John Lewis (£15) Craft Gin Club Advent calendar Available from Craft Gin Club (£95) This is a great pick from the world of alcohol Advent calendars. From the Craft Gin Club, this compact calendar full of miniatures is a smart way to discover quality new distilleries and smaller brands from across the UK. It's low on novelty flavours, focusing on craft gins with just a few seasonal specials. Available from: Craft Gin Club (£95) Montezuma's organic milk chocolate Advent calendar Available from Abel & Cole (£15.75), Ocado (£18), Montezuma's (£18) The Montezuma’s calendar hasn’t changed design since 2024, but it's a great option if you want a good-quality, simple chocolate Advent calendar without breaking the bank. It’s a simple festive calendar, with 25 doors of plain milk chocolate – no variety, but the creamy, organic chocolate is a joy each day. Available from: Abel & Cole (£15.75) Ocado (£18) Montezuma's (£18) Fortnum & Mason feasting Advent calendar Available from Fortnum & Mason (£250) Another luxury Advent calendar choice that is perfect for traditionalists at Christmas. This gorgeous colourful Advent calendar would be a pleasure to display in December, with the inside of the double doors illustrated to look like the inside of Fortnum’s – it truly makes you feel like you're stepping into a department store each day. Each drawer showcases the best of the Fortnum & Mason food hall, and there's impressive variety across the month. You'll find sweet items with biscuits and hot chocolate, savoury items including chutney and olive oil, plus several boozy treats, including a mini bottle of champagne on Christmas Eve. Available from: Fortnum & Mason (£250) Popcorn Shed gourmet popcorn Advent calendar Available from Popcorn Shed (£25), Not on the High Street (£27.99), Amazon (£27.99) If you're looking for an alternative sweet Advent calendar, this could be a pick for you. This popcorn calendar is one of our favourite Advent calendar designs this year: it's festive, colourful and large, without being OTT. The 12 flavours inside have impressive variety, so you won't get bored – from pumpkin spice to the Great Taste Award-winning ‘Berry Licious’ and salted caramel. Available from: Popcorn Shed (£25) Not on the High Street (£27.99) Amazon (£27.99) Related reviews Best coffee advent calendars Best boozy advent calendars Best Christmas foodie baubles Best Christmas hampers to buy Best cheese gifts
Best bean-to-cup coffee machines to buy 2025, tried and tested by experts
Maximum flavour, minimum faff and all at the touch of a button. Read our reviews of the best bean-to-cup coffee machines
For anyone who derives more pleasure from drinking a freshly brewed cup of coffee than the process of making it, speedy bean-to-cup coffee machines are the perfect coffee gadgets. They take the effort-factor away, offering automation at every stage from the grinding of whole beans to dosing, tamping and brewing. A broad range of settings to tailor your coffee are usually on offer. Some can even be connected to wirelessly and controlled via smart home devices or a smartphone app, so you don’t even have to be in the kitchen to set a cup to brew. The technology behind this type of offering means these machines are usually large and pricey. But don’t be intimidated. We’ve broken down the differences between bean-to-cup machines versus espresso machines. We walk you through what to look for and share our tried-and-tested top picks of the best bean-to-cup coffee machines below. For more coffee reviews, check out our full guide to the best coffee machines featuring picks of the best espresso machines and the best coffee pod machines. For a little inspiration, discover the best coffee subscriptions and the best gifts for coffee lovers. Make your own homemade coffee syrup using our step-by-step recipe and discover more advice and buyer’s guides on everything from the top British gins and best English vineyard breaks to Gozney vs Ooni pizza ovens and best small air fryers in our reviews section. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Jump to: Best bean-to-cup coffee machines at a glance How to choose the best bean-to-cup coffee machine Best bean-to-cup coffee machines to buy in 2025 What's the difference between bean-to-cup coffee machines and espresso machines? What to look for in a bean-to-cup coffee machine How we tested bean-to-cup coffee machines Best bean-to-cup coffee machines at a glance Best Sage bean-to-cup coffee machine: Sage the Barista Touch Impress with cold extraction, £1,199.95 Best semi-automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine: Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series, £699.99 Best everyday bean-to-cup coffee machine: De'Longhi La Specialista Touch, £699.99 Best bean-to-cup coffee machine for iced coffee: Sage the Oracle Jet, £1,699.95 Best fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine: KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF8, £1,899 Best bean-to-cup coffee machine for cold brew: De'Longhi Eletta Explore, £999 Best bean-to-cup coffee machine for versatility: Jura Z10, £1,898.95 Best mid-range bean-to-cup coffee machine: De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro, £1,000 Best blow-out bean-to-cup espresso machine: Sage the Oracle Dual Boiler, £2,249.95 Best bean-to-cup coffee machine under £1,000: Smeg BCC13 bean to cup coffee machine, £799.95 Best sleek bean-to-cup coffee machine: KitchenAid semi-automatic espresso machine with burr grinder, £699 Best bean-to-cup coffee machines to buy in 2025 Sage the Barista Touch Impress with cold extraction Available from Sage (£1,199.95), Amazon (£1,199.95) Best Sage bean-to-cup coffee machine Star rating: 5/5 Many bean-to-cup coffee machines choose between customisation and convenience, often opting for one over the other with manual or automated settings. This offering from Sage is the ultimate combination of both, with a host of automatic settings plus the option to do things more manually if you wish. This makes it a great coffee machine for a household with mixed coffee-brewing abilities, especially as you can save your favourites on different profiles. The touchscreen helps you navigate dialling in the machine (the adjustments you make to get the best flavour from your coffee beans) by recommending different grind sizes. It also lets you choose from the drinks menu with ease, from an espresso to cold brew and even an espresso martini. Available from: Sage (£1,199.95) Amazon (£1,199.95) Ninja Luxe Café Pro Series Available from Amazon (£699), Ninja Kitchen (£699.99) Best semi-automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine Star rating: 5/5 If you're looking for a bean-to-cup coffee machine offering a wide range of drinks without a four-figure price tag, this model from Ninja could be a great option. It has a sleek design which makes it look good on the countertop, although it's got a pretty chunky footprint. What impressed us most about this machine was its ability to produce the whole coffee shop menu, from cappuccinos to cold brew and even filter coffee. The automatic steaming wand paired with the whisk inside the jug means you're able to achieve the perfect milk texture every time, which makes creating foamy cappuccinos and silky flat whites a breeze. This is a brilliant machine if you have lots of people in your home with different coffee orders, or you like to change it up a lot but don't want to fiddle around with too many manual elements. Available from: Amazon (£699) Ninja Kitchen (£699.99) De'Longhi La Specialista Touch Available from De'Longhi (£699.99), Amazon (£699.99), Harrods (£699) Best everyday bean-to-cup coffee machine Star rating: 5/5 If you're looking for a premium coffee machine for under £750, this is one of the best options out there. On test we were blown away by this machine – it's sleek and elegant, user-friendly thanks to the touchscreen, has the most compact footprint of any of De'longhi's bean-to-cup models, and produces beautiful coffee. Whether you're a beginner or you know your way around a coffee machine, you'll find the set-up straightforward. The machine comes with a host of accessories, including a dosing funnel that makes loading the coffee grounds a neat and easy operation. After just five minutes of dialling in our coffee beans we were pulling excellent espresso with a rich flavour and glossy crema. undefined Sage the Oracle Jet undefined Best bean-to-cup coffee machine for iced coffee Star rating: 5/5 Sage's latest release, the Oracle Jet, is quite simply a joy to use. It's the brand's most high-spec coffee machine to date with endless impressive features and a swish design that would dazzle in any kitchen. The new features, based on consumer feedback and new technology, include lights that illuminate the drip tray, Wifi connectivity for software updates and cold-brewing technology for making iced drinks. This model is more compact than others in Sage's Oracle range and has a lever that pops the wheels out of the base of the machine, making it easy to move around. The coffee itself is delicious, as we've come to expect from the brand, with automatic features that make brewing the perfect drink a little easier, like a grind size which adjusts automatically. undefined KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF8 undefined Best fully automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine Star rating: 5/5 There's no getting around that, with an RRP of just under £2,000, this coffee machine is an investment. But for your money you get a machine packed with technology which allows full automation — the experience is similar to ordering a coffee at your local coffee shop, but you don't have to change out of your pyjamas. Out of the box the machine looks modern, if a little boxy, and you'll certainly need a large amount of counter space to accommodate it. But once unboxed, all you need to do is add water to the tank, add beans (or grounds) to the hopper, and select your chosen coffee from the 12 on offer. The machine does all the hard work, from choosing the grind size to grinding the beans, tamping and extracting. This machine would be a good option if you've got a large budget and you care more about drinking a good coffee than making it. If you have a lot of coffee drinkers in your home, it would be perfect as each can set up a profile. undefined De'Longhi Eletta Explore Latest Deals Best bean-to-cup coffee machine for cold brew Star rating: 5/5 While many bean-to-cup machines have options for iced drinks, this De'Longhi machine stands out from the crowd with its cold brew technology. On test, our cold brew cappuccinos were creamy with a strong flavour, and perfectly refreshing on a hot day. The digital display is sleek and communicates each step, like reminding you to add ice cubes before brewing, which makes this machine a breeze to use. The Eletta Explore isn't just for iced coffee, though — the accomplished machine also produced a rich, dark espresso with silky crema and just the right level of acidity. There are settings to adjust the temperature and grind depending on your preference, and if you live in a large household you can set name profiles for each regular user of the machine with their favourites. With a large footprint this will be best suited to kitchens with abundant countertop space. We were slightly disappointed by the packaging, which was largely unrecyclable plastic, but the machine does come with advice on how to clean and prolong the life of the machine which improved its sustainability credentials. Read our full De'Longhi Eletta Explore bean-to-cup coffee machine review. Latest Deals Jura Z10 Latest Deals Best bean-to-cup coffee machine for versatility Star rating: 5/5 With 32 drink specialities the Jura Z10 is versatile enough to suit your every coffee mood, plus you can adjust the brew time and strength of your drink depending on your preference. The machine may have more options than your local coffee shop, but you don't need a barista's skill set to make the most of it. When making a cappuccino, for example, you simply need to fill the jug with your milk of choice, put in the steam wand and select how long you want to froth the milk for – then it does all the hard work for you. Enjoy chilled coffee in the summer months? This machine has a cold brew element that sets it apart from many bean-to-cup coffee machines. It produced an iced cappuccino which was creamy and packed with flavour. It does the basics well too, making a classic espresso which was dark in colour with well-balanced acidity and a thick crema. Read the full Jura Z10 coffee machine review. Latest Deals De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro Latest Deals Best mid-range bean-to-cup coffee machine Star rating: 5/5 This De’Longhi is incredibly suave, designed with elegance and countertop storage in mind. It packs 19-bars of pressure into its stainless steel outer. The coffee grinding is all done automatically depending on the filter basket you load and it also offers 'smart tamping' to help you achieve even compression of the grounds. A real stand-out was its pre-infusion capabilities, which varies depending on the coffee function selected and density of its coffee dose. The result was a short and darkly moreish coffee shot adorned with flavourful crema. Read our full De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro review. Latest Deals Sage the Oracle Dual Boiler Available from Sage (£2,249.95), Lakeland (£2,249.99) Best blowout bean-to-cup coffee machine Star rating: 4.5/5 New for 2025, this Sage machine is the brand's most sophisticated and versatile yet – comprising two display screens that you can flit between with the simple swipe of a finger. For quieter weekends when you have the time to tinker, there's a manual interface that gives the user total control of the dosage and extraction, while the automatic display takes care of the process for you – ideal for busy weekday mornings when you just want a cup of great coffee. Delivering nine bars of extraction pressure, it relies on powerful stainless-steel dual boilers that allow you to extract perfect espresso while steaming milk at the same time. Like the Barista Touch Impress above, it also has WiFi-connectivity so can install upgrades remotely with little interference, boosting the longevity of the software. There are 16 drink options on offer and a large box of accessories is included, too, comprising everything from filter baskets to cleaning tools and a 'knock box' in which you can dispose of your used coffee pucks. What stopped this machine getting five stars was the large amount of plastic packaging it arrived in, which couldn't be recycled via household collection and felt totally unnecessary. This aside, the Oracle Dual Boiler is undoubtedly one of the most impressive piece of coffee kit on the market, producing perfect espresso every time. Available from: Sage (£2,249.95) Lakeland (£2,249.99) undefined Smeg BCC13 bean to cup coffee machine undefined Best bean-to-cup coffee machine under £1,000 Star rating: 4.5/5 The modern style, pastel colours and brushed stainless steel finish make this coffee machine strikingly attractive. Once it was set up in our kitchen we were struck by how much smaller it is compared to many other models we have tested, with a compact footprint and height. Don't be fooled by its small stature, however – it still packs a punch. It pulled a really high-quality espresso with a rich, well-balanced flavour. It offers automatic milk frothing rather than a steaming wand, which means a slightly thinner microfoam texture than we usually look for, plus no opportunity to practise your latte art. If you're looking for a mid-range bean-to-cup machine with automated elements you'd be hard pressed to find a better option. undefined KitchenAid semi-automatic espresso machine with burr grinder Available from Harts of Stur (£629.95), KitchenAid (£699) Best sleek bean-to-cup coffee machine Star rating: 4/5 If you're looking for a combination of manual and automatic elements this bean-to-cup machine from KitchenAid could be a good option. There are some user-friendly elements to this machine which we really loved on test — the removable bean hopper makes it easy to switch out your coffee beans and try different roasts. There's also a storage compartment in the base of the machine to keep accessories like extra portafilter baskets. Plus, the portafilter doesn't have spouts on the bottom which gives you a flat surface for tamping. While we felt that the interface and the buttons on the machine weren't as clear as they could have been, once we'd got our head around them we were able to produce a rich and dark espresso with beautifully frothed milk. undefined How to choose the best bean-to-cup espresso machine Within the bean-to-cup world there are a couple of machine types, but all share the fundamental element of having a bean compartment and grinder. Top tip: store your coffee beans in an airtight container and only top up the hopper with what you need. This will keep the flavour fresher and give you better flexibility over switching up the beans. Bean-to-cup espresso machines: these focus on producing espresso; short shots of intense coffee brewed under pressure. This forms the fundamental element to many coffee house classics. Bean-to-cup coffee machines: in addition to making espresso, these could include filter systems for making drip coffee and can come with glass carafes, measuring coffee in cups rather than single and double espressos. Manual bean-to-cup: this type combines automation with a hands-on experience, leaving the fun bits for you to do. For example, loading and locking the portafilter and frothing the milk. Automatic bean-to-cup: quite simply, once you've selected the drink you want, the machine does the rest. What’s the difference between bean-to-cup coffee machines and espresso machines? Traditional semi-automatic espresso machines encourage the building of basic barista skills and require a more hands-on approach to loading portafilters and using pre-ground coffee. In contrast, the best bean-to-cup coffee machines are fully automated, freshly grinding whole beans to bring you a cup of coffee at the touch of a button, with opportunities to personalise elements of the drink. The outlay cost with a bean-to-cup machine will be higher but balanced by the time and effort saved to achieve a reliable cup every time. There are some bean-to-cup models which allow for high levels of versatility and customisation. Many will let you choose your grind size, temperature and more, and we've seen a trend in models which allow you to save your preferences, so you can have your coffee exactly as you like it but at the touch of a button. What to look for from a bean-to-cup coffee machine Adjustable grind level: the grind size of coffee affects the coffee’s flavour and intensity, so can be changed to best suit the type you like best. For example, espressos fare best with finely ground coffee, whereas filter coffee requires a medium-coarse grind. Duo-drip trays: this not only means that cups and mugs of different sizes can be accommodated, but that traditional espresso cups are supported to catch the liquid without splashes; therefore protecting the important crema layer. Milk frother: not all bean-to-cup coffee machines offer an integrated milk frother system, so if you like milky coffee classics best, look out for automatic frother systems or a milk steamer wand. If you want to get a separate one, we've tried and tested the best milk frothers here. Ground coffee option: if you run out of whole beans but have a bag of ground coffee to hand, having ground-coffee adaptability comes in very handy. Efficient grinders: whether ceramic or burr, bean grinders should be quick and efficient, so even when they're loud, the noise is short-lived. Looking for a separate grinder to get the best results for your beans? Try our tried and tested coffee grinders. Intuitive interface: when there are so many elements of an espresso to adjust, simple functions and settings should be easy to navigate and keep experimenting fun. Programmable drink options: once you’ve found the perfect combination of grind-size, brew temperature and aroma intensity for your taste, it’s great to be able to save presets so your favourite coffee can be returned to easily. Dual bean compartments: some machines offer containers for different bean intensities to be kept. Usually it's for dark and light roast beans, but if you’ve a family member who only drinks decaf, one space can be utilised for those. How we tested bean-to-cup coffee machines All the bean-to-cup coffee machines featured in this review were the best performing appliances from a longlist. All were tested in controlled conditions using whole roasted Columbian coffee beans, and scored out of five against standardised criteria, including: Performance: the flavour, aroma and temperature of the coffee needed to be enjoyable, so every coffee and espresso function was tested to assess this. Bitterness, acidity or weakness were scored down. Value for money: performance and versatility play into this one. These appliances may be one of the largest investments you make for your kitchen, so the price must feel right. Ease of use: all were scored from unboxing, so they had to be simple to unpack with easy-to-follow instructions. When the variety of settings is so broad, intuitive controls make the experience fun. Everything from milk-wand range of motion to adjustable drip trays and access for refilling the water tank and bean hoppers were considered. Convenience: it's one of the biggest selling points for buying a bean-to-cup espresso machine, so excessive complication affected scoring. Quantity of materials: flimsy build materials don’t warrant a high price tag and make things difficult to clean. They also affect the longevity of an appliance’s life. Design and aesthetic for keeping on the countertop: bean-to-cup machines are generally very deep and broad, so a good design plays into this. The average scores out of five decided each product’s overall star rating. The additional criteria played into our decision making. Variety of functions Kitchen footprint Ease of cleaning Advanced features Packaging All costs-to-run calculations were done against the variable tariff at the time of testing (16.6p/kWh), which may have since changed – read more on the current energy price guarantee rates. Want to learn more about becoming an expert at-home barista? Read our guides here: Celeste Wong's guide to becoming an overnight coffee expert Celeste Wong's guide on how to make iced coffee Celeste Wong's guide on sustainable coffee Celeste Wong's best moka pots Celeste Wong's best coffee grinders Celeste Wong's best gooseneck kettles to try Celeste Wong's best decaf coffee to try Celeste Wong's best reusable and compostable espresso pods Celeste Wong's best coffee beans to try Celeste Wong's best cafetières to buy Celeste Wong's best coffee bags Best Sage coffee machines Sage coffee machine deals Best coffee pod machines Best espresso machines Best filter coffee machines Best coffee scales How to store coffee How to order coffee How to use up coffee grounds How to read a coffee label How to taste coffee Home coffee bar ideas For more guides, read on: Best coffee gifts Best coffee mugs Best coffee table books Best coffee subscriptions Best coffee gadgets and accessories Best Nespresso machines Best plant milk makers Best pizza ovens Best slow cooker UK
Whatever the budget, our gift guide has the perfect Christmas present for your favourite foodie
Looking for Christmas gifts for foodies? Our Christmas gift ideas pull together the best food gifts, from delicious food and drink finds to the ultimate gadgets and prettiest homewares. If you're looking to the festive season, we've also tested plenty of Advent calendars: check out our round-ups of the best alcohol Advent calendars, best coffee Advent calendars or best tea Advent calendars. Jump to: Best food Christmas gifts Best barware and drinks Christmas gifts Best kitchenware Christmas gifts Best homeware Christmas gifts Best Christmas gifts for foodies 2025 Best food Christmas gifts Twelve Triangles croissant biscotti Available from Twelve Triangles (£5.95) The cult no-waste Scottish bakery takes slices of its croissants, dips them in cream, sugar and salt, then slowly caramelises them in the oven – totally addictive. Fiasconaro x Dolce & Gabbana panettone Available from The Panettone Store (£57.45) This panettone from the legendary Sicilian maker comes in a beautifully designed tin that you’ll want to keep. Karasuba-Iro ramen bowl set Available from Sous Chef (£45) A pair of classic glazed ramen bowls, handcrafted in Japan’s ceramic region, Mino. The set also includes bamboo ladles and a set of recipes. Hundred House hot chocolate Available from Selfridges (£12.99), Hundred House Coffee (£10.50) A hot chocolate made with single-origin cocoa from Ecuador for a deep, rich flavour. The pretty illustrated tin makes it extra special for gifting. TWG World Voyage New Year’s tea set Available from TWG (£119) A selection of six mini tins filled with single-estate, fine harvest and exclusive tea blends from the luxury artisanal tea company. Roasting Party Blends gift box Available from Roasting Party (£25) A selection of crowd-pleasing coffees from a small-batch UK roaster, with flavour profiles ranging from fruity to chocolatey. Nobleza del Sur organic Picual extra-virgin olive oil Available from Artisan Olive Oil Company (£25.35) Awarded multiple gold medals and rated best in class, this superior Spanish organic oil has fruity, herbaceous notes and comes in a pretty presentation bottle. The Real Cure British Charcuterie Selection Box Available from Not on the High Street (£35) Flavoured-packed charcuterie from Dorset. The punchy smoked sloe and garlic venison salami is a winner. Available from: Not on the High Street (£35) Best barware and drinks Christmas gifts Zacal Manso Sahuayo Available from Zacal Mezcal (£69.50/700ml) A great, accessible choice for those who prefer a less smoky mezcal, smooth with limey citrus notes and a touch of nuttiness. Matilda Goad lacquered ice bucket Available from Matilda Goad (£320) Boost your home bar game with this stunning ice bucket – it’ll save you running to and from the freezer for more ice at parties. Spicy margarita tumblers set Available from Oliver Bonas (£24.50) The perfect present for marg devotees – just add tequila, triple sec, lime and chilli salt, of course. Still Wild negroni Available from Still Wild (£28/500ml) Fancy a Welsh negroni? Pembrokeshire micro distillery Still Wild has used its own bitter aperitif, Rhudd, plus its Coastal gin and sweet vermouth to make this gift-worthy cocktail, which has lovely perfumed notes. Sophie Lou Jacobsen borosilicate glass fritter cocktail mixer Available from Selfridges (£140) <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/2/2025/10/SELFRIDGES-SOPHIE-LOU-JACOBSEN-Colourful-base-borosilicate-glass-fritter-cocktail-mixer-20-oz-140-copy-7293c38.jpg" width="2352" height="1569" alt="SELFRIDGES SOPHIE LOU JACOBSEN Colourful-base borosilicate-glass fritter cocktail mixer 20 oz £140 copy" title="SELFRIDGES SOPHIE LOU JACOBSEN Colourful-base borosilicate-glass fritter cocktail mixer 20 oz £140 copy" /> A sleek piece of cocktail kit that’s a must-have if you’re a fan of stirred drinks like a manhattan. Ramsbury hot honey vodka Available from Ramsbury (£33/700ml) Spicy drinks are all the rage and this characterful Wiltshire vodka uses red chilli and homegrown honey for a rich silky spirit with subtle sweetness, hints of vanilla and gentle, tongue-tingling heat. Use in a vodka-based picante. Laetitia Rouget Amour glass carafe Available from Selfridges (£340) This beautiful carafe will elevate any table – use for water or try batching up cocktails to serve at parties. The Botanist Distiller’s Strength Available from The Whisky Exchange (£39.25/700ml), Master of Malt (£38.65) This Islay gin is brimming with intense aromatic citrus, juniper and spice notes. Coming in at a hefty 50% ABV, it’s got a full-bodied character that makes it perfect for spirit-forward cocktails like a martini. Electric Spirit Co Gin Available from Amazon (£38.25), Master of Malt (£33.31) This award-winning gin is a modern Scottish dry sold in an eye-catching orange frosted glass bottle, and combines classic gin botanicals with Sichuan peppercorns and fennel seeds for a herbal, fresh and zingy finish. See the best gin gifts for gin lovers for more inspiration. Goslings Spirited Seas Ocean Aged Rum Available from The Whisky Exchange (£59.50), Master of Malt (£59.50) This unique rum is aged in vintage bourbon barrels loaded onto a vessel and sent back and forth from Bermuda to the mid-Atlantic. The result is an elegant and complex rum with an oaky nose, hints of salted caramel and spice. The Lost Explorer mezcal trilogy box Available from Amazon (£95.95) Taste your way through three aged expressions of this artisan, sustainable-forward mezcal brand – soft, herbal Espadín, earthy Tobalá and bold, herbaceous and spicy Salmiana. Agave novices and experts alike can enjoy sipping through the Oaxaca region using the bespoke, zero-waste tasting cups. 8Track spiced rum Available from Amazon (£33.95) This smooth spiced rum is infused with Seville oranges, vanilla, cloves and cinnamon. Eco-conscious 8Track is also committed to supporting independent music, partnering with organisations to showcase new talent. Drinks by the Dram Japanese whisky tasting set Available from Amazon (£35.95) Way to get into the festive spirit(s)...Discover 5 unique Japanese whiskies from different producers, to discover new styles and a new favourite tipple. Dutch Barn vodka Available from Master of Malt (£28.50) Made in North Yorkshire using apples and presented in a 60% recycled glass bottle, this crisp, smooth vodka is mellow enough to drink neat. Cazcabel Coffee Liqueur with Tequila Available from Amazon (£26.01), Master of Malt (£26.01) Changing the game when it comes to premium tequila, choose between nectar-like honey or smooth, rich and expertly balanced coffee. Or have both. See more of our favourite coffee liqueurs. Best kitchenware Christmas gifts Wonderbag Available from Wonderbag (£54.99) A revolutionary non-electric heat-retention slow cooker. Once food is brought to a boil, the pan goes in the Wonderbag to continue cooking for up to eight hours with no electricity or battery needed. All sales help fund the company’s work providing community Wonderbags or as part of humanitarian aid in conflict zones. Hexclad Japanese 6-piece knife set Available from Hexclad (£459) Each blade of this knife set is forged from damascus steel offering sharpness and precision, plus they look beautiful thanks to the wave pattern on the blade and striking green handles. Teakhaus herringbone cutting board Available from Amazon (£53.10) Made from sustainable teak wood, this edge grain board features a striking herringbone pattern. Teak’s naturally high oil content and medium softness makes it a better choice for chopping boards. Le Creuset shallow casserole dish Available from Le Creuset (£319) This is a bit of kitchen kit that every cook should have. Crafted from cast iron, it’s designed to last for years. The large, flat shape means it’s great for stews, curries, casseroles and pies. It’s available in a range of colours but the rich green Thyme is our favourite and it’s perfect for Christmas. Fragrant Knives Chinese chef’s knife Available from Fragrant Knives (£88) A modernised version of a classic, this knife is designed in Hong Kong and crafted in Yangjiang using high-carbon stainless steel for sharpness and durability, and finished with a hand-carved Chinese rosewood handle and shaped to feel intuitive in the hands of any cook. Feldspar juicer Available from Selfridges (£80), Harrods (£105) With a hand-painted handle and elongated spout for easy pouring, this fine bone china juicer is perfect for making a restorative hot toddy, lemonade or a drizzle for a traybake. Available in cobalt, red, forest green or 24 carat gold. Sage Barista Touch Impress Available from Sage (£1,199.95), Amazon (£1,199) This bean-to-cup coffee machine can be enjoyed by any coffee lover no matter your skill level. Whether you’re a trained barista or beginner, the machine takes you through each step of making your drink with options to add your own flare or let it do the hard work for you. Pophams baker’s gift set Available from Pophams Home (£58) Make and store your bread in style with a walnut dough scraper made in the UK using sustainable British wood and a beeswax bread bag to keep loaves fresh, from south London’s Peckham Cloth. Niwaki Mainichi kitchen scissors Available from Niwaki (£39) Part scissors, part bottle and tin opener, and part nutcracker – we love the eye-catching bright yellow colour on these functional and stylish Japanese scissors. Sage InFizz Fusion Sparkling Drinks Maker Available from Sage (£179.95) This is an extraordinary bit of innovation. Soda makers/carbonators at home typically have only been able to add fizz to water. By making the nozzle detachable and therefore cleanable, this machine can carbonate any drink. We made up a batch of elderflower cordial with still water and then carbonated the mixture, rather than adding cordial to sparkling water, and we found the flavours to be more integrated, plus you can vary how fizzy the level of carbonation is. You can create lovely cocktails this way, mocktails, too, and even carbonate wine. This makes a terrific gift for the drinks nerd in your life. KitchenAid Artisan 4.8L tilt-head stand mixer Available from KitchenAid (£449) KitchenAid’s iconic 4.8-litre stand mixer is a timeless favourite with keen bakers. Take your pick from deep red, beetroot purple, cream and more. Read our full guide to the best stand mixers for more ideas. Best homeware Christmas gifts Addison Ross mini bobbin salt and pepper mills Available from Addison Ross (£38 each) Give a pop of colour to the dinner table with these smart bobbin grinders, with plenty of shades to choose from. The FSC-certified wood is finished with eight coats of high gloss lacquer. Poterie Barbotine marbled pitcher Available from Toast (£76) Handmade in southern France using locally sourced clay, this pitcher is inspired by classic Provençal ceramics. It makes a beautiful addition to a feasting table. Primavera Estate Ciliegia scented candle Available from Earl of East (£40) Featuring one of this years’ hottest food trends, cherry, this candle will bring a little fruity freshness into your kitchen. Bee Free triple milled plant-based soap Available from Arthouse Unlimited (£6.50) Triple milling this paraben-free soap promises a more luxurious lather with a subtle cedar, amber and vetiver scent. The box showcases artwork from adults living with complex neurodiverse and physical support needs. Henry Holland large ice bucket Available from Henry Holland (£245) Comfortably holding three bottles of wine, this ice bucket is handmade to order using earthenware clay, meaning no two pieces are the same. Personalised handwritten recipe jug, plate and mini milk jug Available from Alice Funge (£18-70) This beautiful range of wheel-thrown functional kitchenware is decorated with handwritten recipes and coloured slips that imitate the marks the ingredients make on each object. You can send your own recipes for a personal touch or opt for the maker’s grandmother’s. Le Soleil wine glasses Available from Glassette (£120) Invite a little of the Med sunshine into a loved one’s home with these glowing sun-adorned glasses made in collaboration with Spain’s Serge Castella Interiors. Related reviews Best sustainable Christmas gifts Best Christmas tree baubles for foodies Best advent calendars for foodies Best coffee advent calendars Best food hampers Best vegan gifts Best Italian cookbooks to buy Best Christmas crackers Best coffee gifts Best baking gifts
Best pizza ovens to buy in 2025, tried and tested by experts
A pizza oven is the ultimate piece of outdoor kit come rain or shine, whether you're hosting a crowd or heading out on a camping trip
For a long time, pizzas were something to be enjoyed out at your favourite Italian restaurant with a large, wood-fired oven churning out multiple pies at a time, and an expert dough slinger wielding a pizza peel with ease. But advances in technology in recent years now mean that, whether it's for special occasions, hosting pizza parties or planning a camping trip, you can enjoy delicious pizza whenever and wherever you like. Pizza ovens now have the heating and insulation technology to be able to achieve temperatures exceeding 500C, which is how you get perfectly melted toppings and a mottled, slightly charred crust. These temperatures can't be reached by normal domestic ovens. You don't necessarily need a large outdoor space either. Many pizza ovens are compact so are perfect for balconies or smaller courtyard gardens, while others are electric models that can be used indoors. Read on for the best pizza ovens to buy in 2025, tried and tested by our experts. Looking for more pizza inspiration? Check out our guide to Gozney vs Ooni and check out our best pizza recipes. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Jump to: Best pizza ovens to buy in 2025 What to look for in a pizza oven Is a wood or gas pizza oven better? How we test pizza ovens Best pizza ovens at a glance Best pizza oven for smart cooking: Ooni Karu 2 Pro, £699 Best large pizza oven: Ooni Koda 2 Max, £899 Best rotating pizza oven: Witt Etna Rotante, £689 Best gas pizza oven: Morsø Forno Spin, £465 Best portable pizza oven: Gozney Tread, £549.99 Best value pizza oven: Gozney Arc, £599.99 Best compact pizza oven: Ooni Koda 16, £499 Best indoor pizza oven: Sage the Smart Oven Pizzaiolo, £729.95 Best pizza oven for camping trips: Gozney Roccbox, £399.99 Best pizza ovens to buy in 2025 Ooni Karu 2 Pro Available from Ooni (£699), Lakeland (£699), Harrods (£699) Best pizza oven for smart cooking Star rating: 5/5 This pizza oven from Ooni really impressed us on test. It has an enormous glass door, which makes it really easy to launch your pizzas even if you're not an experienced dough slinger, plus it lets you check how it's cooking without letting heat escape. Improved technology has reduced sooting which means the glass stays clear, too. Taller than other Ooni models, the Karu 2 Pro provides improved versatility – it's easily big enough to roast a chicken. Plus, there's a built in temperature probe for meat. While we wouldn't recommend leaving your pizza oven unattended, you can connect the oven to the Ooni app, allowing you to monitor the oven remotely via your phone. Available from: Ooni (£699) Lakeland (£699) Harrods (£699) Ooni Koda 2 Max Available from Ooni (£899) Best large pizza oven Star rating: 5/5 This model from Ooni has the largest internal cooking space of any pizza oven on this list, and is the only one we've tested with capability for cooking multiple pizzas at once. In fact, on test we were able to cook three 10-inch pizzas simultaneously thanks to the dual cooking zones producing heat from both sides. These two cooking zones can be independently temperature controlled via the two control dials, or used at the same heat which we tested to cook one 22-inch pizza. We were impressed not only with the cooking results of this oven, but also with the easy set up. As we've come to expect from Ooni, the packaging was entirely recyclable packaging and the oven required the smallest amount of assembly with everything we needed provided, from tools to batteries. If you're after a pizza oven to cater for a crowd, look no further. Available from: Ooni (£899) Witt Etna Rotante Available from Amazon (£689) Best rotating pizza oven Star rating: 5/5 This large pizza oven is one of the easiest we've ever had to use, thanks in large part to the rotating pizza stone, which ensures even cooking and means you don't have to worry about manually spinning your pizza. The sleek design features four legs which fold out from the base of the unit and is available in four eye-catching colours. On test the gas-powered oven came to temperature in 15 minutes, and while the oven would have benefitted from a temperature gauge, we were able to find out the temperature ourselves by using an infrared temperature thermometer. Our pizza cooked in just two minutes and boasted a risen crust and oozing toppings. If you're looking to invest in a fail-safe pizza oven without the maximum price tag, this model could be a brilliant option. undefined Morsø Forno Spin Available from Amazon (£465), B&Q (£549) Best gas pizza oven Star rating: 5/5 This is the second model in our list to feature a rotating pizza stone, which works effectively to ensure even cooking. Once you've loaded your pizza simply flip the switch to begin the spinning motion, although it's worth noting that this electrical element means you'll need the pizza oven to be close to a power source as well as your gas bottle. As we'd expect from Danish stove brand Morsø, the design is pared-back and elegant with a manual temperature gauge and two buttons to control the flame and stone rotation. Our 12-inch pizza was ready after two and a half minutes of cooking, with gooey toppings and an evenly cooked crust. undefined Gozney Tread Available from Gozney (£549.99) Best portable pizza oven Star rating: 4.5/5 The Tread is Gozney's answer to a portable pizza oven in its recognisable dome design. It's one of the more affordable in the brand's range at under £500, although it's worth noting that vital accessories like the Tread Venture Stand and Venture Placement Peel (as well as ones that are nice to have) are sold separately. This oven has two handles on the top which makes it easy to lift, although at 13.5kgs it's still too heavy to carry for long distances. We loved this pizza oven on test — it's easy to set up and gets to impressive temperatures quickly, cooking pizzas in less than two minutes. It also boasts a quick cool down time, which means you can pack away safely if you've taken the oven on an adventure. undefined Gozney Arc Available from Gozney (£599.99), Lakeland (£599.99) Best value pizza oven Star rating: 4.5/5 From Gozney, this pizza oven boasts all the features and design aesthetics of its hero oven the Dome, but at about half the price. The Arc and the Dome both only fit a single pizza at a time, despite the Dome being larger. So if you're more limited on space or budget but still want to invest in a premium brand, the Arc model could be a brilliant option. We cured the pizza oven for the recommended 30 minutes and as it was a cold, windy day when we were testing, the oven took longer than expected to come up to temperature. Once it reached the desired 450C, our pizzas cooked in an impressive 90 seconds, and although there's a knack to the regular spinning which is needed to achieve an even cook our pizzas had a nice base with well cooked toppings. undefined Ooni Koda 16 Available from Ooni (£499), Amazon (£499) Best compact pizza oven Star rating: 4.5/5 With the look distinctive to pizza oven giant Ooni, this gas-fuelled oven is sleek with folding legs that make it portable so you can take it camping or to the beach. That being said, at 18kg it's fairly weighty, which is worth bearing in mind. The oven uses an L-shaped flame along the walls of the oven which is effective, but you need to make sure you keep an eye on your pizza and we found they cook very quickly. undefined Sage the Smart Pizzaiolo Available from Sage (£729.95) Best indoor pizza oven Star rating: 4.5/5 An outdoor pizza oven isn't the right fit for everyone, and whether you're limited on garden space or want to be able to cook pizzas in all weathers, an indoor bench-top oven could be a good fit for you. This model from Sage has a sleek, metallic finish and has a footprint approximately the same as a large microwave. There are seven different settings to choose from which include New York, deep dish and frozen, plus a manual mode that allows you to customise cooking temperature and timing. On test we used the wood-fired pre-setting which cooked our pizza in two minutes and had a crisp crust and melted, oozing cheese. undefined Gozney Roccbox Available from Gozney (£399.99), Amazon (£389.99) Best pizza oven for camping trips Star rating: 4/5 This is the only portable model from industry giant Gozney and has the attractive look and high quality design that we have come to expect from the brand. It has a dual-fuel capacity and can be used with wood or gas which gives a level of versatility. Even for beginners, we think this pizza oven would be easy enough to use. The entrance is large enough to easily launch your pizza and we found they cooked really quickly in the high temperature. Each time our pizzas were ready in two minutes and were cooked to perfection with a beautiful crust. undefined What to look for in a pizza oven There are several factors to keep in mind when choosing a pizza oven: Budget: These appliances can vary wildly in cost, with models in our selection ranging from £339 to £1399. With £1000 difference from our cheapest to most expensive model, having an idea on budget before you buy is key. Location: Are you looking for a permanent installation in your garden to use alongside your barbecue? Or are you hoping to add a gourmet element to your adventures and make pizzas on the go? Some ovens are portable while others are too heavy to carry, so this is important to think through. Size: consider the space you want to dedicate to your pizza oven. If you're keeping it in your garden, consider the power sources you'll need and check dimensions before you buy. If you want an indoor model, ensure you have enough safe counter space, plus space to store it when not in use. Cooking preference: pizza ovens vary between gas, wood or charcoal power. Consider if you have a preference on what you like to use, what you feel safest with and what style of pizza you like the most. Versatility: do you want to use your oven for more than just pizza? Some have space to cook veg, fish or chicken, or even a couple of pizzas at once, while others have space for just one pizza at a time. Is a wood or gas pizza oven better? When choosing which fuel type to opt for in your pizza oven there are a couple of factors which might give you a good steer. Ultimately it's worth bearing in mind that no fuel type is necessarily better than the other, its just dependent on how you're planning on using your pizza oven and what you want from it. Gas ovens are quick to heat and provide a reliable and even heat source. If you're planning on hosting pizza parties and cooking for a crowd this could be a good option as it'll let you maintain a high heat for cooking lots of pizzas in a short amount of time. Wood or charcoal is a slower heating process and is great if you like to be hands-on. It also provides a smoky flavour that you might associate with pizzerias. How we test pizza ovens Our team of reviews experts test pizza ovens outside (and in all weathers) to see how they perform. We test for a number of criteria including versatility, ease of use, sustainability and safety. After following the instructions to set up a new pizza oven we always test it with a number of pizzas, focusing around a classic margarita. We look for how well the toppings are cooked, how long the pizza takes to cook and whether you need to turn it while cooking. We also keep and eye out for that tell-tale mottled crust which is the hallmark of a good pizza oven and comes from the base of the pizza having contact with the hot pizza stone. Related reviews Gozney releases Matty Matheson pizza oven Le Creuset launches BBQ outdoor range Gozney vs Ooni Gozney launches new Tread pizza oven Best charcoal BBQs Best sparkling water makers Best ice cream makers Best Ninja air-fryers Best small air-fryers UK Best dual air-fryers Best coffee scales Best hand mixers Best filter coffee makers Best Nutribullets Best bean-to-cup coffee machines Best coffee pod machines Best espresso machines Best milk frothers Best pepper grinders and mills Best summer cookbooks
Best chocolate gifts to buy 2025, tried and tested
Spoil your loved ones with a chocolate-filled gift, from personalised bars to indulgent letterbox brownies and the ultimate hot chocolate maker
Looking for chocolate gift ideas for your favourite chocolate lover? Treat your partner, loved one or best friend to our pick of chocolate gifts, including indulgent brownie boxes, personalised chocolate bars and great-value gifts sent straight to their door. We have plenty of gifts to deliver to treat your chocolate lover from afar, too. If you want to go the extra mile, why not try making your own treats at home? Explore our collection of chocolate recipes for inspiration, from classic bakes to creative confections. See more ideas with our best coffee gifts, baking gifts and tea gifts and housewarming gifts. Treat someone to a boozy gift with a chocolate liqueur or special themed best champagne gifts, wine gifts, beer gifts, whisky gifts and gin gifts. Best chocolate gift ideas Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser Available from Hotel Chocolat (£149.95) Whether it's a birthday, anniversary or just a special purchase, velvety smooth hot chocolate will always go down a treat. With the newly improved Velvetiser, you can make barista-grade hot chocolate with just the press of a button. Ready in just over two minutes, it comes with flavour packs ranging from vegan nutmilk to vanilla white chocolate and cafe latte. The upgrade to the new 2.0 model is the cold chocolate function, meaning you can get the most out of it all year round. It comes in three colours, so you can choose one that best suits their kitchen. Available from: Hotel Chocolat (£149.95) Audrey's assorted creams selection Available from Audrey's (£29.95) Audrey's is our new favourite chocolate discovery. Producing traditional English chocolates with timeless charm, the packaging is beautiful and makes an extremely special gift. We have a soft spot for this selection of fondant creams, including floral rose, tangy lemon, rich coffee and zingy orange. Available from: Audrey's (£29.95) The Naked Marshmallow s'mores kit Available from Not on the High Street (£28.95) Combine Belgian chocolate thins, gourmet marshmallows and handmade biscuits to make gooey s’mores with this simple kit. Included is a safe and easy-to-use marshmallow toaster and bamboo sticks for a sweet weekend activity. Available from: Not on the High Street (£28.95) Latest Deals Chococo chocolate subscription Available from Chococo (from £21) For the gift which keeps on giving, order a loved one a chocolate subscription from UK artisan chocolatier Chococo. A pre-paid gift subscription lets you choose the size of box and the time period of the subscription – either three, six or 12 months – or opt for a rolling monthly subscription, which you can cancel at any time. Chococo offers selection boxes including a mixture of fruit flavours, toasted nuts, smooth caramels, crunchy honeycomb, pralines, fresh cream ganache and truffles. Available from: Chococo (from £21) Selfridges salted caramel malt balls Available from Selfridges (£9.99) A retro classic has been given a modern update with this sleek box of salted caramel malt balls. We love the colourful packaging for gifting, and the malt balls have the familiar satisfying crunch with a hint of sweet caramel flavour. The malt balls are also available in blonde chocolate, chocolate orange and peppermint varieties. Available from: Selfridges (£9.99) L'Esterre Chocolate 'The Starter Trio' Available from L'Esterre Chocolate (£20) Discover some gourmet chocolate from artisan L'Esterre Chocolate. This trio of pouches combines three different styles of chocolate buttons: 70% dark chocolate, 85% dark chocolate and 72% sea salt and dark chocolate. Founder Bobbie Garbutt transformed her family cocoa farm in Grenada to a seed to button chocolate producer. The chocolates are rich and complex without being bitter – perfect for a grown-up snack, or use the 70% button for some decadent chocolate chip cookies... Available from: L'Esterre Chocolate (£20) Fortnum & Mason personalised sparkling tea & truffle gift box Available from Fortnum & Mason (£70) Fortnum’s luxurious pairing of Royal Blend truffles and sparkling tea will please alcohol-conscious friends and teatotallers alike, with the option to customise the bottle label for a personal touch. The truffles are malty and honey-sweet, while the non-alcoholic sparkling tea boasts light, tropical notes. Available from: Fortnum & Mason (£70) Hotel Chocolat The Nice Slice Available from Hotel Chocolat (£17.95) A slab of pure Christmas indulgence, this 'Nice Slice' from Hotel Chocolat contains a little bit of everything in one bar. There's crispy puffed rice and cornflakes, hazelnut and milk chocolate praline, caramel and adorable caramel-filled penguins on top. A luxury version of a chocolate fridge cake. Available from: Hotel Chocolat (£17.95) Tony’s Chocolonely personalised bars Available from Tony's Chocolonely (from £6) A personalised bar of Tony’s Chocolonely’s chunky, Willy Wonka-style chocolate makes the sweetest option for gifting loved ones, friends or family. Simply select their favourite flavour, from Caramel Sea Salt to Dark Milk Pretzel Toffee and more, and upload a photo or text onto a template on the Tony’s website – this is then printed and shipped to an address of your choice. Not only is Tony’s chocolate totally moreish, but every purchase also supports Tony’s mission to make all chocolate 100% exploitation-free. Available from: Tony's Chocolonely (from £6) Cakehead vegan & gluten free brownie variety box Available from Cakehead (£25.50) The aroma of freshly baked brownies wafting through your home is even better when its delivered straight to your door. Cakehead’s vegan and gluten free brownie variety box means everyone can enjoy a slice (or two), with totally moreish flavour combinations such as pecan & caramel, chocolate chunk and raspberry & coconut. Cakehead also deliver your favourite dairy treats, from double chocolate brownies to caramel shortbreads. Available from: Cakehead (£25.50) Melt chocolate bar collection Available from Melt (from £7.99) Melt’s luxury chocolate bar range is perfect for chocoholics who love exploring flavours. Build an impressive stack of gourmet chocolate and send to a loved one – take your pick from toast & marmalade, popcorn, pistachio blonde and more. Available from: Melt (from £7.99) Related reviews Best coffee gifts Best baking gifts Best tea gifts Best housewarming gifts Best wine gifts Best beer gifts Best whisky gifts Best gin gifts Best tea Advent calendars
The best mushroom supplements 2025, tried and tested by experts
Find our reviews of the best mushroom supplements available in the UK, tried and tested, from drinkable powders to capsules
Functional mushrooms seem to be everywhere, which isn’t surprising thanks to their suggested benefits of improved focus and energy, regulating stress and strengthening immunity. When used as a wellness tool, so-called ‘adaptogenic’ mushrooms – like reishi, lion’s mane and cordyceps – are said to help us cope better with life’s ups and downs. These varieties, as well as the likes of maitake, shiitake and chaga, are also said to have medicinal properties that may extend to helping us fight obesity and slow the ageing process. However, despite such publicised acclaim, as the research currently stands, there is not enough evidence to fully validate these or other alleged health benefits. Read on for everything you need to know about the best mushroom supplements, tried and tested. Jump to: Best mushroom supplements at a glance Best mushroom supplements to buy in the UK 2025 What are mushroom supplements good for? What we looked for during testing How much should I take? How should I take a mushroom supplement? How we tested mushroom supplements Best mushroom supplements at a glance Best capsules – mushroom supplements Together Health Mushroom 5, £27.99 OTO Mushroom Complex, £39 Zooki Lion's Mane Focus+, £39.99 FourFive Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Energy & Focus, £21.99 Paused Ultra Focus, £19.99 Grass & Co FOCUS Lion’s Mane Mushroom Capsules with Ginseng + Omega 3, £26.50 Solgar Reishi Shiitake Maitake Mushroom Extract, £33.95 Best tablets – mushroom supplements Nutrition Geeks Lion’s Mane Focus +, £9.99 Best powder - mushroom supplements Spacegoods rainbow dust, £39 DIRTEA Cordyceps Powder, £38 DIRTEA Lion’s Mane Powder, £34.99 everystate Cacoa and Mushroom superblend, £45 Verve Honest Mushrooms, £49 Best mushroom supplements to buy in UK 2025 Best capsule mushroom supplements Together Health Mushroom 5 Available from Bodykind (£20.99), Superdrug (£22.39), Together Health (£27.99) Star rating: 4.5/5 Free from artificial additives and preservatives and manufactured using clean processes, this blend of five mushrooms (chaga, lion’s mane, maitake, reishi and shiitake) is certified organic, subject to a dual extraction process and provides more than 40 per cent polysaccharides (more than 30 per cent beta-glucan) with triterpenes. We found these vegan capsules easy to swallow with no odour or aftertaste. Available from: Bodykind (£20.99) Superdrug (£22.39) Together Health (£27.99) OTO Mushroom Complex Available from OTO (£39) Star rating: 4.5/5 Easy to take as a daily capsule with no flavour, this supplement offers a blend of five organic mushrooms alongside 11 vitamins and minerals aimed at supporting focus, immunity and energy. The luxe glass jar is convenient though not child-safe. The product is vegan-friendly and free from fillers or additives, with traceable ingredients and third-party testing. The packaging lacks details on extraction methods and specific concentrations of active compounds. At a premium price point, it is simple to incorporate into a routine, however clearer labelling would improve confidence in its effectiveness. Available from: OTO (£39) Zooki Lion's Mane Focus+ Available from Zooki (£39.99) Star rating: 4/5 Not only do these tablets contain a sizeable 600mg of Lion's Mane, the formula also contains cognizin citicoline, L-Theanine, omega-3 and vitamin B12. All of which support good brain health, focus, memory, sleep and reduce feelings of stress or anxiety. Tablets are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Plus, the brand claims to design their supplements with 4x higher absorption. Available from: Zooki (£39.99) FourFive Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Energy & Focus Available from Amazon (£18.49), Holland & Barrett (£21.99) Star rating: 4/5 With a 60-day money-back guarantee and using a double extraction process two capsules (400mg lion’s mane) provide a minimum of 40 per cent polysaccharides in combination with the brain sharpening botanicals – bacopa monnieri (also known as brahmi), maca root and guarana. Although the capsules are large and two per day is recommended, we found them easy enough to take. However, there is no indication as to whether the mushrooms are organically certified or whether this specific product has been independently tested. Available from: Amazon (£18.49) Holland & Barrett (£21.99) Paused Ultra Focus Available from Paused (£19.99) Star rating: 4/5 With 16,000mg Lion’s Mane, Paused Ultra Focus delivers a high-strength blend aimed at supporting brain health and cognitive function, particularly during menopause. Enriched with ginkgo biloba, vitamin B5 and iodine, it’s a vegan, GMO- and gluten-free choice. Easy to take and ethically produced in the UK, this supplement is menopause-friendly and suitable for most adults. Available from: Paused (£19.99) Grass & Co FOCUS Lion’s Mane Mushroom Capsules with Ginseng and Omega 3+ Available from Holland & Barrett (£17.76), Amazon (£22.97), Grass & Co (£26.50) Star rating: 4/5 Blending lion’s mane with ginseng and algal omega-3 oil, two capsules per day supply 600mg of lion’s mane extract. Although the product is independently tested for its beta-glucan content we had to search for the information on the Grass & Co website. This product is hot water-extracted and is vegan and gluten-free. Available from: Holland & Barrett (£17.76) Amazon (£22.97) Grass & Co (£26.50) Solgar Reishi Shiitake Maitake Mushroom Extract Available from Amazon (£31.99) Star rating: 4/5 From a long-standing company this product is described as a ‘concentrated extract’ of reishi, shiitake and maitake mushrooms. It is a vegan and allergen free formulation combining powder and powdered extract and was the most expensive in our trial. There are no details of the percentage active constituents or the extraction process used. We found them easy to swallow and would be happy to continue taking these regularly. Available from: Amazon (£31.99) Best tablet mushroom supplements Nutrition Geeks Lion’s Mane Focus+ Available from Amazon (£9.99), Nutrition Geeks (£11.99) Star rating: 4/5 We found two of these small tablets (267mg lion’s mane extract) were easy to swallow. They were the cheapest product in our trial with the highest stated levels of active polysaccharides (50 per cent). However, it’s unclear whether the mushrooms are certified organic or what extraction process is used. Available from: Amazon (£9.99) Nutrition Geeks (£11.99) Best powder mushroom supplements Spacegoods rainbow dust Available from Spacegoods (£29), Amazon (£29.95) Star rating: 4/5 This is a premium blend of adaptogens and mushrooms, including lion’s mane, cordyceps and chaga, with 85mg of caffeine per serving. The powder mixes easily and has an intensely chocolatey, slightly raw cacao flavour that is tasty both hot and cold, but should be mixed with milk or an alternative, rather than water. Vegan-friendly and gluten-free with no artificial additives, it is easy to prepare and comes in convenient, resealable packaging, though more detail on sourcing and active compound concentrations would be helpful. Available from: Spacegoods (£29) Amazon (£29.95) DIRTEA Cordyceps powder Available from Amazon (£34.99), Look Fantastic (£38), DIRTEA (£38) Star rating: 4/5 DIRTEA powders use certified organic mushrooms that are subject to a dual extraction process and third-party tested, however, we couldn’t find information about the concentration of active constituents (percentage of polysaccharides) in a 2g serving. We found the finely milled powder difficult to measure but noted that it mixed easily in a cup of tea adding no taste or flavour. Available from: Amazon (£34.99) Look Fantastic (£38) DIRTEA (£38) DIRTEA Lion’s Mane powder Available from Look Fantastic (£34.99), Victoria Health (£37.99), DIRTEA (£38) Star rating: 4/5 We needed to add a little sugar to her hot drink to disguise the slightly earthy flavour from the lion’s mane powder. However, we liked the convenience of the powder and the fact that it could be added to a variety of options from hot drinks to smoothies. Available from: Look Fantastic (£34.99) Victoria Health (£37.99) DIRTEA (£38) everystate Cacao and mushroom superblend Available from everystate (£45) Star rating: 4/5 Offering a blend of reishi and tremella fruiting body extracts, the cacao powder delivers a drinkable, lightly chocolatey flavour reminiscent of watered-down chocolate Nesquik with a subtle earthy note. The powder mixes easily with hot water, milk or in smoothies making it simple to incorporate into a daily routine. It's free from gluten, dairy, soy and artificial flavours, and is vegan and non-GMO, too. The sturdy resealable bag keeps it fresh and portable. While the concentration of active compounds is specified, more clarity on extraction methods and third-party testing would be welcome. Available from: everystate (£45) Verve Honest Mushrooms Available from Verve (£49) Star rating: 4/5 Providing a high-strength blend of mushrooms and adaptogens, this chocolate-flavoured powder is easy to incorporate into a daily routine, and mixes best with milk for a more palatable taste, though a slight mushroomy aftertaste remains. With a notable 12,400mg of mushrooms per scoop and detailed extract concentrations, it stands out for potency. The resealable pouch keeps things fresh and the powder blends well into drinks. While there is a focus on transparency and no hidden additives, clearer information on organic certification and third-party testing would be reassuring. Available from: Verve (£49) What are mushroom supplements good for? Some popular functional mushrooms and their potential benefits: Chaga: may help wounds heal and be anti-inflammatory Cordyceps: may build stamina and endurance Lion’s mane: may help anxiety and sleep problems, sharpen the brain and modulate the immune system Maitake: may regulate metabolism and blood sugar levels Reishi: may support immunity, fight fatigue and slow ageing Shiitake: may support immunity and fight infection. What we looked for during testing Available as capsules, tablets, tinctures, dried powder or tea/coffee blends, there’s a mushroom supplement available to suit most lifestyles. When selecting products to review, we were looking for a guaranteed concentration of 30 per cent or more polysaccharides (as beta-glucan). These are the active constituents, thought to offer a number of benefits. For instance, polysaccharides may strengthen the immune system and act as a fuel source (prebiotic) for healthy gut bacteria. As they’re a source of soluble fibre they may support digestion, stabilise blood sugar, help manage cholesterol and support the heart and potentially provide anti-inflammatory effects. A dual extraction process was also an important factor. This is because the various beneficial compounds in the mushrooms are both water soluble (beta glucan) and alcohol-soluble (triterpenoids), so using both extraction methods is likely to result in a greater concentration of active constituents. How much should I take When you start to supplement, begin at the lowest dose, assess your response and increase if appropriate, while always keeping within product guidelines. Dosages vary depending on the variety of mushroom and the concentration level of the product, as well as each person’s individual response. Therefore, choose a product from a reputable company that uses a certified organic mushroom (mushrooms absorb toxins and pollutants from their surroundings), and are independently tested. As mentioned above, a dual extraction process is important in order to optimise the levels of beneficial active compounds. How should I take a mushroom supplement? Mushrooms can be supplemented in the form of extracts (powder or liquid), milled mushroom powder or capsules (the latter may contain both powder and extract). Mushroom extract is the most potent form, as it typically contains 20-30 per cent polysaccharides (beta-glucan), depending on the manufacturer. If you are hoping a mushroom supplement will address a specific health issue, then do your research and opt for a product that contains a mushroom variety for which there is some evidence that it may be helpful. If you have a diagnosed health condition, are on prescribed medication such as blood thinners, blood pressure tablets or diabetes medication, check with your GP prior to supplementation. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should avoid supplementation, because more research is needed to determine the safety of functional mushrooms in these situations. Although generally safe for most of us, unless you have a fungal or mould allergy, certain people may experience side effects, such as a gastric upset or dry mouth. You should also be aware that at this time further research is needed to determine optimal dosages and safety profiles, and to fully quantify the potential risks and side effects. Like other dietary supplements in the UK, mushroom products are regulated under food law, this means they don’t require license or registration and you don’t need a prescription. It also means that because of the current lack of robust evidence, the use of <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nutrition-and-health-claims-guidance-to-compliance-with-regulation-ec-1924-2006-on-nutrition-and-health-claims-made-on-foods/nutrition-and-health-claims-guidance-to-compliance-with-regulation-ec-19242006#:~:text=Nutrition%2520and%2520health%2520claims%2520are,scientific%2520assessment%2520of%2520substantiating%2520evidence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">health claims is restricted – it’s worth keeping this in mind when you’re reading marketing material. How we tested mushroom supplements All supplements were tested within the same time period, with observations recorded based on the testing criteria. We included samples from various manufacturers, offering formats such as powders, tablets or capsules containing mushroom extract, powder or a combination of both, and with a range of price points to suit different budgets. The key areas we assessed were as follows: Taste and flavour: is the consuming experience pleasant? Nutrient profile: how much mushroom extract is included in the recommended daily amount? What percentage of active beneficial constituents are provided per serving? Are other nutrients or botanicals included? Quality: how were the mushrooms grown and sourced, are they certified organic and have they been independently tested for contaminants and allergens? Additives: does the product contain additives, for example: preservatives, artificial sweeteners or colourings? Dietary requirements: does the product meet any specific dietary needs – is it vegetarian, vegan, gluten- and allergen-free? Value for money: how does the product compare to other products on a cost-per-day basis? More mushroom supplements tested: Nutravita Advanced Mushroom Superblend Complex: 3.5/5, £22.99 WeightWorld Organic (bio) Mushroom Complex: 3.5/5, £26.38 ZipVit Lion's Mane 2000mg: 3.5/5, £9.49 DIRTEA Reishi Powder: 3.5/5, £38 INDI Mind: 3.5/5, £45 Related content Best vitamin B12 supplement Best biotin supplement UK Best ashwagandha supplement UK Best supplement for sleep Best probiotics UK Best protein powder Best collagen supplement UK Best greens powder Best herbal tea Best matcha powder
Best tea Advent calendars to sip all December long, tried and tested 2025
Who says an Advent calendar has to be chocolate? We've tried and tested the best tea Advent calendars for an extra special festive tea break
Who says an Advent calendar has to be chocolate? There is an Advent calendar for everything these days and, as tea lovers here at olive, the wide range of tea Advent calendars now available are some of our favourites. From fun-flavoured teabags to decadent drawers filled with high-end loose leaf tea, or calendars filled with matcha, there is a tea Advent calendar for everyone. Many have multiple teabags or servings inside each day, meaning they are perfect for sharing. The ideal way to add a little moment of calm into Christmas festivities each day. For more Advent calendar inspiration, check out our guides to the best foodie Advent calendars, best coffee Advent calendars and best alcohol Advent calendars filled with gin, whisky and more. For more tea inspiration, see our picks of the best tea gifts or the best teapots to buy. Best tea Advent calendars to buy 2025 – tried and tested Bird & Blend tea Advent calendar Available from Bird & Blend (£39.50) Bird & Blend was the first to launch a tea Advent calendar 13 years ago and has become a staple of the tea world ever since. We love the fun festive design of this teabag-filled calendar, colourful inside and out. In signature Bird & Blend style it is filled with unusual gourmet tea flavours – 24 in total, meaning no repeats throughout the month. There's also a caffeine-free version available. There are two teabags per day tucked in cubes that are fun to open (all packaging is plastic-free), which means it's great for sharing. It adds to the festive feeling with lots of Christmas flavours inside, such as mulled cider, gingerbread chai and limited-edition Irish cream, alongside quirky bestsellers. What will your favourite discovery be? Available from: Bird & Blend (£39.50) Whittard tea Advent calendar Available from Whittard (£24.95) A great classic tea calendar option. There are two teabags behind each door, so it's perfect for sharing. Flavours are fairly traditional, including Chelsea breakfast, earl grey and darjeeling, with a couple of more flavoured varieties such as a vanilla chai, English rose and festive breakfast teas – so plenty to discover all month long. The compact design is slightly flimsy but has a pretty navy festive design with gold stars. Available from: Whittard (£24.95) English Tea Shop wellness calendar Available from Selfridges (£15.99) This is a great value tea Advent calendar for a curious tea lover wanting to try something new each day. It has a sweet design, arriving tied with a festive red bow and decorated with gold teapots inside. There are 24 different wellness-inspired teas inside, so no repeats all month and lots of variety across styles of tea – from fruity red berries to punchy peppermint. The loose leaf tea bags have brewing instructions inside to get the perfect cup. Available from: Selfridges (£15.99) Bird & Blend matcha Advent calendar Available from Bird & Blend (£55) If your love of tea extends to matcha, this is the calendar for you. This fun matcha Advent calendar has a seriously impressive range of matcha flavours inside, including plenty of festive limited editions such as mince pie, yule log or eggnog matcha, as well as fruity twists including peach cobbler or strawberries and cream. There is enough in here for 48 cups of matcha so it's great for sharing and discussing your favourite flavours. It's pricey but there is £80 worth of tea inside. Available from: Bird & Blend (£55) 24 Days of Twinings calendar Available from Twinings (£25) If you're a tea brand loyalist, this Twinings calendar could be the one for you. It's a new one to us for 2025 (although it has been around for a couple of years), with a minimalist double door design. Inside are 24 different teas so no repeats all month – plus you get two teabags each day, so it's another great one for sharing. The different blends included will help you find a moment of calm each day in a busy December, with varieties such as Detox, Focus and Glow. This year Twinings have also launched a brand new smaller calendar with one teabag per day – at just £13, it makes a great gift. Available from: Twinings (£25) Pukka tea Advent calendar Available from Amazon (£11.45), Ocado (£11.45) A great value, simple tea calendar that would make a lovely gift for a tea lover. The calendar unrolls so you can hang it on the back of a kitchen door. Although this does mean that there's no secrecy about the teas to expect each day, there are 24 different flavours to try meaning there is still plenty to discover over December. The calendar is fully recyclable and the teabags are all home compostable. Available from: Amazon (£11.45) Ocado (£11.45)
Best coffee Advent calendars to buy in 2025
No matter their preference or investment in the brewing process, a coffee Advent calendar is an excellent option for caffeine lovers this December
Coffee Advent calendars are an opportunity to explore coffee beans from around the world, seasonal Christmas flavours and count down to Christmas with a cup of something you, your friend or family member loves. It's a great way to fuel you through the festive season! We tested a range of coffee Advent calendars at different price points to bring you our picks of the best coffee Advent calendars to buy in 2025. From bargain instant coffee to luxury Nespresso pod-filled options, these are great as a festive treat for yourself or gift for the coffee fanatic in your life. We'll be continually adding to this round-up as more calendars launch and we test every calendar out to bring you our verdict. You don't necessarily need a coffee machine for brewing the below, but if you're curious about what's available on the market or wanting advice on the best coffee machines for you, check out our guides to the best coffee pod machines, best espresso machines and the best bean-to-cup coffee machines. For more inspiration, discover our tried and tested picks of the best tea Advent calendars, alcohol Advent calendars and the best Advent calendars for foodies. Best coffee Advent calendars 2025 Rise Friendly Coffee Countdown Advent calendar Available from Rise (£40), Not on the High Street (£44) The Rise coffee calendar is a popular choice every year and makes a great return for 2025. It's also one of the few that hasn't gone up in price this year, which we appreciated. The simple design is bold and colourful and all plastic-free. An impressive pick for variety, this ground coffee calendar features 24 different coffees from around the world, meaning no repeats all month. There's enough coffee each day for two smaller cups and it is medium-ground so works for cafetière, Aeropress, filter and moka pot methods. There's not much information in the calendar itself: instead scan the QR code each day to learn more about that's day's cup, with beans from Ethiopia, Brazil and much more. The speciality coffee is all ethically sourced and 1 per cent of all sales go back to coffee-growing communities. Available from: Rise (£40) Not on the High Street (£44) Pact Coffee Advent calendar Available from Pact Coffee (£44.95) There are no traditional doors to open here, this is a box packed with top-quality coffee to explore all month long instead. As soon as we opened the delivery, the delicious smell of fresh coffee wafted from the box. We lifted open the lid of the smart box (in tiled red for the ground coffee edition, equally festive green for the whole bean option) to find 25 numbered sachets, each containing 18g of coffee. The ground coffee is suitable for cafetière, Aeropress, V60 and drip-brewing methods, and the whole bean option is perfect for people who want to grind it fresh every day. We were impressed by the range of coffees in here – with no repeats, you can expect seven exclusive and rare limited-editions, and 10 'micro lot' coffees grown in small volumes. If you've had the calendar in previous years like we have, then you'll be pleased to know there's 10 new coffees in here for 2025. Available from: Pact Coffee (£44.95) Grind Advent calendar Available from Grind (£29.95) We're already fans of the Grind coffee machine and have tested out its pods, so we were thrilled to see its Advent calendar return for 2025. The outside of the slim calendar is signature Grind pink, while opening it up reveals a fun 'Where's Wally'-esque design. A fun one to have on the mantelpiece all month long. Behind the doors are 25 compostable Nespresso-compatible pods across an impressive 16 different flavours, an increase on last year's 13 options. As well as Grind's core blends, expect flavoured coffees such as caramel, hazelnut, Baileys and pumpkin spice. Spoiler alert: on Christmas Day, you'll find two pods behind the door (in the appropriate Christmas blend) so you can share your morning brew. If you love Grind but don't have a pod machine, we've also spotted that this year they're doing a wholebean or ground coffee advent calendar in a fun bookcase design. Available from: Grind (£29.95) Nespresso Vertuo Advent calendar Available from Nespresso (£43) This unique Advent calendar from Nespresso has an innovative cube design, covered in a hypnotic swirling gold and pink pattern. Inside are 24 different pods that are compatible with a Nespresso Vertuo machine – proving that there is a coffee calendar for everyone. The supersize Vertuo pods inside cover a range of flavours (with no repeats) – from unusual cinnamon and candied tamarind to more classic roasts, plus a special gift at the end of the month. If you have a different machine, there is a classic Nespresso pod calendar too. Available from: Nespresso (£43) Rave Coffee Advent calendar Available from Rave (£35.95) This is a slightly different coffee Advent calendar from the rest of our picks, but it's one of our favourite calendars we've tried this year so we couldn't resist adding it in. You might not get beans or ground coffee in here, but instead behind each door is an irresistible coffee-infused chocolate. There are six different flavours to discover throughout the month – from a biscuit and coffee milk chocolate truffle, to solid blonde coffee chocolate (a highlight) and decadent coffee caramel coated in coffee dark chocolate and cocoa powder. It's pricey but great quality (with ethically sourced coffee and cocoa), and an absolute must-try for a coffee lover with a sweet tooth. It's limited-edition and made in small batches, so worth buying quickly if you fancy trying it. Available from: Rave (£35.95) L'Or Coffee Capsule Advent calendar Available from L'Or (£12.99), Amazon (£12.99) Another coffee pod calendar option with 24 different blends, including two decaffeinated pods. There are only three flavoured pods – including caramel and vanilla – with the rest of the calendar focusing on different intensity blends instead, which is ideal if you’re not a fan of novelty flavours. The design is minimalist black and dark red, but the doors being in the shape of coffee pods is a nice extra touch. At under £15, it's also great value and by far the most affordable coffee Advent calendar we've tried. Available from: L'Or (£12.99) Amazon (£12.99) Little’s 24 Days of Flavoured Coffee Advent calendar Available from Selfridge's (£40.99) This fun and colourful calendar is another option for those with a coffee pod machine. We think this suits those who don't take their coffee too seriously and like trying quirky flavours. Each day reveals a new Nespresso-compatible capsule with nine different flavours inside, from caramel or vanilla to three calendar-exclusives for the festive season, including the ever popular pumpkin spice. It's got a good mix of classic and unusual flavours to brighten up December mornings. Available from: Selfridge's (£40.99) Related reviews Celeste Wong's best decaf coffee to try Celeste Wong's best reusable and compostable espresso pods Celeste Wong's best cafetières to buy Celeste Wong's best coffee bags Best coffee pod machines Best bean-to-cup coffee machines Best espresso machines Best Nespresso machines
Best mushroom coffee for a morning pick-me-up, tried and tested 2025
If you're curious about replacing your morning coffee with a mushroom alternative, we've taste tested them to help find you the best
Many of us like to start our morning with the ritual of a coffee. Plunging a cafetiere, grinding beans, tamping a portafilter, frothing milk – it's all part of the joy. But, have you considered replacing your morning brew with a cup of mushroom coffee? Functional and medicinal mushrooms are a popular trend right now, with claims that they can help with focus, energy, stress and immunity. As the research currently stands, there is not enough evidence to fully validate any of the health benefits of these mushrooms. If you are considering trying out a mushroom coffee but are curious about how it'll compare to your usual cup of joe, we've taste tested some of the leading brands to see if we can tell the difference in flavour. Looking for more? Check out our guide to the best mushrooms supplements and best ashwagandha supplements. Jump to: Best mushroom coffee at a glance Best mushroom coffee to buy 2025 What is mushroom coffee? How we test mushroom coffee Best mushroom coffee at a glance Best mushroom coffee: Innermost The Wellness blend, £34.95 Best mushroom coffee for high potency: Verve Honest Mushrooms mix, £49 Best flavoured mushroom coffee: Spacegoods Rainbow Dust, £39 Best everyday mushroom coffee: Free Soul Wake mushroom coffee, £30 Best mushroom coffee for similarity to coffee: Four Sigmatic Achieve organic coffee, £14.99 Best affordable mushroom coffee: Cheerful Buddha lion's mane mushroom coffee, £14.99 Best mushroom coffee to buy 2025 Innermost The Wellness blend Available from Innermost (£34.95), Selfridges (£39.99) Best mushroom coffee Star rating: 5/5 This powder is a blend of mushrooms – including chaga, cordyceps, maitake and reishi – and arabica coffee, with 1.5g of coffee per serving. We were impressed with this product on test, feeling that it closely resembled instant coffee in both ease of use and flavour. We mixed it with hot water and milk and found the flavour to be mild and pleasant. There's no added sugar, additives or preservatives, and we liked that the packaging would be easy to store or take on the go. Available from: Innermost (£34.95) Selfridges (£39.99) Verve Honest Mushrooms mix Available from Verve (£49) Best mushroom coffee for high potency Star rating: 4.5/5 This powder from Verve delivers a high dose of 12,400mg medicinal mushrooms per serving, including lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps and chaga. The brand claims the combination of honest mushrooms and adaptogens (like ashwagandha) will enhance overall wellbeing by boosting energy, reducing stress and increasing focus. On test, we found the flavour similar to a hot chocolate powder, if a bit sweet for our taste. You can mix it with water or milk, and it dissolved easily when stirred. Available from: Verve (£49) Spacegoods Rainbow Dust Available from Amazon (£29.25), Spacegood (£39) Best flavoured mushroom coffee Star rating: 4/5 This powder from Spacegoods has an chocolatey, slightly raw cacao flavour that is tasty both hot and cold. We found it mixed really easily, but it's worth noting it should be mixed with milk or an alternative rather than water. The powder is a premium blend of adaptogens and mushrooms, including lion’s mane, cordyceps and chaga, with 85mg caffeine per serving. Vegan-friendly and gluten-free, with no artificial additives, it comes in convenient, resealable packaging. Available from: Amazon (£29.25) Spacegood (£39) Free Soul Wake mushroom coffee Available from Free Soul (£30) Best everyday mushroom coffee Star rating: 4/5 Free Soul's mushroom coffee combines Arabica coffee with a combination of lion's mane, reishi, shitake and maitake mushrooms, as well as other ingredients like ashwagandha, maca, turmeric and salt. Each portion delivers 65mg caffeine, and the brand claims the formulation is made with women in mind. We found this mushroom coffee was far less sweet than many we tried, with a deep, rich and earthy flavour. It's worth noting that we found the turmeric taste came through, which some people might find strange. Available from: Free Soul (£30) Four Sigmatic Achieve organic coffee Available from Amazon (£14.99), iHerb (£18.25), Ocado (£20) Best mushroom coffee for similarity to coffee Star rating: 4/5 This product is the one that most closely resembles coffee out of all of the mushroom coffees on this list. It's made up of ground organic coffee with chaga and lion's mane mushrooms, and can be used in the same way as you would coarsely ground coffee – in a cafetiere or filter coffee machine. We noticed that after drinking this mushroom coffee, we felt calm, focused and ready to start our day, although this wasn't noticeably different compared to drinking regular coffee. Available from: Amazon (£14.99) iHerb (£18.25) Ocado (£20) Cheerful Buddha lion's mane mushroom coffee Available from Holland & Barrett (£14.99), Amazon (£16.55) Best affordable mushroom coffee Star rating: 3.5/5 This mushroom coffee is made up of arabica ground coffee infused with lion's mane mushrooms as well as MCT coconut oil, ashwagandha and cacao, with each serving containing 350mg of lion's mane. Although the brand claims you can use this in an espresso machine, cafetiere or filter coffee machine, we found the grind size far too coarse for espresso, and we'd only recommend it for coarser brewing methods. On test, we found it had an earthy flavour and was more bitter than a regular coffee. Available from: Holland & Barrett (£14.99) Amazon (£16.55) What is mushroom coffee? The definition of mushroom coffee varies a little from brand to brand and product to product. Broadly, the term refers to coffee, usually coarsely ground coffee, that has been combined or infused with mushrooms. These mushrooms aren't ones you'll find in the supermarket, though. The compounds extracted from these medicinal mushrooms are adaptogens, which are claimed may help with a host of health issues, including stress, concentration and energy. The mushrooms commonly used in mushroom coffee include: Lion's mane Chaga Reishi Shitake Maitake Cordyceps How we test mushroom coffee When testing mushrooms coffees, we conducted a taste test, considering elements like appearance, taste, flavour and texture. We also consider sustainability in our tests, and assessed the packaging of each product for ease of use and whether it can be recycled. All health content on olivemagazine.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider. Check the product label and ingredients before purchase to ensure it is appropriate for your individual circumstances. Related content Best omega 3 supplement UK Best coffee beans Best glucosamine supplement Best probiotics UK Best greens powder Best matcha powder Best vitamin B12 supplement
olive Christmas Taste Awards 2025 - the best supermarket buys you need this year
Christmas isn’t just about the cooking – it’s about enjoying yourself, too! The must-buy winners of our olive Christmas Taste Awards will make seasonal eating that little bit easier
Looking for easy Christmas party food for the festive season? From Christmas cakes and mince pies to cranberry sauce, we’ve got it covered. We've included links to buy where products are available online already, so you can get planning. olive Christmas Taste Awards 2025 Best smoked salmon Winner: Lidl Deluxe mild smoked salmon There's a lot of quirky innovation around smoked salmon at Christmas, but sometimes we like a classic option best. This is soft and creamy, and not overly chewy. Available from Lidl, launching soon Best turkey crown Joint winner: Sainsbury's Taste the Difference British free-range bronze turkey crown with pork, apricot, pear, cranberry and candied ginger stuffing This attractive turkey crown is a great centrepiece to serve – it has a glossy glaze and deep golden, crispy bacon on the top. The turkey stays juicy and we love the generous amount of fruity stuffing inside, which has good texture and a kick of sweetness to balance the smoky bacon. Available from: Sainsbury's (from £47.75) Joint winner: M&S Oakham™ Hot Maple Glazed Turkey Crown This sticky, spiced hot maple glaze adds something new to your Christmas table. It has a dark golden appearance, peppery bacon on top, good texture to the turkey and one of the best stuffings that we tried, packed with cranberries and cherries. Available from: Ocado (£50) Best gammon Winner: M&S Outdoor Bred Slow Cooked Hot Honey Gammon On The Bone This bone-in joint cooks to a deep golden brown. There's no glaze (although this means you could add your own), but the meat still cooked well, stayed juicy and shredded apart easily. It has a good, balanced flavour – smoky without being overpowering. Available from M&S, launching soon Best alternative Christmas main Winner: Booths British porchetta A good centrepiece if you're looking to serve something different this year. The crackling is nice and salty, with a good crunch. The porchetta has a neat rolled appearance, with tender meat and an aromatic herby stuffing. Available from Booths, launching soon Best vegetarian main Joint winner: M&S Collection mushroom, Barber's cheddar and leek en croute This has a pleasing golden appearance and super-crisp pastry. Inside is an indulgent filling with large chunks of mushroom, a rich, creamy sauce and good balance of textures. Available from: Ocado (£12.50) Best pigs in blankets Winner: Aldi Specially Selected the ultimate pigs in blankets These are chunky, generous pigs in blankets! The sausagemeat has good herby flavour and the bacon is smoky. Available from Aldi, launching soon Best roast potatoes Winner: Exceptional By Asda beef dripping roast potatoes with herb seasoning The herby seasoning gives these potatoes an attractive appearance and extra dimension of flavour. They could be crispier overall, but the potatoes are buttery and tender inside. Available from Asda, launching soon Desserts and sweet treats Best classic mince pie Winner: Morrisons The Best Signature Collection mince pies We love a generously filled mince pie, and these deep ones tick that box. They have a pretty star decoration on the lid, plus soft, buttery pastry and a bright, citrussy filling with plenty of fruit. Available from: Morrisons (£2) Best flavoured mince pie Winner: Morrisons The Best cherry bakewell mince pies If you want an upgrade to a classic mince pie, try these cherry bakewell-inspired pies. The pretty flaked almond frangipane topping creates a neat finish and has good almond flavour without being artificially sweet. There's still a good layer of mincemeat underneath, with added cherries. Available from: Morrisons (£3.50) Best showstopper dessert Winner: Morrisons Signature Collection Belgian chocolate and praline star This striking Christmas showstopper would wow any table. It's filled with a rich chocolate ganache, and the praline adds crunch and deep hazelnut flavour. Available from: Morrisons (£15) Best trifle Winner: Booths red berry and vanilla trifle This is an extremely deep trifle – you have to scoop through to get all the layers! The custard has an old-school nostalgic flavour and the cream is softly whipped, with classic fruit at the bottom. It's not boozy, so would be great for families. Available from Booths, launching soon Best Christmas cake Winner: M&S perfectly matured iced fruit cake A very pretty Christmas cake with a delicate floral design on the icing. Underneath, the cake is rich, with balanced spicing and lots of sultanas – although we'd love to see a cherry in there! The marzipan also has good almond flavour. Available from: Ocado (£15) Best Christmas pudding Winner: Sainsbury's Taste the Difference 18-month matured Christmas pudding This has a classic rounded appearance and glossy finish. It has a moist, slightly crumbly interior, wonderfully rich aroma and some lovely fruit and spice notes. These really follow through on the palate, with a really balanced flavour, delivering all the anticipated fruity and boozy notes. The texture is moist and a bit sticky – in a good way – with a slightly dry finish. Available from: Sainsbury's (£9) Best alternative Christmas cake Winner: Tesco chocolate and salted caramel wreath cake This nicely designed cake adds some colour to your Christmas table, and kids will love it. The chocolate cake is well baked and stays soft. Available from: Tesco (£15) Best biscuit tin Winner: Sainsbury's Taste the Difference chocolate chip shortbread present tin This sweet present tin would make a great hostess gift for a Christmas get-together. The biscuits have a good buttery finish and satisfying crunch, and are studded with creamy milk chocolate chips. Available from Sainsbury's, launching soon Best vegan mince pies Winner: Waitrose six mince pies These mince pies have a thin layer of pastry and deep golden edges – you might not even be able to tell these are vegan. The mincemeat is very juicy, with chunky sultanas. Available from: Waitrose & Partners (£2.25) Best gluten-free mince pies Winner: Waitrose freefrom mince pies Pastry can be where gluten-free alternatives falter, but the golden pastry on these mince pies has a good biscuity flavour and crumbles nicely. The filling has plump fruit and a touch of citrus to balance the sweetness. Available from: Waitrose & Partners (£3) How we chose the winners The olive team chose categories to test. The supermarkets then selected the products they wanted to nominate (we allowed them one entry per category). Every product was prepared according to pack instructions and our expert panel of judges blind-tasted them, rating each on taste, texture and appearance. We then chose our winning products in each category, plus runners-up where worthy.
Best ceramic frying pans UK, tried and tested by reviews experts 2025
Our reviews team have put ceramic frying pans to the test to help you choose the best one for frying, sautéing, stewing and more
A robust, well-designed non-stick pan is a kitchen essential that most of us reach for everyday. From frying pancakes or bacon to sizzling onions, steaming dumplings and simmering pasta sauces, a good pan becomes an essential kitchen workhorse. Ceramic pans have a type of non-stick coating which are growing in popularity thanks to their increased durability compared to traditional non-stick. Ceramic pans also utilise mineral rather than chemical process in the non-stick coating which many people prefer. We've put a selection of ceramic frying pans to the test by making omelettes and American pancakes to see how easily they released from the pan. We also tested for other elements including sustainability, versatility and ease of cleaning to determine what the best ceramic frying pan for you to buy would be, whether you want a colourful design, budget buy or investment built to last. Read on for the best ceramic frying pans in the UK. Best ceramic frying pan deals Hoping to find a discount on one of the ceramic frying pans in this list? Amazon Prime Big Deal Days (7-8 October) have started, and we've been scouring the market to find the biggest savings from a range of cookware brands – here are the best we've found so far: ProCook Soho Cookware frying pan | £29 £23.20 at ProCook (save £5.80 or 20%) GreenPan Padova 2-piece frying pan set | £113 £101.15 at Nordic Nest (save £11.85 or 10%) Our Place Always Pan 2.0 | £125 £99 at Amazon (save £26 or 21%) Ninja ceramic 30cm frying pan CW90030UK | £59.99 £39.99 at Amazon (save £20 or 33%) Kuhn Rikon easy ceramic frying pan 28cm | £67.95 £54.95 at Kuhn Rikon (save £13 or 19%) View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Jump to: Best ceramic frying pans UK at a glance Best ceramic frying pans to buy UK 2025 Is ceramic cookware good for frying? Is ceramic better than non-stick? Best ceramic frying pans UK at a glance Best affordable ceramic frying pan: ProCook Soho Cookware frying pan, £23.20 Best ceramic frying pan set: GreenPan Padova 2-piece frying pan set, £101.15 Best ceramic frying pan for versatility: Our Place Always Pan 2.0, £125 Best aesthetic ceramic frying pan: GreenPan x Stanley Tucci Stanley Pan Jr., £179.95 Best everyday ceramic frying pan: Ninja Extended Life ceramic 30cm frying pan CW90030UK, £59.99 Best ceramic frying pan for students: Kuhn Rikon easy ceramic frying pan 28cm, £54.95 Best ceramic frying pan for compact storage: Joseph Joseph Space folding handle frying pan, £95 Best ceramic saucepan set: MadeIn CeramiClad non-stick cookware set, £559 Best ceramic frying pans to buy UK 2025 ProCook Soho Cookware frying pan Available from ProCook (£23.20) Best affordable ceramic frying pan Star rating: 5/5 As we've come to expect from B-Corp ProCook, this pan came in entirely recyclable packaging which is sadly still a bit of a rarity when it comes to cookware. Once we'd unboxed it we were impressed by the look and feel of this pan, which comes in an attractive selection of pastel colours. We found the non-stick coating was super effective on test and we hardly needed any butter when cooking our omelette. The pan only comes in one size — 24cm — which makes this best suited to cooking for smaller groups of people. But if you're in a one or two person household and are looking for an everyday ceramic pan at an affordable price point this is a brilliant option. undefined GreenPan Padova 2-piece frying pan set Available from NordicNest (£101.15) Best ceramic frying pan set Star rating: 5/5 This is a beautiful looking set of two pans from GreenPan, with a pale blue exterior, gold metallic handle and white non-stick coating – although there are other colours available too. In the set you get a 20cm pan and a 26cm pan which offers a lot of versatility for different dishes. We did find that, when testing these on a gas hob, they were a little unstable thanks to the heavy handle. This was especially prevalent in the 20cm pan, but wouldn't be such an issue if you have an induction hob. The non-stick was super effective and produced the best French omelette out of all the pans in this list. undefined Our Place Always Pan 2.0 Available from Amazon (£99), Our Place (£125), Selfridges (£125) Best ceramic frying pan for versatility Star rating: 5/5 The Always Pan is Our Place's signature piece of kit. This is the updated version, which not only comes in a choice of three sizes and a variety of colours, but also includes a range of accessories to add to your pans versatility. It might be pricier than many other models on this list, but the added lid, steaming basket (which can double as a colander) and wooden spoon, plus it's ability to go on the hob and in the oven, makes it a pan you'll find yourself reaching for again and again. The non-stick surface is smooth and highly effective, although it's worth noting that our pancakes spread further than we would have liked because they couldn't grip the surface. undefined GreenPan x Stanley Tucci Stanley Pan Jr Available from Fortnum & Mason (£179.95) Best aesthetic ceramic frying pan Star rating: 4.5/5 From his TV show Searching for Italy to the foodie memoir Taste, actor Stanley Tucci has cemented his reputation in the world of food. This pan is the central piece in his collaboration with GreenPan – there's a larger 33cm version and, this, the junior pan with a 29cm diameter. It looks beautiful, with four colours on offer and cast stainless steel handles with a gold finish. We found the non-stick coating on this pan very effective, allowing us to cook our pancakes without any oil, which ensured even browning. Since the pan is deep and comes with a lid it function as both frying pan and sauté pan. The tight-fitting lid allowed us to produce perfectly runny eggs in our shakshuka. This pan is certainly on the heavy side but we found the second handle useful in lifting it. Available from: Fortnum & Mason (£179.95) Ninja Extended Life ceramic 30cm frying pan CW90030UK Available from Amazon (£39.99), Ninja Kitchen (£59.99) Best everyday ceramic frying pan Star rating: 4.5/5 This is a great mid-range ceramic frying pan for everyday use. The pan is available in a range of sizes: 20cm, 24cm, 28cm and 30cm. The high, slightly rounded sides makes it great for tossing ingredients and there's a comfortable long handle, although we did find it slightly unstable when using on a gas hob. The tan interior of this frying pan won't be to everyone's taste, but you're sure to be as impressed as we were by the effective functionality. The pan heated quickly and was responsive to temperature changes, evenly distributing heat over the surface without any hot spots. undefined Kuhn Rikon Easy ceramic frying pan 28cm Available from Kuhn Rikon (£54.95) Best ceramic frying pan for students Star rating: 4.5/5 If you're after a mid-range ceramic frying pan and value function over aesthetic, this simple model from Kuhn Rikon could be a great option. It feels sturdy with a robust handle made of Bakelite, and is stable even on a gas hob. On test we found the pan heated quickly, although it was slightly slower to respond to temperature changes compared to other we've tested. The non-stick coating was effective and our pancakes didn't stick at all. This meant clean-up was easy as all it needed was a quick dunk in soapy water. undefined Joseph Joseph Space folding handle 24cm frying pan Available from Lakeland (£94.99), Joseph Joseph (£95) Best ceramic frying pan for compact storage Star rating: 4.5/5 This frying pan has an innovative design that sets it apart from others in the list. The handle folds inwards, making it brilliant if you're short of storage space in your kitchen cupboards as it becomes easily stackable. With a dark coating, blue exterior and stainless steel handle the frying pan looks beautiful. On test, we found that the pan was a little slow to heat on our induction hob, and there tended to be a hot spot in the centre which meant our pancakes took longer to cook on the edge of the pan. undefined MadeIn CeramiClad non-stick cookware set Available from MadeIn (£529) Best ceramic saucepan set Star rating: 4.5/5 If you're looking for a larger saucepan set with a ceramic non-stick coating, this one from MadeIn is a brilliant option. They look sleek and elegant with long stay-cool handles and a cream interior coating, and we were impressed with how well they performed. The non-stick coating is super smooth and we were able to cook pancakes without any sticking. This is a super versatile set thanks to the size of the pans. The sauté pan has high sides and a lid, which makes it useful for everything from cooking curries and risotto to poaching eggs. You also get a saucepan and stock pot with this set, making it a great investment for any kitchen. Available from: MadeIn (£529) Is ceramic cookware good for frying? Ceramic is an effective type of non-stick coating which can be good for all sorts of different cooking techniques including frying. The non-stick allows you to achieve a sealed finish without tearing foods for example pancakes or a fried egg, and also means you don't need to use as much oil as you might otherwise. It's worth noting though, that non-stick pans (which includes ceramic) should not be heated to high temperatures as it degrades the coating. This means they aren't suited to certain tasks like deep frying or searing meat at a high temperature. Is ceramic better than non-stick? A ceramic coating is a type of non-stick coating which is used on cookware. Traditional non-stick coatings are made using chemicals including PFAS, PFOA and PFTE. Ceramic coatings are broadly made by a process of a gel made from silica which is applied to the metal of the pan and then dried to create the non-stick surface. Ceramic tends to be more durable that traditional non-stick and can be heated to a higher temperature. Both non-stick and ceramic coatings are still pretty fragile and you'll need to avoid metal cooking utensils. When we test ceramic pans we drag a fork across the surface to test their durability against metal utensils. Related reviews Staub vs Le Creuset Best stainless steel frying pan Le Creuset launches On The Go range Best cast iron skillet Best induction pan sets UK Best cookware brands Best pancake pans Ninja deals Le Creuset deals Best smoothie blender
Best greens powder to buy, tried and tested 2025
Have you tried a greens powder? Our experts have tried and tested some of the biggest brands, including Huel and Shreddy, to bring you our verdict
We all know we need to eat our greens and the benefits of getting our daily veg. In the busy hustle and bustle of daily life, more and more people are adding greens powders to their diet as a quick and easy way of getting some potential nutrition. Brands such as Huel, Shreddy and Free Soul are becoming familiar on social media, often making big health claims about their potential benefits, from boosting immunity and relieving bloating to improving appearance of skin, hair and nails. The greens powders we tested varied in the number of total ingredients, ranging from six to 91. We tested all the greens powders just mixed with water, but you could also add to a morning smoothie or juice. They also vary widely in price – ours cost from between £13-£97 a packet. With so many greens powders on the market – many of them fairly expensive – it can be hard to know where to begin and what is worth the investment. We put top brands of greens powders in the UK to the test, so you can make informed choices when you buy. Read on the find out the best greens powders to buy. For more like this, check out our reviews of the best matcha to buy and six healthy coffee brands to try. Jump to: Best greens powders to buy in 2025 What are greens powders? How we tested greens powders What do nutritionists really think about powdered greens? What should you mix greens powders with Best greens powders at glance Best greens powder overall: Free Soul greens (mango flavour), £29.99/150g Best greens powder for a range of flavours: Protein Works Super Greens Extreme, £15.49/250g Best greens powder for on-the-go: AG1 Food Supplement, £79/30 servings Best spiced greens powder: Bioglan Supergreens, £12/70g Best greens powder for variety of ingredients: Huel Daily Greens, £50/250g Best for widest suggested health benefits: Verve Transparent Greens V80 Powder, £75/300g Best greens powder for minimal ingredients: Rheal Superfoods Clean Greens, £25/150g Best greens powder for protein: Naturya Organic Greens Super Blend, £11.88/250g Best greens powder for probiotics: Shreddy Supergreens mango and pineapple, £34/240g Best greens powders to buy in 2025 Free Soul greens (mango) Available from Amazon (£24.21), Free Soul (£29.99/150g) Best greens powder overall Star rating: 4.5/5 Cost per serving: £1 Number of ingredients: 21 Claims: 'High in fibre to support digestion, uniquely formulated for women, 21 ingredients to support energy and immunity'. Type of sweetener: Stevia Free Soul greens comes in an original or mango flavour, and we tried the mango.The pouch has a resealable top and suggests using 1 teaspoon of powder mixed with water or added to a smoothie. The list of 21 ingredients includes greens such as spinach, kale, broccoli and spirulina, alongside ashwagandha, wheatgrass, green tea, pineapple, red beetroot, maca and fennel seeds. Stevia is used as a sweetener. When mixed with water, the powder had a pleasant mango aroma and strong tropical flavour. The thin texture was refreshing and it was an attractive deep green colour. This could be easily drunk on its own but we think it would be especially good in a tropical smoothie. You can taste a few of the individual ingredients a bit more clearly than in other green powders so you know what you're drinking, but in a good way. Available from: Amazon (£24.21) Free Soul (£29.99/150g) Protein Works Super Greens Extreme (apple and lemon) Available from Protein Works (£15.49/250g) Best greens powder for a range of flavours Star rating: 4/5 Cost per serving: 77p Number of ingredients: 41 Claims: 'High protein, nutrient dense, rich in antioxidants to boost your immunity and focus, added vitamin C to boost your immune system'. Two main benefits claims are convenience (enables you to get more greens with less cooking and less waste) and health (impacts of boosting your greens intake)'. Type of sweetener: Sucralose Protein Works Super Greens is available in a very wide range of flavours – take your pick from mandarin orange, mojito, summer berry burst, tropical and more. We tried the apple and lemon flavour in a 250g pack, although 500g and 1kg packs are available too. There is a scoop inside for easy measuring and a 'super fresh seal' on the resealable pouch. There are 41 active ingredients and it claims 20 of these are 'superfoods'. The base of 'super greens blend' includes spirulina, spinach, wheatgrass, broccoli, matcha tea, ashwagandha extract, green tea and green coffee bean extracts, yerba mate and ginseng. Then there's a 'vitamins and minerals' blend including vitamin C, vitamin B3, folic acid, vitamin E and vitamin B5. It also contains flavourings and a sweetener. The flavour we tried was very sweet, and we'd be intrigued to try more of the flavours. It was an attractive deep green colour, the best colour of ones we tried. The texture is a bit grainy and powdery, so we would suggest blending this one for the smoothest results. Available from: Protein Works (£15.49/250g) AG1 Food Supplement Available from AG1 (£79/30 servings) Best greens powder for on-the-go Star rating: 3.5/5 Cost per serving: £3.23 Number of ingredients: 75 Claims: Daily support for energy, hormone function, immune system, cognitive and nervous system function, healthy blood glucose. Type of sweetener: Stevia At £97 for a bag containing 30 servings (you can subscribe, bringing the cost slightly down to £79), AG1 is undoubtedly an investment and by far the most expensive greens powder we tried. Your first delivery comes with a free shaker. We liked that there are also individual portions of the powder available in sachets (although these are even more expensive) – handy for on-the-go, taking to work with you or on trips, or just not needing to think about daily measuring. With a hefty 75 ingredients, there's lots of different things in here, notably spirulina, apple powder, papaya, rosehip powder, acerola fruit juice powder extract, ashwagandha root extract, dandelion concentrate, alfalfa powder, green tea extract, several mushroom powders and added probiotics. Many of these ingredients we didn't spot in other greens powders we tested, so the versatility is a strong point if you're looking for a real variety of potential benefits. The powder dissolves easily in water (we used the scoop provided) with just slightly chalky results but no clumps left unmixed. The drink had a deep green colour and a fruity, almost tropical scent. It does contain stevia, which gives quite a sweet flavour, combined with some sweet fruits in the ingredients. Flavour-wise, we'd struggle to have a whole glass on it's own and would recommend mixing into smoothies. Available from: AG1 (£79/30 servings) Bioglan Supergreens Available from Amazon (£8.50/70g), Holland & Barrett (£12/70g) Best spiced greens powder Star rating: 4.5/5 Cost per serving: 90p Number of ingredients: approx 20 Claims: 'Bursting with superfoods, high in iron, vitamin B12, vitamin C, iodine'. Type of sweetener: Sugar The Bioglan Supergreens says it has 'apple-infused flavour' for 'no grassy taste', and has mulled apple seasoning in the ingredients. This includes cinnamon, cloves, apple powder and ginger, and gives the powder a very strong spiced flavour when drunk on its own. You'd have to find the right flavours to balance this in a smoothie, as it would most likely clash with some berry or tropical flavours. The texture of the powder once mixed in water was quite thin but relatively clean tasting. There are three serving suggestions on the packet, although the suggested quantity of 5-10g of powder is quite vague (although means you can experiment to find the balance you like), and there is no scoop included. We appreciated that the ingredients listed the percentage of each ingredient involved, and was overall relatively short and recognisable with approximately 20 ingredients. These included greens such as spirulina, spinach, broccoli and kale, as well as chlorella, turmeric and wheatgrass. It also contains both sugar and salt. It is a small 70g packet, which comes to 14 servings and is under £15 – so it's a good entry-level, affordable greens powder to try for beginners who aren't yet sure if they want to splash out on a more expensive powder. Available from: Amazon (£8.50/70g) Holland & Barrett (£12/70g) Huel Daily Greens Available from Huel (£50/250g) Best greens powder for most ingredients Star rating: 3.5/5 Cost per serving: £1.66 Number of ingredients: 91 Claims: Huel claims over 166 health benefits to their Daily Greens, including boosting metabolism, immunity, natural energy sources, supporting muscle growth. Type of sweetener: Stevia Huel Daily Greens had the highest number of ingredients (91) and the biggest amount of health claims (166) of all the greens powders we tested. With so much going on, we found it interesting to read on their website a breakdown of every ingredient and its claimed role and health benefits, so that we could understand more about what we were consuming and why. All the expected ingredients are in here, plus more. There's lots of fruit and veg powders: broccoli, carrot, spinach, kale, tomato, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, and cranberry, to name a few. There's a mushroom and adaptogen blend including ashwagandha root and lion's mane mushrooms. Other notable ingredients include marine algae, black garlic, green coffee bean extract, pea protein, flaxseed and oats. It has sweetener in the form of stevia. The powder comes in an easily resealable pouch with a scoop provided for measuring. There are clear instructions on how to mix, although we found it hard to mix smoothly with some lumps left when just using a spoon – we'd recommend trying a frother or blender. The colour was quite brown-toned and not the most attractive of powders we tested. The finished taste was extremely sweet with an artificial taste from sweetener. Instead of drinking on its own, this would need to be balanced in a smoothie or juice, perhaps with some more veg. Available from: Huel (£50/250g) Verve Transparent Greens V80 powder Available from Verve (£75/300g) Best for widest suggested health benefits Star rating: 3.5/5 Cost per serving: £2.50 Number of ingredients: 80 Claims: Over 200 health benefits, including enhanced immune function, improved digestion, healthier skin and increased energy levels Type of sweetener: sugar beet fructose and stevia Verve Transparent Greens V80 powder claims to have over 200 health benefits, covering a range of issues from stronger immunity and healthier skin, hair and nails, to better focus, reduced stress and better hormone balance. The powder contains 80 ingredients, including familiar green 'superfoods' (such as kale, broccoli and spinach), digestive enzymes, prebiotics, a range of added vitamins and minerals (to provide you with 100 per cent of your daily recommended amount of key vitamins) and adaptogens such as ashwagandha. It's also vegan and gluten-free, and there's impressive transparency on Verve's site about the included ingredients and their purpose in the blend. At £2.50 per serving (as a one-off purchase – subscription models and offers can make each bag cheaper), it's one of the most expensive greens powders we tried. However, you do get a free shaker and tub to store the powder with your first order. The suggested serving is one heaped 10g scoop mixed with 300ml of water, taken in the morning on an empty stomach. After mixing, it's very dark green with some orange flecks on top, and doesn't have the most enticing aroma. The initial flavour is palatable when drunk on its own. The ingredients list includes sugar beet fructose, which makes it quite sweet, but there is a metallic aftertaste that's less pleasant – this is attributed to the inclusion of stevia. If this was added to juice or a smoothie, the aftertaste may be masked. Available from: Verve (£75/300g) Rheal Superfoods Clean Greens Available from Holland & Barrett (£25/150g) Best greens powder for minimal ingredients Star rating: 4/5 Cost per serving: 83p Number of ingredients: 7 Claims: Contains vitamin C to contribute to normal function of the immune system, iron to help fight tiredness and fatigue Type of sweetener: None Rheal have taken a different approach to their greens powder. Rather than loading it with anything and everything 'green', they have focused on just seven 'superfoods'. These are baobab, barley grass, chlorella, moringa, pineapple, wheatgrass and spirulina. There is no additional sweetener. It has high protein levels and we appreciate the ingredients being familiar and easy to understand. Rheal also plant a tree with every order. Instead of a plastic resealable pouch, Rheal comes in a cardboard tube with sealed metal opening, although this can get a little messy when popping open. A suggested serving of 1 teaspoon is given, to mix just with 'a glass of water'. When mixed together, it has an attractive deep green colour but the powder separates quickly when left to sit and forms two clear layers in the glass. It smells extremely grassy and also tastes grassy and vegetal. This has more of a savoury flavour, which we appreciate after testing some greens powders that are overly artificially sweet. Available from: Holland & Barrett (£25/150g) Naturya Organic Green Superblend Available from Amazon (£11.88/250g), Holland & Barrett (£11.61/250g) Best greens powder for protein Star rating: 4/5 Cost per serving: 61p Number of ingredients: 6 Claims: High in protein to build and maintain muscle mass, high in zinc to support the immune system and 'protect the body against oxidative stress'. Type of sweetener: None Naturya is another minimalist greens powder, this time with just six ingredients: wheatgrass powder, hemp protein powder (30%), barleygrass powder (20%), pineapple powder, chlorella powder (5%) and spirulina powder (5%). It has no added sweetener. The ingredients list is refreshingly straightforward, although with 30 per cent hemp protein powder, it is more protein-heavy than other greens powders – which focus on upping your greens intake through lots of veg. At just over £15, it is one of the most affordable greens powders we tried. The pack suggests mixing with smoothies, milk or juice or even adding to baking. We stuck to mixing with water and the powder dissolved well. Available from: Amazon (£11.88/250g) Holland & Barrett (£11.61/250g) Shreddy Supergreens (mango and pineapple) Available from Shreddy (£34/240g) Best greens powder for probiotics Star rating: 4/5 Cost per serving: £1.13 Number of ingredients: 62 Claims: Claims to be 100 per cent of NRV of key vitamins and minerals and contain five million probiotic bacteria. 100 per cent of biotin, nicacin and selenium that contribute to growth and maintenance of healthy skin, hair and nails. Type of sweetener: Stevia Shreddy Supergreens has a mango and pineapple flavour. The resealable pouch comes with a scoop for measuring and suggests mixing 8g (1 scoop) with 150-250ml water, a wide range that helps you decide how intense you want the flavour to be. The claims have more of a focus on beauty benefits than some of the other greens powders we tried. The list of 62 ingredients is broken down into different blends – probiotic and prebiotic blend (including chicory root extract and psyllium husk powder), antioxidant blend (including green tea extract, apple extract, basil, oregano, carrot, elderberry, blueberry, blackcurrant), superfood blend (chlorella powder, spirulina, wheatgrass), beauty blend (biotin, selenium), and a vitamin and mineral blend. It does also contain stevia sweetener. When mixed with water, the finish is a paler green colour than others, but looks attractive. It has an inviting tropical smell but on the palate, the aftertaste tastes a bit like paint (potentially from the stevia). We wouldn't want to drink this on its own, but a smoothie might mask that aftertaste better than just mixing with water. Available from: Shreddy (£34/240g) What are greens powders? So what is a greens powder? Greens powders are dietary supplements that aim to help you increase your greens intake, often along with added superfoods, vitamins or probiotics blended in. They're based around plant extracts – often starting with blends of green veg such broccoli, spinach and kale – but can contain everything from fruit powders and mushrooms to ashwagandha, black pepper and coffee extracts. Some also contain sweeteners, such as sugar or stevia, to help make the green blends more palatable. How we tested greens powders We tested eight greens powders at the same time, so we could compare them side by side. Each greens powder was mixed with water, following the brand's suggested ratios of powder to water. They were all mixed by hand with a teaspoon. A team of our reviews and health experts tried each one. We were looking for powders that dissolved well, had a pleasant texture to drink and a good balanced flavour – not too earthy, not too vegetal and not too artificially sweet from the presence of sweeteners. We also assessed the ingredients in each powder (which varied from seven to 91), the benefits it claimed to give, and sustainability factors such as packaging and how long the powder lasted. We also considered value for money, with price per serving ranging widely across the powders. What do nutritionists really think about powdered greens? Nutritionist Kerry Torrens says: "Green powders are typically high in protective plant compounds such as polyphenols, these have a valuable antioxidant and possible anti-inflammatory effect and may help reduce the risk of chronic disease... Routinely consuming one of these products is not a substitute for a balanced, varied diet and these powders should not be used as a replacement for whole foods such as a plentiful variety of fruit and vegetables." For more information on greens powders, our friends at Good Food have a helpful guide to green supplements. What should you mix greens powder with? We tested greens powders simply mixed with water, which is quick and easy, but this is the most potent way to have them as it lets the original flavours and texture shine through with nowhere to hide. Blending the powders into smoothies and juices will help disguise the flavour and can make them more pleasant to drink, as well as potentially giving a smoother texture. We stirred the powders by hand using a teaspoon, but you could also use a shaker or milk frother for an extra-smooth result. 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