The holidays are here again and bakery and snack brands have not disappointed. From White’s Oats’ wholesome Oaty Bars and Guittard’s allergen-friendly Santé mini chocolate chips to Chicago Town’s decadent frozen desserts and Little Bites’ cozy Hot Cocoa Muffins, there’s something for everyone. Meanwhile, seasonal favourites like OREO’s festive cookies, Snack Factory’s peppermint-infused Pretzel Crisps and Albertsons’ own brand treats deliver holiday cheer in every bite.
For those looking for bold twists, Borough 22 Doughnuts and El Pollote’s gluten-free El Pavo Noel sandwich reimagines festive indulgence, while Gnaw’s gooey pudding chocolate spoons add a playful take on nostalgic desserts.
White’s Oats raises the bar with Soft Baked Oaty snack
Co. Armagh-based White’s Oats – Ireland’s largest oat miller – has expanded into the healthy snacking market with the launch of Oaty Bars.
Made from Irish oats, the bars are a soft-baked, on-the-go snack designed to meet the needs of today’s busy consumers. Each 45g bar contains just five ingredients, including 50% wholegrain oats and Irish butter, with no additives, flavourings or preservatives. Packed with over 3g of fibre and protein, the bars deliver a tasty, nutritious boost with only 196 calories.
With this launch, White’s solidifies its commitment to delivering premium oat-based products that align with evolving consumer lifestyles.
“We’re committed to providing high quality products that deliver on nutrition and taste and suit our customer’s busy lifestyles,” said marketing manager Danielle McBride.
“Our new Oaty Bars are the perfect choice for those rushed mornings, as a mid-morning boost or an afternoon pick me up.”
Available in Tesco, Spar and Vivo stores across Northern Ireland, White’s Oaty Bars will also debut in Bob & Bert’s coffee shops in early 2025.
Go [dough]nuts for the El Pavo Noel
London-based Borough 22 Doughnuts has joined forces with El Pollote to deliver a Christmas sandwich that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Enter The El Pavo Noel (£16), a gluten-free hybrid creation that redefines festive indulgence.
Available exclusively at El Pollote Carnaby Street (Ganton Street), this merry masterpiece combines Borough 22’s signature gluten-free cranberry-glazed doughnuts with a medley of holiday flavours. Inside, crispy fried turkey breast, smoky bacon and crunchy stuffing balls are layered with cranberry & aji Amarillo jelly, Manchego cream and pickled red cabbage.
The sweet and savoury delight is the brainchild of Borough 22 Doughnuts founder Ryan Panchoo and El Pollote’s Rotsen Ibarra, bringing their culinary flair to a new level of festive indulgence.
Perfect for those seeking an inclusive yet decadent treat, The El Pavo Noel promises to be the ultimate Christmas bite.
Gnaw’s Gooey Pudding Chocolate Spoons & dessert-flavoured bars
Gnaw is getting ready to stir up 2025 with its latest creations: Hug in a Mug Gooey Pudding Chocolate Spoons and an indulgent lineup of dessert-inspired chocolate bars. The products offer a playful twist on Great British pudding classics like Crème Brûlée, Sticky Toffee Pudding and Banoffee Pie, inviting consumers to savour comforting flavours in modern, portion-controlled formats.
The 120g Gooey Pudding Hot Chocolate Spoons (£11.95 for three, with marshmallows) are designed to transform everyday hot chocolate into a luxurious treat. Paired with Gnaw’s 80g Pud Bars (£3.50) featuring flavours such as New York Cheesecake and Christmas Pudding, the range brings a fresh perspective to nostalgic dessert indulgence.
“In today’s fast-paced world, we’ve drawn upon our deep love of quality chocolate and indulgent sweet treats … perfect for savouring during precious ‘me-time’ moments or sharing with someone you love,” said head of Brand Muhammad Karim.
Albertsons spreads holiday cheer with own brand treats
US retailer Albertsons Companies – which encompasses Albertsons, Safeway, Shaw’s, ACME, Jewel-Osco and Vons – has rolled out a range of exclusive festive treats under its Overjoyed and Signature SELECT brands. With most items priced under $5, these goodies are perfect for spreading holiday cheer without breaking the bank.
Highlights include the Overjoyed Limited Edition Holiday Cookie Coloring Kit, a fun and edible activity featuring sugar cookies and food colouring pens. Sweet meets salty with Holiday Tree-Shaped Pretzels with Sprinkles and Peppermint Yogurt Covered Pretzels, while peppermint lovers can go to town with Peppermint Duet Bites, Peppermint Cocoa Trail Mix and Peppermint Bark with Candy Cane Crunch. For a tangy twist, the Overjoyed Sour Gummies Candy Cane will add zing to candy bowls.
Signature SELECT fans are invited to blend nostalgic tastes with holiday flair with Cranberry & Orange Shortbread Cookies, Peppermint Sandwich Crème Cookies and Gingerbread Ice Cream Sandwiches.
‘Twas the season of joy, and all through the land, Own Brands’ treats were ready, oh so grand. With Overjoyed and Signature SELECT in sight, these festive goodies will make your holidays bright.’
Tis the season for OREO’s Festive Cookies
The Mondelez brand is treating fans to festive cheer with its Limited Edition cookies, which feature the classic OREO chocolate cookie embossed with five holiday-themed designs. For a merry twist on the beloved favourite, the cookies are filled with dual-layered red and green creme.
Exclusively available at Target and Walmart across the US while supplies last, the cookies come in three pack sizes to suit every snacking occasion: 14-count laydown bags, 45-count stand-up bags and 4-count king-size packs. Each cookie is individually wrapped, making them perfect for sharing, gifting or adding to holiday treat trays.
Grab them before they’re gone.
Little Bites makes snow day magic with mini muffins
Little Bites Snacks has captured the essence of cozy winter moments with its Limited Edition Hot Cocoa with Marshmallow Muffins. Bursting with rich cocoa flavour and mini mallows, these muffins evoke the comforting warmth of a classic snow day treat.
Available across the US until mid-March, the moist muffins are perfect for chilly mornings or mellow afternoons by the fire. Each pouch contains four muffins made with real chocolate, no high fructose corn syrup and packing in only 180 calories per pouch, offering a snack option that parents can feel good about.
“We’re all about turning the little moments into special memories,” said marketing director Moira Flood.
“This seasonal flavour brings all the magic of winter’s favourite drink into a fun, portable snack that can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime.”
Little Bites Hot Cocoa with Marshmallow Muffins are the latest addition to the brand’s lineup of pre-portioned baked snacks, available at most retailers nationwide.
Snack Factory’s festive pretzel crisps
The US snack producer is treating fans to the return of its indulgent seasonal flavours.
White Crème & Peppermint Pretzel Crisps combine the crunch of its beloved Pretzel Crisps with a creamy white chocolate-flavoured coating, topped with peppermint candy pieces, while Dark Chocolate & Peppermint Pretzel Crisps gets the same treatment but in rich dark chocolate.
These fan favourites are available in 4oz bags for $4.09 at national retailers across the US and in 20oz bags at Costco for $12.39.
Chicago Town expands Pizza Night with cookie bars and brownies
The frozen pizza brand is taking the Ultimate Pizza Night In to the next level with the launch of two frozen desserts. Cookie Bars and Chocolate Brownies join Chicago Town’s Ultimate range, offering a complete straight-from-the-freezer meal deal with two medium pizzas, Tiger Crust Garlic Bread and now, dessert.
The move builds on the success of Chicago Town’s £4.5m Masterbrand campaign – Feed Your Urge: Go To Town On It – which taps into the growing demand for convenient, at-home meal deals.
Cookie Bars (234g, MRRSP £3.95) deliver gooey indulgence with four individual bars packed with milk and dark chocolate chunks, topped with pink and white marshmallows, while Chocolate Brownies (260g, MRRSP £3.95) are inspired by the Chicago roots of the classic brownie: topped with a caramelised cookie crumb (four brownies per pack).
Both treats are suited for oven or microwave cooking, elevating a takeaway favourite.
“Knowing that our customers love a pizza night in, we’ve gone to town on the occasion, launching our two Ultimate sweet treats,” said marketing manager Rachel Bradshaw.
“With meal deals continuing to be a fan favourite, this gave us the opportunity to create an epic £10 bundle for those getting together to go to town on Pizza Night. After all, every Pizza Night In is worthy of a sweet dessert.”
Guittard expands Santé Chocolate Line with Mini Coconut Sugar-Sweetened Chips
The 156-year-old San Francisco-based premium chocolate maker has unveiled a mini version of its popular Santé 72% chocolate chips. These coconut sugar-sweetened, dairy-free and Kosher Pareve chips offer the same premium taste, but in a smaller size, delivering benefits like quicker melting, more even chocolate distribution and enhanced decorative garnishing.
Initially launched in 2021, Guittard’s Santé chips became a favourite for their refined-sugar-free formula and balanced chocolate flavour. Made on a dedicated allergen-friendly line, Santé mini chips are gluten-free, vegan and free of all 14 major allergens. With just 1g of net carbs and 2g of sugar per serving, they provide a mindful indulgence without sugar alcohols or refined sugar.
Available across the US in the retail and wholesale channels, as well as online, Guittard’s mini Santé chips are ready to sweeten the creations of both professional and home bakers.
