It’s that time of the year again 🙂 – time to take a step back, to think of the amazing new products and businesses I discovered in 2025, and to make a list of the holiday gifts I recommend for you and your loved ones.
Below you have my nominations based on thorough research and testing. What are your favorite food items you came across this year? Let me know in the comments 🙂
- Dar Baklava
Dar Baklava is a Chicago-based small business founded by pediatrician and fitness enthusiast Sherif Badawy, who noticed that the US market lacked a snackable healthier version of his beloved childhood treat. He spent years of research perfecting a recipe that preserved baklava’s iconic richness while reducing the sugar used and ensuring convenience and portability. The name of this new treat? Snacklava️!
- Violet Flame Chocolate
It only took me one moment and one bite at One of a Kind Holiday Show (which I reviewed here) to realize that Violet Flame Chocolate is a “must feature” in my gourmet holiday gift guide. Expertly crafted by Katrina Markoff, one of the 10 best chocolatiers in the world and the creative force behind Vosges Haut-Chocolat, Violet Flame Chocolate offers a premium, innovative chocolate experience, and “confections meticulously crafted with rarified ingredients, botanicals and ancient elixirs. Chosen for their sensory richness and efficacy, nearly all of our ingredients are sourced from organic, biodynamic farms, certified for their authenticity in ancient traditional methods.”
Markoff describes herself as a “Guardian of Cacao,” and her professional and personal journey is inspiring for its triumphs over significant trials and adversities. Violet Flame, launched by her in late 2024, “feels like a refinement and a departure rolled into one.” As explained on the Violet Flame website, “Instead of Vosges’ wide-ranging flavor playground, Violet Flame offers a tighter curation: truffles, toffee, gianduia, and sipping chocolate, with an emphasis on purity and potency. The flavors lean subtler yet richer—like truffles with single-origin cacao or toffee rained with wildflower and Japanese Kokuto sugar—eschewing the wilder experimentation of Vosges for a deeper, almost meditative quality.”
There is also a potent spiritual angle underpinning Markoff’s new creations, as she ties her chocolate to rituals and lunar cycles through the Cacao Spiritus Club, which delivers monthly drops with guided tastings. As she explains compellingly, “It’s less about dazzling variety and more about a focused, intimate connection to the cacao itself.”
Superlative chocolate, a must-try!
- Sokerbit
Are you excited about the Swedish candy social media phenomenon? I learned more about it at this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo (which I reviewed here), where I also got the chance to try Sokerbit’s assortment of premium, super fun and immensely giftable Swedish candy.
Sokerbit invites fans to celebrate the season with their Swedish Candy Holiday Collection – classic Scandinavian treats like marshmallows, gingerbread, and chocolate marzipan that are crafted with premium ingredients, and are irresistibly delicious.
I recommend this brand for its variety of sweets made with wholesome ingredients, without artificial flavors or colors. According to Sokerbit, this is “the perfect way to share or savor the sweetness of a Swedish Christmas.” I couldn’t agree more 🙂
- Sally’s Nuts
I love getting premium nuts and dried fruits as gifts, and when it comes to nuts, I highly recommend Chicago-based Sally’s Nuts, whose co-founder Kari I first met at the 2024 edition of the Sweets & Snacks Expo (which I reviewed here). I met Kari again at this year’s Expo, and had a great time reconnecting and tasting their delicious, expertly handcrafted sweet & salty nuts. Vegan, gluten & preservative-free, these are perfect for holiday gifting, as well as for everyday casual snacking or elaborate grazing boards.
Sally’s Nuts offers an exciting variety of giftable options on their website, including the Scrabble Mix, the Canvas Tote (with new ramekins), the Jars of Love (with a new serving plate), and the Favor Tote Trio.
For all the nut lovers out there, this is perfect for you 🙂
- Bona Furtuna EVOO
Earlier this year, I got the chance to try Bona Furtuna’s organic extra virgin olive oil. As you know, I use EVOO in my salads extensively (you are welcome to check out the post on EVOO I published years ago), and I was excited to learn about Bona Furtuna and their commitment to sustainable production and manufacturing practices.
Bona Furtuna make a variety of artisan gourmet products, that are perfect for gift giving, imo. I tried their Everyday Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which is cold pressed from organic Sicilian olives. Described as “bright and balanced with a peppery finish,” this oil was delicious in my summer dishes, infusing vibrancy to my bulgur & veggie salad.
Such delicious and versatile premium products!
- Taylor and Colledge vanilla extract
As you know, I like to make my own vanilla extract, and when I don’t have any handy, I usually purchase local favorite Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, which I reviewed and gave away on this blog many times in the past (you can check out all of my posts here). This year, I was contacted by Australian vanilla company Taylor & Colledge, who offered to send me a sample of their new Organic Fairtrade Madagascan Vanilla Extract.
Founded in 1897 in Brisbane, Taylor & Colledge has a global presence, and their products are available in countries such as the USA, Japan, Germany, and the UK. I was excited to read about the history of this brand on their website, and to try their vanilla extract in a variety of recipes I posted on my Instagram channel. I recommend this vanilla if you are looking for a flavorful and authentic extract to use in your sweet creations.
- Eataly cooking classes
This is the first time I recommend experiences in my holiday gift guide, and I was inspired to make this move by the amazing events I attended at Eataly Chicago this past summer, some of which I reviewed here.
As I mentioned in my review post above, I love shopping at Eataly, and knowing that they host culinary experiences adds to my overall understanding and appreciation of this iconic place.
You can check out their schedule of classes & events here. Happy cooking, and happy holidays 🙂
*For additional sources of inspiration, you are welcome to check out my previous holiday gift guides and seasonal recommendations, which I published here, here, here, here, here and here.
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