Food Bites & Festive Finds

What’s new on the food scene?

Brady Family’s new nitrite-free range hits shelves!

Ireland’s favourite ham just got even better! Brady Family has launched a brand new Made Without Nitrites and Artificial Preservatives range, offering all the rich, slow-cooked flavour you love, now made naturally. Crafted from 100% Bord Bia approved Irish pork, the ham is steam-cooked, hand-prepared, and carved to perfection. Look out for the new packs in stores nationwide and taste the same Brady Family quality, made even simpler and cleaner. bradyfamily.ie

Mini bottles, major treat energy

If you’ve ever wished you could take Baileys everywhere you go (and honestly, who hasn’t?), say hello to Baileys Minis. All the creamy, dreamy indulgence of Baileys Original Irish Cream — just in a pocket-sized bottle. Perfect for Christmas movie nights, post-dinner coffees, or cheeky hot chocolates that need a little “something extra.” Available in a handy three-pack in select Dunnes Stores, Centra, and SuperValu, it’s Baileys… but make it mini. baileys.com

A fresh new look for Roll It Pastry

There’s something extra flaky happening in Meath. Roll It Pastry — the all-Irish, all-butter pastry brand we love — has unveiled a bold new look, inspired by its time in the BrandBite programme. Founder Mairead Finnegan and her team continue to handcraft Ireland’s only handmade pastry range using all-natural ingredients and rich Irish butter. So, whether you’re rolling out sausage rolls or topping off a mince pie, keep an eye out for Roll It’s bright new packaging in shops nationwide. It’s the same perfect pastry — just dressed up for the occasion. rollitpastry.com

Jacob’s — always at the heart of Christmas

Christmas traditions look different in every home, but one thing never changes: Jacob’s biscuits on the table. From late-night chocolate teacakes to Christmas Day cracker breaks, Jacob’s festive range is back and better than ever.

This year’s line-up includes the Elite Chocolate Favourites Tin (perfect for family debates over which biscuit reigns supreme), the nostalgic Elite Kimberley Light-Up Tin, and the adorable Dear Santa Tin for the little ones. Oh, and don’t forget the Cream Cracker Tin — because a proper Christmas cheeseboard starts there. In other words, if it’s not Jacob’s… is it even Christmas? jacobs.ie

Foodie Gift Guide

Bean & Goose – chocolate with soul

Wexford’s finest chocolate makers are back with a stunning new 2025 collection that celebrates Irish craftsmanship and flavour. The Sharing Slabs are huge, beautifully crafted pieces made for smashing and sharing — bonus points if you gift them with the Hammer of Joy. Their Hot Chocolate Rituals range turns a cuppa into an experience (we’re obsessed with “Fireside,” spiced with orange, clove, and cinnamon).

Every bite supports ethical cacao farming and tree planting — meaning these gifts taste good and do good. Shop the range at beanandgoose.ie.

El’s Big Juicy Balls – the cheekiest gift under the tree

You heard it here first: this is the juicy stocking filler you didn’t know you needed. Handmade in small batches with laughter, love and only the good stuff (think vegan chocolate, organic dates, hazelnuts, and peanut butter), El’s Big Juicy Balls are the perfect balance of naughty and nice. Available in three indulgent flavours — The OG (Hazelnut), Salty Pistachio, and The Zest (Orange) — these bite-sized beauties make a hilarious, wholesome gift for anyone who loves a good giggle with their goodies. Available for home delivery or pickup; find out more at elsbigjuicyballs.com.

Camerino Bakery Cookie Club – a gift that keeps on giving

If you know someone who believes cookies are a love language, this one’s for them. The Camerino Cookie Club delivers a beautiful box of freshly baked joy to your door — a rotating selection of 12 handmade cookies, including collaborations with fellow Irish makers. Available as a one-off treat or monthly subscription, it’s the perfect gift for anyone who could use more sweetness (and fewer socks) this Christmas. Plus, 10% of profits go to Barretstown. Find out more at camerino.ie

Clo Chocolates – handmade magic from Sligo

French finesse meets Irish charm in Clo Chocolates, the award-winning creations of chocolatier Clotilde Rambaud. From boozy truffles inspired by Irish favourites to glittering chocolate Christmas trees, every piece is handmade with care (and a little sparkle). Whether you’re gifting or self-gifting, these are the kind of chocolates that make Christmas taste extra special. Available at select retailers and online at clochocolates.ie, with free nationwide delivery on orders over €75.

A trio worth toasting: Burren Balsamics Great Taste Balsamic Taster Trio

For the foodie in your life (or yourself — no judgment!), Burren Balsamics’ award-winning Great Taste Balsamic Taster Trio is a must. Featuring Blackberry & Thyme, Armagh Bramley Apple, and Strawberry & Mint, this set brings a splash of sophistication to any dish. We can’t get enough of this Armagh-based maker’s handcrafted creations; over 80 inventive vinegars, chutneys, and condiments bursting with bold, creative flavour. burrenbalsamics.com

VOYA, the gift of light, legend and luxury

This Christmas, VOYA invites you to journey to The Land of Light & Legend with its stunning new holiday collection; a range of Irish-made gifts inspired by folklore, wellness and the magic of the winter coast. Each set tells its own story, from The Land of Light candle (sweet orange, clove and cinnamon inspired by Newgrange’s solstice glow) to The Land of Tranquillity sleep duo and The Land of Inner Strength body ritual honouring Queen Maeve. Beautifully illustrated by Irish artist Tara O’Brien, the keepsake boxes are as artful as what’s inside.

Every product is crafted in Sligo with hand-harvested Irish seaweed and ocean-friendly ingredients; proof that seaweed’s not just for ramen! Luxurious, sustainable and deeply rooted in Irish craft, VOYA has also just achieved B Corp certification on its very first try. Conscious, coastal and utterly giftable, it’s the kind of beauty that’s good for skin, soul and sea. voya.ie

Mafia Matcha: A calm, clean ritual in a box

Step aside coffee jitters, Dublin’s own Matcha Station is here to bring a little zen to your daily routine. Their Essentials Kit (RRP €80) has everything you need for a café-worthy matcha moment at home: a sleek ceramic bowl, bamboo whisk, sifter, spoon, and ceremonial-grade matcha that’s smooth, vibrant, and low in bitterness. Prefer to keep things simple? The Ceremonial 30g Tin (RRP €30) delivers that same sweet-green umami hit, whisked straight or in a creamy latte. Beautifully designed, soothingly slow, and very giftable, this is the perfect pick for anyone who loves their mornings a little more mindful. mafiamatcha.com