Costa has released its new Christmas range, so we had to give it a try
Halloween is over and done with, and now, Christmas is around the corner. So to get into the festive spirit, we had the chance to try out Costa Coffee’s new Christmas range.
Think pigs in blankets, hot chocolates bursting with flavour and a sauce many associate with the big day. You can grab all of what we tried in stores now, and while we had a few favourites, there are also some we’d probably not pick again.
Many people will be glad to know that returning favourites include the Mint Hot Chocolate, Terry’s Chocolate Orange Hot Chocolate and the Black Forest Hot Chocolate. So what did we think of it all and why do I want a petition?
Costa Christmas Hot Chocolate
Let’s talk about the Terry’s Chocolate Orange Hot Chocolate. This brings me back to the feeling of Christmas shopping and the excitement for the big day. The second they brought this out for the first time, I was quick to the mark.
I managed to try it whilst doing a spot of festive shopping years ago with my family – and it’s been an annual staple of mine for years. If they ever take this off the menu, I will start a petition. In fact, I’m ready to start one just to make it an all-year-round thing.
The chocolate orange is, of course, a stocking favourite (thanks, Santa). So having it in drink form is truly great. Now that I think of it, maybe it is best to keep it as an annual treat so I can always get nostalgic when I drink it.
My second favourite drink is their Black Forest which has just the right amount of sweetness and nothing too overpowering. Also returning is the Caramel Nutcracker Range which is available as a Hot Chocolate, Latte and Iced Latte, along with the classic Gingerbread Latte.
Lunch options
For lunchtime bites, festive favourites returning include:
- Turkey & Trimmings Toastie
- Pigs & Blankets Toastie
- Brie & Cranberry Toastie
- Turkey Feast Sandwich
- Brie, Bacon & Cranberry Panini
Our standouts from what we managed to grab were the panini as well as the Pigs & Blankets Toastie and the Brie & Cranberry Toastie. The toasties were well-filled and you could taste every ingredient. None of that one slice of bacon or cheese scam going on here.
My dog seemed pretty interested in the bacon panini, and yes, I may have given him a little bite of bacon. I’m a sucker for his puppy eyes and the paw he now voluntarily gives when he wants my food.
A little tip: I brought the panini home in its packaging and warmed it up myself for around five minutes in the air fryer which made for a lovely, warming lunch. Ideal if you want to take a Costa home but don’t want it to be cold by the time you get comfy. The cheese melted perfectly and the bacon was thick – ideal!
Sweet treats
For those with a sweet tooth, Costa Coffee will launch a Dubai sweet treat next month. On November 6, the coffee chain will launch a Dubai-style Pistachio Tiffin. This blends rich chocolate, pistachio and a festive crunch.
They also offer a Caramel Nutcracker Cookie Sandwich which has layers of hazelnut frosting and caramel nestled between two decadent dark chocolate cookies. They also have a Festive Spice Muffin, bursting with fruit and sticky toffee sauce – it is said to be the perfect seasonal indulgence.
I tried the festive muffin and was not a huge fan. My partner also tried it and didn’t love it. But if you love Christmas pudding, I feel like this is something you would really love.
We also didn’t rate the Caramel Nutcracker Cookie Sandwich. I’m not a dark chocolate fan, but I also didn’t love the texture. But go for it if you love dark chocolate, as I have no doubt it’s right up your street.
And don’t worry, your favourites are also returning. The Iced Penguin Gingerbread Biscuits is available from November 6. And currently, you can get your hands on the Berry Red Velvet Mini Loaf, Chocolate & Caramel Nutcracker Cake, Gingernut Loaf Cake and Festive Bakewell Tart.
My partner and I managed to get our hands on a few more treats, including the berry mini loaf, which was delicious and incredibly moist. I could not recommend this enough.
Not only was it not dry, but it had the perfect amount of filling. It could do with being a bit bigger. I’m thinking a whole cake slice…Costa I’m looking at you.
It’s raining badly outside and all I can think about is a cosy blanket, the Traitors (Alan and Cat for the win, right?) and a big mug of their Terry’s Chocolate Orange Hot Chocolate.
