Gluten-Free Christmas Advent Calendars: The Ultimate Festive Guide for Australia and New Zealand 🎄🎅
As the countdown to Christmas begins, many of us who are gluten-free are gearing up for the best part of the holiday season – Advent calendars! From chocolates to snacks and surprises behind every door, advent calendars bring daily joy throughout December. But for those of us who are gluten-free, finding a safe option can be a little tricky. Don't worry, though; we’re here to help you sleigh your way to a gluten-free Advent experience!
A selection of gluten free advent calendars in Australia and New Zealand (2024)
Why Gluten-Free Advent Calendars?
A gluten-free Advent calendar isn’t just about avoiding certain foods; it's about making the season inclusive, so everyone can enjoy a little treat each day without a worry. The good news is that brands across ANZ are catching on with the demand for dietary requirements, offering up delicious gluten-free goodies that make the countdown to Christmas even more magical.
Hidden Gluten Surprises: Naughty Ingredients to Watch Out For
When shopping for gluten-free advent calendars, there are a few ingredients that can play hide-and-seek. Here’s a festive “naughty list” of common ingredients that might mean gluten is present:
Malt (Barley) – It might sound innocent enough, but malt is often made from barley, which contains gluten. Keep an eye out for terms like “malted” and “malt extract” sneaking into chocolates and snacks.
Modified Starch – While modified starches can often be gluten-free, they’re not always safe, especially if they’re from a barley source. Double-check if it doesn’t explicitly say “corn” or “gluten-free.”
“Flavours” and “Colourings” – Some flavorings and colorings contain gluten derivatives. Though rare, it’s good to be cautious if it’s not clearly gluten-free certified.
Here’s a Summary of Some of our Favourites for 2024;
Cadbury’s - The OG of chocolates proves there’s nothing wrong with keeping things simple! Available at most major supermarket chains in the region. Make sure you look for the plain dairy milk version as some of their other varieties DO contain gluten.
NOMO - Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free and Nut Free! Perfect for those with multiple dietary needs. These are available in major supermarkets in the ANZ region but they sell out fast!
Chupa Chups - That’s right, lollies! Perfect for those who aren’t a fan of chocolate! Available in major supermarket chains.
Kinder - Look out for their simple Kinder chocolate advent (some other variants DO contain gluten). Not only do you get to open an advent door each day but they also have a QR code for you to record a message from Santa!
Trolli Fruiti Gummi - another one for those who aren’t a chocolate fan! These gummy sweets are gluten free! Check your local supermarkets to see where they’re stocked.
Moo Free - Vegan, Dairy Free, Gluten Free and Soy Free! This NZ calendar is available from selected stockists.
And for the adults among us (18+ years old) who may be looking for an alternative treat?
Kereru Brewing – This New Zealand based brewery have a gluten free beer calendar! They ship in NZ and in Australia and orders can be made directly on their website.
Gintonica Australian Gin – With single serves of gin leading you up to Christmas, this calendar is perfect for the warmer weather! Available at major alcohol stockists across Australia.
A Festive Reminder: Check for Certification 🎁
A trusted gluten-free certification symbol is like Santa’s stamp of approval, giving you peace of mind that your treats are truly gluten-free. Look out for symbols from Coeliac Australia and Coeliac New Zealand – both have rigorous standards and ensure that you’re safe to snack worry-free. A little like the Gluten Free Community, Santa takes his lists very seriously, so make sure you double check the Allergens and Ingredients Lists on any festive treats (you can check them twice, if necessary) to ensure they meet your dietary needs!
