While we're all in favour of indulging in the food or drink that takes your fancy over the festive season, there are plenty of healthy options that are delicious, too. Swap the calorie-laden puds for our lighter dishes and keep delicious treats, such as our healthy brownies, on hand for when you're craving the sweet stuff.

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Discover all our special diet Christmas recipes, including healthy Christmas recipes, vegetarian Christmas canapés, vegan Christmas mains and gluten-free Christmas recipes.

Slow cooker rice pudding

Slow cooker rice pudding

Enjoy a comforting bowl of this nostalgic pudding flavoured with honey and nutmeg. It's gluten-free and super easy to make, all you need to do is pop the ingredients in the slow cooker and leave until creamy. Add natural sweetness with fruit or a dusting of cinnamon.

Slow cooker spiced apples with barley

A bowl of slow cooker spiced apples with barley and yogurt

This simple, fruity pudding is packed with flavour and couldn't be easier to make. Simply pop the mixture in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. It's flavoured with warming cinnamon and nutmeg plus orange zest for a Christmassy taste, but it's low in calories and fat. If you use wholegrain barley rather than pearled, it's also a great source of fibre.

Blackberry & apple oat bake

Blackberry & apple oat bake

Hearty, wholesome and filling, this healthier take on crumble is ideal served with a dollop of probiotic-rich yogurt. Cinnamon and cardamom add a touch of spice to this baked oat recipe, which is studded with chunks of apple and whole blackberries. We've added pecans for a dose of healthy fats and protein, plus a lovely crunchy texture.

Healthy chocolate brownies

Healthy chocolate brownies cut into squares

Whether you're serving these to guests after a festive dinner party, or you're enjoying one on the sofa while watching a Christmas film, these decadent brownies can't be beaten. Made with cocoa powder, xylitol, vanilla and a surprise ingredient... black beans! They give that pleasingly dense texture.

Peanut butter & date oat pots

Peanut butter date oat pots

This recipe is a delicious way to start your day, but also makes for a great midday snack or treat. Made using just five storecupboard ingredients (plus yogurt), these jars take 10 minutes to prepare, and they're a quick, fuss-free option that's perfect for the busy festive season.

Cinnamon-stewed apple

Cinnamon stewed apples on pink background

Combine apples, raisins and cinnamon to make this quick, light and comforting dessert. Serve with yogurt and a drizzle of maple syrup, if you like.

Oat pancakes

Oat pancakes with fruity topping

This fibre-rich pancake batter includes cinnamon and orange zest for a festive flavour. The fruity compote topping is rich in vitamin C, thanks to the frozen berries, orange juice and apple. Finish with a dollop of Greek yogurt to boost your protein and calcium intake, then enjoy!

Chocolate chia pudding

Chocolate chia pudding

This impressive little pudding ticks a lot of boxes: it's vegan, gluten-free and low in calories. Chia seeds are rich in fibre, healthy fats and protein, making them a super-healthy ingredient to have around the festive season. Keep a few pots in the fridge, ready for when a sweet craving hits.

Cocoa & cherry oat bake

Cocoa & cherry oat bake

If you like Black Forest gateau, you'll love this good-for-you pudding packed with nutritious ingredients. Dried cherries are a concentrated source of fruity flavour, while cocoa nibs and blanched hazelnuts add a satisfying crunch to every bite. It's vegan, too!

Cinnamon crêpes with nut butter, sliced banana & raspberries

Cinnamon crepes with nut butter and banana

This colourful gluten-free breakfast would be a luxurious start to your Christmas morning, or a great dessert any time over the festive season. Serve with nut butter and bananas for a truly delicious, feel-good feast.

More healthy Christmas inspiration

Healthy Christmas menu
How to stay healthy over Christmas
Healthy Christmas buffet ideas
Healthy Christmas party recipes
Our top healthy Christmas canapés

Do you have any must-try healthy Christmas treat ideas? Leave a comment below...


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