Millions of boys and girls around the globe kindly leave out refreshments to keep Santa Claus energised on Christmas Eve.
Usually, it’s milk, cookies and mince pies, but which treats do us Brits think Santa enjoys most on Christmas Eve? We surveyed 1,000 people to find out what they think Santa really wants to eat and drink this Christmas.
50% of Brits want alcohol left out on Christmas Eve
The most popular drinks to leave out for Santa
- Milk (37.7%)
- Soft Drinks (12.2%)
- Beer (12.2%)
- Mulled Wine/Cider (11.3%)
- Irish Cream Liqueur (10%)
- Gin (9.6%)
- Prosecco (7.1%)
Men were more likely to hope for a Christmas Eve beer than women. 18% of men said they’d leave a beer out for Santa if they had to drink it, making it the second most popular choice behind milk.
In contrast, beer was the last place choice for women, with just 7% choosing it. Instead, women would prefer a drop of Irish liqueur (13% vs. 7%) or a glass of prosecco (9% vs. 5%).
Almost half of Brits don’t want a mince pie
The most popular food to leave out for Santa
- Mince Pies (54%)
- Crisps/Nuts (12.6%)
- Biscuits (11.3%)
- Cheese (9.8%)
- Pork Scratchings (5.5%)
- Fruit (4.9%)
- Deli Meats (2%)
Pork scratchings were most popular among men. 7.11% of men said they’d leave the meaty bar snack out for Santa if they had to eat it compared to just 3.32% of women. Women would prefer a cheese board instead (10.90% vs. 8.03%).
Nutritionist says milk & mince pies will make Santa too tired to deliver presents
It seems like Santa will be enjoying lots of milk and mince pies on December 24th, but what does Daisy Hill, a nutritionist and personal trainer, think?
“Milk and mince pies, while they sound like yummy treats on Christmas Eve, are not the best option.” Daisy offers.
“Mince pies are full of refined sugar that will definitely provide a boost of energy but unfortunately it won’t be long until the sugar crash rears its ugly head and Santa will not be feeling his best to make sure all the presents are delivered, not to mention health and safety involved in having to stay awake while driving the sleigh!
Milk is great for calcium, protein and fat which helps build muscle and strengthen bones, but these won’t provide energy on the night. However, if Santa drinks milk throughout the year, it will help him lift all the heavy sacks!”
The top 5 food and drinks Santa should avoid
Which foods will make Santa feel lethargic that we should definitely avoid tempting him with? Here’s what Daisy recommends staying clear of:
- Sweets
- Alcohol
- Fried food
- Cakes
- Energy drinks
Over 50% of respondents in our survey said they’d leave alcohol out for Santa Claus, so maybe it’s time for a rethink!
The top 5 food & drinks we should leave out for Santa
So if milk, mince pies and alcohol aren’t going to do wonders for Santa’s energy levels, what should we be leaving out for him? We asked Daisy about the energy-boosting foods Saint Nick should be eating this year.
As she explains, prepping for his biggest night of the year starts long before his shift begins on Christmas Eve:
“Hopefully, as Santa is well aware that he will have a busy night on Christmas Eve, he will have been eating healthy carbohydrates during the week running up to Christmas Eve to ensure he has lots of energy stored up for the long night ahead!
However even with all the stored up energy I’m sure he will be grateful for some nutritious snacks along the way.”
1. Water
While not the most exciting of drinks, leaving a glass of good old fashioned H2O out for Santa could be a great option, as Daisy explains.
“Water is key for Santa to last the night. Having enough water is essential for your whole body to function effectively.”
2. Fruit
Despite fewer than 5% of people we surveyed saying they’d leave out fruit on Christmas Eve, Daisy recommends helping Saint Nick get his five a day.
“Fruit is always a good option for a snack particularly bananas, as they contain natural sugars that will give a healthy boost without the crash that other sugary foods can give.”
3. Homemade protein balls
This next energy-boosting snack requires a little more effort. It could be worth it though, as rustling up some homemade protein balls could just land you on the nice list with the big man himself.
“A balanced diet is key so a homemade energy protein ball would be ideal for Santa to eat for a snack. It has a variety of ingredients such as nuts and seeds and lots of other healthy fats to make it not only taste delicious but also give him a healthy boost of a slow-releasing energy.”
If you want to give making protein balls a go, why not get the little ones involved for a spot of Christmas Eve baking? Simply mix your favourite nuts, seeds, nut butter and protein powder. Shape them into balls and pop them in the fridge for a few hours.
4. Porridge
Working through a cold December night, Santa’s going to need something to warm him up and boost his energy, so why not leave out a hot bowl of porridge?
“Porridge is a good slow-releasing energy food source that will help Santa last the whole night.” Daisy adds.
5. Caffeinated drinks
It goes without saying that caffeinated drinks could help Santa feel less tired, but proceed with caution, as Daisy explains:
“Drinks high in caffeine such as black unsweetened tea and coffee will give Santa a boost, but make sure you check with your neighbours that they aren’t also giving him coffee, as too much can have a negative effect such as headaches and dehydration!”
With the right nutrition in the lead up and energy-boosting snacks, Santa can have all the energy he needs for Christmas Eve. Don’t get us wrong, after all those deliveries, he will no doubt be ready for a well-deserved sleep!
You won’t be quite as busy as Santa Claus, but make sure you get your rest this festive season. Shop our collection of mattresses online today.
Do you know how much Christmas waste you throw away each year? The UK throws away more 275,613 tonnes of Christmas waste each year. Check out our blog post on the topic for more information!
