December is almost here that magical time of year filled with warmth, family gatherings, special meals, and traditions that make African and Caribbean homes feel truly alive.
From the aroma of spices filling the kitchen to sharing hearty meals around the table, the festive season is where food becomes the centre of celebration.

But here’s the truth every African & Caribbean household knows:

If you don’t shop early… you’ll be searching shelves later.

That’s why we’ve created this December Festive Grocery Guide to help you stock up on the essentials, avoid last-minute stress, and make sure your holiday cooking flows with ease.

Whether you’re preparing Jollof, stews, soups, patties, festive grills, or sweet treats, AYT Foods has everything you need to make December delicious.

Why Shopping Early Matters

If you grew up in an African or Caribbean household, you know December comes with:

• Big family gatherings

• Bigger pots of food

• Limited store stock as demand rises

• Sudden price jumps

• Everyone buying the same ingredients at the same time

By the second week of December, key items start disappearing from shelves – rice, oils, seasonings, beverages, snacks, you name it.

Shopping early means:
No rush
 No disappointment
You get everything you need at once
You save time, money, and sanity

AYT Foods is fully stocked for the season, but December waits for no one.

Your Festive African & Caribbean Pantry Checklist

Below is a curated list of items every home needs for smooth, stress-free December cooking.
Everything listed is available at AYT Foods.

1. The Foundation Foods

These are the “no negotiation” items — the base of most festive meals.

• Golden Sella Basmati Rice –The essential for party Jollof, fried rice, coconut rice, and festive feasts.

• Long Grain & Parboiled Rice – Perfect for stews, sides, and everyday meals between celebrations.

• Pounded Yam / Fufu / Semolina – Must-haves for soups and special holiday dinners.

2. Stew & Soup Essentials

December without stew or soup? Impossible.

• True Palm Oil – For Banga, Ofe Akwu, Palava Sauce, and rich festive soups.

• Tin Tomatoes & Tomato Paste – The backbone of stews, Jollof, and sauces.

• Peppers & Seasoning Blends – Think paprika, suya spice, curry powder, thyme, ginger, garlic — all staples in African & Caribbean kitchens.

• Geisha in Tomato Sauce – A top seller, convenient, flavourful, and perfect for fast festive cooking.

3. Proteins & Flavour Bases

Whether you’re cooking light or heavy, these add depth and tradition:

• Stockfish

• Dried fish

• Smoked turkey

• Chicken
• Fish

• Canned sardines & mackerel

• Seasoning cubes & bouillon powders

• Coconut milk (for Caribbean dishes & rice)

4. Staples for Sides & Snacks

Because the festive period is not complete without treats:

• Plantain (ripe & green)

• Chin chin

• Biscuit selections

• Plantain chips

• Festive fruit drinks & malt beverages

• Puff-puff mix

• Peanut snacks & roasted nuts

5. Drinks & Celebration Add-Ons

Perfect for hosting, gifting, or sharing:

• Malt drinks

• Fruit punch

• Ginger beer

• Soft drinks

• Non-alcoholic sparkling beverages

Festive Cooking Tips for December

• Make a meal plan – List out what you’ll cook before shopping, it saves money and avoids duplicates.
• Buy long-lasting pantry items first – Rice, oil, spices, and canned foods keep well and run out quickly in stores.
• Keep a “company is coming” box – Snacks, drinks, and quick-fix foods — because December visitors don’t knock.
• Freeze proteins early – Avoid the December butcher rush by buying early and freezing.
• Restock after each big gathering – You’ll thank yourself.
• Shop Early. Cook Stress-Free. Enjoy December. –The festive season is meant to be enjoyed, not spent running around looking for rice, palm oil, or seasoning cubes.

AYT Foods is here to make your December smoother, tastier, and full of the flavours that remind you of home.

👉🏽 Visit our store or shop online 

Stock up today and beat the December rush, your future self and your kitchen will thank you.