Christmas 2026: PanChia, the healthy holiday leavened cake with chia seeds and cocoa. Made in a limited edition, this Christmas cake is the result of a collaboration with nutritionist Iader Fabbri.

A delicious Christmas leavened cake, the intense flavor of cocoa, and an unusual ingredient for holiday desserts: chia seeds. PanChia is the limited-edition product that the Romagna-based company Melandri Gaudenzio is presenting for Christmas 2026 , the result of a collaboration with nutritionist and science communicator Iader Fabbri .

Designed for those who want to explore new interpretations of traditional Christmas sweets, but with a fit twist, PanChia was born from the idea of combining the pleasure of a holiday dessert with particular attention to the choice of ingredients and the formulation of the recipe, and with a low added sugar profile. Its main characteristics are chia seeds , a superfood source of fiber and essential Omega-3 fatty acids , which contribute to the feeling of satiety and slow the absorption of carbohydrates, and chocolate chips that give a rich, enveloping and intensely chocolaty flavor, together with the natural antioxidants in pure cocoa .

The preparation follows an artisanal process entrusted to Venetian pastry chefs , with the aim of enhancing the characteristics of the ingredients and obtaining a dessert designed for the convivial moments of the Christmas period.

PanChia was born from an idea by Iader Fabbri, supported by Melandri Gaudenzio, a company that has always been attentive to the health aspects of food: to offer an alternative to traditional Christmas sweets, starting with a different selection of ingredients and a specific focus on the sugar content of the recipe. With less than 5% added sugar, the low-sugar formulation aims to limit the increase in blood sugar levels compared to traditional Christmas sweets with added sugar.

The result is a leavened cake that isn't intended to replace traditional panettone, but rather complement it with its own distinct identity, recognizable by the presence of chia seeds and the bold character of cocoa. PanChia is perfect for enjoying during convivial holiday gatherings, but also for breakfast, alone or paired with fresh ricotta or Parmigiano Reggiano for those who prefer a combination that also includes a small amount of protein.

PanChia is part of a collaboration between Melandri Gaudenzio and Iader Fabbri, combining the Romagna-based company's expertise in selecting legumes, grains, and oilseeds with the nutritional biologist's expertise in nutrition. This collaboration finds a new expression in this Christmas product, bringing chia, an ingredient typically associated with preparations other than holiday pastries, into the world of leavened products.

PanChia, weight 750 grams, retail price €28 online only www.melandrigaudenzio.com