The scrummy Xmas food taste test

Don’t even think of doing the Christmas shop without taking a look at TESSA CUNNINGHAM’S guide to this year’s tastiest festive fare…

TURKEY

Aldi

Free-Range Roly Poly Turkey, 3.84 kg, £30.70, £7.99 per kg

Free-Range Roly Poly Turkey, 3.84 kg, £30.70, £7.99 per kg. Serves 8

Top-quality free-range bird reared on an East Anglian farm is a steal. Grab yours quickly.

5/5 STAR BUY

Sainsbury’s

Bronze Turkey Crown 2-5.3kg, £23.50 per kg

Bronze Turkey Crown 2-5.3kg, £23.50 per kg

Bronze Turkey Crown 2-5.3kg, £23.50 per kg. Serves 8 to 12

Mulled wine glaze is festively aromatic, making this a great pick.

4/5

Waitrose

Medium Free Range Bronze Turkey, 4 kg, £56, £14 per kg. Serves 8

Medium Free Range Bronze Turkey, 4 kg, £56, £14 per kg. Serves 8

Medium Free Range Bronze Turkey, 4 kg, £56, £14 per kg. Serves 8

Flavoursome meat and mouthwateringly crispy skin. Reasonably priced but you can buy cheaper.

3/5

Tesco

Frozen Mini Turkey Crown, 1.4 kg, £12, £10.91 per kg

Frozen Mini Turkey Crown, 1.4 kg, £12, £10.91 per kg

Frozen Mini Turkey Crown, 1.4 kg, £12, £10.91 per kg. Serves 4

This frozen turkey is ideal for a small family but it’s pricey and there will be none left over for sandwiches.

2/5

Lidl

Deluxe Free Range Silver Slate, 4.48kg, £44.75, £9.99 per kg

Deluxe Free Range Silver Slate, 4.48kg, £44.75, £9.99 per kg

Deluxe Free Range Silver Slate, 4.48kg, £44.75, £9.99 per kg. Serves 8 to 10

A Naturally slow-growing bird, reared on a small East Anglian farm, is mouthwateringly tender and a very good price.

4/5

Asda

Bronze Turkey Crown with Stuffing, 2.25kg, £37.50, £17 per kg

Bronze Turkey Crown with Stuffing, 2.25kg, £37.50, £17 per kg

Bronze Turkey Crown with Stuffing, 2.25kg, £37.50, £17 per kg. Serves 6 to 8

For a cook-in-the-bag turkey crown, this moist bird is unbeatable.

4/5

Coop

Whole Turkey, 5.73kg, £46, £8 per kg. Serves 7 to 8

Whole Turkey, 5.73kg, £46, £8 per kg. Serves 7 to 8

Whole Turkey, 5.73kg, £46, £8 per kg. Serves 7 to 8

At £8 a kilo, this is superb value for a traditional bird to feed a huge gang. You can afford to splash out on extra trimmings.

4/5

Morrisons

Bronze Turkey Crown, 3.2kg, £56.35, £17.50 per kg

Bronze Turkey Crown, 3.2kg, £56.35, £17.50 per kg

Bronze Turkey Crown, 3.2kg, £56.35, £17.50 per kg. Serves 7 to 10

Reared slowly, this bronze turkey crown punches way above its price.

4/5

Marks & Spencer

Slow Cooked Turkey Crown with Stuffing, 2.78kg, £69.60. £25 per kg. Serves 8

Slow Cooked Turkey Crown with Stuffing, 2.78kg, £69.60. £25 per kg. Serves 8

Slow Cooked Turkey Crown with Stuffing, 2.78kg, £69.60. £25 per kg. Serves 8

Ultimate convenience meets restaurant quality. Takes just 90 minutes and comes with gravy.

4.5/5

HAM

Aldi

Crackling Bone-In Gammon, 2.5kg, £14.99

Crackling Bone-In Gammon, 2.5kg, £14.99

Crackling Bone-In Gammon, 2.5kg, £14.99.

Serves 12

Crackling fans will love this heavyweight ham, which includes a sachet to give a sweet muscovado glaze.

4/5

Sainsbury’s

Mulled Cider Glazed Gammon, 1.3 kg, £10

Mulled Cider Glazed Gammon, 1.3 kg, £10

Mulled Cider Glazed Gammon, 1.3 kg, £10. Serves 7

Tender, flavoursome unsmoked meat infused with herbs and spices. Wins on taste.

5/5 STAR BUY

Waitrose

Slow Cooked Treacle Cured Festive Gammon, 1.98kg, £35. Serves 8

Slow Cooked Treacle Cured Festive Gammon, 1.98kg, £35. Serves 8

Slow Cooked Treacle Cured Festive Gammon, 1.98kg, £35. Serves 8

Already cooked for 10 hours, just pop the ham in the oven for 70 minutes. The black treacle glaze is delicious.

4/5

Tesco

Cinnamon Sugar Ham, 900g, £10

Cinnamon Sugar Ham, 900g, £10

Cinnamon Sugar Ham, 900g, £10. Serves 4 to 5

Made from selected cuts of pork leg, the meat may not be top quality, but it’s pleasant and cooks in just 20 minutes.

3/5

Lidl

Deluxe Sugar Baked Gammon Joint 1.2kg, £9.99

Deluxe Sugar Baked Gammon Joint 1.2kg, £9.99

Deluxe Sugar Baked Gammon Joint 1.2kg, £9.99. Serves 5 to 6

Firm sweetcured gammon with just the right levels of salt and smokiness, this is a terrific buy.

4.5/5

Asda

Sticky Marmalade Glazed Ham, 1.65kg, £16. Serves 6

Sticky Marmalade Glazed Ham, 1.65kg, £16. Serves 6

Sticky Marmalade Glazed Ham, 1.65kg, £16. Serves 6

Superb centre piece for a party. Finished with a tangy orange liqueur glaze.

4/5

Coop

Unsmoked Gammon Joint, with a Muscovado Glaze, 750 g, £9

Unsmoked Gammon Joint, with a Muscovado Glaze, 750 g, £9

Unsmoked Gammon Joint, with a Muscovado Glaze, 750 g, £9. Serves 4

Outdoor bred pork comes with a sachet of muscovado glaze. Mouthwatering, but could be better value.

3/5

Morrisons

Gammon with Seville Orange Glaze, 1.1 kg, £8.50, Serves 5 to 6

Gammon with Seville Orange Glaze, 1.1 kg, £8.50, Serves 5 to 6

Gammon with Seville Orange Glaze, 1.1 kg, £8.50, Serves 5 to 6

Superb value. This gammon cooks in 1 ½ hours and has a zesty citrus glaze.

4/5

Marks & Spencer

Dry Cured Sugar Pit Ham, 2 kg, £42. 25 slices

Dry Cured Sugar Pit Ham, 2 kg, £42. 25 slices

Dry Cured Sugar Pit Ham, 2 kg, £42. 25 slices

Push the boat out with this ready to serve joint. Roasted with maple syrup and spices, the meat is wonderfully aromatic.

4/5

ROAST POTATOES

Aldi

Specially Selected Goose Fat Roast Potatoes, 800g, £2.59

Specially Selected Goose Fat Roast Potatoes, 800g, £2.59

Specially Selected Goose Fat Roast Potatoes, 800g, £2.59

Nicely buttery with a lovely creamy middle but missed points on crunchiness.

3/5

Sainsbury’s

Crispy Roast Potatoes with Goose Fat, 800g, £3.50

Crispy Roast Potatoes with Goose Fat, 800g, £3.50

Crispy Roast Potatoes with Goose Fat, 800g, £3.50

Well-seasoned Maris Pipers that cook from chilled or frozen and have a delicious crispy crunch.

4/5

Waitrose

Goose Fat Roast Potatoes, 800g, £5

Goose Fat Roast Potatoes, 800g, £5

Goose Fat Roast Potatoes, 800g, £5

Mixture of goose fat, rapeseed oil and butter makes these roasties beautifully rich. Perfect level of crunchiness.

4/5

Tesco

Crispy Roast Potatoes, 450g, £2.25

Crispy Roast Potatoes, 450g, £2.25

Crispy Roast Potatoes, 450g, £2.25

Fluffy on the inside, crisp on the outside, these taste homemade at a good price.

4.5/5

Lidl

Deluxe Goose Fat Roast Potatoes, 1kg, £1.59

Deluxe Goose Fat Roast Potatoes, 1kg, £1.59

Deluxe Goose Fat Roast Potatoes, 1kg, £1.59

Pop these beauties in your freezer. Basted in 5 per cent goose fat, they cook from frozen in just 35 minutes.

4/5

Asda

Beef Dripping Maris Piper Potatoes, 400g, £1.50

Beef Dripping Maris Piper Potatoes, 400g, £1.50

Beef Dripping Maris Piper Potatoes, 400g, £1.50

Unevenly cut and turning golden in oven, these look homemade. Beefy taste and mouthwatering aroma.

4/5

Coop

Irresistible Beef Dripping Roast Potatoes, 750g, £2.25

Irresistible Beef Dripping Roast Potatoes, 750g, £2.25

Irresistible Beef Dripping Roast Potatoes, 750g, £2.25

Good standby. One bag serves six and they cook from frozen in just 30 minutes, but you can buy cheaper.

3/5

Morrisons

Goose Fat Roast Potatoes, 560g, £2

Goose Fat Roast Potatoes, 560g, £2

Goose Fat Roast Potatoes, 560g, £2

Hands down winner. These beauties come with a sachet of goose fat and seasoning. Superb value.

5/5 STAR BUY

Marks & Spencer

Goose Fat Roast Potatoes, 800g, £3

Goose Fat Roast Potatoes, 800g, £3

Goose Fat Roast Potatoes, 800g, £3

Moreish roasties come with a huge sachet of goose fat and butter. But unlike other spuds, these can’t be frozen.

3/5

STUFFING

Aldi

Specially Selected Hog Roast Stuffing Portions, 300g, £2.49

Specially Selected Hog Roast Stuffing Portions, 300g, £2.49

Specially Selected Hog Roast Stuffing Portions, 300g, £2.49

Wrapped in oak smoked bacon and topped with a pork crackling crumb, these are cracking value.

4/5

Sainsbury’s

British Pork, Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls, 360g, £2.50

British Pork, Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls, 360g, £2.50

British Pork, Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls, 360g, £2.50

If you like the traditional flavour of sage and onion, these little balls made from outdoor-bred pork are a good bet.

3/5

Waitrose

Pork Jewelled Stuffing Wreath, 694g, £12

Pork Jewelled Stuffing Wreath, 694g, £12

Pork Jewelled Stuffing Wreath, 694g, £12

Studded with candied fruits and bay leaves, this may cost a king’s ransom, but it’s to die for.

4/5

Tesco

Finest Pork Roasted Chestnut and Onion Stuffing, 350g, £3

Finest Pork Roasted Chestnut and Onion Stuffing, 350g, £3

Finest Pork Roasted Chestnut and Onion Stuffing, 350g, £3

Generously made with 15 per cent chestnuts. Great for stuffing the bird yourself.

4.5/5

Lidl

Deluxe Pork Stuffing Balls, Sage and Onion 350g, £2.29

Deluxe Pork Stuffing Balls, Sage and Onion 350g, £2.29

Deluxe Pork Stuffing Balls, Sage and Onion 350g, £2.29

Gluten free stuffing balls and made from 72 per cent pork, these are seriously meaty and superb value.

5/5 STAR BUY

Asda

12 British Pork, Cranberry and Orange Stuffing Balls, 350g, £3.15

12 British Pork, Cranberry and Orange Stuffing Balls, 350g, £3.15

12 British Pork, Cranberry and Orange Stuffing Balls, 350g, £3.15

Great standby, freeze and cook from frozen in 25 minutes.

4/5

Coop

12 Pork, Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls, 350g, £2.85

12 Pork, Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls, 350g, £2.85

12 Pork, Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls, 350g, £2.85

Gluten-free and consisting of 65 per cent pork, these are good value and very tasty.

4/5

Morrisons

The Best Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls, 360g, £3

The Best Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls, 360g, £3

The Best Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls, 360g, £3

Fashioned from a mix of pork and pork belly, these are gluten-free and seriously meaty with a subtle herby flavour.

4/5

Marks & Spencer

Outdoor Pork Jewelled Wreath, 450g, £8

Outdoor Pork Jewelled Wreath, 450g, £8

Outdoor Pork Jewelled Wreath, 450g, £8

Sweet-toothed guests will love this smoked bacon and chestnut stuffing wreath studded with fruit.

4/5

PIGS IN BLANKETS

Aldi

Specially Selected Pigs in Blankets, 210g, £2.49

Specially Selected Pigs in Blankets, 210g, £2.49

Specially Selected Pigs in Blankets, 210g, £2.49

Wrapped in oak smoked bacon, these 100 per cent British pork sausages are nicely juicy.

4/5

Sainsbury’s

Truffle Pigs in Blankets, 410g, £3.50

Truffle Pigs in Blankets, 410g, £3.50

Truffle Pigs in Blankets, 410g, £3.50

Bang on trend. Musky truffle-flavoured pigs snuggled in crisp, smoky bacon complement turkey perfectly.

5/5 STAR BUY

Waitrose

Heston from Waitrose Three Bird Pigs in Blankets, 492g, £10

Heston from Waitrose Three Bird Pigs in Blankets, 492g, £10

Heston from Waitrose Three Bird Pigs in Blankets, 492g, £10

A dinky three-bird recipe — chicken, pheasant and duck sausages encased in bittersweet treacle bacon — that’s decadently delicious.

4/5

Tesco

Finest 10 Pigs in Blankets, 210g, £3

Finest 10 Pigs in Blankets, 210g, £3

Finest 10 Pigs in Blankets, 210g, £3

Traditional pigs made from well-seasoned, meat sausages encased in streaky bacon, which crisps up beautifully.

4/5

Lidl

Deluxe Pigs in Blankets, 210g, £2.49

Deluxe Pigs in Blankets, 210g, £2.49

Deluxe Pigs in Blankets, 210g, £2.49

These peppery mini pork sausages wrapped in crisp, smoky bacon are delicious and extremely good value.

4.5/5

Asda

Extra Special Pigs in Blankets, 210g, £3.15

Extra Special Pigs in Blankets, 210g, £3.15

Extra Special Pigs in Blankets, 210g, £3.15

Traditionalists will love these well-seasoned meaty sausages snuggled in oak smoked bacon.

4/5

Coop

Irresistible Truffle Chipolata Pigs in Blankets, 220 g, £3.50

Irresistible Truffle Chipolata Pigs in Blankets, 220 g, £3.50

Irresistible Truffle Chipolata Pigs in Blankets, 220 g, £3.50

Outdoor bred pork, smoked streaky bacon and subtly sweet truffle make for a delicious combination.

4/5

Morrisons

Cheesy Pigs in Blankets with smoky barbecue sauce, 210g, £3

Cheesy Pigs in Blankets with smoky barbecue sauce, 210g, £3

Cheesy Pigs in Blankets with smoky barbecue sauce, 210g, £3

Kids will love these pigs, which are stuffed with gooey cheese and finished with BBQ sauce. But they are more canape than lunch.

3/5

Marks & Spencer

Delish Pigs in Blankets, 380g, £5.50

Delish Pigs in Blankets, 380g, £5.50

Delish Pigs in Blankets, 380g, £5.50

You get 16 juicy fat sausages encased in beech smoked streaky bacon. Moreish, but you can find the same quality for less cash.

3/5

SMOKED SALMON

Aldi

Smoked Salmon, 200g, £4.49

Smoked Salmon, 200g, £4.49

Smoked Salmon, 200g, £4.49

Aldi has two versions — mild and delicate smoked for six hours, and a more robust salmon which has been smoked for ten hours. Why not buy both?

4/5

Sainsbury’s

Beetroot and Orange Smoked Salmon, 100g, £4.16

Beetroot and Orange Smoked Salmon, 100g, £4.16

Beetroot and Orange Smoked Salmon, 100g, £4.16

The beetroot glaze gives a festive look and the orange zest makes it a good pairing with Buck’s Fizz.

3/5

Waitrose

Whisky Smoked Salmon, 100g, £6.25

Whisky Smoked Salmon, 100g, £6.25

Whisky Smoked Salmon, 100g, £6.25

Kiln smoked over whisky barrel oak chips, birch and heather, the salmon is richly delicious but you can buy similar quality much cheaper.

3/5

Tesco

Finest Scottish Smoked Salmon, 120g, £5.10

Finest Scottish Smoked Salmon, 120g, £5.10

Finest Scottish Smoked Salmon, 120g, £5.10

A good level of saltiness and a hint of smokiness makes this salmon an all-rounder. It will work equally well with scrambled egg or on blinis.

4/5

Lidl

Deluxe Rope Hung Scottish Smoked Salmon, 200g, £6.49

Deluxe Rope Hung Scottish Smoked Salmon, 200g, £6.49

Deluxe Rope Hung Scottish Smoked Salmon, 200g, £6.49

Experts claim that hanging salmon to smoke, rather than laying it flat, makes it more tender and flavoursome. This is certainly succulent at a terrific price.

4/5

Asda

Blackthorn Dry Cured Smoked Salmon, 120g, £6

Blackthorn Dry Cured Smoked Salmon, 120g, £6

Blackthorn Dry Cured Smoked Salmon, 120g, £6

Cured with Blackthorn salt from Scotland and smoked over heather, this is special but it’s not price friendly.

5/5 STAR BUY

Coop

Old Pulteney Whisky Smoked Salmon, 100g, £5

Old Pulteney Whisky Smoked Salmon, 100g, £5

Old Pulteney Whisky Smoked Salmon, 100g, £5

Firmly textured, these delicate slices have been smoked over oakwood and seasoned with 12-year-old single malt whisky for a slightly boozy kick.

4/5

Morrisons

The Best Cold Smoked Salmon, 300g, £7

The Best Cold Smoked Salmon, 300g, £7

The Best Cold Smoked Salmon, 300g, £7

Cured with sea salt and sugar, then smoked three times, this is a superb all rounder with a juicy texture. It’s also exceptional value.

4.5/5

Marks & Spencer

Long Slice Smoked Salmon, 150g, £5.33

Long Slice Smoked Salmon, 150g, £5.33

Long Slice Smoked Salmon, 150g, £5.33

Smoked over oak wood shavings in a Scottish kiln, the salmon has a hint of smokiness. Recent price slash makes it good value.

4/5

VEGETARIAN MAIN

Aldi

Vegan Festive Wreath, 480g, £3.99

Vegan Festive Wreath, 480g, £3.99

Vegan Festive Wreath, 480g, £3.99

Gluten-free mixture of butternut squash, chestnuts, cranberries and mushrooms is delicious but skimpy for four.

3/5

Sainsbury’s

No Turkey Crown with a Vegan Bacon Lattice, 580g, £6.50

No Turkey Crown with a Vegan Bacon Lattice, 580g, £6.50

No Turkey Crown with a Vegan Bacon Lattice, 580g, £6.50

Complete with stuffing, this is a convincing copy of a traditional crown but the texture’s more sausage than turkey.

3/5

Waitrose

Vegan Jewelled Roast With A Fruity Centre, 530g, £6.50

Vegan Jewelled Roast With A Fruity Centre, 530g, £6.50

Vegan Jewelled Roast With A Fruity Centre, 530g, £6.50

Caramelised onions and chestnuts in a mushroom based stuffed roast with an apricot layer is sweet and warming.

4/5

Tesco

Wicked Kitchen No Turkey Roast Crown, 560g, £5

Wicked Kitchen No Turkey Roast Crown, 560g, £5

Wicked Kitchen No Turkey Roast Crown, 560g, £5

The nearest thing to turkey will feed four. The meaty texture is convincing and the onion and garlic breadcrumb topping adds terrific flavour.

4/5

Lidl

Showstopper Garland (Vegan Pork and Cranberry), 550g, £4.99

Showstopper Garland (Vegan Pork and Cranberry), 550g, £4.99

Showstopper Garland (Vegan Pork and Cranberry), 550g, £4.99

Perfect standby for unexpected guests, the vegan sausage garland encased in pastry cooks from frozen in 40 minutes. Festive and filling.

4/5

Asda

Extra Special Vegan Wellington, 500g, £5.55

Extra Special Vegan Wellington, 500g, £5.55

Extra Special Vegan Wellington, 500g, £5.55

Fabulously festive vegan sausage roll. Roasted mushrooms and caramelised onions wrapped in buttery puff pastry.

4.5/5

Coop

Irresistible Mushroom Wellington, 376g, £4

Irresistible Mushroom Wellington, 376g, £4

Irresistible Mushroom Wellington, 376g, £4

Tasty puff pastry parcels filled with portobello mushrooms, spinach and a rich mushroom duxelles with a hint of truffle lack festive flair.

3/5

Morrisons

Vegetable Wellington, 460g, £5

Vegetable Wellington, 460g, £5

Vegetable Wellington, 460g, £5

Generous coating of chestnut pate gives the spicy meat substitute a luxury feel and the pastry is buttery. But it’s skimpy for four.

4/5

Marks & Spencer

Collections Brie, Potato and Onion Pie, 500g, £8

Collections Brie, Potato and Onion Pie, 500g, £8

Collections Brie, Potato and Onion Pie, 500g, £8

Packed with cheese and sweet onions, and topped with a crispy pastry top, this filling feast is divine.

5/5 STAR BUY

CHRISTMAS PUDDING

Aldi

Specially Selected Exquisite Heritage Pedro Ximenez Christmas Pudding 907g, £12.99

Specially Selected Exquisite Heritage Pedro Ximenez Christmas Pudding 907g, £12.99

Specially Selected Exquisite Heritage Pedro Ximenez Christmas Pudding 907g, £12.99. Serves 8

Brandy soaked glace cherries and a good glug of sherry make this luxuriously boozy.

4/5

Sainsbury’s

Caramelised Biscuit Christmas Pudding, 700g, £10. Serves 7

Caramelised Biscuit Christmas Pudding, 700g, £10. Serves 7

Caramelised Biscuit Christmas Pudding, 700g, £10. Serves 7

On-trend twist on the classic heavy pud, the butterscotch sauce will delight sweet-toothed guests.

4/5

Waitrose

No 1 Christmas Pudding, 400g, £5.60. Serves 4

No 1 Christmas Pudding, 400g, £5.60. Serves 4

No 1 Christmas Pudding, 400g, £5.60. Serves 4

Brimful of whole fruit and nuts, with a generous slug of cognac. If you want a traditional pud, this won’t disappoint.

5/5 star buy

Tesco

12 month Matured Christmas Pudding, 400g, £5

12 month Matured Christmas Pudding, 400g, £5

12 month Matured Christmas Pudding, 400g, £5. Serves 4

Lightly spiced and with a fruity aroma, this is a safe bet if you’re entertaining guests who don’t want anything too boozy.

4/5

Lidl

Deluxe 24 month Matured Christmas Pudding, 800g, £8.99

Deluxe 24 month Matured Christmas Pudding, 800g, £8.99

Deluxe 24 month Matured Christmas Pudding, 800g, £8.99. Serves 8

Impressive all rounder, packed to the gunnels with fruit and nuts and matured for 24 months. Hard to beat.

4/5

Asda

Clootie Style Pudding, 400g, £5. Serves 4

Clootie Style Pudding, 400g, £5. Serves 4

Clootie Style Pudding, 400g, £5. Serves 4

If you find traditional puddings too dense, this light Scottish-style fruit sponge flavoured with whisky ticks the box.

4/5

Coop

Irresistible Christmas Pudding, 400g, £4. Serves 4

Irresistible Christmas Pudding, 400g, £4. Serves 4

Irresistible Christmas Pudding, 400g, £4. Serves 4

Good value pudding, matured for 12 months, is a pleasing blend of alcohol, dried fruit and nuts in a dense sponge.

3/5

Morrisons

The Best Christmas Pudding, 800g, £8. Serves 8

The Best Christmas Pudding, 800g, £8. Serves 8

The Best Christmas Pudding, 800g, £8. Serves 8

Superb traditional pudding heaving with brandy-soaked cherries and tangy peel is exceptional value.

4.5/5

Marks & Spencer

Perfectly Matured Cherry and Orange Wreath, 700g, £12. Serves 8

Perfectly Matured Cherry and Orange Wreath, 700g, £12. Serves 8

Perfectly Matured Cherry and Orange Wreath, 700g, £12. Serves 8

Deliciously light Christmas pud shaped like a wreath and bejewelled with cherries, almonds and peel has exceptional wow factor.

4/5

MINCE PIES

Aldi

Mince Pies, £1.75 for 6

Mince Pies, £1.75 for 6

Mince Pies, £1.75 for 6

All butter pastry and chunky mincemeat infused with brandy and port make these grown-up pies top value at 29p each.

4/5

Sainsbury’s

Blondie Pies, £2.25 for 6

Blondie Pies, £2.25 for 6

Blondie Pies, £2.25 for 6

If you’re tired of mincemeat, these gingerbread pastries filled with caramel, chocolate chips and almond blondie are warmingly delicious and very festive.

4/5

Waitrose

No 1 Brown Butter Mince Pies, £3.50 for 6

No 1 Brown Butter Mince Pies, £3.50 for 6

No 1 Brown Butter Mince Pies, £3.50 for 6

Bronzed pies don’t win on looks but, if you find other pies too sweet, you’ll love the slightly savoury pastry and rich mincemeat.

4.5/5

Tesco

Finest All Butter Mince Pies, £2.25 for 6

Finest All Butter Mince Pies, £2.25 for 6

Finest All Butter Mince Pies, £2.25 for 6

Infused with brandy and port, these generously stuffed pies are light on spice, but ooze sweet, jammy mincemeat.

4/5

Lidl

Deluxe All Butter Mince Pies, £1.99 for 6

Deluxe All Butter Mince Pies, £1.99 for 6

Deluxe All Butter Mince Pies, £1.99 for 6

Great value, even if they are short on wow factor. Keep some in store for extra guests.

4/5

Asda

Extra Special Luxury Mince Pies, £2.25 for 6

Extra Special Luxury Mince Pies, £2.25 for 6

Extra Special Luxury Mince Pies, £2.25 for 6

Pleasantly spiced fruity filling, infused with port and brandy, encased in thick buttery pastry.

3/5

Coop

Irresistible Mince Pies, £2.25 for 6

Irresistible Mince Pies, £2.25 for 6

Irresistible Mince Pies, £2.25 for 6

Pretty near perfect. A snowy coating of icing sugar on all butter pastry encases mincemeat, subtly flavoured with brandy and cider.

5/5 STAR BUY 

Morrisons

The Best Mince Pies, £2.25 for 6

The Best Mince Pies, £2.25 for 6

The Best Mince Pies, £2.25 for 6

Laced with spicy cinnamon and ginger, plus a good glug of booze, the filling is deliciously rich and the buttery pastry is to die for.

4/5

Marks & Spencer

Collection Mince Pies, £3 for 6

Collection Mince Pies, £3 for 6

Collection Mince Pies, £3 for 6

Ultra traditional, the generous mincemeat is subtly flavoured and the pastry is melt in the mouth. Handily, they can also be frozen.

4/5

CHEESE BOARD

Aldi

British Cheese Selection Pack, 598g, £7.49

British Cheese Selection Pack, 598g, £7.49

British Cheese Selection Pack, 598g, £7.49

These five cheeses are a steal. They include Red Fox and Wensleydale with Madeira-soaked cranberries.

5/5 STAR BUY

Sainsbury’s

Taste The Difference Cheese Selection Board, 466g, £10

Taste The Difference Cheese Selection Board, 466g, £10

Taste The Difference Cheese Selection Board, 466g, £10

Unexciting selection of five cheeses ranging from Brie to Cheddar.

3/5

Waitrose

Heston's Tipsy Potted Blue Stilton, 80g, £5; No1 Stratford Blue Truckle, 425g, £10

Heston’s Tipsy Potted Blue Stilton, 80g, £5; No1 Stratford Blue Truckle, 425g, £10

Heston’s Tipsy Potted Blue Stilton, 80g, £5; No1 Stratford Blue Truckle, 425g, £10

Heston’s blend of tasty Stilton and a splash of sherry comes in a cute jar and pairs well with a round of Stratford Blue.

4/5

Tesco

Finest Coastal Bite with Truffle, 200g, £2.75

Finest Coastal Bite with Truffle, 200g, £2.75

Finest Coastal Bite with Truffle, 200g, £2.75

Mature Cheddar blended with mushroom and truffle sauce is excitingly different and will add a Mediterranean touch to any cheeseboard.

4/5

Lidl

Waxed Cheese Truckles: Smoked Cheddar; Cheddar with Truffle; Cheddar with Onion, each 200g, £2.79

Waxed Cheese Truckles: Smoked Cheddar; Cheddar with Truffle; Cheddar with Onion, each 200g, £2.79

Waxed Cheese Truckles: Smoked Cheddar; Cheddar with Truffle; Cheddar with Onion, each 200g, £2.79

Make your own cheeseboard with these festively shaped waxed cheeses. They are a fun twist.

4/5

Asda

Extra Special Ultimate Cheese Board, 585g, £10

Extra Special Ultimate Cheese Board, 585g, £10

Extra Special Ultimate Cheese Board, 585g, £10

Clever combination of Manchego, Stilton, Cheddar, Vintage Red Fox Red Leicester and Brie in a festive cardboard box covers every base.

4/5

Coop

Irresistible Mature Cheddar Cheese, 340g, £3.90; Irresistible Belton Farm Vintage Red Fox, 200g, £2.80

Irresistible Mature Cheddar Cheese, 340g, £3.90; Irresistible Belton Farm Vintage Red Fox, 200g, £2.80

Irresistible Mature Cheddar Cheese, 340g, £3.90; Irresistible Belton Farm Vintage Red Fox, 200g, £2.80

If you’re looking for the very best traditional cheeses, these award-winners are a safe choice.

3/5

Morrisons

Slate Cheese Board, 595g, £10

Slate Cheese Board, 595g, £10

Slate Cheese Board, 595g, £10

Six cheeses on a smart slate board include Barbers Coastal Cheddar, Shropshire Blue, Brie de Blesse and a Wensleydale with cranberry and Sloe Gin.

4.5/5

Marks & Spencer

British Cheese Selection, 590g, £12.50

British Cheese Selection, 590g, £12.50

British Cheese Selection, 590g, £12.50

Ignore the yawn-making packaging, you get four generous slabs of Brie, Mature Cheddar, Stratford Blue and Red Leicester.

4/5

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