We sampled a selection of mince pies from a range of supermarkets – budget to splurge. Here are our front runners.
Tesco Finest 6 All Butter Mince Pies (£2)
Well-filled and served warm with a dollop of alcohol-infused cream these could make a great dessert.
There was plenty of filling and a firm but buttery pastry but that dash of brandy promised on the packaging wasn't noticeable. They could have been more generous with the booze.
6/10
M&S 6 All Butter Mince Pies (£2.50)
'No complaints here – great with a cup of tea,' said one tester.
Most enjoyed these pies, saying they had really buttery, crumbly pastry and a generous filling (which was at times a bit claggy).
Overall a good flavour which ticked all the boxes.
7/10
Aldi Classic Mince Pies
Quite average tasting with pastry which was on the drier side. But the filling was moist, with citrus notes coming through and they weren't too sweet.
7/10
STAR BUY
Sainsburys 6 Rich and Fruity All Butter Minced Pies (£2)
Deep-filled pies with loads of filling and a decent buttery pastry. They divided our testers, with some saying the filling was too sweet, but with others remarking on their 'beautiful fresh taste with a bit of zing'. They wouldn't disappoint anyone on Christmas Day.
8/10
Waitrose 6 Sour Cherry and Chocolate Crumble Pies (£3)
Ooh these caused a bit of a stir! Mincemeat infused with Heston's Cherry Bakewell Vodka and cherry top a chocolate pastry, with a chocolate crumble on top.
'These aren't real mince pies!'
So we are disqualifying them on that count. But…if you love chocolate and cherry and aren't really a big fan of traditional mince pies, these could be just the ticket for you. The texture is wonderful- all crunchy and crumbly with a gooey centre, and the taste is scrummy.
9/10 (for a tart, not a mince pie)
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here