As the festive season reaches its peak, the quest for the perfect mince pie is in full swing. To help you navigate the supermarket aisles, we conducted a comprehensive taste test, pitting the offerings from seven major retailers against the household name, Mr Kipling.
The Festive Line-Up and Price Points
Our investigation included mince pies from Aldi, Asda, Lidl, Morrisons, M&S, Sainsbury's, and Tesco. To ensure a fair comparison, most were price-matched to Aldi's budget-friendly offering of £1.25 per box, working out at just 21p per pie.
This made the contrast with the pricier contenders stark. The Mr Kipling box cost £2.14 at Asda, nearly a pound more. The most expensive option by far was from Marks & Spencer, priced at £3 per box, making each individual pie a hefty 50p.
First Impressions: Pastry and Filling
Upon opening the boxes, the differences were immediately apparent. The generosity of the mincemeat filling varied wildly; some pies were generously packed to the brim, while others were disappointingly sparse.
The pastry also told its own story. While many brands suffered from a crumbly texture, one was criticised for being excessively buttery. In a surprising turn, another supermarket's offering received praise for its authentic, homemade look and taste.
The Ultimate Verdict
After careful consideration of flavour, texture, and value for money, our test revealed a clear winner that surpassed all others. This brand managed to combine quality and affordability, proving that a higher price tag does not always guarantee a better festive treat.
The full results, including which supermarket triumphed over Mr Kipling and which premium option failed to justify its cost, are detailed in our complete taste test review. The findings could save you money and disappointment this Christmas.
