The Great British Mince Pie Showdown: Waitrose Reigns Supreme

The festive season is upon us, and with it, the age-old question: where to find the perfect mince pie? This year, Which?, the UK's leading consumer champion, has undertaken a rigorous taste test, pitting the mince pies of Britain's biggest supermarkets against each other. The results are in, and the battle has been fierce. The competition was intense, with several brands showcasing their unique approaches to this beloved holiday treat. Some supermarkets offered classic, traditional flavors, others, more experimental offerings.

Waitrose Takes the Crown

The undisputed champion of this year's mince pie taste test is Waitrose. Their No.1 Brown Butter Mince Pies with Cognac earned the coveted Which? Best Buy award and took the top spot. The expert panel, comprising renowned baking experts such as Nathan Rave, winner of Bake Off: The Professionals 2022, and Edd Kimber, victor of Great British Bake Off 2010, were overwhelmingly impressed by the pies' "lovely crisp, buttery pastry, enticing aroma and generous nut, spice and citrus filling." The subtle boozy warmth added a delightful touch, making these pies a standout choice this Christmas. At £4 for a pack of six, or roughly 67p per pie, they're a premium option but, according to the experts, well worth the price. One panelist even admitted that they would buy these mince pies even though they rarely purchase supermarket mince pies. This highlights the exceptional quality that the pies possess, surpassing the usual supermarket offerings.

A Closer Look at the Waitrose Winner

The judges were charmed by the pies' simple, homemade aesthetic – a plain pastry case with a dusting of caster sugar. This understated elegance, combined with their superior taste, solidified Waitrose's position at the top of the ranking, outperforming the nearest competitor by a substantial six percentage points. They are indeed the standout choice for those seeking a premium Christmas treat. The subtle hints of cognac and rich spices combine to form a harmonious and indulgent flavour profile that leaves a lasting impression.

Aldi's Budget-Friendly Delight

While Waitrose claimed the top spot, Aldi's Specially Selected All Butter Mince Pies secured a well-deserved second place and the Which? Great Value award. These festive delights, at just £2.29 for six (38p per pie), scored impressively high despite their budget-friendly price. The judges praised their "great buttery taste, snowflake design, and tasty filling packed with fruit and spices." Their lack of excessive sweetness, a common criticism of other mince pies, was also noted as a significant plus, earning many more points than other brands.

Why Aldi’s Mince Pies Are a Great Value Option

The intricate snowflake design on the pies added to their festive appeal, while their moreish quality ensured they were quickly devoured by the panel. Aldi's mince pies are a delicious and affordable option for those looking for a Christmas treat without breaking the bank. The balance of flavors and textures, combined with the affordable price, makes these a top contender for the budget conscious consumer.

The Rest of the Field

While Waitrose and Aldi shone brightly, other supermarkets delivered mixed results. Marks & Spencer's mince pies received positive feedback for their generous filling and golden pastry, though some judges wished for more spice. Iceland's Luxury All Butter Mince Pies, while boasting abundant sultana and fruit fillings, were found to be too dry and lacking in flavour. Morrison's The Best Deep Filled Mince Pies had a good ratio of filling to pastry and a festive appearance but fell short in terms of taste. Tesco's Finest All Butter Pastry Mince Pies suffered from an overly acidic flavour and doughy pastry, while Asda's Exceptional Luxury Mince Pies disappointed due to their underbaked pastry. The Lidl mince pies were described as having a gluey, stodgy pastry and a thin filling. Overall the supermarket mince pie market shows a diversity in quality and offerings.

A Deeper Dive into the Findings

Several other sources corroborated the Which? findings. The Doncaster Free Press ran its own blind taste test, putting a panel of connoisseurs through a rigorous sampling process. The Birmingham Mail also urged mince pie lovers to carefully consider their supermarket choice. A comprehensive review by The Sun further examined various supermarket brands, including Aldi, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and Lidl. Their findings reflected similarities with Which?’s review. Lastly, A Yahoo news piece echoed the sentiment. The varied reviews across multiple sources all highlight the importance of choosing carefully based on individual taste preferences and price points.

The Verdict: A Merry Christmas for Your Taste Buds

This year's mince pie taste test demonstrates the diverse range of quality and value available on supermarket shelves. Whether you opt for the premium indulgence of Waitrose or the budget-friendly delight of Aldi, a delicious Christmas treat awaits. Remember, taste is subjective; this guide provides a helpful starting point in your festive shopping. Make sure to check out the full Which? review and enjoy your mince pies responsibly!