Waitrose's Pistachio & Sour Cherry Frangipane Mince Pies have been named the best overall mince pie for Christmas 2026, following a taste test of more than 20 boxes by food writer Emma Henderson.
The test covered classics, new flavours, free-from options and mini versions from high-street supermarkets, high-end brands and independent bakeries. Pies were eaten both straight from the box and warmed through in the oven, with each judged on a well-balanced, generous filling, top-quality pastry, pleasing aesthetic and value for money.
Top Picks Across Categories
Asda's Exceptional Luxury Mince Pies, priced at £2.84 for six, were named the best budget buy, working out at less than 50p a pie. The filling is infused with Ruby port, Valencia orange oil and Cognac, though the pastry was noted as slightly stodgy.
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference all butter frangipane pies (£3.50 for four) won the best frangipane category, praised for their buttery almond topping, though testers noted a lack of mince pie filling. The same range's all butter mince pies (£3.50 for six) were named best everyday option, with a noticeable brandy flavour and a crumbly, dry pastry.
Luxury and Alternative Options
For an after-dinner treat, Waitrose No 1 mini brown butter mince pies (£4 for nine) were recommended, offering a sophisticated, nutty flavour with Cognac warmth. The Farm Shop mince pies, made in Somerset and priced at £12 for six, received a five-star rating for excellent flavour and handmade quality.
Tesco Finest hand crafted jewelled mince pies (£5 for two) were highlighted as the best alternative option, featuring a colourful topping of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, glacé cherries and apricot, with a filling laced with orange liqueur and French brandy. The Newt crumble top mince pies from Somerset were noted as the biggest on the list, with the best-tasting mince meat in the test, packed with Bramley apples and brandy.
Free-From and Bakery Favourites
Waitrose Free from mince pies (£2 for two) were praised for their substantial texture and orangey mincemeat, offering a properly festive option for those avoiding milk and gluten. GAILS mince pie box (£13 for six) impressed with quality pastry and a gooey, intensely spiced filling made with Jonagold apples, Calvados brandy, cranberries and candied citrus peel.
M&S puff pastry mince pies (£2.50 for six) were noted for their flaky pastry and sugary top, while M&S classic mince pies (£2.50 for six) were described as generously filled with a shortbread-like pastry, though the mince meat was slightly bland. Aldi's Bally Castle mince pies (£2.49 for four) feature an Irish cream liqueur topping, but were deemed quite sweet and heavy.
In the final verdict, the Waitrose No.1 Pistachio & Sour Cherry Frangipane Mince Pies were highlighted as a perfect example of creative, delicious mince pies that remain recognisable as a classic. The Farm Shop mince pies were recommended for impressing guests, while the Tesco bejewelled mince pies were the ones reached for most often, even after testing more than 20 boxes.
