With the festive season fast approaching, the annual scramble to stock up on Christmas essentials is well underway. Fortunately for British consumers, the consumer champion Which? has unveiled its definitive list of 'Best Buys' following an extensive festive taste test, revealing how to create a top-tier Christmas spread for a remarkably low total of just £21.
The Fizz: Champagne Champions on a Budget
In a surprising turn of events, budget-friendly supermarket champagnes triumphed over luxury industry giants in this year's competition. A panel of independent wine experts, including Masters of Wine, blind-tasted non-vintage champagnes to find the best.
The overall winner was Tesco Finest Premier Cru Brut Champagne, scoring an impressive 84%. Produced by Union Champagne, it was praised for its 'decadent' flavour and 'elegant, long-lasting bubble'. However, the title of 'Best Buy' went to Lidl's Comte de Senneval Brut Champagne. With a score of 82% and a price tag of just £13.99, it was hailed for its 'pretty nose of gentle nuts and honeysuckle' and exceptional value.
Notably, premium favourites like Moët et Chandon and Veuve Clicquot, while performing well, were overshadowed by their inflated prices, with bottles starting at around £45 and £50 respectively.
The Sweet Treat: Mince Pie Mastery
For the second year running, Waitrose claimed the mince pie crown. Its Waitrose Brown Butter Mince Pies, costing £4 for six, scored 78% with a panel of baking experts. The testers loved the 'moreish' brown butter pastry and the generous filling, which boasted an 'impressive' variety of fruits and a 'classic Christmassy aroma'.
Close contenders included M&S Collection Mince Pies (74%), praised for their generous, fruity filling, and Iceland's Luxury Mince Pies (73%), which offered a delicate, buttery pastry and great value at just £3 for six.
The Savoury Star: Smoked Salmon Success
Aldi emerged as the undisputed champion in the smoked salmon category, achieving a rare double accolade. Its Specially Selected Mild & Delicate Smoked Salmon was named both a 'Best Buy' and 'Great Value'. Costing only £3.09 for 100g, it scored 70% with 72 smoked salmon fans who loved its 'gentle smoky flavour' and 'balanced saltiness'.
Sharing the 'Best Buy' title was the premium Mowi Organic Scottish Smoked Salmon, also scoring 70% for its 'fantastic flavour' and 'satisfying texture', though it comes at a higher price of £8.05 for 100g.
Harry Rose, Editor of Which? magazine, commented on the findings, stating: 'Christmas can sometimes feel like it's more about spending money than spending time with loved ones and costs can quickly spiral. Our expert taste tests prove that top-notch bubbly doesn't require a hefty price tag. You can secure our entire Best Buy Christmas spread and still have change leftover compared to buying just one bottle of Moët or Veuve.'
This year's results provide a clear message to UK shoppers: creating a luxurious and delicious Christmas celebration doesn't have to break the bank, with quality and affordability found in unexpected places.
