Good Housekeeping has crowned Aldi's Specially Selected Double Wrapped Pigs in Blankets the best in its 2026 Christmas taste test, with a score of 88 out of 100. At £2.69 for 250g, they were also the cheapest option tested, praised for their 'excellent value'.
Sainsbury's took the runner-up spot with its Taste the Difference Discovery Old English Pigs in Blankets, priced at £4.50 for 294g and scoring 83. In a separate category for frozen products, COOK won with its pigs in blankets at £8 for 400g, earning a score of 82.
How the taste test worked
The Good Housekeeping Institute tested 26 types of pigs in blankets from major supermarkets and online butchers. Each product was cooked according to its packet instructions and tasted blind, meaning testers did not know which brand they were sampling to avoid bias.
Aldi's winning double-wrapped pigs in blankets will be available in stores from November 25. The experts highlighted their 'juicy, natural' pork flavour and 'well-balanced herby seasoning and salty, crisp smoked bacon'.
Other winners in the Christmas taste test
More than 600 entries were blind taste-tested across categories including Christmas centrepieces, sides, party food, desserts and drinks. In total, testers consumed 500 mince pies, 261 pigs in blankets and 70kg of turkey.
Aldi won in seven categories, including Christmas pudding, mince pies, stollen and whole turkey. Lidl took home prizes for best prosecco, flavoured salmon, meat-free mains and Yule logs. Tesco's Finest Roast Potatoes with Confit Garlic scored 84, as did its Finest Bronze Turkey Crown with Pork, Cranberry and Chestnut Stuffing.
For pudding, Aldi's Specially Selected 24 Month Matured Christmas pudding scored 85, while Morrisons won the flavoured pudding title with its Limoncello and Clementine Christmas Pudding (78/100). Betty's Soft Iced Christmas Cake was also recognised.
Stacey Smith, senior food and drink editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute, said: 'The Christmas Taste Test is one of the highlights of our testing calendar, giving us the opportunity to discover the very best festive food and drink products on the market.'
'The winning products reflect the exceptional quality and variety available, helping shoppers shop with confidence and make every part of the festive season feel that little bit more special.'
