Christmas mince pies are a beloved British tradition, but today’s versions are sweet rather than meaty. A new taste test has ranked the best supermarket and independent bakers’ offerings for 2024, assessing pastry quality, filling, appearance and value.
Top marks went to Farm Shop’s large mince pies, made in Somerset. Tasters praised their thick, non-crumbly shortcrust pastry and deep, well-spiced filling with a touch of brandy. The pies look homemade with a light dusting of sugar, making them ideal for special guests.
Waitrose impressed with affordable, rope-edged pies that offer great value. The filling is fruity without being cloying, and the thicker pastry resembles shortbread. Testers recommend stocking up for visitors.
Edinburgh bakery Twelve Triangles produced a standout luxury option, with cherries and cranberries soaked in Oloroso sherry, plus a walnut and brown butter frangipane layer. The rich, buttery pastry is soft and moist, though slightly thinner than some.
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference range delivered a solid, hard-to-fault pie with creamy, buttery pastry and balanced mincemeat. All pies were tested fresh and after heating, with results proving that quality need not come at a high price.
