Waitrose has unveiled its 2026 Christmas collection, featuring more than 380 new items, and our reviewer has sampled some of the highlights. The range aims to bring restaurant-quality dishes to the dining table, with nostalgia as a key theme.
According to Waitrose, 62% of UK adults are dining out less than they were six months ago, and the supermarket is responding with showstopping centrepieces, party food, indulgent desserts, festive bakery and cocktail-inspired bites.
Bao buns and cheese bowls
Among the standout items was the No.1 Handmade Polar Bear Bao Buns (£6), stuffed with shredded veggies in a sticky hoisin sauce, paired with a glass of No.1 Gruner Veltliner (£12.40). The edible polar bear bao bun was a particular highlight.
For cheese lovers, the No.1 Vintage Red Leicester with Ham Hock & Maple (£6.50) is pre-prepared and only needs heating in the oven. It can be enjoyed with crisps, crackers, toasted bread, or Waitrose's Cheese Knots (£2.25).
Showstopping centrepieces
For those bored of turkey, Waitrose's food to order range includes the No.1 Turkey, Chicken & Duck Pie with Champagne Sauce (£40). Described as a humble chicken and ham pie but 10 times bigger and better, the meat is tender and the sauce is silky and not overwhelming.
The No.1 Slow Cooked British Free Range Gammon Joint with Triple Citrus Marmalade Glaze (£33) is sweet and salty, with the natural salt balanced by the jammy glaze. The meat falls apart due to slow roasting.
Seafood alternative
For a lighter option, the No.1 Salmon En Papillote with Dill & Orange Butter (£26) arrives wrapped like a present. The salmon steams in its juices with a tangy herb and citrus butter, flaking away beautifully.
The reviewer noted that while Waitrose is not an everyday supermarket for her, this collection makes it worth spending the extra money for a special festive occasion, bringing a sense of exclusivity and flavour into the home.
