Mince Pie Taste Test 2016

One mince pie is very much not the same as another. They may all look similar, and have the same shiny silver case, but inside the incredible range of pastry tastes and textures lies a whole range of different experiences, dependent on the brand.

Luckily you don’t need to spend hours finding out for yourself which standard pies are the best pies, because we’ve done the hard work for you. 10 different retailers, with 10 types of mince pie from their basic mince pie range. Each pie was eaten and scored out of 5 on appearance, texture, taste and fill (with the highest possible score being 20) – and here are the results:

ALDI Holly Lane mince pies – unlike last year, ALDI have lost their place high up the list of mince pie greatness, with a somewhat disappointing score of 8. They looked good, but the taste and the texture really didn’t do anything for us. For an ‘Extra Special’ treat though, the ALDI chocolate mince pies are a good bet, and they’re nowhere near as rich as they seem like they should be (lucky really, since they’re incredibly moreish).

ASDA – oh no ASDA, another shameful mince pie year with a measly score of 6. This is not reflective of ASDA’s Christmas range in general, which includes some very delicious items – but the mince pies just aren’t right. The pastry is stodgy and tasteless and the fill is more like a vaguely mincemeaty gravy.

Iceland – In third place with a score of 14.5 – definitely the best value for money! 12 pretty tasty pies for just £1.50.

LIDL – 12 pies in a pack, and good value for money with an overall score of 11.5.

THE WINNER! Marks and Spencer – different in appearance to all the other pies, with a little star cutout in the top giving a glimpse of the generously filled inside. The pastry is buttery and flaky, and the mincemeat is flavoured just right to leave a pleasant aftertaste. Awarded a total of 17.5 out of 20 🙂

Morrisons – middle of the road with a score of 10. The taste was good, the fill was a little less than we would have liked.

Mr Kipling (Poundland) – generic mince pie-ness. Good but not great. Wouldn’t put you off eating more and if you like orangeyness this is a good option, there’s a definite orange aftertaste with these. Overall a respectable score of 13.

Sainsburys – we loved how these looked and the fill was generous – unfortunately the taste and texture didn’t quite live up to the appearance, meaning an overall score of 14.

Tesco – one of the less favourite options with a score of 11.5 – let down by the texture and the small amount of filling compared to the pastry.

Waitrose – quite a floury pastry, the dryness stuck to our teeth a bit which is the only reason these pies didn’t quite make it as high as the winner. Nice full appearance though, and a good ratio of fill to pastry which is why they came second with a score of 15.

No pies were sent in order to carry out this taste test and I was not asked by any of the retailers included to review pies – all were purchased by me (and are still being consumed by my family, friends, and the local birds). I just really like mince pies – and feel duty bound to pass on the pie love by making sure that everyone experiences the best pie time they can.

Sadly, pies were harmed in the making of this post. However, we feel that on balance this was a necessary evil when weighed up with the public interest.