The Best Mince Pies of 2024 – A Festive Taste Test by Gallant Restorations
Christmas is just around the corner, and at Gallant Restorations, we decided to take a break from transforming kitchens and restoring furniture to indulge in some festive fun! This year, our team conducted a blind taste test to find out which supermarket mince pies are worth putting on your Christmas table.
With nine mince pies from popular supermarkets, we judged each on the quality of the pastry, the flavour of the filling, and their performance served warm and cold. Here are the results, along with our thoughts on what makes (or breaks) a great mince pie!
The Results: Mince Pies Ranked
In 9th position we have Lidl
Scoring 84.5 out of 200 at a cost of 38p per pie
Lidl is usually known for its excellent value-for-money products, but these pies fell short of expectations, especially compared to the competition. The filling in these mince pies did not excite our taste buds.
In 8th position we have Morrisons
Scoring 91 out of 200 at a cost of 45p per pie
For a supermarket with a strong focus on hearty food, Morrisons’ mince pies didn’t deliver. The ratio of filling to pastry was lacking for us, every one loves a buttery pastry, but more filling is what these pies needed.
In 7th position we have Asda
Scoring 98 out of 200 at a cost of 45p per pie
Asda’s pies divided the room with their bold orangy flavour. While some tasters appreciated the citrusy twist, others felt it overpowered the traditional flavour of mince pies. A good option if you enjoy a fruity kick!
In 6th position we have Aldi
Scoring 99 out of 200 at a cost of 49p per pie
Aldi has built a reputation for offering quality products at budget prices, but their mince pies didn’t leave a lasting impression this time. They were perfectly fine but lacked any standout features, these will do the trick, but they won’t steal the show.
In 5th position we have Sainsbury’s
Scoring 120 out of 200 at a cost of 50p per pie
Sainsbury’s pies landed squarely in the middle of the pack. Although offering a classic festive flavour, the room agreed these pies were far better when warmed up, so we recommend serving them hot to get the best experience.
In 4th position we have Tesco
Scoring 126 out of 200 at a cost of 30p per pie
Tesco’s mince pies offered a great balance between value and taste. These pies are a great all rounder, perfect for filling the table without breaking the bank.
In 3rd position we have CO-OP
Scoring 134 out of 200 at a cost of 41p per pie
Co-op earned its bronze medal with these pies. Everyone especially enjoyed the buttery pastry within each bite. The Co-op has a knack for quality over quantity, and it shows in these pies.
In 2nd position we have M&S
Scoring 139 out of 200 at a cost of 66p per pie
Premium quality and attention to detail are hallmarks of M&S, these mince pies didn’t disappoint and were awarded our silver medal. The filling was a well rounded festive flavour, complemented by golden pastry. While these are among the pricier options, they’re perfect for those looking to impress guests with a touch of luxury.
Our winner of ‘Best Mince Pie 2024’ is Waitrose
Scoring 143.5 out of 200 at a cost of 66p per pie
It’s no surprise that Waitrose came out on top. Their mince pies delivered on every front, perfect ratio of filling to flakey buttery pastry. Known for their commitment to high-end food, Waitrose exceeded expectations, offering a luxurious taste of Christmas that had everyone in agreement.
Why We Love Christmas at Gallant Restorations
At Gallant Restorations, Christmas isn’t just about great food—it’s about creating spaces where families can gather and make memories. Whether we’re revamping the heart of your home with a kitchen respray in Lincolnshire or helping a client bring back to life an old table with our furniture repair services, we love knowing our work helps bring joy to homes during the festive season.
A Sweet Takeaway
For mince pie lovers, Waitrose is our clear winner for 2024, offering the perfect balance of quality and indulgence. If you’re hosting this year, it’s worth picking up a box—or two! And if you’re looking for something budget-friendly that doesn’t compromise on taste, Tesco’s pies are a fantastic option.
The holidays are also a perfect time to reflect on the spaces where we celebrate. Whether you’re preparing for a big family Christmas or planning a fresh start for the New Year, a beautifully transformed kitchen can make all the difference. From kitchen door spraying to bespoke furniture painting in Lincolnshire, Gallant Restorations is here to help you create a space that feels like home.
