Christmas isn’t complete without indulging in the season’s most iconic treat: mince pies! And this December, to help fuel my 300km in 24 days running challenge for Only a Pavement away, I've resorted to eating a mince pie every day (usually around 2pm with a cup of tea) as my little festive treat.
But with the wide range of options out there on the market, it made me beg the question... which one is best?
So to help you find the best of the best, I’ve taste-tested ten of the UK’s most popular options and ranked them based on flavor, texture, and overall indulgence. Here's my Spaceman verdict:
10. Aldi – 4/10
Unfortunately, Aldi’s offering was a bit underwhelming. The pastry lacked moisture, and the filling didn’t bring the festive punch we expect from a good mince pie. Very bland, although at 30p per mince pie I wasn't surprised at this outcome.
9. Lidl – 4/10
While Lidl’s pies might look tempting, they fall short on texture and flavor. A dry, crumbly pastry overpowers the filling, even with the heavy dusting of icing sugar which made me look like Scarface at the end.
8. Asda – 5/10
Asda’s mince pies are crunchy and tangy but lack the balance of flavors. They’re enjoyable, but nothing to write home about compared to some of the competition.
7. Co-op – 6/10
The 2024 Co-op pie is sweet and spiced just right, with a soft pastry that’s pleasant enough. However, it doesn’t have the wow factor to climb higher on this list.
6. Sainsbury’s – 6/10
Sainsbury’s mince pies stand out for their solid biscuity pastry, which adds a unique texture and leaves not much mess. The filling is fruity and sweet, but they don’t quite hit the high notes of the top picks.
5. M&S – 7/10
M&S delivers a reliable classic. The pastry is crisp, the filling is moist and sweet, and it all comes together nicely. While not the most exciting, it's a solid pick.
4. Birds – 8/10
This Derbyshire regional bakery impressed with its soft pastry and warm cinnamon spice. It’s comfortingly traditional but elevated by its buttery richness. A close contender which surprised me.
3. Fortnum & Mason – 9/10
For a taste of Christmas decadence, F&M delivers. Their mince pies are generously deep filled with boozy fruit and wrapped in a thick, satisfying pastry. They’re a feast fit for the season however at £3 per mince pie you can see why Royalty eat them.
2. Pret a Manger – 9/10
Late entry, Pret nearly stole the crown this year with their truly indulgent mince pie. A perfect balance of a crisp pastry star, rich fruit filling, and a deep, satisfying flavor. It's festive perfection in every bite!
Konditor – 10/10
London based bakery Konditor’s mince pies are a luxury experience and well deserved winner of 2024. They were also voted "best mince pie in the UK" by The Telegraph - so when I heard I had to try them out and confirm or deny this. The soft buttery pastry melts in your mouth, perfectly complemented by a sweet and indulgent filling (slightly boozy too). Almost impossible to stop at just one, hence I popped in and bought another box yesterday to see me through to New year. Congratulations Konditor!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re after a quick bite on the go or a luxurious Christmas treat, there’s something on this list for every taste (and budget!). If you’re treating yourself this holiday season, you can’t go wrong with Pret, Konditor, or Fortnum & Mason in my opinion – the undisputed mince pie champions of 2024, and lovely with a nice cup of tea in the afternoon.
What’s your favouite mince pie this year?
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