Bought Mince Pies Quality Testing

[frozendaisy]

Anyone any good at this?

I have some tesco finest waiting to get home and the youngster to help quality test, we are the only two permanent household members who like a mince pie so the other's opinions are irrelevant.

I definitely prefer ones with a hint of brandy/port.

So anyone else have any favourites, or just as important ones to avoid that are good year after year

Am thinking M&S will need a test run.

There were contenders in Aldi.

I shamefully worked my way through a full pack of the Morrisons deep filled from the bakery last week. They are very good.

A bit pricey but if you have a Cook near you and like a warm mince pie the frozen mince pies are a hit in our house (take about 8-10 minutes in the oven from frozen I think).

M&S doesn't even make the top ten in Good Housekeeping taste awards, the barometer of good Christmas brands!
Try:
Iceland Luxury Mince Pies
Exceptional by Asda
Mr Kipling All Butter mice Pies

All made the top ten (as well as a few non supermarket brands).

I generally just buy 'normal' ones. Disappointed with Morrisons, just didn't like flavour. Lidl cheap n cheerful ones always good.

Don't like the Greggs ones, but stuffy and v pastry heavy.

How does everyone eat them? My DH heats them in the oven and serves with a dollop of extra thick cream. My DS and I can't be arsed waiting and eat them over the sink to catch the crumbs😁

I had a costa one in January this year and still think about it. It was delicious.

Tesco do a Finest frangipane one I like. We've been buying them since September 😆

Greggs win in this house. Plus, they're vegan which isn't a consideration, but helps with the lactose allergy

#1= Costco sponge topped
#2 = Greggs (surprisingly!)
#3 = Aldi sloe gin mince pies

Last year anyway. This year I've only tried Greggs so fat.

@U13579 ooh thank you I'll have a look next time I'm in there

I have bought a pack of the Aldi specially selected mince pies which I have high hopes for. I also bought a pack of their frangipane topped mince pies although I know from previous years that these ones are nowhere near as nice as the ones they used to stock in a pale blue box. Anyway it's better than no frangipane at all. Will report back on the taste tests over the weekend. Iceland ones will be next I think, if I can get there next week

We prefer mince pies without the top that just have more filling. So far this year surprisingly Asda's new 2024 range we find the best:

https://groceries.asda.com/product/tarts-pies-bakewells/exceptional-by-asda-4-toffee-apple-spiced-crumble-tarts/1000383234341

https://groceries.asda.com/product/tarts-pies-bakewells/exceptional-by-asda-4-frangipane-amaretto-mince-pies/1000383234310

https://groceries.asda.com/product/tarts-pies-bakewells/exceptional-by-asda-4-whisky-fig-spiced-honey-mince-pies/1000383234325

And of course the Lidl Ballycastle ones, very creamy:

groceries.aldi.co.uk/en-GB/p-specially-selected-ballycastle-mince-pies-297g6-pack/4061464807044

Had my first mince pie yesterday and it was Lidl deluxe. I really liked it. The pastry was crisp and the filling is good standard normal mincemeat.

I can confirm that the Aldi specially selected mince pies (Good Housekeeping taste test first place) are very nice indeed, crisp pastry & not too much of it, fruity filling which isn't too sweet.. DH also gave his seal of approval

Bought Sainsbury's finest or whatever the lux range is today and it was really good. Crisp, boozy, pastry not too claggy. Pleasantly surprised but not that cheap (£2 with nectar card).

I agree that Asdas new Exceptional range are the best!
Tesco had a product recall on theirs a week or so ago, for containing plastic 🤢

I bought the Aldi Specially a selected Millionaire Crumble ones this week. Will see if I can persuade DH to crack them open later 😜

I also purchased the obligatory Lebkuchen while I was there.

I like the Iceland luxury ones but I’ll try the Aldi ones as well this year. For me a mince pie ideally has to be warmed and served with a sliver of brandy butter.

The Mr Kipling signature ones are actually so good!

In my experience, home made with ready rolled pastry and bought mince are always better than bought pies.

Usually love the specially selected all butter from aldi. Have not bought yet as will not last until Xmas. Also have hope to made my own with the very last of extra mature mince meat I have.
I tried today my first mince pie in Costa. Disappointed too sweet and pastry lacked flavour

My current favourites which I never expected are the OMV vegan mince pies from Asda! They are delicious and every mouthful is perfect 👍 Love them!!

I've bought the Tesco finest on clubcard offer, but yet to sample them!

Tesco finest is great!

I shall try Greggs and Costco