Best mince pies for Christmas 2026, tasted-tested by a food writer
Detailed summary
From M&S and Sainsbury's to The Newt and Gails, Emma Henderson compares this season’s best supermarket and luxury mince pies
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It's not Christmas without having a box (or two) of the best mince pies in your cupboards – arguably the most festive food of them all, bar the main event.
Whether you're leaving them out by the fireplace for Father Christmas, serving with a glass of mulled wine or warming them up with a generous dollop of cream, they're an essential festive dish.
Contrary to their name, they aren’t filled with minced up. Inside the pastry exterior is a jammy, sticky mixture of dried fruits like raisins, sultanas, apples, and orange peel doused in festive spices, rum or brandy for that real hit of Christmassy aromas and tastes.
Best overall – Waitrose Pistachio & Sour Cherry Frangipane Mince Pies: £4, Waitrose.com
Best budget buy – Asda Exceptional by Asda 6 Luxury Mince Pies: £2.84, Asda.com
Best after dinner treat – Waitrose No 1 mini brown butter mince pies: £4, Waitrose.com
Best frangipane mince pie – Sainsbury's Taste the Difference all butter frangipane pies: £3.50, Sainsburys.com
Best everyday mince pies – Sainsbury's Taste the Difference all butter mince pies: £3.50, Sainsburys.com
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