The definitive list of the best mince pies of 2018

A timeless classic. A Christmas staple. The quintessential foundations of British festivities.

The mince pie is unquestionably a national favourite, selling a record 220 million pies at Xmas in the UK last year. The beloved mince pie however is a lot like a snowflake, each one is different and unique. Two pies are never truly alike. Some may opt for the imaginative festive takes on the mince pie – but that's not for us. We bring you a list that is loyal to the traditional mincemeat affair. Because much like cauliflower, chocolate mince pies are NOT traditional. Here we have compiled the definitive list, the only list you will need to direct your pie buying habits just in time for Christmas, enjoy.

Asda

Overall Score: 2/10

Although the cheapest at 97p, these are also the worst. The pastry is very dry, as though they are almost overcooked. They are also offensively over-spiced and huge pieces of lemon peel prevent any enjoyment of the filling.

They are, however, much less sickly than the more expensive mince pies, making them perfect for those with more savoury palates.

Aldi

Overall Score: 3/10

Quite an average affair. What should have been a golden pie was once more a little browner than expected. Pastry to filling ratio was off, the filling itself becoming lost in an overwhelming pastry prison. But at 78p Aldi might just win me over.

The Mitre

Overall Score: 4/10

A Portswood specific one and a very crumbly ordeal. The pastry was considerably soft perhaps due to the pie itself being heated, an anomalous element for this list. The interior however was successful in the quantity of mincemeat, for quality however the fruity flavour was overpowered by something spicy. Ultimately too spicy.

Co-Op luxury

Overall Score: 5/10

Irresistible is a bit of an exaggeration when it comes to these mince pies.

Their one redeeming factor is that, as stated on the packet, they are "generously filled" with the mince meat although this is overshadowed by how excessively sweet it is. As for the pastry, it is more "stick to the roof of your mouth" than "melt-in-the-mouth".

For £2 a pack, these mince pies are not worth the money.

Sainsburys

Overall Score: 6/10

Hopes had been high for this one. It was a shock to the system to find the crust which adorned the six pies to be burnt. The brown edges of these pies showed the lack of TLC the pies deserve. Looking beyond this unforgivable mistake however, the filling offered a plentiful balance of jammy mincemeat. Is the pastry blunder a one time mistake? Were we just unlucky? Who knows and who can afford to investigate, because even at 85p I can’t.

Co-Op Gluten Free

Overall Score: 7/10

Although some have no choice but to opt for gluten free, many may want to choose these instead of the alternatives. The pastry is interesting with a very soft texture. This mince pie also has a very even pastry to filling ratio.

There are, however, only four in a pack and they are quite pricey at £2. The unsightly hole at the top of the pie also makes them unattractive and rather uninviting.

Lidl Luxury

Overall Score: 8/10

For £1.35, these are the best you can get for the lowest price. Nearing Christmas day, and especially after, they’ll also be dramatically reduced. These mince pies are good and reliable – but not anything particularly special.

The pastry is very short and crumbly, whilst the filling is not too overly sweet.

Tesco

Overall Score: 9/10

These star-embossed pies boast a buttery Christmas base, holding within a generous portion of mincemeat. It’s well balanced, it’s not burnt and it’s £1. These standard pies provide a pleasant pie experience. Nothing fancy, nothing outstanding but ultimately nothing noticeably wrong.

An average classic.

M&S

Overall Score: 9/10

The Piè-ce de Résistance.

If you want a mince pie that ticks all the boxes, M&S is the place to go. The buttery, almost shortbread-like, pastry is delectable and decadent.

As for the filling, a not too sweet and just the right amount of spices charms the taste buds. For £1.80, these aren’t as expensive as the co-op luxury and are much tastier.

Now go buy your pies and Merry Christmas!