Marks & Spencer emerged as the standout victor in the annual BBC Good Food Christmas dinner taste test, securing the top spot in six out of 17 categories. Notably, their Oakham hot maple-glazed turkey crown, priced at £50, impressed judges with its sticky, peppery hot maple glaze and fruit-packed stuffing. Sharing the limelight was Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference British free-range bronze turkey crown with pork, apricot, pear, cranberry, and candied ginger stuffing, priced at £22.75 per kg, praised for its golden, glossy glaze and crispy bacon.
M&S also clinched the title for the best Christmas pudding with their Collection 12-month matured version containing pecans and panettone, retailing at £16. Described as delicious with ample fruit and substantial nut chunks, it stood out among competitors.
In the taste test, Morrisons excelled in three categories, securing the top position for best showstopper dessert, best classic, and best flavored mince pie with their Cherry Bakewell variation, noted for its soft texture and balanced almond flavor.
Other winners included Tesco for best pigs in blankets, Lidl for best trifle, and Aldi, jointly triumphing with M&S for best smoked salmon. The assessment covered a total of 185 Christmas products spanning 17 different categories.
Lulu Grimes, the managing editor of Good Food, commented on the results, emphasizing the affordability and quality of festive offerings in supermarkets, enabling consumers to enjoy a splendid Christmas feast without overspending. Additionally, Cassie Best, head of food at Good Food, highlighted the rigorous selection process and the exceptional range of festive foods offered by the participating supermarkets.
By combining supermarket purchases with homemade dishes from Good Food’s well-tested Christmas recipes, everyone can relish a remarkable and cost-effective Christmas celebration.
