The annual Which? Christmas test award has generated good news for those who want a special Christmas day this year, but are on a budget.
Judging supermarket own brands against some high-end luxury alternatives in a blind taste test, a panel of judges found that a higher price tag does not necessarily mean a better taste.
The panel, which included the 2013 winner of the Great British Bakeoff, as well as food critic Charles Campion, tasted an array of Christmas pudding and Champagnes, ranging in prices.
They gave the title of the best Christmas pudding to Morrisons’ own brand £3.99 M Signature Jewelled Fruit, describing it as “simply majestic.” It achieved a score of 85%, being judged on appearance, aroma, taste and texture, winning out against Harrods’ £12.50 luxury offering.
Fortnum and Mason’s £10 St James pudding was criticised for its artificial flavour which was apparently reminiscent of citrus bathroom cleaner.
“Christmas can be an expensive time of the year do it’s satisfying to see our festive taste tests revealed that some of the cheapest were also some of the best,” said Richard Headland, Editor of Which?
Asda’s £5 Extra Special Mulled Port and Orange pudding achieved the lowest score of just 48%, and had an “unpleasant, chemical” flavour.
The £33 Piper-Heidsieck Brut had to share the joint title of best Champagne with Sainsbury’s Blanc de Blanc Brut which cost the much lower £22.50. Both scored 80%.
However, The Co-operative’s £9.99 Prosecco won the best sparkling wine with a score of 78%.
So this Christmas, bear in mind that the most expensive is by no means the best, and that going for the cheaper option won’t necessarily make you Christmas any less special, it might even make it better.
