AFTER DINNER MINCE

FROM TRADITIONAL TO ONES WITH A TWIST, WE PUT A SELECTION OF MINCE PIES TO THE TEST

Finest 6 Crumble Topped Mince Pies £2, Tesco

Dinky but boozy pies with a crunchy topping for texture and a delicious filling that left us with a warm, Cognac aftertaste. If only they were a little bigger.

Luxury 6 All Butter Mince Pies £1.89, Iceland

Yummy all-rounder with perfect pastry and heavenly spiced, fruity filling with a zingy citrus hit, good hint of booze, and a yuzu juice sharp tang.

Collection 6 Mince Pies £2.50, Marks & Spencer

Topped with a pretty star motif, the melt-in-the-mouth pastry complemented the sumptuous and soft but deep-filled vine fruit. Practically perfect in every way.

The Best 6 Deep-Filled Mince Pies £2, Morrisons

Pastry was a bit thick but it tasted good. Filling was moist and fruity but we found the cider gave it a slightly bitter after taste.

Deluxe 6 Luxury Salted Caramel Mince Pies £1.99, Lidl

Festive, with a glittery appearance. Had just the right hint of salted caramel that wasn’t overpowering and a nice crunchy topping.

Irresistible 6 Luxury Mince Pies £2, Co-op

Filled to bursting, the soft pastry was the right side of having a soggy bottom and we could taste the brandy. Rich and comforting.

Taste the Difference 4 Rum Pineapple & Coconut Mince Pies, £2, Sainsbury’s

Crispy pastry, filled with a fun, fruity mix with tangy pineapple and a good dash of rum. We liked the crunchy, sweet coconut.

Heston 6 Night Before Christmas Mince Pies £2.80, Waitrose & Partners

Juicy filling in a carrot and caraway pastry, these had real depth of flavour and come with smoky sugar to sprinkle on top. Delicious.

Specially Selected 6 Exquisite Mince Pies £2.99, Aldi

The perfect traditional Christmas treat. Butter pastry mince pies filled with a juicy mixture of sweet vine fruits, figs, dates with citrus and lemon oils. All topped with a star.

Extra Special 6 Luxury Mince Pies £1.75, Asda

Golden brown with a snowflake motif, they looked inviting but the filling was chewy and they tasted sad – like the last on the shelf.