Crumbs, Asda has the best mince pies
SUPERMARKET Asda came top in a consumer watchdog’s taste test of more than 100 mince pies.
Lidl came second in the Which? test, while upmarket Waitrose was bottom of the league – though its mince pies were the most expensive.
Asda’s premium mince pies are crowned Which? best buys in the supermarket category of the 2018 festive food survey.
After a blind tasting session, experts praised Asda’s Extra Special Mince Pies, which scored 71 per cent.
They impressed the panel with their “subtle spicing” and tasty pastry.
Judges admired the “lovely, buttery aroma of pastry as if these pies came out of the oven”. They cost £1.50 for six.
Hot on Asda’s heels were Lidl’s Deluxe Luxury Mince Pies. Priced at £1.79 for six, these were praised for their “pleasantly fruity taste” and awarded a 69 per cent rating.
But the panel felt that the standard of mince pies has slipped in recent years.
They reckoned that a major contributing factor is the rising cost of food, including dried fruit and butter, which has led to many supermarkets using cheaper ingredients to keep prices low.
At the bottom of the supermarket ranking, with a score of 51 per cent, was Waitrose.
Its All Butter Mince Pies were described as “beige-tasting” and “devoid of any notable flavours”.
They were also the joint most-expensive pies in the test, selling at £2.50 for six.
Which? Magazine editor Harry Rose said: “Nothing smells or tastes more festive than delicious mince pies warm from the oven.
“Despite concerns over falling quality in recent years, our research shows that there are still great pies on offer this year, at a range of prices.
“Whether you splash out or treat yourself to cheaper products at Asda or Lidl, our expert testing means you will be getting a real taste of Christmas with these excellent mince pies.”