Western Daily Press (Saturday)
It’s beginning to cook a lot like Christmas...
Festive food experts have given top Marks to M&S.
The upmarket grocer took first place in the annual taste test by Good Housekeeping, making the top five in 19 categories – including mince pies and Christmas puddings.
The magazine’s panel tested 470 seasonal products from more than 130 retailers and brands, including the biggest range of meat-free options.
With the big day only a couple of months away, Asda won best Christmas starter with its Extra Special Ultimate Prawn Cocktail with Campfire Charred Tomato Marie Rose Sauce.
Waitrose was tops for turkey with its “mouth-watering” Free Range Bronze Feathered bird. It scored highest in crowns too, with its Duchy Organic Free Range Bronze Feathered Turkey.
For trimmings, Morrisons’ Best Goose Fat Potatoes were judged top roasties, while Jolly Hog’s pigs in blankets were deemed prime porkers.
The GH specialists decided diners really will Taste The Difference as Sainsbury’s was first for iced fruit cake and flavoured panettone.
Betty’s Classic Mince Pies, £15 for 12, scored highest but shoppers wanting both festive and frugal can pick Co-op Irresistible mince pies at £2.25 for six.
Elsewhere, for a warming winter tipple, Morrisons’ mulled wine came out on top.
Discounters Aldi and Lidl also performed well in the 23rd year of the blind tests, Aldi being praised for its flavoured puddings and meat canapes.
Angela Trofymova, head of food and drink testing at the GH Institute, said: “With prices set to surge over the winter, we’ve been dedicated to sourcing delicious, high-quality products that are great value for money.”