MINCE PIES

Whether you’re team traditional, with a twist or free-from, there’s a delightful little pastry for you

The Best Mince Pies, 6-pack, £2.25 (or two for £3.50), Morrisons

Generously deep-filled, these had a good balance of sweetness and spice. The pastry was praised for its crumbly texture but the filling was noticeably wetter compared to others. The double hit of brandy and cider in the filling might have contributed to this, but judges still highly recommended them.

Heston Pear & Fig Mince Pies in Triple Cheese Pastry, 6-pack, £3, Waitrose & Partners

Got a savoury tooth but still keen to join the mince-pie action? These have a cheese-laced puff pastry which complements the sweet filling, rich with vine fruits, Bramley apple, port and warm winter spices. Serve heated for best results.

No. 1 Brown Butter Mince Pies, 6-pack, £3.50, Waitrose & Partners

The pastry has a deep colour and is sprinkled with sugar for added crunch. It has a crumbly texture and the simple design means you could pass them off as home-made… Enriched with brown butter for a nutty undertone, these mince pies taste decadent while staying true to the traditional flavours you’d expect.