Tesco Finest tops mince pies taste test, budget rivals lag.

A seasonal taste test of premium mince pies from Britain’s biggest supermarkets found Tesco’s Finest mince pies to be the top pick this year, with Morrisons and Sainsbury’s close behind and budget offerings from Aldi and Asda trailing. The tasting, which sampled mince pies from Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Marks and Spencer, Aldi and Asda, judged entries on taste, texture, filling-to-pastry ratio, appearance and value for money.

In the tasting, Tesco’s Finest mince pies were singled out for their buttery, melt-in-the-mouth pastry and a generously spiced mincemeat centre, and were noted for offering strong value at about £3 for a pack of six. Morrisons placed second, praised for a light, crisp pastry and a mincemeat that balanced sweetness and spice without feeling overworked, also at roughly £3 a pack. Sainsbury’s came third, with its mincemeat described as rich and homemade in character, though its pastry was judged slightly dry and crumbly; that pack was priced at about £3.50.

Marks and Spencer’s mince pies drew mixed comments. Reviewers acknowledged polished presentation and complex flavouring, including notes of brandy and orange zest, but some found the combination heavy...