Marks & Spencer emerged as the top performer in the annual BBC Good Food Christmas dinner taste test. The supermarket secured the top spot in six out of 17 categories, excelling in areas like turkey crown, gammon, and Christmas pudding.
The M&S Oakham hot maple-glazed turkey crown, priced at £50, impressed the judges with its sticky, peppery hot maple glaze and fruit-packed stuffing. It shared the spotlight with Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference British free-range bronze turkey crown, which wowed the panel with its golden, glossy glaze and crispy bacon, priced at £22.75 per kg.
In addition, M&S clinched the title for best Christmas pudding with its Collection 12-month matured version featuring pecans and panettone, priced at £16, described as delicious with an abundance of fruit and large nut chunks.
Meanwhile, Morrisons took the lead in three categories, including best showstopper dessert, best classic, and best flavored mince pie for its Cherry Bakewell edition known for its soft texture and balanced almond flavor.
Tesco secured the award for best pigs in blankets, Lidl for best trifle, and Aldi tied with M&S for best smoked salmon. A total of 185 Christmas products across 17 categories underwent rigorous testing.
Lulu Grimes, the managing editor at Good Food, highlighted that consumers can enjoy a fantastic festive spread without overspending, thanks to the exceptional offerings from supermarkets. Cassie Best, head of food at Good Food, emphasized the tough competition among the 13 participating supermarkets, each boasting a stellar range of holiday foods. The final list of winners, she noted, showcases the best seasonal offerings from supermarkets, complementing homemade dishes for a spectacular and cost-effective Christmas feast.