DON’T buy your food for your Christmas dinner until you’ve read our indispensable guide to the best that the supermarkets have to offer…
TURKEY
STAR BUY: Aldi’s Roly Poly Whole Turkey, £39.96 for 4kg bird
ALDI – Roly Poly Whole, 4kg, £39.96, £9.99 per kg. Serves 8-10: Sumptuous free-range bird reared in East Anglia and the tastiest we tried at an absolute steal. STAR BUY – 5/5
SAINSBURY’S – Bronze Breast Joint, 1.4kg, £35, £25 per kg. Serves 6: Skinless and boneless joint with delicious spiced pork and mulled pear stuffing, cooks in 1 hour 50 minutes. 4/5
WAITROSE – Glazed Crown, 2kg, £60, £30 per kg. Serves 6: Stunning centrepiece. A juicy, crown with herby chestnut stuffing and bacon was one of the tastiest we tried. 4/5
TESCO – Easy Carve 2.87kg, £40, £13.94 per kg. Serves 12: Entertaining a big group? This ready stuffed, partially deboned turkey promises stress-free cooking. 4/5
LIDL – Broadland, 5kg, £45, £9 per kg. Serves 8-10: This slow-growing bird is a snip but loses points on quality. The meat was a tad dry and flavourless. 3/5
ASDA – Heritage Slate, 5.3kg, £47.70, £9 per kg. Serves 8-10: Juicy Norfolk-reared bird with crispy skin looks the business, but the meat was disappointingly watery. 4/5
CO-OP – Medium Whole, 4.75kg, £35, £7.37 per kg. Serves 8: At just over £7 per kg, this turkey is superb value. At this price, you can afford to splash out on extra trimmings. 4/5
MORRISONS – Bronze, 6.90kg, £59, £8.55 per kg, Serves 11-13: Reared slowly for a rich, full flavour this turkey won’t disappoint. The meat is gloriously tender. 4/5
M&S – Ballotine, 1.02kg, £47.50, £46.57 per kg. Serves 4: For decadent dining with a twist, this turkey and duck feast is your top choice if money’s no object. 4/5
HAM
STAR BUY: Sainsbury’s Bone In Gammon with Festive Glaze, £30 for 2.28kg joint
ALDI – Crackling Bone In Gammon, 2.5kg, £18.99. Serves 16: Aldi wheels out this showstopper every year. Juicy meat with crackling at an exceptional price. 4/5
SAINSBURY’S – Bone In Gammon with Festive Glaze, 2.28kg, £30. Serves 16: This stonking joint has it all: tender meat, spiced honey glaze and perfect crackling. STAR BUY – 5/5
WAITROSE – Blood Orange and Spiced Ham, 1.1kg, £25, Serves 11: Best ready-to-serve joint. It’s seasoned with spiced blood orange and garnished with cranberries. Delicious! 4/5
TESCO – Dry Cured Honey Gammon, 1kg, £12.25. Serves 5: Cooking in 90 minutes, this top-quality joint has a delicate honey-flavoured glaze. 4/5
LIDL – Honey and Rosemary Gammon, 1kg, £9.99. Serves 6: Firm sweetcured gammon comes with a sachet of honey, rosemary and black pepper sauce. 4/5
ASDA – Pork Crackling Joint, 1.03kg, £8. Serves 4: More Sunday lunch than Boxing Day feast, this quality loin has been pre-salted to ensure a delicious crackling. 3/5
CO-OP – Muscovado Baked Gammon, 750g, £9.50. Serves 4: Yummy outdoor-bred pork with spices comes with a sachet of muscovado glaze. Could be better value. 3/5
MORRISONS – Maple and Orange Gammon, 1.3kg, £13.90, Serves 5-6: Tasty cured pork topside joint comes with a spiced caramelised orange and maple syrup glaze. Superb value. 4/5
M&S – Treacle Roasted Ham, 1kg, £32, min 20 slices: For fuss-free luxury, this delicious dry-cured ham is your best buy. It just needs 15 minutes in the oven. 4/5
ROASTIES
STAR BUY: Tesco’s Maris Piper Roast Potatoes, £3 for 800g
ALDI – Wagyu Fat Roast Potatoes, 800g, £3.29: Fabulous value and basted in 5 per cent of Wagyu beef dripping, these look and taste homemade. 4/5
SAINSBURY’S – Chunky Roast Potatoes with Beef Dripping, 1kg, £2.50: Coated in a seasoned batter and beef dripping, these are a good standby, cooking from frozen in 30 minutes. 4/5
WAITROSE – No1 Wagyu Beef Roast Potatoes, 600g, £6: Tumbled in a generous dollop of Wagyu beef fat and rapeseed oil, these top tatties ooze luxury. 4/5
TESCO – Maris Piper Roast Potatoes, 800g, £3: Basted in 2.5 per cent goose fat, these are excellent value and cook from chilled or frozen. STAR BUY – 5/5
LIDL – Deluxe Goose Fat Roast Potatoes, 1kg, £2.49: Pre-fried, battered and sprayed with duck fat before being frozen, these are dry and tasteless. 3/5
ASDA – Beef Dripping Roast Potatoes, 340g, £2.75: Frozen spuds, seasoned and coated in beef dripping, taste claggy with all the bite of candyfloss. 2/5
CO-OP – Beef Dripping Roast Potatoes, 750g, £3.15: Good standby. One bag serves six and they cook from frozen in just 30 minutes – but you can buy cheaper. 3/5
MORRISONS – Goose Fat Roast Potatoes 800g, £4: Ready basted, these include a sachet of potato flake to add extra bite. I preferred them without. 4/5
M&S – Goose Fat Roast Potatoes, 800g, £8: Garlic-infused goose fat and sprigs of rosemary and thyme give these roasties a delicious flavour. 4/5
STUFFING
STAR BUY: Asda’s Fig, Whisky and Spiced Honey Parcels, £4.50 for 300g
ALDI – Caramelised Shallot and Stuffing Portions, 300g, £2.99: Wrapped in oak smoked bacon and topped with a cranberry, these are cracking value. 4/5
SAINSBURY’S – Pork, Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls, 360g, £2.50: If you want the traditional flavour of sage and onion, these little pork balls are a good choice. 4/5
WAITROSE – Jewelled Stuffing, 450g, £4.75: For a festively fruity filling, use this pork sausagemeat studded with dried fruits to stuff your turkey. Yummy. 4/5
TESCO – 12 Pork, Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls, 350g, £3.25: Confit onions give these balls a sweetness which works well with the sage. Gluten free, too. 4/5
LIDL – Stuffing Parcels, 300g, £2.99: Gluten-free, bacon-wrapped parcels come in leek and bacon, or apple and honey flavours. Greasy. 3/5
ASDA – Fig, Whisky and Spiced Honey Parcels, 300g, £4.50: Signature flavours of fig, whisky and honey work well. Cook from chilled or frozen. STAR BUY – 5/5
CO-OP – Irresistible Pork, Cranberry and Chestnut Stuffing Balls, 350g, £3.50: Gluten free and made with a generous 70 per cent pork, these are excellent value and very tasty. 4/5
MORRISONS – Mulled Wine Stuffing Balls, 210g, £3.25: Sweetened cranberries give a pleasantly festive flavour to these balls made from a mix of pork and pork belly. 4/5
M&S – Chestnut and Dry Cured Bacon Wreath, 600g, £9: Showstopping wreath tastes as good as it looks. Chestnuts and bacon give the meat a delicious sweetness. 4/5
PIGS IN BLANKETS
STAR BUY: M&S’s 14 Pigs in Blankets, £5.50 for 336g
ALDI – Specially Selected Pigs in Blankets, 210g, £2.49: Wrapped in oak-smoked bacon, these 100 per cent British pork cocktail sausages are reasonable quality and good value. 3/5
SAINSBURY’S – Proper Pigs In Blankets, 294g, £4.25: Traditionalists will love these six meaty sausages bursting with juicy, fatty flavour wrapped in lightly smoked bacon. 4/5
WAITROSE – 12 British Treacle Pigs in Blankets, 252g, £5.50: Oozing quality, these chunky, carefully seasoned little sausages are wrapped in treacle and spice cured streaky bacon. 4/5
TESCO – Eight Signature Pigs in Blankets, 336g, £4.50: Thick bangers, with added herbs and black pepper, that would be perfect with turkey or as part of a filling Christmas morning breakfast. 4/5
LIDL – Pigs in Blankets, 300g, £3.49: If your fridge is at capacity, these tasty cocktail sausages are a great option. They cook from frozen in 35 minutes, making them perfect for unexpected guests. 4/5
ASDA – Pigs in Blankets with Camembert and Hot Honey Drizzle, 420g, £6.50: Decadent greasy sausages and creamy hot camembert would make a yummy snack but would overwhelm your turkey. 3/5
CO-OP – Honey and Truffle Pigs in Blankets, 220g, £3.50 (two for £5 for Co-op members or £6 for non members): Outdoor bred pork, smoked streaky bacon and subtly sweet truffle make for delicious combination. 4/5
MORRISONS – Cheese and Jalapeno Pigs in Blankets, 210g, £3: Spice up your turkey with these punchily flavoured pigs. The jalapeno pairs well with the sweet, smoky bacon and cheddar cheese. 4/5
M&S – 14 Pigs in Blankets, 336g, £5.50: If you like a smoky sausage, these porkers, wrapped in oak and apple smoked bacon, are a superb choice at a great price. STAR BUY – 5/5
SMOKED SALMON
STAR BUY: Lidl’s Smoked Salmon Whisky Sours, £3.49 for 100g
ALDI – The Ultimate Smoked Salmon, 100g, £3.99: Scottish long-sliced salmon has been matured in a Himalayan salt vault for several days to give a robust flavour. 3/5
SAINSBURY’S – Hickory Smoked Salmon, 100g, £4.75: Cured over hickory wood chips, this strong and smoky salmon has an aftertaste which we found a little too overpowering. 3/5
WAITROSE – Whisky and Orange Smoked Salmon, 100g, £4.95: Kicking Christmas morning off with Buck’s Fizz? This orange-infused salmon finished with a bronze lustre is the perfect partner. 4/5
TESCO – Strong and Robust Scottish Smoked Salmon, 100g, £4: Velvety texture, a nice level of saltiness and a hint of smokiness make this salmon a crowd-pleaser. Works well with scrambled egg or on blinis. 4/5
LIDL – Smoked Salmon Whisky Sours, 100g, £3.49: Cheapest salmon we tried exudes luxury. Beautifully cut, golden-orange slices have an excellent balance of salt, sweetness and smoke. STAR BUY – 5/5
ASDA – Lightly Smoked Salmon Plait, 1kg, £25: Asda’s Christmas signature flavours of fig, whisky and spiced honey give a festive warmth to this plait. Bake for 40 minutes, then let guests cut a slice. 4/5
CO-OP – Beech and Oak Smoked Salmon, 100g, £5 (£4.50 for Co-Op members): Firm texture makes this delicately peaty salmon the perfect accompaniment to scrambled eggs. 4/5
MORRISONS – Mild Smoked Salmon, 100g, £4.50: If you prefer a gentle flavour, these even-sized slices are your best buy. Mild enough to serve with a glass of fizz on Christmas morning. 4/5
M&S – Mild & Delicate Smoked Salmon, 100g, £6.25: Smoked over oak wood shavings, the salmon is tender and pleasantly flavoured with a hint of smokiness. But it’s pricey. 3/5
VEGGIE MAIN
STAR BUY: Morrisons’ Mushroom, Spinach and Pinenut Mini Wellingtons, £5 for 410g
ALDI – Two Brie and Butternut Squash Wellingtons, 440g, £4.99: Two unexciting Wellingtons, stuffed with dull chunky vegetables including kale and squash, cook from frozen in 1 hour 15 minutes. 3/5
SAINSBURY’S – Roasted Carrot Galette, 500g, £8.50: This freezable puff pastry tart – filled with zesty orange roasted carrots and topped with a sage crumb – feeds four vegans and makes a stunning centrepiece. 4/5
WAITROSE – Chestnut and Thyme Plant Based Turkey Roast, 668g, £10: Sufficient for three, sage stuffing and a rich red wine gravy elevate this plant-based firm and juicy roast. 4/5
TESCO – No Turkey Crown with Sage and Onion Stuffing, £5, 390g: Made with pea and bean protein, this has the mouth feel of turkey but is skimpy for four and the stuffing is bland. 3/5
LIDL – No Beef Wellington, 500g, £4.99: This vegan soya protein Wellington with mushroom duxelle in flaky pastry is a good budget choice and cooks from frozen in 55 minutes. 4/5
ASDA – OMV! Whole No Turkey £5, 400g and OMV! and Veg Gravy, £2.50: Cooking from frozen in 45 minutes, this is an inexpensive standby to keep in case you have unexpected vegan visitors. 4/5
CO-OP – Irresistible Mushroom Wellington, 376g, £5: Tasty puff pastry parcels, packed with earthy mushrooms and an indulgently creamy sauce, have just enough wow factor. 4/5
MORRISONS – Mushroom, Spinach and Pinenut Mini Wellingtons, 410g, £5: These are the most luxurious by far. The meaty texture and mushroom flavour are spot on and the pastry is to die for. STAR BUY – 5/5
M&S – Vegetarian Nut Roast, 400g, £12.50: If nuts are your bag, this freezable roast for four is the one. It’s crammed with almonds, cashews, Brazils and pecans, then laden with cheese and cranberries. 4/5
CHEESE BOARD
STAR BUY: Waitrose’s Connoisseur’s Christmas Cheese Collection, £22 for 1.05kg
ALDI – Ultimate Cheese Selection Pack, 625g, £12.99: These five premium cheeses cover every base and are a steal. You get Cheddar, Gruyere, Montagnolo, Goat’s Cheese and Camembert. An all-rounder. 4/5
SAINSBURY’S – Cheesemonger Selection Board, 495g, £15: Five crowd-pleasing cheeses: Vintage Cheddar, Swiss Fior Delle Alpi, French Le Brie Roux and Bleu d’Auvergne, and a Dutch Gouda. 4/5
WAITROSE – Connoisseur’s Christmas Cheese Collection, 1.05kg, £22: Sumptuous selection of five cheeses in a smart gold box: Chaource, Comte, Blue Stilton, Cornish Quartz Cheddar and Vintage Smoked Red Fox. STAR BUY – 5/5
TESCO – Luxurious Cheese Selection, 565g, £8: Five rather underwhelming and predictable classics: French Brie, Wensleydale with Cranberry and Blueberry, Coastal Bite Chedar, Red Leicester and Blue Stilton. 3/5
LIDL – Premium Waxed Truckles, 200g, £2.49 each: Make your own cheese board with these festive waxed cheddar cheeses. Flavours include Black garlic and Balsamic Onion. A fun twist. 3/5
ASDA – Speciality Cheese Board, 375g, £10: Clever twist of tasting notes on the smart-looking box elevates this into an attractive gift. Includes four cheeses: Petit Grey, Bleu D’Affinois, Gouda and Swiss Gruyere. 4/5
CO-OP – British Cheese Selection Pack, 450g, £5: If you’re looking for five traditional cheeses, this is super. You get a Stilton, Brie, Mature Cheddar, Red Leicester and a Wensleydale with Cranberries. 4/5
MORRISONS – The Best Slate Cheese Board, 490g, £10: Five cheeses on a slate board offer exceptional value: a Barbers Cheddar, Brie, Blue Stilton, Red Fox Leicester and a Manchego Gran Reserva. 4/5
M&S – Ultimate Cheese Lovers 700g, £22.50: You can’t go wrong with these four generous slabs of Pave D’Affinois, Comte, Cropwell Bishop Blue Stilton and Cornish Cruncher. 4/5
MINCE PIES
STAR BUY: M&S’s Mince Pies, £4 for six
ALDI – All Butter Mince Pies, £2.29 for six: All-butter pastry and chunky mincemeat infused with brandy, port and cider, all lightly spiced with cinnamon and ginger, make these seriously grown-up pies. 4/5
SAINSBURY’S – Mince Pies, £1.99 for six: Huge pies are filled to the brim with a tasty mincemeat of apples, currants, sultanas and candied peel, infused with brandy. Sadly, the pastry is just too sweet. 3/5
WAITROSE – Brown Butter Mince Pies with Cognac, £4 for six: Bronzed pies don’t win on looks but the slightly savoury pastry is just right. The brandy-laced, apricot-infused mincemeat is rich with cherries and almonds. 4/5
TESCO – Four Rich Plum and Port Mince Pies, £3.50: Fans of plum jam will love these generously filled pies, which also have a warming glug of port and brandy. All encased in all-butter pastry. 4/5
LIDL – All Butter Mince Pies, £1.99 for six: These all-butter mince pies are prettily dusted with icing sugar. They are the cheapest we tried but still have a strongly boozy filling. 4/5
ASDA – Whisky, Fig and Spiced Honey Mince Pies, £2.50 for four: Spiced honey and fig are a cleverly festive addition to mincemeat. Delicious served warm with a dollop of fresh double cream. 4/5
CO-OP – Mince Pies, £2.75 for six (£2.50 for Co-Op members): Snowy coating of icing sugar on all-butter pastry encases delicious mincemeat, subtly flavoured with brandy and port. 4/5
MORRISONS – Deep Filled Mince Pies, £2.75 for six: Avoid serving these mince pies cold as the thick, chewy pastry and skimpy filling will leave your guests gasping for a drink of water. 3/5
M&S – Mince Pies, £4 for six: Perfect balance of subtly flavoured mince meat and delightfully crumbly pastry make these a standout buy. Topped with a shortcrust star and a sweet dusting. STAR BUY – 5/5
CHRISTMAS PUDDING
STAR BUY: Asda’s 12 Month Matured Luxury Christmas Pudding, £10 for 800g
ALDI – 24 Month Matured Christmas Pudding, 800g, £6.75. Serves 6: Two years’ maturation gives this pud an extra rich flavour from the rich treacle sponge to the tangy fruit. It’s fantastic value. 4/5
SAINSBURY’S – 18-Month Matured Christmas Pudding, 800g, £9. Serves 8: Laced with Cognac, this densely textured, fruity pudding has a strong syrupy flavour which will delight anyone with a really sweet tooth. 3/5
WAITROSE – 12 Month Matured Christmas Pudding, 800g, £7. Serves 8: Powerful citrus and a heady kick from the mixture of brandy, sherry, cider and rum make this one for the grown-ups. 4/5
TESCO – 12 Month Matured Christmas Pudding, 800g, £9. Serves 8: Crunchy almonds add a nice nutty bite to this boozy Christmas pudding, which is infused with sherry, brandy, Cognac and port. 4/5
LIDL – 30 Month Matured Christmas Pudding, 800g, £8.99. Serves 8: If you’re looking for nuts, this pudding – matured for 30 months and packed with walnuts and oak-aged Cognac – fits the bill. 4/5
ASDA – 12 Month Matured Luxury Christmas Pudding, 800g, £10. Serves 8: Moreishly sticky indulgent pudding bursting with cherries, citrus and crunchy almonds that will please the whole family. STAR BUY – 5/5
CO-OP – Richly Fruited Christmas Pudding, 100g, £2. Serves 1: Perfect for one, this moist pudding, with brandy, cider and rum, will please anyone looking for a lighter, less spicy sponge. 4/5
MORRISONS – Christmas Pudding, 400g, £5.50. Serves 4: Traditionally steamed and matured for 18 months, the moist sponge and a generous amount of fruit and nuts make this a great buy. 4/5
M&S – 12 Month Matured Christmas Pudding, 907g, £14. Serves 8: Biggest and booziest pud we tested, a little of this densely fruity pudding goes a very long way, making it better value than the price suggests. 4/5
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