Marks & Spencer emerged as the top performer in the annual BBC Good Food Christmas dinner taste test, winning in six out of 17 categories. The supermarket excelled in various areas, such as the joint best turkey crown, best gammon, and best Christmas pudding.
The M&S Oakham hot maple-glazed turkey crown, priced at £50, received high praise from judges for its “sticky, peppery hot maple glaze and fruit-packed stuffing.” It shared the top spot with Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference British free-range bronze turkey crown, which impressed with its “golden, glossy glaze and crispy bacon.”
Additionally, M&S clinched the title for best Christmas pudding with its Collection 12-month matured version featuring pecans and panettone, described as “delicious” with an abundance of fruit and large nut chunks.
Among other winners, Morrisons secured first place in three categories, including best showstopper dessert and best flavored mince pie. Tesco took the crown for best pigs in blankets, Lidl won for best trifle, and Aldi shared the victory with M&S for best smoked salmon. A total of 185 Christmas products in 17 categories underwent rigorous testing.
Lulu Grimes, the managing editor at Good Food, highlighted that this year’s supermarket taste test showcased the ability to create a fantastic holiday spread without overspending. She emphasized the convenience of supermarket offerings in complementing homemade dishes for a memorable and affordable Christmas feast.
Cassie Best, head of food at Good Food, mentioned the intense competition among the 13 participating supermarkets, each offering a diverse range of festive foods. The final list of winners was carefully selected to represent the best offerings available this holiday season, emphasizing a blend of supermarket buys and homemade recipes for a spectacular dining experience.