Mince Pie Fest 2025: The Winner!

Okay then, I'm ready to call it. I've tested almost every nationally-available mince pie -- not the Bastard Kipling; I will, but they are never much good -- and so I can say with confidence that the best mince pie is...

Oh crap, it's a three way tie.

Time for a second round!

Iceland's filling is lovely and warming, with a citrusy punch, but both Asda and COOP have more complex and interesting flavours. COOP has stronger flavours, but one of those flavours is cherries, and I've never much liked cherries. Asda, on the other hand, has more spices and a better overall balance.

Asda's pastry is the better of the three. It's perhaps a bit sweeter than I'd normally like, but it works well with the filling, and the crumbly but firm texture is beautiful.

In truth, you can't go far wrong with any of these mince pies, but if I have to pick -- and this whole exercise rather suggests that I do -- I pick Asda as the winner.

(Cheers, applause, etc)

#MincePieFest2025 #MincePieADay

(If you'd like to support this absurd but apparently popular exercise in increasing the size of my waistline then donations are gratefully accepted at Ko-fi.)