In our expert Christmas pudding taste test, the panel awarded Best Buy status to luxury offerings from Sainsbury’s, Aldi and Tesco. How much would you spend on a Christmas pudding?
Christmas puddings from M&S and Waitrose, which were the most expensive in our blind taste test, came out bottom of the scoreboard. It seems that price doesn’t always reflect quality.
Our panel disliked the overly sweet and sticky texture of Waitrose’s cherry and almond topped Christmas pudding with edible glitter (£14.99 for 907g). But they really liked the ‘pleasant citrus notes’ and mellow alcohol flavour of the Tesco Finest Christmas Pudding with Courvoisier VS Cognac, which costs almost half as much (£7.99 for 907g).
Pudding the boat out
I spend Christmas Day with relatives and they serve Christmas lunch with lots of champagne, wine and other treats. My contribution for the day is always the Christmas pudding, so would it be acceptable for me to take a £7.99 one? Personally, I feel that I should spend a bit more to reflect what my hosts have spent.
Instead I’ve bought a luxury pudding from an artisan producer that cost around £25. Who knows if we’ll be able to tell the difference, but I’ll at least feel better about it.
If the shoe was on the other foot and I was hosting, I’d happily serve up a Best Buy pud and feel proud of my savings.
How much do you spend on a Christmas pudding? Do you make your own?
Does Christmas pudding feature on your festive menu?
Yes, I buy one (57%, 547 Votes)
Yes, I make my own (17%, 165 Votes)
No, I don't like it (16%, 157 Votes)
I don't know (5%, 49 Votes)
No, I don't celebrate Christmas (4%, 40 Votes)
Total Voters: 966
