Marks & Spencer has enjoyed the most success in an annual supermarket Christmas taste test, while Morrisons took first place in three coveted categories.
M&S came top in six of the Good Food test's 17 categories, including best turkey wreath, best ham and best Christmas pudding.
The judges described M&S Oakham's £50 Hot Maple Glazed Turkey Wreath as having a “hot, sticky, tangy maple glaze and a fruit-packed filling”, while joint winner Sainsbury's impressed the panel with its “spectacular” Taste the Difference Free-Range British Bronze Turkey Wreath with Stuffing pork, apricot, pear, cranberry and candied ginger which costs £22.75 per kg.
M&S also won best Christmas pudding with its 12-month matured Collection version with nuts and panettone, which costs £16 and is described as “delicious” with “lots of fruit and big chunks of nuts”.
Morrisons took five wins overall, including best spectacular dessert, best classic meat pie and best flavor for its Cherry Bakewell version, with the former featuring “smooth, buttery pastry” and a “juicy and citrusy filling, with a strong orange flavour”.
Tesco won the award for best pigs in blankets, while Lidl took the award for best trifle and Aldi triumphed alongside M&S for best smoked salmon.
Judges described Aldi's Specially Selected Salt Aged Himalayan Smoked Salmon, which costs £3.99, as “a great example of classic smoked salmon”, while the £6 M&S Collection Cherry and Chestnut Wood Smoked Salmon impressed with its “rich flavor and attractive darker color due to cherry and chestnut wood smoke”.
As well as being named joint winner of best turkey, Sainsbury's also scooped the award for best biscuit tin.
Some 13 supermarkets submitted a total of 185 of their best Christmas products in 17 categories to be blind tested by a panel of judges appointed by Good Food.
Good Food managing editor Lulu Grimes said: “This year's Christmas supermarket taste test shows you can enjoy a great festive range without breaking the bank.
“Supermarkets offer spectacular main courses and nostalgic puddings, saving time in the kitchen so you can focus on adding flair to your family's favorite Christmas recipes and creating your own precious food memories.”
Cassie Best, food director at Good Food, said: “Our Christmas starts in August when we try the hundreds of products entered and from then on the anticipation builds over who will make the winners' list.
“This year there was some serious competition between the 13 supermarkets taking part as they all offer a fabulous range of festive food.
“We're confident that our final list of winners showcases the best that supermarkets have to offer this season. Combining supermarket shopping with home-cooked dishes from our thoroughly tested Good Food Christmas recipes means everyone can enjoy a spectacular, affordable Christmas feast.”
