Best Christmas puddings supermarket 2023

Score: 86/100

With its beautiful jewelled fruit topping, our winning Christmas pudding is ultra-traditional. Pops of candied orange peel add interest to the moist, sweetly spiced dough and there’s a strong brandy presence too.

Score: 83/100

Made with plump vine fruit, cream, pecans and a generous splash of cognac, our runner-up Christmas pudding has been matured for an entire year to develop its rich, rounded flavour. Citrus, cinnamon and ginger brings out a sweet marmalade flavour our panel loved.

Score: 82/100

Tesco’s take on the traditional dessert has an intense boozy kick, thanks to a combination of brandy, cider, sherry and port, so it’s best saved for grown-ups! It’s packed with flavour, from rich vine fruit to sweet molasses and light spice.

Score: 81/100

Not only is this fruity pudding bursting with brandy and cognac, gigantic juicy raisins and whole almonds, but it is also hand-wrapped in a beautiful tea towel, making it a lovely gift for that hard-to-buy-for foodie on your list.

Score: 81/100

Testers felt that this premium pud from Sainsbury’s had a homemade feel, thanks to plump sultanas, raisins and currants. Overall, you can expect a well-balanced level of brown sugar sweetness which creates a comforting flavour, just ready for a dollop of fresh cream.

Available TBC

Score: 76/100

If budget is front of mind this year, Co-op is your best bet for a great value pudding. It’s not overly sweet, so would benefit from a splash of brandy cream; however, the panel enjoyed the long-lasting spice, chunky nuts and light alcohol note.

Score: 74/100

Aldi’s 18-month matured pud has a deep molasses-like sweetness, but it was the flavour of the vine fruit that dominated each bite. The sponge is lovely and rich, with alcohol adding depth and complexity, although some would have liked to taste a touch more spice.

Score: 73/100

If time isn’t on your side, allow Meg Rivers to step in — each of its Christmas puddings is handmade and packed with flavour. Packed with brandy, apple chunks and fresh oranges and lemons for an extra zesty hit, it was the cloves that most noticeably lingered on the palate, for a proper spicy finish.

Score: 72/100

Described as rich, nutty and zesty, you can expect syrupy sweetness and crunchy toasted nuts in every bite of this posh pud. It’s deliciously indulgent, so you should find that a little slice is enough to sate your appetite!

Score: 72/100

Uplifting citrus is the star of the show in Cartwright & Butler’s traditional suet-like sponge pudding. A touch of salt adds a slightly savoury element to the spicy dried fruit, which avoids this moreish bake from becoming too sweet.

Score: 70/100

This organic pud is packed with plump vine fruit, rum and stout. Testers found it beautifully balanced, with cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger working in harmony. Candied citrus peel adds freshness, the chopped nuts ensure an interesting and varied bite, and the soft sponge is wonderfully moist.

Score: 70/100

Containing brandy-soaked cherries and cooking spices, Morrisons gets the festive flavour spot on here. Expect moist fruit and a mild, honeyed sweetness, coupled with tangy candied peel and warming alcohol.

Score: 70/100

With a nod to its Yorkshire heritage, Betty’s includes a glug of local ale in its classic Christmas pudding recipe. Testers thought it struck the perfect balance of sweet and savoury, with zesty citrus coming to the fore and a lick of ginger on the finish.