The woman&home Christmas Food Awards 2026 - tried and tested by our celebrity judges

Like many of you, we think Christmas really is the most magical time of the year, and nothing brings the season to life quite like amazing food. Whether you’re planning the works for a big family feast, a cosier festive lunch or a full-on Christmas party, this is the moment to go all out.

But with supermarket shelves packed with new launches and limited-edition treats, it can be tricky to know what’s actually worth popping in your trolley. That’s where the woman&home Festive Food Awards come in. We’ve done the tasting (and the debating!) so you can shop with confidence and serve only the best this Christmas.

Over the past few months, hundreds of products have landed in our Test Kitchen for judging. Our food team, who between them have years of cooking, tasting and creating under their belts, sampled everything blind and prepared exactly as the makers intended. From melt-in-the-mouth mince pies to the ultimate pigs in blankets, every product had to earn its place on our winners list.

So whether you’re after the best of the best for your festive spread or just a little inspiration, consider this your ultimate Christmas shopping guide from our table to yours.

Our judges

The tasting took place at the woman&home Test Kitchen in Winnersh, our foodie HQ, where plenty of lively discussions and second helpings decided this year’s champions.

This year our testing was even more rigorous, thanks to our guest judges. TV Presenter Ruth Langsford, entrepreneur Sara Davies, Chefs Nathan Outlaw and Theo Randall, recipe developer Eleanor Wilkinson, Decanter Editor Amy Wislocki, best-selling authors, and w&h columnists, Kathy Lette and Dr Amir Khan.

Our panel also included Group Food Director Jen Bedloe, Food Editor Jess Meyer, Acting Deputy Food Editor Nicola Roberts, Food Writer Lucy Kirkpatrick and Food Assistant Johanna Mentel - all equally passionate about finding those stand-out products that will make your Christmas meals unforgettable.

The best Christmas food 2026

Best mince pies

A traditional looking pie, with a pleasant boozy filling and gorgeously crumbly finish, these Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference All Butter Mince Pies are a great value option for any Christmas occasion. Jen said 'These nostalgic pies are everything you want in a mince pie, wonderfully buttery pastry paired with juicy, boozy vine fruits.'

These were a firm favourite picked by Ruth Langsford, “This has a lovely salted butter flavour”, she told us. The spiced orange crumble topping and matured vintage mincemeat won us all over. Judges thought these were well worth the price, which includes delivery and beautiful packaging.

Handcrafted in their Harrogate bakery, these mince pies are proper old fashioned. Rich, fruity, and decadent all-butter pastry with a sweet frangipane topping. Plus, the pretty packaging makes these a lovely gift too. Nicola said 'These mince pies are delicious. The addition of frangipane adds a lovely texture too.'

Biscuity textured all-butter pastry tarts with a superb topping. Jen's verdict? “These mince pies have a wonderfully artisanal-looking finish, the glossy fruit and nuts give a really beautiful effect”. They eat well straight from the pack, but really shine when warmed.

Don’t let dietary requirements keep you from enjoying mince pies! With biscuity pastry and satisfyingly spiced mincemeat, these dairy, gluten and nut- free mince pies are great with a cuppa. Warm them up to enhance the flavour. Lucy commented, 'These mince pies are the closest you can get to the real deal, the pastry and filling are far nicer than others we tried'.

Best Christmas cake

Handmade in the Cotswolds, this wonderfully festive cake selected by Eleanor Wilkinson has perfectly balanced flavours with a subtle marzipan hit. With plump vine fruits soaked in French brandy and a generous helping of nuts. Once matured, this cake is finished with a royal icing in perfect ratio to the cake - you’ll be going in for seconds. This also comes with a keepsake tin, perfect for stashing some away before guests arrive.

Best Christmas pudding

This supermarket pud won over Chef Nathan Outlaw, “This Christmas I’ll be eating this one!” Infused with cider, rum AND sherry (yes, you read that correctly!), this pudding has a deliciously tender texture. Abundantly packed with plump fruits and matured for 18 months in cognac, it's definitely on the boozier side, but the judges all loved it.

Gluten-free eaters won’t be missing out with this winning alternative. Nathan Outlaw said, “With good fruit content, this one’s nicely tender, not as tough as other gluten free options”. Matured for 6 months and jam-packed with lots of plump fruits it had plenty of flavour. The presentation of this single-serve pud also impressed judges.

This smooth, rich and silky pannacotta is adorned with a refreshing and nostalgic clementine jelly. Satisfying but light enough to follow a big roast… and a joy to unmold. Nicola said ‘This eye-catching pudding makes a great centrepiece, the vibrant jelly and creamy pannacotta are such a delicious combination!’

Layers of gluten free sponge sandwiched together with a biscuitty buttercream, this beautifully spiced, light and fluffy, dessert had a lovely hit of ginger that balanced out the sweetness. Jess said “This tastes like a gingerbread latte in cake-form”

A great twist on a classic, this fun take on the classic Christmas bake impressed judges. A lover of yule logs, Dr Amir Khan was won over by the crunchy milk chocolate layer and decadent, but not too sweet, white chocolate frosting. He said, ‘On a table full of other desserts, this will really stand out.”

Best turkeys

Even with minimal prep and basting, this bird produced a juicy showstopper to feed a crowd. It was a clear winner with Editor Hannah Fernando and Ruth Langsford, who commended the exceptional flavour and wonderfully crispy skin. Ruth Langsford said, “The flavour of turkey is much stronger on this one than its competitors”.

Slow cooked and double butter basted, this juicy turkey makes a fail-safe option for a smaller gathering. This will easily serve 6 with plenty of leftovers for Boxing Day sandwiches. It’s gloriously juicy, with well-seasoned stuffing and a tasty jus. Jess said ‘This easy-to-cook turkey removes a lot of guesswork from the cooking, the tender meat is so delicious!’

This superb centrepiece couldn’t be easier. The fat layer bastes the meat as it cooks for perfectly tender meat, and a rich sauce makes use of delicious roasting juices. Johanna said ‘This succulent rib of beef really takes on the richness of the bone marrow, if you don't have turkey with Christmas dinner try this instead!’

Easy to prep yet seriously impressive, judges commended the beautiful, even marbling and robust meaty flavour. It boasts a delicious outer crust for people who prefer their meat well done, and a tender blush centre - a slice for every taste! Jen said 'Succulent and tender, this flavoursome meat melts in your mouth and would make a great addition to your Christmas table'.

Best alternative mains

This lobster is real luxury at an excellent price point. Sumptuous and meaty, with a generous flavoured butter that melts and bastes the lobster as it cooks. We polished off the lot. Lucy said “I’d be happy with just that on Christmas Day!”

Wonderfully juicy with a festive finish. The citrus and herb glaze chimes well with the fish and would stand up to classic sides on the big day, or as part of a buffet. Jess said ‘The orange and cranberry butter complements the smokiness of the salmon beautifully, I would have this again!’

The golden pastry and lattice finish make this veggie main centrepiece-worthy. Not only does it look beautiful, it also adds a nice crunch around the soft filling. Nicola said, ‘The sweet butternut squash works so well with the earthy flavour of the lentils.’ Served with a savoury gravy, this will go down a treat.

Best starters

Wonderfully buttery pastry encases a luxurious filling made up of haddock, salmon and king prawns, all coated in an indulgent Cheddar and Parmesan sauce. Jess said ‘These tartlets will make an impressive start to any festive meal. Serve with some lightly dressed greens for a pop of colour’.

Whether you’re serving this for breakfast with bagels and cream cheese or as a starter, this well-balanced smoked salmon impressed all the judges. Jen said ‘The honey-mustard and dill sauce complements the salmon beautifully. The thickness of the slices will make this easy to serve too'

Best side dishes

Made using prime cuts of British pork, judges enjoyed the delicious sweet and savoury contrast of this stuffing. Flecked with generous nibs of chestnut and apple pieces throughout. Lucy said ‘This bakes up a treat and has a crisp and sticky outside, which I think is the best bit!'

Packed with plenty of flavour, these perfectly seasoned sausages are wrapped in demerera and salt cured rashers, the combination of smoky and sweet was a big hit with the judges. Jess said 'These pigs in blankets are perfect for your Christmas dinner. The slightly sweet bacon and savoury sausage taste wonderful together.'

Save on oven space and time, these goose fat roasties could easily pass as homemade. Nicola said, 'these potatoes are well seasoned, gloriously fluffy inside and have an even crispy finish’. Cook them in a large tray, then jazz them up with some chopped rosemary or a dusting of truffle salt.

Even sprout-sceptics might be swayed to give them a try. This classic combination boasts green and glossy sprouts with a delicious buttery flavour. Johanna said, ‘The salty pancetta and herby butter help perfectly complement the sprouts, I’d have these with my Christmas dinner!’Plus, the convenient microwave cooking frees up oven and hob space.

Best sauces

Rich and glossy, these perfectly seasoned gravies have plenty of flavour. Made from slow-cooked broths, organic herbs and a splash of wine. Jen said ‘This tastes just as good as homemade, but saves you the work.’ Ideal for pouring over your Christmas roast, you can never have too much!

Whether you’re serving this with your cheeseboard or saving it for your Boxing Day turkey sarnie, this Christmas chutney goes with just about anything. Made up of cranberries, pomegranates, dates, apricots and spices, Lucy said 'This tastes like Christmas in a jar!'

Best party food

A very generous helping of king prawns, sandwiched between crisp sesame-crusted toast. Served with a zesty ponzu and lime dip for the perfect party bite. Jess said ‘These have such a good amount of prawns in every mouthful, the dip adds a refreshing, zesty kick’.

These striking gyoza are a deliciously satisfying two-bite nibble, with a generous filling of prawn, basa and veggies with flavours of sweet basil and fragrant chilli. Served with a tasty dipping sauce, Johanna said ‘I really like the tri-colour effect on these gyoza, it will add a pop of colour to your Christmas buffet’.

This inspired selection shows off some of Yorkshire’s finest cheeses. It comes with everything you need to make an impressive spread, including a delicious blossom honey and crackers. Jen said: “We love this celebration of regional cheesemaking, with fun accoutrements”.

There’s something for everyone in this adventurous yet familiar selection of fine British cheeses. Made up of Baron Bigod, Colston Bassett Stilton, Quicke’s Mature Cheddar, Kirkham’s Lancashire, Little Rollright, Dorstone. Lucy said, 'Every one of these British cheeses adds something to the selection, ideal for after Christmas dinner or Boxing Day grazing'

Best seasonal snack

Infused with roasted coffee, rum and topped with a layer of white chocolate, judges enjoyed this wonderfully crumbly fudge with a trendy flavour twist. Sara Davies praised the flavour and beautiful packaging of this gift-worthy sweet treat.

Handmade in small batches, these biscotti are flecked with orange and dark chocolate. Perfect for dunking in your afternoon cuppa. Sara Davies said “these are perfectly crumbly, with pistachios that add just enough flavour without overpowering it.”

Featuring a delicate chocolate shell surrounding a velvety brandy centre, our tasting panel really enjoyed these. Sara Davies agreed, praising the truffles for their flavour and innovation.

Sara loves a crinkle cut crisp, and these won her over in an instant. Thanks to deep, crunchy ridges every bite had a serious punch of the rich and savoury seasoning. Nicola said 'These are so addictive! They'd make the ultimate festive snack to set out for guests.'

Best Christmas Hamper

Choose from a selection of curated hampers, or build your own from their wide range of foodie treats. The selection of premium ingredients, snacking items, drinks and charcuterie on offer is sure to please any foodie.