Best Christmas puddings 2023: Where to buy your festive pud this year

Here's our tried and tested list of the best Christmas puddings to buy online this Christmas...

Close up of a Christmas pudding with holly on top
(Image credit: Getty Images)

From the best supermarket Christmas puddings including Iceland and Aldi to independent sellers like Cartwright & Butler, here are the best Christmas puddings for 2023 all tried and tasted by our expert Food Team.

As the festive season approaches, a wide range of store-bought Christmas puddings from supermarkets to micro-bakeries and independent shops will be available, and choosing just one can be a hard decision, especially when they all give Mary Berry's Christmas pudding a run for its money.

Our expert panel who tried and tested a range of Christmas foods, including Christmas puddings for 2023 are Group Food Director Jen Bedloe, Food Editor Jess Meyer, Deputy Food Editor Rose Fooks, Food Writer Amanda James, and Junior Food Writer Georgia Sparks. With years of experience and a vast amount of culinary expertise, this team is well-versed in identifying what really makes the best Christmas pudding.

So, if you’re after the best shop-bought Christmas pudding on the market then look no further. Whether you fancy a traditional Christmas pudding, a Christmas pudding with a twist, or one for a small gathering then we’ve got you covered. With Cartwright & Butler taking the top stop for the overall best Christmas pudding, Iceland taking the best supermarket Christmas pudding and Aldi being best value for money at under £10, there is certainly something for everyone.

It's not just Christmas pudding that we've taste-tested this year - have a browse through our expert picks for the best Christmas cake, best Christmas desserts, and best mince pies. We've even rounded up the best turkey on offer this year.

Recent updates

This article was updated on the 20th of December. We checked the prices of all the products featured in the article and updated some of the deals for accuracy.

Where to buy Christmas pudding for 2023

Best tried and tasted Christmas puddings

Why you can trust GoodtoKnow. Our experienced Consumer Editor & parent reviewers spend hours testing products to help you make the best choice. Find out how we test and review products.

1. Cartwright & Butler Traditional Christmas Pudding, 908g - View at Cartwright & Butler

1. Cartwright & Butler Traditional Christmas Pudding, 908g - View at Cartwright & Butler

Best Christmas pudding overall

RRP: £30 | Delivery: Same day delivery online between 6th-13th December | Available: Now online and in independent shops and luxury departments | Servings: 6-8

A traditional-tasting pudding rich in amaretto-soaked fruit, nuts, and spices. Sweet and salty with a pleasant aftertaste, a real warmth from the booze, but well balanced. This classic festive recipe would make a perfect centerpiece everyone will enjoy. 

Food Writer, Amanda James says: "Lovely hints of citrus fruits and zesty notes from start to finish. Subtle crunch from the nuts, a good amount of dried fruits, and not too oozy. Homemade rustic look, sweet and salty reminiscent of salted caramel but still classic Christmas pudding flavours.”


2. Iceland Luxury Matured Christmas Pudding, 400g - View at Iceland

2. Iceland Luxury Matured Christmas Pudding, 400g - View at Iceland

Best supermarket Christmas pudding

RRP: £2.25 | Delivery: Order online - The Food Warehouse and in-store | Available: Now | Servings: 4

A rich and juicy fruit pudding with a classic dome shape. Packed with cider, brandy, almonds, cognac, sherry, rum, almonds, walnuts, and pecans. A boozy classic Christmas pudding with a glossy finish, great for a traditional flame. If you’re a fan of nuts in your pud, this one is for you.

Group Food Editor, Jess Meyer says: "A great classic pud. Good size with a lovely dome shape. The dark colour and shiny finish turned out neatly. A strong caramel flavour with a good spice level. Not overly boozy but a good one for lighting. Nice mix of fruit and almonds.”


3. Holland & Barret Christmas Pudding, 454g - View at Holland & Barrett  **SOLD OUT ONLINE, INSTORE ONLY*

3. Holland & Barret Christmas Pudding, 454g - View at Holland & Barrett  **SOLD OUT ONLINE, INSTORE ONLY*

Best vegan Christmas pudding

RRP: £10 | Delivery: Available in select stores and online | Available: Now | Servings: 2-4

A well-balanced, warming, and gently spiced free-from Christmas pudding. Bursting with fruit, a note of citrus, and soaked in brandy and gluten-free ale including berries, currants, and figs. If you’re after a great vegan Christmas pudding or a pudding that isn’t too boozy then give this one a go.

Food Writer, Amanda James says: "Crunchy and not too sweet. Loved the citrusy flavour in this vegan pudding. It wasn't too boozy and had a lovely shape”


4. Aldi Specially Selected 18-Month Matured Christmas Pudding, 400g - View at Aldi 

4. Aldi Specially Selected 18-Month Matured Christmas Pudding, 400g - View at Aldi 

Best Christmas pudding under £10

RRP: £3.99 | Delivery: Instore | Available: Now | Servings: 4

A perfect dome-shaped Christmas pudding that held well together when cooked. Made with cider, French brandy, glacé cherries, and sherry, this pudding isn’t too boozy or sweet. Just the right amount of fruit, a great deep colour, and a lovely texture. Packed with nuts, on the crunchier side.

Deputy Food Editor, Rose Fooks says: "Very moist, lovely dome shape. Rich flavour with a warming boozy kick. Plump and juicy fruit with almonds.”


5. Abel & Cole Luxury Organic Christmas Pudding, 900g - View at Abel & Cole 

5. Abel & Cole Luxury Organic Christmas Pudding, 900g - View at Abel & Cole 

Best traditional Christmas pudding

RRP: £17.95 | Delivery: Nationwide order online | Available: Now | Servings: 8

If you’re fond of tradition then this could be the one for you. Boil on the stove for a classic method that gives a moist texture and plump fruity finish. Packed with organic dried fruits and a glug of brandy, then wrapped in muslin for an extra traditional look.

Deputy Food Editor, Rose Fooks says: “A tall dome pleasing shape filled with dried fruit and candied peel. It can't be microwaved, but we'll forgive this as it was a sensational flavour. Slightly more cakey than others we tasted but light and fluffy. Light on the spice and not too boozy, this would benefit from a flaming.”


6. Fitzbillies Christmas Pudding, 560g - View at Fitzbillies

6. Fitzbillies Christmas Pudding, 560g - View at Fitzbillies

Best artisanal Christmas pudding

RRP: £17 | Delivery: Nationwide delivery | Available: Now | Servings: 6

Traditional Christmas pudding made by hand and steamed overnight gives this pudding an inviting golden hue. Not as many fruits as the others but with apples and figs this gives a lighter colour. Lightly spiced and a welcoming slosh of brandy, this was similar to a figgy pudding.

Junior Food writer Georgia Sparks says: "Great sized pudding, lightly spic with less fruit, more sponge pudding but a lovely buttery texture. A great all-rounder and for those that aren't huge fans of Christmas pudding.”


7.  Tesco Finest Black Forest Christmas Pudding, 800g - View at Tesco

7.  Tesco Finest Black Forest Christmas Pudding, 800g - View at Tesco

Best alternative Christmas pudding

RRP: £12 | Delivery: Order online and instore | Available: Now | Servings: 8

A rich and decadent Christmas pudding drawing inspiration from the timeless black forest recipe. Moist and packed with Belgian chocolate chunks, candied cherries, and a dash of kirsch. Adorned with candied cherries and almonds coated in golden syrup glaze. On the sweeter side and reminiscent of a chocolate cake, this is a great option for those not keen on Christmas pud but still want tradition.

Group Food Editor, Jen Bedloe says: "An alternative to the usual pud with an almost brownie cake texture. Delicious and chocolatey, nice for something different especially with the jewel topping making it look very festive.” 


8. Vivek Singh’s Garam Masala Christmas Pudding, The Cinnamon Club, 900g - View at The Cinnamon Club

8. Vivek Singh’s Garam Masala Christmas Pudding, The Cinnamon Club, 900g - View at The Cinnamon Club

Best blow the budget Christmas pudding

RRP: £55 | Delivery: Online at The Cinnamon Collection online shop | Available: Now | Servings: 8-12

Add some spice to this season's festivities with this seriously different Christmas pudding. Generously spiced from garam Masala and a special in-house recipe. This pudding has a lovely warm spice and welcoming fragrance offering an extra layer of flavour, This is more like a steamed pudding meets a figgy pudding with the traditional brandy and zesty fruits. 

Group Food Director Jen Bedloe says: "A really unusual Christmas pudding with cardamom being the prominent spice. A great pud if you want something a little different. Very Moreish.”


9. Rick Stein Christmas Pudding, 907g - View at Rick Stein

9. Rick Stein Christmas Pudding, 907g - View at Rick Stein

Best artisanal Christmas pudding

RRP: £25 | Delivery: Order online via Rick Stein website | Available: Now | Servings: 8

Fruity Christmas pudding with a rich figgy flavour. Lovely hint of rum and is packed with fruit and nuts. This Christmas pudding is produced with their special recipe then wrapped in muslin and placed in a bespoke presentation box.

Food Writer, Amanda James says: "A lovely traditional shape, a delicate hit of booze in the middle, crunchy with figs and nuts, not too sweet and resembling more of a figgy pudding than Christmas pudding flavours.”


10. Cartwright & Butler Christmas Pudding with Marzipan Center, 454g - View at Cartwright & Butler *OUT OF STOCK*

10. Cartwright & Butler Christmas Pudding with Marzipan Center, 454g - View at Cartwright & Butler *OUT OF STOCK*

Best Christmas pudding for small gatherings

RRP: £26 | | Delivery: Same day delivery online between 6th-13th December | Available: Now online and in independent shops and luxury departments | Servings: 2-4

A great-sized pudding with flavours and inspiration of a Christmas cake, rich in dried and candied fruits, festive spices, and nuts. A welcoming addition of marzipan in the middle and topped with crunchy almonds. If you love marzipan and a sweet flavour pudding then this could be the one for you.

Group Food Editor Jess Meyer says: "Pretty with the almonds on top and a nice golden colour (not too dark). The marzipan center is a nice surprise but makes it tricky to slice. Great when served a little cold."

Best Christmas puddings from last year

1. Sherry & Cognac Infused Christmas Pudding, 800g - View at Booths

1. Sherry & Cognac Infused Christmas Pudding, 800g - View at Booths

Best Christmas pudding

RRP: £13 | Delivery: Collection only | Available: Now

The traditional flavour was complimented by large pieces of vine fruits, glace cherries, almonds, and pecans. Suitable for microwaving or traditional steaming on the hob, this pudding is suitable for vegetarians as it uses vegetable suet. Plus, if you’re a Booths Cardholder you can save £1 on the price of the pud so it will only cost £11.95.  

Deputy Food Editor Rose Fooks says: "I just love the satisfyingly round shape of this pud. If you’re not daring enough to set it alight we recommend sticking a sparkler in the top for some tabletop theatre. 


2. Extra Special 9 Month Matured Luxury Christmas Pudding, 800g - View at Asda

2. Extra Special 9 Month Matured Luxury Christmas Pudding, 800g - View at Asda

Best Christmas pudding under £10

RRP: £8 | Delivery: Book a slot and choose a day | Available: Order now

Judges praised the texture of this pudding and many noted the moist sponge and rich flavour.  

Food Editor Jess Meyer says; "It’s gooey, smooth, and sticky with a warming festive flavour throughout. There is a good distribution of fruit and balanced spices. The look of this pudding is attractive and tempting - you want to grab a fork and get stuck in."


3. Morrisons The Best Christmas Pudding, 800g - View at Morrisons

3. Morrisons The Best Christmas Pudding, 800g - View at Morrisons

Runner up: Best Christmas pudding under £10

RRP: £8 | Delivery: Book a slot and choose a day | Available: Order now

The texture of this pudding is chewy which is likely thanks to the rich fruit content. It was a good size but didn’t come out of its mould as well as other puds so keep this in mind when turning yours onto a plate. Unlike the Extra Special 9-month Matured Luxury Christmas pudding from Asda, which has three different alcohols in the recipe, this pud has four. There’s cider, rum, and sherry in the main sponge and then it is matured with Cognac for 18 months to intensify the flavours.

Deputy Food Editor Rose Fooks says: "This pudding is boozetastic. It has lots of flavour in every mouthful and is a wonderful warming option this Christmas."


4. Collections Twelve Month Matured Christmas Pudding, 907g - View at Ocado

4. Collections Twelve Month Matured Christmas Pudding, 907g - View at Ocado

Best boozy Christmas pudding 

RRP: £10.40 | Delivery: Book a slot and choose a day | Available: Now

Standing tall and proud, judges loved the shape of this pud and said it would be a fantastic choice for those who light their puddings. Described as a boozy, classic in flavour and at first glance, this pud could be pulled off as homemade as it has a rustic charm.

Food Editor Jess Meyer says: "The crumbs are a little sticky in texture but many people like this and a good drizzle of double cream would balance the mouthfeel. This pudding has nice orange notes and baby it’s boozy. If you like them strong, this is the one for you."


5. 12-month matured Christmas Pudding, 100g - View at Waitrose & Partners

5. 12-month matured Christmas Pudding, 100g - View at Waitrose & Partners

Best Christmas pudding for one

RRP: £1.87 | Delivery: Book a slot and choose a day | Available: Order now

The texture of this pudding was a little smooth for some but if you prefer your pud without big chunks of pudding this is a good option for you. It has notes of orange and other traditional flavours including mixed spice and brandy. 

Senior Food Writer Jessica Ransom says: "There is a decadent mix of nuts with pecans and almonds both in the mix which offer a wholesome rich undertone. This individual pudding is dainty and quick to cook with microwaving being the most efficient choice."


How did we test the best Christmas puddings?

The puddings were prepared according to the instructions provided on the packaging at the Future's Test Kitchen, located at the Testing Centre of Excellence in Winnersh, Reading.

To maintain a fair and unbiased assessment, the puddings were not served with extra booze or flamed, and they were served plain, without any cream, butter, or custard.

On the day of testing, judges were sent an anonymous detailed spreadsheet where they recorded observations and tasting notes. Specifically, judges were tasked with providing feedback on the pudding's appearance, flavour, and texture. Judges assigned a rating on a scale of one to five, with one indicating poor quality and five representing the best.

When evaluating the Christmas puddings, judges placed a strong emphasis on a moist sponge, distribution of fruit, level of booze, and even the colour of the puddings.

Many judges preferred when fruits were visibly present, traditional flavours came through, a decent hit of booze, and an overall classic taste and look. They also evaluated the pudding's shape and its visual appeal. This included factors such as its glossiness, glazes, and sauces.

Meet the experts: Tried and tasted by...

Profile picture of Jen Bedloe
Jen Bedloe

An experienced recipe writer, editor, and food stylist, Jen is Group Food Director at Future plc where she oversees the food content across the women’s lifestyle group, including Woman & Home, Women’s Weekly, Woman, Woman’s Own, Chat, Goodto.com, and womanandhome.com. Jen studied Communications at Goldsmiths, then landed her first job in media working for Delia Smith’s publishing company on Sainsbury’s magazine. Jen honed her practical skills by combining courses at Leith’s cookery school with time spent in the test kitchen testing recipes and assisting food stylists on photoshoots. 

Profile picture of Jess Meyer
Jess Meyer

Jess is a Food Editor at Future plc, working across brands in the woman’s lifestyle group, including Woman & Home, Woman’s Weekly, Woman, Woman’s Own, Chat, womanandhome.com, and Goodto.com. An experienced recipe writer, food stylist, and home economist, Jess honed her skills in print and digital food media, working with well-known brands such as Great British Bake Off, Tastemade US and UK, and Slimming World to name a few. 

Amanda James
Amanda James

Amanda has clocked up experience in both digital and print working at brands including Olive, ASDA Good Living, and Ocado becoming an expert food and recipe writer, reviewer, and tester. At Future Plc Amanda has a busy schedule having taken on the health and Christmas specials. With a savoury tooth and discerning palate, Amanda enjoys testing the main categories, but secretly she loves a dessert with a novel twist, such as the Smash Nose Snowman Cheesecake from Tesco.

Rose Fooks profile photo
Rose Fooks

Rose Fooks is Deputy Food Editor at Future plc, creating recipes, reviewing products, and writing food features for a range of lifestyle and home titles including GoodTo, Woman’s Weekly, and Woman & Home. Our resident baking expert, Rose has a Diplome de Patisserie and Culinary Management at London’s Le Cordon Bleu. Her favourite time of year is Christmas as she loves nothing more than creating elaborate edible centerpieces such as her Gingerbread Cuckoo Clock to wow friends and family. 

Profile picture of Georgia Sparks
Georgia Sparks

Georgia Sparks is the brains behind the taste tests, calling in products and liaising with suppliers as well as managing a team of assistants to make sure all the products are ready for each tasting session. Georgia is the Junior Food Writer in the Food Team at Future Plc, and when the Christmas madness subsides she is typically found in the kitchen developing and testing recipes as well as assisting on shoots or writing food features for Chat magazine. 

Are shop-bought Christmas puddings already cooked?

Store-bought Christmas puddings have usually been cooked but just require reheating before serving. This reheating can be done by either boiling the pudding in a pot of water on the stove or using a microwave.

In the traditional preparation of a Christmas pudding, it is typical to cook it twice. Initially, often well in advance of Christmas, the pudding is steamed. Later, when it is ready to be served, the Christmas pudding is reheated. The reason for cooking the Christmas pudding ahead of time is to allow the flavours to mature, enhancing the pudding's deliciousness on the big day.

Can you reheat a shop-bought Christmas pudding?

Store-bought Christmas pudding is typically best enjoyed when heated for the first time. However, if you have leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave or the oven. Keep in mind that reheating Christmas pudding a second time can result in a somewhat rubbery and even a slightly tough texture. You can also use leftover Christmas pudding to make cake pops, add to a brownie mixture, or whip up festive ice cream.

To reheat, cover the Christmas pudding and put on a microwavable plate. Heat on high until piping hot, approximately 2-3 mins, depending on how much is left. Or heat the oven to 130C Fan/Gas 2 cover and bake for around 45 mins until hot through.

Can you get Christmas pudding without alcohol?

There are many free-from options available that still offer a traditional, Christmas pudding taste and appearance. You can find these in major supermarkets and online including Waitrose and Ocado.

What is a non-alcoholic substitute for brandy in Christmas pudding?

You can easily change the alcohol in your Christmas pudding to apple or orange juice or brewed tea such as Darjeeling.

How do you light a Christmas pudding?

Gently warm a small pan until the alcohol is hot. Remove from the heat, and quickly but carefully pour over the warm Christmas pudding. Carefully and swiftly ignite the alcohol using a lighter or match. Tilt the serving plate to one side, and gently, use a spoon to return any excess alcohol back onto the pudding.

For those of you looking for more Christmas inspiration, take a look at our roundup of the best Christmas food hampers for 2023 - highly rated by our Food Editor, Jessica. 

Not sure what to do with leftover Christmas pudding - how about making our Christmas crumble or you could try making Christmas pudding ice cream.

Explore More
Amanda James
Food Writer

Amanda has clocked up experience in both digital and print working at brands including Olive, ASDA Good Living, and Ocado becoming an expert food and recipe writer, reviewer, and tester. At Future Plc Amanda has a busy schedule having taken on the health and Christmas specials. With a savoury tooth and discerning palate, Amanda enjoys testing the main categories, but secretly she loves a dessert with a novel twist, such as the Smash Nose Snowman Cheesecake from Tesco.