Best mince pies for 2023 tried and tested: Sainsbury’s, M&S and more

Here are the best mince pies to buy for 2023. All of these have been tried and tested by our team of food experts...

Stacked mince pies dusted with icing sugar
(Image credit: Getty Images)

We've tried and tasted a whole range of shop-bought mince pies this year so you don't have to. From M&S to Morrisons, from Bettys to Fitzbillies, here are the food experts favourites.

With a wide range of shop-bought mince pies available in the lead-up to Christmas both in stores and online, it becomes challenging to determine which ones truly stand out as the best mince pies for this year. In our annual Christmas foods taste test, we evaluated a range of independent and supermarket shop-bought mince pies. Most mince pies were conveniently offered in either a 4 or 6-packet or box, and the majority were available for purchase online.

Our expert panel who tried and tested the mince pies included 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 makes the best mince pies.

The selection of this year's top-rated mince pies features the best supermarket mince pies including Sainsbury's, M&S, and Morrisons, as well as homemade bakeries such as Bettys, Rosebud Preserves, and Fitzbillies. Earning the most points and taking the top spot for the best mince pie in 2023 was Bettys. These mince pies stood out from the rest with a generous and traditional filling and super buttery pastry. Alongside Morrisons, who scooped the top spot for the best supermarket mince pies.

We’ve also rated various other Christmas foods in our annual taste tests including the best turkey, the best Christmas cake, and the best Christmas puddings, so save time and make light work this year, as they will be a treat over the festive season. You might also like our pick of the best Christmas desserts.

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 mince pies for 2023

Best tried and tasted mince pies

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.  Bettys Classic Mince Pies, Box of 12 - View at Bettys *OUT OF STOCK*

1.  Bettys Classic Mince Pies, Box of 12 - <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=12011&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bettys.co.uk%2Fclassic-mince-pies-box-of-12" data-link-merchant="bettys.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View at Bettys *OUT OF STOCK*

Best mince pies overall

RRP: £18 | Delivery: Order online or in any of the 5 Yorkshire Bettys stores | Available: From 17th October | Servings: 12

The 2023 winner of the best Christmas mince pies category was Bettys Classic Mince Pies. These mince pies are freshly baked to order through the festive season. Filled with their own homemade special mincemeat recipe, packed with vine fruits, golden cherries, almonds, and seasonal spices all soaked in brandy and matured to perfection. Finally, encased in an all-butter pastry decorated with extra pastry and gifted in a box.

Food Writer, Amanda James says: "This was a standout mince pie for me, a more than generous portion of filling, with notes of sweet cherries, subtle spices, and a decent soaking of booze. The overall bake was spot on, they were perfectly matured and the pastry was super buttery.”


2. &nbsp;Rosebud Preserves Mince Pies, 400g - View at Rosebud Preserves *OUT OF STOCK*

2.  Rosebud Preserves Mince Pies, 400g - <a href="https://rosebudpreserves.co.uk/mince-pies" data-link-merchant="rosebudpreserves.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View at Rosebud Preserves *OUT OF STOCK*

Best mince pie, runner-up

RRP: £12 | Delivery: Order online, free delivery over £25 | Available: From 1st November | Servings: 8

A successful family-run business in Yorkshire, Rosebud Preserves was a close contender for the top spot. Handcrafted using organic ingredients, filled to the brim with Rosebuds well-balanced boozy almond and orange mincemeat, and wrapped in an all-butter crumbly pastry. Homemade and great served warm. We liked these mince pies because they were traditional with a slight twist, and topped with sugar, adding a lovely crunch.

Food Editor Jess Meyer says: "Generously filled with a rustic look that makes them feel handmade. Buttery, crumbly pastry, and a very subtle spice level. If you're looking to pass one off as homemade, these are a real winner. Nice cold, but even better warm." 

3. Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Cherry &amp; Kirsch Mince Pies, 230g - View at Sainsbury's&nbsp;

3. Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Cherry & Kirsch Mince Pies, 230g - <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sainsburys.co.uk%2Fgol-ui%2Fproduct%2Fsainsburys-cherry-kirsch-mince-pies-taste-the-difference-x4&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - sainsburys.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View at Sainsbury's 

Best supermarket mince pies

RRP: £2.75 | Delivery:  Online and in-store | Available: 22nd October | Servings: 4

A top contender for the best supermarket mince pie is Sainbury’s Taste the Difference Cherry & Kirsch Mince Pies. An all-butter pastry case brimming with traditional mincemeat that’s been infused with Cherry Kirsch for a sweet and comforting twist. The mix is enriched with warming spices, a subtle hint of booze, and plump cherries to capture that iconic, sweet flavour. Crowned with a dusty snowflake design on top.

Deputy Food Editor Rose Fooks says: “Lovely golden buttery pastry. A sweet subtle cherry-flavoured filling with dark fruits. A pastry snowflake motif adorns the top with an icing sugar dusting. Enjoyed the subtle cherry flavour, which they have achieved without making it overpowering.”


4. Morrisons The Best 6 Deep Filled Mince Pies, 378g - View at Morrisons

4. Morrisons The Best 6 Deep Filled Mince Pies, 378g -<a href="https://clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=246156&a=2049289&epi=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fgroceries.morrisons.com%2Fproducts%2Fmorrisons-the-best-deep-filled-mince-pies-613021011" data-link-merchant="clk.tradedoubler.com""> <a href="https://clk.tradedoubler.com/click?p=246156&a=2049289&epi=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fgroceries.morrisons.com%2Fproducts%2Fmorrisons-the-best-deep-filled-mince-pies-613021011" data-link-merchant="clk.tradedoubler.com"" data-link-merchant="clk.tradedoubler.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View at Morrisons

Best deep-filled mince pies

RRP: £2.50 | Delivery: Online and in-store | Available: Now | Servings: 6

A strong supermarket buy that hits all the spots is The Best Deep Filled Mince Pies from Morrisons. A classic mince pie made with an all-butter pastry, combined with Morrisons indulgent brandy and cider-infused mincemeat, and with a delightful warming blend of spices.

Junior Food Writer Georgia Sparks says: “An all-around great mince pie packed with traditional flavours, juicy fruit, and a generous amount of filling. Well-balanced and classic."


5. Cartwright &amp; Butler Luxury Mince Pies with Brandy, 330g - View at Cartwright &amp; Butler

5. Cartwright & Butler Luxury Mince Pies with Brandy, 330g - <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=21047&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cartwrightandbutler.co.uk%2Fluxury-mince-pies-brandy-330g" data-link-merchant="awin1.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View at Cartwright & Butler

Best boozy mince pies

RRP: £8 | Delivery: Online, independent shops and luxury department stores | Available: Order now | Servings: 6

For over a century, this family-run business has created artisan food and baked goods. These were a firm runner-up for us, melt-in-the-mouth butter shortcrust pastry exuding mincemeat of brandy, citrus fruit, and subtle spices. A classic mince pie with a classic look too.

Deputy Food Editor Rose Fooks says: “ Lovely short pastry with a rich buttery flavour, simple looking with an imperfect homemade look. These pies were generously filled with mincemeat. The mincemeat was deliciously rich without being overly sweet.”


6. Biscuiteers Luxury Frangipane Topped Mince Pies, 400g - View at Biscuiteers

6. Biscuiteers Luxury Frangipane Topped Mince Pies, 400g - <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=kXQk6%2AivFEQ&mid=47300&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.biscuiteers.com%2Fsend-a-gift%2Fbiscuiteers-mince-pies" data-link-merchant="biscuiteers.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View at Biscuiteers

Best mince pies with a twist

RRP: £15 | Delivery: Online | Available: Online | Servings: 6

Multi-award-winning mince pies, Biscuiteers was a favourite for us. Six deep-filled pies packed with a mature mincemeat of all the usual suspects; cranberries, sultanas, currants, cinnamon, nutmeg, and mixed spice, all soaked in brandy, rum, lemon, and orange juice. What makes them unique is their use of a traditional vintage pie blocker, then topped with a layer of almond frangipane for an extra indulgent finishing touch.

Food Writer Amanda James says: “These pies have plenty of filling, the right amount of booze, strong marzipan and citrus flavours with plump fruit, thick pastry, and a pretty design, one for those with a sweet tooth.”


7. M&amp;S Collection 6 Mince Pies, 334g - View at Ocado

7. M&S Collection 6 Mince Pies, 334g -<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ocado.com%2Fproducts%2Fm-s-collection-6-mince-pies-525793011&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - ocado.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> View at Ocado

Best warmed mince pies

RRP: £3.50 | Delivery: Online at Ocado, in-store | Available: Order now | Servings: 6

Another top contender for the best mince pie was M&S Collection Mince Pies. Melt-in-the-mouth all-butter shortcrust pastry, deep filled with mincemeat containing dried vine fruits, glacé cherries, cranberries, brandy, cider, clementine juice, and Cognac. Topped with a shortcrust pastry star and a sweet dusting.

Food Director Jen Bedloe says: “A pretty design with the star topping. The filling is very sweet and quite boozy. A nice tall and deep fill finish. Crumbly pastry. Really nice and great when warmed."


8. Fitzbillies Mince Pies, 400g - View at Fitzbillies

8. Fitzbillies Mince Pies, 400g - <a href="https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?awinmid=57521&awinaffid=103504&clickref=hawk-custom-tracking&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fitzbillies.com%2Fcollections%2Fchristmas-essentials%2Fproducts%2Fmince-pies-6-pack" data-link-merchant="awin1.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View at Fitzbillies

Best handmade mince pies

RRP: £8.50| Delivery: Online, nationwide delivery | Available: 9th November | Servings: 6

No Christmas would be complete without a mince pie and the bakers at Fitzbillies take this festive staple to another level. Handmade in the bakery, a crisp buttery shortbread-like pastry encases a mouthwatering traditional mincemeat topped with a sprinkling of caster sugar.

Food Editor Jess Meyer says: "A classic look with generous amounts of mincemeat. The filling tastes great and looks handmade. They’re not too sweet and lovely and moist. Simple look, even better when warmed.”


Best mince pies from last year

1. &nbsp;Taste the Difference Mince Pies, 325g - View at Sainsbury's

1.  Taste the Difference Mince Pies, 325g - <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sainsburys.co.uk%2Fgol-ui%2Fproduct%2Fsainsburys-mince-pies-with-all-butter-pastry-taste-the-difference-x6-325g&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - sainsburys.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View at Sainsbury's

Best mince pie

RRP: £2.75 | Delivery: Book a slot and choose your delivery date | Available: Online and in-store now

The winner in the mince pie best Christmas food category this year was Sainsbury’s Taste Difference Mince Pies. These melt-in-the-mouth mince pies have an all-butter pastry and are packed with a wonderful blend of juicy fruit, and warming spices and infused with a generous amount of brandy. Topped with a simple yet attractive star-shaped pastry with a snowflake on it and dusted with icing sugar. 

Deputy Food Editor, Rose Fooks says: "This is an excellent quality traditional mince pie. The filling is not too sweet and the pastry is lovely and buttery. The brandy flavour is subtle but strong enough to allow for a pleasant taste"


2. &nbsp;Waitrose No.1 Brown Butter Mince Pies with Cognac, 6 pack - View at Waitrose

2.  Waitrose No.1 Brown Butter Mince Pies with Cognac, 6 pack - <a href="https://waitrose.pxf.io/c/221109/872508/12163?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=goodtoknow-gb&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.waitrose.com%2Fecom%2Fproducts%2Fno1-brown-butter-mince-pies-with-cognac%2F432911-785934-785935" data-link-merchant="waitrose.pxf.io"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View at Waitrose

Best mince pie, runner up

RRP: £4 | Delivery: Nominated delivery available | Available: Order now

Described by some of the panel as ‘the perfect mince pie’, these brown butter mince pies are not to be missed. The brown butter pastry gives a beautiful nutty flavour that complements the filling of vine fruits, apricots, glacé Amarena cherries, and almonds which are all laced generously with Cognac. Despite the jam-packed filling, judges commented that it wasn’t too sweet and had a homemade look. 

Group Food Editor, Jen Bedloe says: "These mince pies have a wonderful flavour, the pastry is buttery with a slightly nutty quality and the filling has just the right amount of booze."


3. Biscuiteers Handmade Biscuiteers Mince Pies, 400g - View at Biscuiteers

3. Biscuiteers Handmade Biscuiteers Mince Pies, 400g - <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=kXQk6%2AivFEQ&mid=47300&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.biscuiteers.com%2Fbiscuits%2Fbiscuiteers-mince-pies%3Fgclid%3DCj0KCQjwqoibBhDUARIsAH2OpWjm4Yzq_mxXu_h6bNTKRUFYaic2_gB-dE_siW9YIPpPjaTlGPwJCxkaAuD0EALw_wcB" data-link-merchant="biscuiteers.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View at Biscuiteers

Best mince pie, runner-up

RRP: £15 | Delivery: Next day delivery available | Available:  Order now

This isn’t the first time these mince pies have scored highly in our taste tests, and it's easy to see why. Deep filled and full to the brim with a matured mincemeat. Judges especially enjoyed the layer of frangipane and also commented on its appearance saying it looked lovely and homemade. This comes as no surprise, given that they are made using a traditional vintage pie blocker in their bakery.

Food Editor, Jess Meyer says: "These have a great taste, with a lovely subtle nod to Bakewell flavours."


4. DukesHill St Clement's Mince Pies, 480g - View at DukesHill

4. DukesHill St Clement's Mince Pies, 480g - <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dukeshill.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fclassic-mince-pies%3F_pos%3D1%26_sid%3D766aa94cc%26_ss%3Dr&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - dukeshill.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View at DukesHill

Best mince pie, runner up

RRP: £13.50 | Delivery: From 27th October | Available: Order now

Dukeshill describes themselves as ‘Champions of the Artisan’ and our judges agreed. These luxurious mince pies are filled with juicy brandy-soaked mincemeat. Crimped on the edges, the pastry was lovely and thick, giving it a more rustic look. 

Group Food Director, Jen Bedloe says: "The added citrus really cuts through the rich mincemeat, making it lovely and refreshing."  


5. Patisserie Valerie Mince Pies Gift Box, pack of 6 - View at Patisserie Valerie

5. Patisserie Valerie Mince Pies Gift Box, pack of 6 - <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.patisserie-valerie.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fmince-pies%3F_pos%3D1%26_sid%3D9fa27b595%26_ss%3Dr&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - patisserie-valerie.co.uk"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View at Patisserie Valerie

Best mince pie, runner up

RRP: £14.95 | Delivery: Premier delivery available | Available: Order now

Packaged in an elegant rose gold box these mince pies would make a delicious gift to send to loved ones over the festive period, they can be sent straight to the recipient's door using Patisserie Valerie’s delivery service. Deep-filled with a rich mincemeat containing a blend of dried fruits and warming mixed spices, surrounded by a crumbly all-butter pastry. 

Deputy Food Editor, Rose Fooks says: "These mince pies are larger than the average mince pie, they would make a great dessert served with a dollop of cream."


6. Asda Free From Mince Pies, 220g - View at Asda *OUT OF STOCK*

6. Asda Free From Mince Pies, 220g - <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/1000383117953?&cmpid=ppc-_-ghs-_--_-google-_--_-dskwid-92700073236333161_dc&s_kwcid=AL!11432!3!623321953439!!!u!294493680380!&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqoibBhDUARIsAH2OpWjeTflJybs2MydlsGn0ot_nZtH9F55ZKj7vzO-5wUX3XK2T-TjtBrsaAj5AEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds" data-link-merchant="groceries.asda.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">View at Asda *OUT OF STOCK*

Best Gluten-Free Mince Pie

RRP: £2.00| Delivery: Book a slot | Available: Order now

Not only are these lovely mince pies gluten-free, but they’re also suitable for vegans. Packed full of sultanas and raisins with warming spice, nobody has to miss out. 

Junior Food Writer, Georgia Sparks says: "Often gluten-free mince pies can be overly sweet, but these have a lovely balance of flavour. I love the festive design on top too."


How did we test the best mince pies?

The Christmas taste testing took place in our company Test Kitchen. Throughout the testing procedure, each individual mince pie received a number enabling them to be anonymous, which then related to a spreadsheet where we could easily score their observations and descriptions of our taste notes for each individual mince pie. Including crucial aspects such as the pie's flavour, texture, and overall appearance.

Each mince pie was presented next to one another. We can equally judge on initial appearance, including design, colour of the pastry, and the packaging too. Each mince pie was served cold and warmed to note differences in flavours, smells, and textures. 

Judges were looking for the quality of the pastry and the richness and abundance of the filling. To receive a high score, the pastry had to strike a balance between being crumbly and sturdy while delivering a delectable buttery taste. As for the fillings, they were expected to be flavourful and generous in filling them with fruit, yet not excessively sweet. Additional points for those with extra Christmassy fruits, nuts, and hints of other flavours.

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 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. 

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 centrepieces such as her Gingerbread Cuckoo Clock to wow friends and family. 

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.

Profile picture of Georgia Sparks
Georgia Sparks

Georgia Sparks is Junior Food Writer, working across Woman & Home, Woman’s Weekly, Chat and goodto.com. She's passionate about food and is most content knife and fork in hand around the table with family and friends. Georgia works within the Food Team at Future Plc where she can usually be found in the kitchen developing and testing recipes as well as assisting on shoots and writing food features. 

How long do shop-bought mince pies last?

Always check the packaging, but usually, mince pies should be eaten within 3 days of opening, ensuring you cover them or keep them in an airtight container. Homemade mince pies usually last for up to 1 week in an airtight container or tightly wrapped.

Leftover mince pies can easily be crushed and mixed with ice cream to make mince pie ice cream or can be made into mince pie rocky road.

Why do we have mince pies at Christmas?

Originally made with meat including pigeon, pheasant, and hare, but as time passed, mince pies evolved into sweet indulgence pies by replacing the meat with a mixture of dried fruits and spices. Mince pies gained popularity during the festive and Christmas season due to a Mediaeval tradition. People would consume a mince pie every day for 12 days, starting from Christmas Day and culminating on Twelfth Night.

Can vegetarians eat mince pies?

Yes, although called mincemeat, it is in fact a mix of dried fruits and spices which makes these vegetarian and often vegan-friendly. Some mince pies still use animal suet, although most use vegetable suet now instead.

Looking for more Christmas inspiration? Have a look at our best Christmas food hampers for 2023. As well as Christmas dinner timings and everything you need to know about cooking a turkey including how long does it take to cook a turkey per kg?

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.