As the festive season approaches, Australians begin the annual tradition of hunting for the perfect mince pie to grace their holiday tables. Mince pies, with their rich, spiced fruit fillings encased in buttery pastry, are a Christmas staple, a sweet treat that evokes nostalgia and warmth. But with so many options on the supermarket shelves, choosing the right one can be as daunting as deciding on the perfect Christmas gift for a loved one.
In the spirit of the season and to help Aussies navigate the delicious dilemma of choosing the perfect mince pie, Nicholas Jordan, alongside his family members, conducted a comprehensive taste test of Australian supermarket mince pies. The goal wasn’t just to find the tastiest pie, but also to uncover which ones capture the essence of Christmas, delight guests, and remain budget-friendly.
The taste test panel, which included Nicholas’s dad, stepmum, partner, partner’s sister, and even the photographer, represented a cross-section of a typical Aussie Christmas gathering—because, as we all know, Christmas is a time for unexpected guests. Nicholas and his family blind-tasted 11 mince pies, judging them on appearance, taste, and texture, to identify the ones that would make your festive season both merry and bright.
The clear winner
The Coles Finest Jamaican Rum Brown Butter Fruit Mince Pies emerged as the clear winner, scoring an impressive 8/10. Priced at $8.50 for a 350g pack, these pies delivered on the promise of indulgence that Christmas is all about. With a big boozy aroma, a soft and crumbly pastry, and a fruit centre that balanced apple and spice beautifully, these pies were a hit. The pastry to fruit-mince ratio leaned heavily on the pastry side, which was a welcome change from the often overly-filled alternatives. However, the snowflake design, while cute, sparked a conversation about the need for Australian Christmas symbolism, rather than the wintery imagery of the northern hemisphere.
Also scoring 8/10, the Bowen Island Grandma Bowan’s Fruit Mince Tarts stood out for their elegant appearance, featuring a sugar-dusted star topping that added sparkle and festive charm. While not as sweet as the Coles Finest pies, these tarts offered a more sophisticated flavour profile, with a soft, crumbly texture and a drier, less sweet filling. Their unique balance of flavours and refined look made them a classy choice, perfect for those looking to impress at the holiday table. However, their subtler flavour might not appeal to all, particularly those who prefer a more traditional, fruit-forward mince pie.
The best value for money
For those looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on taste, the Kringle and Co Fruit Mince Pies from Aldi, at $4.29 for a 360g pack, scored a solid 7/10. These pies surprised us with their complex flavour profile, reminiscent of orange peels, sultanas, and a hint of booze – despite no alcohol listed in the ingredients. The consensus was clear: these pies would not ruin Christmas, and at less than a dollar per pie, they represent excellent value.
The other notable pies
The taste test also included offerings from Walker’s, and Woolworths, with scores ranging from 5.5 to 7 out of 10. Walker’s Cranberry and Clementine Fruit Mince Pies brought a welcome touch of acidity but fell short on pastry quality and festive spirit. Woolworths’ own Australian Baked Fruit Mince Pies were praised for their filling but let down by their pastry.
The Walker’s Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky 12 Years Old Luxury Fruit Mince Pies, despite their premium branding and price, scored a mere 6/10. The filling was enjoyable, but the overall experience was marred by an overly sweet taste and a pastry that didn’t live up to expectations.
Lastly, the Coles I’m Free From… Gluten Free Fruit Mince Pies, while accommodating dietary restrictions, were the least favoured, with a score of 5.5/10. The panel found them to be an oddly heavy and congealed experience, a reminder that dietary alternatives still have room for improvement.
We’d love to hear from you! What’s your favourite mince pie? Share your top picks and taste test experiences in the comments below – your insights could help others find their perfect festive treat!
