With shelves brimming with holiday goodies, choosing the best Christmas foods can be tricky. We tasted a wide range of seasonal items—from succulent pigs in blankets to luxurious puddings—to help you shop confidently this festive season.
- Tesco wins best pigs in blankets
- Sainsbury’s applewood smoked salmon tops fish category
- M&S and Waitrose impress with turkey crowns
What happened
The Good Food Supermarket Awards 2026 team blind-tasted 140 festive products from 11 UK supermarkets to identify the best Christmas foods for holiday meals. Judges picked winners across popular categories such as pigs in blankets, smoked salmon, poultry, gammon, lamb, and vegetarian alternatives.
Notable winners included Tesco’s Finest 8 signature pigs in blankets praised for their juicy sausages wrapped in crisply cooked bacon, and Sainsbury’s applewood smoked Hebridean salmon lauded for its rich, buttery texture and smoky finish. The centrepiece turkey crown from M&S, savory with caramelized Italian chestnuts and pancetta, was highly rated, alongside Waitrose’s double butter basted free-range turkey.
Why it feels good
These award-winning products promise a fuss-free, delicious way to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. The range covers traditional favorites like pigs in blankets and turkey crowns, offering both reliable classics and elevated flavors to impress guests without extensive prep.
In addition to indulgent meat options, there are hearty choices like herby rolled lamb and mushroom wellingtons, plus vegan-friendly picks from Lidl. This variety means that everyone’s tastes and dietary preferences can be accommodated, helping to create a festive atmosphere centered on great food and shared enjoyment.
What to enjoy or watch next
Try Tesco’s signature pigs in blankets alongside Sainsbury’s Discovery applewood smoked salmon for an effortless appetizer duo that balances smoky and savory flavors. For the main event, consider M&S’s decadent turkey crown stuffed with Italian chestnuts or Waitrose’s butter basted turkey for crowd-pleasing results.
Don’t miss the gammon options from Aldi and Sainsbury’s, both ideal for Boxing Day sandwiches or a hearty cold cut platter. For those exploring vegetarian or vegan holiday menus, Lidl’s Deluxe Vegan Welllington offers an appealing and festive alternative that pairs well with classic sides.