Tesco leads 2025 festive-food round-up as Christmas shoppers weigh options

Tesco topped the Daily Mail’s 2025 festive-food round-up, spanning starters through desserts. The review notes that not every winner came from Tesco; Waitrose, M&S and Asda also posted standout products.

In a quick-fire section, the testers highlighted the following winners across categories: Best starter: Tesco Finest Scottish Terrine; Best pate: Tesco Finest Three Bird Pâté; Best cranberry sauce: Waitrose Christmas Cranberry Sauce; Best carrots: Waitrose Honey Roasted Chantenay Carrots; Best pigs in blankets: Exceptional by Asda Maple pigs in Blankets; Best stuffing: Waitrose No.1 Stuffing Balls; Best potatoes: Marks & Spencer Irish White Potatoes; Best beef main: Tesco Finest Beef Wellington; Best turkey: Tesco Finest Bronze Turkey; Best dessert: M&S Collection 12 Month Christmas Pudding; Best Cheese: M&S Cheesemongers Selection.

The testing followed a defined methodology: items were cooked or served according to packaging and judged by a reviewer on price, ease of preparation, flavour and the ability to act as a dinner-table centerpiece.

The final verdict highlighted Tesco’s breadth, including the turkey and beef Wellington, as well as the group’s value proposition for a family feast. M&S shone in desserts and cheese, while Waitrose impressed with its cranberry sauce and pre-prepped vegetables; Asda earned praise for its maple flavoured pigs in blankets.

Prices were cited as starting under a few pounds for some items, with larger mains like the Bronze Turkey from Tesco at about 11 pounds per kilogram, offering a balance of quality and value. The beef Wellington was noted as a crowd-pleaser but serves about four, and timing can be longer than expected.

For shopping logistics, the piece advises booking online delivery slots early and planning to receive items close to Christmas. In-store purchases are suggested a few days ahead to avoid spoilage or quality issues.

Overall, the round-up positions Tesco as the most versatile retailer for Christmas fare in 2025, with Marks & Spencer dominating the puds and cheese courses, and Waitrose delivering strong sides.

The results reflect a year of competitive pricing and convenience in major supermarkets, with testers noting that many items offer show-stopping potential without a steep price tag. Shoppers aiming to streamline their Christmas shop can rely on the guide to strike a balance between traditional favourites and time-saving options.

The review also highlights that certain items, such as cranberry sauce and pre-cooked sides, can set the tone for the meal just as much as a main course, while healthy mismatches or overly sweet flavours can affect overall balance. The Daily Mail notes that the test kitchen used standard oven temperatures and timings from the packaging unless adjustments were necessary for a larger gathering.

Which supermarket offers the best Christmas cake? The roundup suggests Marks & Spencer leads with its 12 month matured Christmas pudding and a range of puds, while a well-curated cheese board from M&S Cheesemongers Selection can complement the table. With supply chains generally stable and promotions running through December, the guide provides shoppers with a practical snapshot of current options and value.

To close, the piece reiterates that timing matters. Ordering online early can secure a preferred delivery slot, and many stores encourage customers to place orders days in advance to minimize last-minute stress. The Daily Mail’s festive-food test is part of a broader market glance at Christmas offerings in 2025, reflecting consumer demand for quality, convenience and value as households prepare to gather around the table.