Host a Festive Family Mince Pie Taste Test: A Fun Christmas Competition for All Ages

There are few treats more closely associated with a British Christmas than a good mince pie. But with so many options on offer, from supermarket staples to lovingly-crafted local bakery versions, how do you know which ones truly deserve a spot on your festive table?

A fun, family-friendly mince pie taste-test competition is a brilliant way to settle the debate. It’s inexpensive, great entertainment, and a lovely way to bring everyone together on a winter evening. 

Here’s how to organise one that’s as delicious as it is memorable.

Step 1: Gather a Wide Selection of Mince Pies

The joy of the competition lies in variety, so aim to collect pies from a good mix of places:

Supermarkets: Pick up own-brand, premium, gluten-free and “luxury” ranges.

Local bakeries: Many independents bake their own pastry and mincemeat, offering something unique.

Farm shops: Ideal for finding buttery, crumbly pies made with regional ingredients.

Artisan producers or Christmas markets: Great if you want to add a few wild cards.

Aim for at least six different boxes, but more is always merrier.

Step 2: Keep It Blind for Fair Judging

Blind tasting avoids bias and keeps the competition fun.

Remove the pies from packaging.

Place each variety on a numbered plate or board.

Keep the packaging hidden until the end.

Give everyone a tasting sheet (simple is best!).

This adds a game-show element that children especially enjoy.

Step 3: Decide on the Scoring Categories

To keep judging consistent, set clear categories such as:

Appearance: Golden colour? Attractive shape?

Pastry: Flaky, buttery, crumbly, too dry or too soft?

Filling: Sweetness level, spice blend, texture, richness.

Overall flavour: Does everything work together?

Value for money: Reveal prices after tasting and let everyone score.

A 1–5 or 1–10 scale works well.

Step 4: Create a Festive Tasting Atmosphere

Turn the taste test into a mini-party. Try:

Christmas jumpers

Warm drinks (mulled wine, hot chocolate or spiced apple juice)

A Christmas playlist

Twinkly lights or a small table display

It transforms an ordinary evening into a fun Christmas tradition.

Step 5: Reveal the Winners

Once the scoring sheets are complete:

Collect and tally the numbers.

Reveal each mince pie’s brand or bakery one by one.

Crown your winners, overall champion, best pastry, best value, most unusual, etc.

You may find surprising results. Sometimes a budget supermarket box beats artisan producers, or a tiny local bakery wins big.

Step 6: Turn It Into an Annual Tradition

Many families choose to make the competition part of their yearly countdown to Christmas. Keep a record of the winners, take photos for your scrapbook or social media, and look forward to seeing which bakery or supermarket triumphs next year.

You’ll also be supporting local makers and discovering new festive favourites along the way.

A mince pie taste-test competition is a delightful way to share festive fun without needing to spend a fortune. It encourages family bonding, supports local businesses, and—most importantly—lets everyone indulge in one of Christmas’s greatest treats.

Will a luxury supermarket pie win your heart? Or will the humble local bakery take the crown? There’s only one way to find out…

Also, why not put the results up on your social media accounts?

How to cheat your way to delicious home made mince pies this Christmas!

Courtesy PublicDomainPictures of Pixabay

If you like the idea of home baked mince pies but are not confident in your baking skills or if your baking skills aren't the problem but you are time poor, there's a fantastic way to cheat your way to making delicious home made mince pies.

And you only need two ingredients!

Ingredient list 

Block of ready made pastry available from all supermarkets and some corner shops/convenience stores.

Jar of ready made mince meat which is also available from all supermarkets and some corner shops or convenience stores.

How to bake them

Remove the pastry from the fridge and leave it for about 30 to 40 minutes.

Roll it flat and grease a baking tray (with the individual pie shapes on it) and place the sheet of pastry over these. Press into each dip on the tray and remove the excess pastry, but do not throw this away.

Add the pastry you saved to the main piece of pastry, roll out and cut out toppers for the pies.

Spoon the mince meat into each pie. Add a good slug of brandy, rum or Scotch to each one, if you wish.

Then put the pastry toppers onto the pies, crimp the edges and brush each one with milk or an egg mix, if you are feeling all Fanny Craddock. (Not heard of Fanny Craddock? Just Google her. Don't worry. I'll wait!)

Your mince pies typically take 20–25 minutes to bake in an oven preheated to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas Mark 4.

The pastry should be lightly golden when done. Allow them to cool slightly before removing them from the tin, as they can be delicate when they are hot from the oven. 

You can serve them with cream, Clotted Cream or ice cream. Or enjoy them naked. So to speak!

Incidentally you can make a mince tart in a large pie tin and slice it up for guests, if you'd rather not have the faff of making the individual mince pies.