Aldi has outperformed its higher-end competitors in this year’s festive food evaluations, securing the top position in Good Housekeeping’s annual Christmas taste test. The assessment, now in its 27th year, reviewed more than 660 products across 36 categories from over 80 brands, with testing beginning as early as May.

Aldi led the rankings by finishing first in seven categories and placing 13 products in the top two spots, the highest number among all retailers. The supermarket’s Double Wrapped Pigs in Blankets earned the top score for the second consecutive year, receiving 88 out of 100 points. Aldi also claimed victory in the whole turkey and traditional Christmas pudding categories. Within the highly competitive mince pie category, Aldi’s Specially Selected Mince Pies were rated highest.

Lidl, another German discount chain, was recognised for offering the best overall value. The retailer garnered 11 “Best value” awards, including for its Prosecco, roast potatoes, meat-free main dishes, and yule logs, indicating strong performance on both quality and affordability.

While Aldi secured the top spot for whole turkey, Tesco’s British Free Range Bronze Turkey Crown with Pork, Cranberry & Chestnut Stuffing was judged the best in the turkey crown category. Waitrose took the lead in the alternative Christmas meat segment with its No 1 Slow Cooked Citrus Glazed Gammon.

The highest-scoring product in the entire test was an online butcher Edenmoor’s Sausage Roll Wreath, which achieved 94 points out of 100. For those seeking festive drinks, Morrisons’ The Best Aged Tawny Port topped the port wine category with a score of 85.

The comprehensive results suggest a strategy of shopping across multiple retailers could yield the best overall Christmas dinner experience, combining Aldi’s standout traditional offerings with Lidl’s value selections and other retailers’ specialty items.