Best alternative mince pies to try this Christmas

Score: 91/100

Rich and buttery, Booths’ mince pies are packed with plump vine fruits and warming spices. The crumbly Viennese whirl topping is a genius addition – serve warm with a dollop of orange cream for an easy festive treat.

Score: 83/100

Deliciously different, these mince pies scored highly for their balanced flavour, with fig and honey at the fore, and a warming whiskey back note, while the Florentine topping adds nutty sweetness and crunch.

Score: 80/100

With a vibrant tropical filling of yuzu and mango, these pies have a zippy freshness. They’re from Cutter & Squidge, a family-run, London-based bakery that keeps fat and sugar to a minimum. They don’t stray too far from the traditional though, with plenty of nutty almonds, and juicy vine fruit.

Score: 79/100

These organic one-bite wonders are from sourdough specialists Seven Seeded. An indulgently sticky frangipane topping provides the “twist”, while the pastry is rich and sweet, like the finest shortbread. Inside, you'll find juicy mincemeat with a welcome burst of orange flavour.

Score: 78/100

The caramel in these budget bakes was instantly recognised by testers, complementing the rich, dried vine fruit and buttery pastry. Definitely one for the sweet-toothed among us! The crumble topping proved an interesting textural twist too.

Score: 78/100

For a subtle tweak on the traditional recipe, DukesHill’s pies are packed with vibrant and zesty orange. This paired perfectly with the rich Christmassy spices — think, cloves, cinnamon and all spice. They look beautifully homemade, with a cute, crinkle-cut edge and filling that spills out of the crumbly pastry.

Score: 78/100

Waitrose’s mince pies are made with an intoxicating combination of rich amaretto mincemeat and caramelised, nibbed almonds, yet they aren’t too sweet (meaning we could eat a lot of them!). They also have a nice thin layer of fruit, making them a great option for those less keen on the traditional mincemeat filling.

Available: 1st November

Score: 76/100

With notes of caramel and brown sugar, Tesco’s premium pies reminded some of a digestive biscuit. Inside, you’ll find plump fruit with just a hint of port, finished with a crunchy top for contrast.

Score: 76/100

Tall, deep, and dark — yes, we’re still talking mince pies. Despite the sugar-sprinkled top, these premium bakes from luxury department store Harvey Nichols, have a distinct savoury flavour, with a strong boozy kick and dark fruity filling.

It’s a grown-up pie, bursting with flavour, without being syrupy sweet — our testers think they’re worth splashing out on.

Score: 76/100

Biscuiteers’ substantially sized, handmade pies are generously filled with richly spiced mincemeat, topped with frangipane vanilla sponge and decorated with almond flakes. Testers loved the combination, picking out cinnamon, ginger and brandy as the dominant flavours.

Score: 75/100

Why settle on one flavour, when you can have two? This box, from Harrogate-based bakery Betty’s, contains two twists on the traditional. First up, nutty frangipane is complemented with a sharp orange filling and subtle almond note. Next, there’s the ricciarelli (a chewy Italian almond cookie) version, which is softer and sweeter. Superb.