Aldi Beats Fortnum And Mason In Taste Test

A taste test of Christmas puddings has ranked Fortnum & Mason's 29th out of 32 - and Aldi's second.

The discount supermarket's £7.99 Xmas pud was described it as a "real bargain" by Good Housekeeping magazine.

But the exclusive London departments store's offering was "a real disappointment", despite costing more than three times as much at £24.95.

Waitrose came top in the category with its cherry and almond-topped pudding, complete with edible glitter.

The upmarket supermarket also won the champagne round with its Brut Special Reserve Vintage 2004, while bubbly by Sainsbury (LSE: SBRY.L - news) 's and Tesco (Xetra: 852647 - news) were judged runners-up.

The magazine's experts ate and drank their way through 162 different festive foods across 11 categories for its annual Christmas Dinner Tried and Tested.

In the cranberry sauce category, Fortnum & Mason's £10.95 jar came bottom - beaten by Tesco's £1.49 version.

The supermarkets also topped the charts when it came to Christmas cake - with all five major stores' own-brand versions shortlisted.

But specialists won the mince pie taste-off - Bettys, Harrods and Gails were shortlisted, along with only one supermarket, Morrisons.

The magazine's consumer director, Caroline Bloor, said shopping for Christmas dinner products can be hit and miss.

"Our annual Good Housekeeping Tried and Tested special on festive foods proves you don't need to bust the budget buying expensive names to treat everyone to something special," she said.

"In most categories, the overall winner is from a high street supermarket. If you're going to splash out, save your money for the mince pies."