We tried Christmas puddings from five different supermarkets – and one came out well ahead of the rest

For some, Christmas dinner just isn’t the same without it, while others will run a mile at the sight of a Christmas pudding. It can be a divisive dessert, so individual portions may be the way to go this festive season.

Get the custard and brandy butter ready as we compare own-brand puddings from five supermarkets.

Co-Op Irresistible 12 Month Matured Christmas Pudding - Rating ♦

A bouncy texture and a dull, flat flavour that makes it feel more like hard work than an indulgent Christmas treat. £2

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Tesco Finest 12 Month Matured Christmas Pudding - Rating ♦♦♦

A hefty dose of cider gives it a smooth syrupy feel that could convert Christmas pudding skeptics, while the almonds provide a nice crunch. £1.50

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M&S Collection 12 Month Matured Christmas Pudding - Rating ♦♦♦♦

This tastes like the grown-up option. It’s brandy and rum aren’t shy, but are well balanced, with whopping, swollen currents, raisins and sultanas in a nicely textured sponge. £2.25

Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference 18 Month Matured Christmas Pudding - Rating ♦♦

A decent citrus hit but otherwise a bit one-note. Not much texture going on and overall pretty disappointing. £2

Dunnes Stores Simply Better Slow Steamed Pudding Selection

Classic - Rating ♦♦♦♦

Irish Whiskey - Rating ♦♦♦♦

Hennessy Cognac - Rating ♦♦♦♦♦

Dunnes’ contribution to the single serving pudding parade is actually three contributions. All are much looser than their across-the-water equivalents, with the Irish Whiskey Pudding almost closer to a mince pie filling with huge nuts and whole, drink-soaked glace cherries. The Classic Christmas Pudding is fantastically well spiced, while the Hennessy Cognac Pudding is light in colour and texture, with the brandy sneaking through at the end too. More expensive than the rest but the puddings are 25% bigger. A winning hat-trick. £8.49 for three – £2.83 per pudding

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