Best alternative mince pies to try this Christmas, from frangipane to gingerbread flavour

Score: 91/100

A delicious twist on the traditional, Waitrose has spiked this year’s mincemeat with a generous glug of limoncello, for a little taste of Italian sunshine during the darkest months. The combination of light, buttery pastry and authentic citrus makes a nice alternative to spicy vine fruit.

Available 1 November 2025

Score: 85/100

With all the warming spice of gingerbread, combined with sweet maple syrup and chunky mincemeat, these pies were described as Christmas personified. They’re definitely not traditional but will delight those looking for something different.

Available 3 November 2025

Score: 81/100

Our panel loved the combination of fresh orange, warming cinnamon and sweet vine fruit in these mini morsels, making a filling our testers likened to marmalade. The soft, buttery pastry cases were a hit too.

Score: 79/100

Cake connoisseur Cutter & Squidge has turned its hand to mince pies, crafting the butteriest pastry we’ve tasted. The twist is subtle, with brown butter adding nutty depth and almond oil complementing the naturally sweet fruit for a beautifully balanced bite.

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: 79/100

If a cherry Bakewell and a mince pie had a love child, this would be it! This well-balanced pie is topped with a soft, almond‑flavoured sponge that contrasts nicely with the rich mincemeat filling, which is bursting with juicy sultanas and Morello cherries.

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

Icing sugar is the dominant flavour in Lidl’s intensely sweet crumble-topped mince pies, which are laced with caramel and filled with jammy apples. They should appeal to those with a real sweet tooth, and the crumble topping proved an interesting textural twist.

Available 1 November 2025

Score: 77/100

For the indecisive, this multi-pack of sweet mince pies includes Viennese, frangipane and crumble toppings. They’re made by Gilda, an artisan bakery in Kent, which makes its delicious baked goods, with an all-natural line-up of ingredients. A great festive gift for the foodie in your life.

Available 15 October 2025

Score: 76/100

Biscuiteers’ substantial 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.