UK supermarkets have rolled out tasty sandwiches reminiscent of Christmas dinner. I set out to find which options are worth trying
Christmas brings a feast for the senses, and you don’t have to wait until the big day itself, as supermarket shelves are currently bursting with delicious seasonal sandwiches. The major food retailers have pulled out all the stops this festive season, with each brand presenting their own wonderful interpretation of Christmas flavours – including some unexpected delights.
Several of the sandwiches show real creativity, and honestly, there’s something to please everyone’s palate. In fact, picking an overall champion proved nearly impossible. My partner joined me in working through the selection, so we’ve each chosen our personal favourite, though truthfully, every supermarket’s range had a winner.
Another lovely touch was discovering that Co-op, Morrisons and M&S, amongst others, are giving a portion of their festive sandwich sales to charitable causes. In total, I tried the Christmas offerings from Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose, M&S and Co-op – and the creativity behind these lunchtime classics was absolutely brilliant, reports the Express.
Christmas sandwich taste test
Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s was our first port of call for tasting, and after trying several varieties, both myself and my companion agreed the highlight was their Festive Duck Brioche Roll.
Not only was it succulent and flavourful, it’s an inventive twist on a Christmas sandwich, featuring “shredded aromatic duck, pork, sage and onion stuffing, gravy mayonnaise, mulled wine spiced pickled red cabbage and onion – and spring onion in a brioche submarine roll”. The duck proved rich and fragrant whilst maintaining a satisfying crispness, enhanced by a pleasant five spice seasoning.
Sainsbury’s Ho Ho Half & Half Sandwich received positive feedback – the pack features one Pigs Under Blankets alongside one Brie & Cranberry option – delivering an authentic festive experience.
Tesco
Following this came the Tesco festive sandwiches, with their Christmas selection proving extensive. I tasted the flavourful Tesco Plant Chef Festive Feast Wrap with La Vie (vegetarian) bacon.
My dining partner enjoyed the Tesco Finest Festive Chicken & Bacon Wrap – he expressed considerable approval, characterising the sandwich as “a mouthful of Christmas dinner”.
Naturally, no festive meal feels complete without gravy, and the Tesco Finest Festive Chicken & Bacon Wrap addresses this requirement as the soft tortilla comes accompanied by a dipping sauce.
You therefore dip the wrap containing succulent chicken breast and applewood smoked maple-cured bacon into the accompanying portion of rich sage and black pepper gravy mayonnaise for the full experience.
Co-op
Co-op’s festive selection provides some delightful innovations with their Irresistible Beef Wellington Sandwich offering a fresh approach to a festive lunch – plus they stock a Co-op Irresistible Turkey Double Dip n Dunk Wrap, for the essential gravy indulgence.
My dining partner described the beef wellington as “really good” whilst I thoroughly savoured the fresh spinach, pulled turkey and sage and onion flavours in the Co-op Irresistible Turkey Double Dip n Dunk Wrap – which comes with a pot of sage and onion gravy alongside a pot of rosemary, thyme and garlic crumb.
M&S
The M&S selection was equally delightful. I adored their classic Turkey Feast Christmas Sandwich – and I’m fussy when it comes to pork stuffing, but this sarnie was spot on. The M&S Christmas Club sarnie was also delightful and bursting with flavours.
My partner tried the M&S Boxing Day Curry Wrap which offered something different from the traditional options and was “delicious”, he remarked, whilst the Pigs in Blankets Sandwich by M&S was similarly outstanding.
Waitrose
Next up was the festive sandwich selection from Waitrose, where I tasted the Waitrose Christmas Merry Club’mas Sandwich, Waitrose Christmas Turkey, Stuffing & Bacon Sandwich – plus one of my personal favourites, the Waitrose Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Sandwich in seasonal wrapping.
The salmon melted in my mouth and the bread was soft, but a little grainy, which just set the soft cheese and delightful smoked fish of superbly.
Morrisons
Morrisons also stock an incredibly moreish range in their stores, featuring a “mix of new creations” such as The Best King Prawn & Seafood Cocktail Roll – and what’s better, “£50,000 from the sales of the range will be donated to charity partner, Marie Curie”.
Asda
Asda offers a festive Meal Deal that is “the cheapest one around” with their Three Little Piggies Hog Roast and Pigs Under Blankets Half & Half Wrap priced at £2.88.
Final thoughts
When it comes to the taste test, two festive sandwiches stood out for me – it’s a toss-up between the M&S Turkey Feast Christmas Sandwich and the Waitrose Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Sandwich.
My partner, on the other hand, was adamant that the Tesco Finest Festive Chicken & Bacon Wrap took top spot, closely followed by Co-op’s Irresistible Turkey Double Dip n Dunk Wrap.
Each one was truly scrumptious and packed with inventive Christmas flavours, so if you’re after something festive for lunch – or even dinner – a festive sandwich will certainly satisfy your cravings. Plus, the fact that we only get to savour them for a few weeks in winter makes the experience all the more special.
