Supermarket Christmas puddings have beaten alternatives from two of London's most famous stores in a taste test published today.
Four of the top five puddings in the "blind" tasting carried out for consumer magazine Which? were from supermarkets.
Puddings from Harrods, in Knightsbridge and exclusive Fortnum and Mason, on Piccadilly, were given among the lowest marks by the three experts who took part in the test.
The best in the survey was Tesco's Finest Vintage Christmas Pudding (907g), priced £7.99, which scored eight out of 10.
Four puddings, all weighing 454g, shared second place with a score of seven out of 10. They were: Co-op Premium Christmas Pudding with cider, brandy, sherry and rum (£4.29), Duchy Originals Organic Christmas Pudding (£5.99), Safeway The Best Christmas Pudding (£5.79), and Somerfield So Good Matured Christmas Pudding (£5.29).
Bottom of the list of 13 luxury puddings was Fortnum and Mason's Traditional Christmas Pudding (454g), priced £6.25. The experts, who gave it two out of 10, said it had an "unpleasant, chemical smell."
Just above it, with three out of 10, was a Luxury Christmas Pudding from Sainsbury's priced £4.49 for 454g.
With the same score was a 1.36kg Super Luxury Christmas Pudding from Harrods which costs £17.95. It was said by the experts to have a "funny, rather bitter" aroma.
Six puddings for special diets scored relatively badly in the test. Marks and Spencer's 200g Gluten Free Christmas Pudding (£2.99) was judged the best with five out of 10 for taste.
Helen Parker, editor of Which?, said: "It's great to know you can find a pudding fit for your festive feast in the supermarket instead of having to hunt for a gourmet brand." Harrods said in a statement that it sells "tens of thousands of Christmas puddings each year and has a very happy and loyal customer base."
Fortnum and Mason was initially unavailable to comment.
