Nothing marks Christmas like the first mince pie of the season – and for some, this may start as early as now. This week, Asda has seen a 115.8% increase in searches on Asda.com for ‘mince pies’.
With a huge 72% of Brits saying that mince pies are an essential part of their Christmas celebrations, Asda has launched three new, luxury flavours for 2024. From classic mince pie traditionalists to adventurous experimentalists, there is a flavour for everyone to enjoy this festive season
THREE NEW flavours for 2024
Following the success of last year’s signature flavour, Asda has launched a new-for-2024 flavour combination that runs through the retailer’s festive appetisers, mains, desserts – and of course, mince pies.
This year’s flavour, Fig, Whisky and Spiced Honey, is infused into the traditional Christmas treat in the all-new Exceptional Whisky, Fig and Spiced Honey Mince Pies (£2.50/4pk). The all-butter shortcrust pastry is combined with fine Scotch whisky-infused fig mincemeat filling, topped with almond Florentine with chilli powder, spiced honey and a sugar dusting.
Shoppers can top with the Exceptional Extra Thick Fig, Whisky, and Spiced Honey Cream – thick British cream has been delicately blended with figs, whisky, honey and chilli spice for a deliciously sweet, fruit flavour.
For the 28% of Brits who say a mince pie isn’t a part of the festive season*, the Exceptional Toffee Apple Spiced Crumble Mince Pies (£2.50/4pk) is unique, non-traditional flavour that could be a game-changer. Made with all-butter pastry with a British toffee and apple filling and topped with a spiced pecan crumble with a sweet dusting.
Following the thread of indulgence, the Exceptional Frangipane & Amaretto Mince Pies (£2.50/4pk) are the perfect choice for those who enjoy a boozy twist on a classic. These all-butter pies are filled with Amaretto-infused vine fruit and citrus peel mincemeat and topped with all-butter frangipane and flaked almond.
Made by a family-run bakery based in Lazonby, Cumbria, the Exceptional mince pies are made from scratch in small batches and finished by hand. Established in 1946, the bakery began as a small outlet and shop, attached to the family home and nestled in the atmospheric hills of Cumbria. 78 years later, the family still live in Lazonby and dedicate the same passion to creating much-loved mince pies.
Festive favourites
Joining the three new flavours are a few returning festive faves. The Exceptional Brown Butter Flavour & Rum (£2.50/4pk) are fragrant and delicious, filled with Jamaican rum-laced spiced vine fruit and citrus peel mincemeat. The Exceptional Classic Mince Pie (£2.75/6pk) is a delicately crafted classic with a scrumptious all-butter pastry filled with a mincemeat stuffing made with brandy, ruby port, cognac and Valencian orange oil, topped with a sweet dusting. For those who want a smaller treat, the Exceptional Luxury Mini Mince Pies (£2.75/9pk) are the perfect festive on-the-go snack. All these flavours are part of the new Exceptional range – offering affordable indulgence and uncompromising value to families this Christmas.
Other favourites from last year include the fantastic value Bakery at Asda Mince Pies (£1.50 for 6 – that’s just 25p per mince pie) – they are always a favourite amongst shoppers. One reviewer said: ‘Thrilled with the quality! They went down a treat!’ while another said ‘Delicious. Scrumptious. Tasty. 10/10’.
Also returning are the Free From Iced Mince Pies (£1.10/4pk) which are packed with plump sultanas and raisins, with a touch of warming spices and of course topped with icing. One five-star review said: ‘Normally someone who is GF sacrifices flavour and texture in many/most products BUT this pastry is like proper pastry AND its crispy!!! It tastes like a mince pie should. Oh the joy!’
For the vegans, there’s something to celebrate: the OMV! Mince Pies (£1.50/6pk) are back again. Perfectly crisp shortcrust pastry and packed with a juicy mincemeat filling, these delectable treats are sure to delight.
With nine delectable options on the table, there’s something for everyone this festive season at Asda. To purchase your first mince pie of the season, visit www.asda.com or a local Asda store.
