Criteria

Below is a list of the detailed criteria we use for our mince pie reviews. Rest assured, we’re thorough.

1. Packaging and Presentation

• What to Assess: We consider the look and feel of the packaging. Is it festive, premium, or eco-friendly? Does it protect the pies well?

2. First Impressions

• How does the pie look straight out of the box? Does it feel like a special treat or a standard supermarket pie?

3. Pastry Texture and Quality

• Crust Quality: Is the pastry buttery and flaky, or dense and dry? Does it have a satisfying crumble?
• Freshness: Does it taste fresh or slightly stale? (Helpful if reviewing different pies over time!)

4. Filling Quality and Flavour

• Fruit Ratio and Balance: Does it have a good mix of fruit, or does one flavour dominate? Are there nice chunks, or is it mushy?
• Spice Blend: Assess the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, etc.)—are they balanced or overwhelming?
• Sweetness Level: Is it too sweet, not sweet enough, or just right?

5. Moisture Level

• Moisture Balance: A good mince pie shouldn’t be too dry or too runny. Is it juicy without being messy?
• Pastry and Filling Moisture Balance: Does the pastry work well with the moisture in the filling, or does one overpower the other?

6. Overall Taste Experience

• Flavour Profile: Does the pie taste well-rounded, with a good mix of buttery pastry, fruity filling, and warming spices?
• Aftertaste: Does it leave a pleasant taste, or is there a lingering overly sweet or artificial flavour?

7. Originality or Uniqueness

• Unique Twists: Some brands add a twist—like a dash of rum, a caramelized top, or a quirky ingredient. Is this a classic or a creative mince pie, and does it add or detract from the experience?

8. Christmas Feels

• Holiday Spirit: How well does it capture the festive feel? Does it feel special enough to serve at a Christmas gathering?

9. Value for Money

• Price vs. Quality: Is the taste and quality worth the price, or are there better options at the same or lower price point?

We’ve therefore settled on the following list of criteria and scoring methods that we use for our reviews, which is then simplified and shown out of 5 stars.