One of the best things about the festive season, undeniably, is the food.
Comfort food reigns supreme and ‘diet’ becomes a word reserved for January while we spend our days nibbling on office chocolates and dreaming about turkey.
Christmas sandwiches are a staple on the UK high street as soon as November hits, and so we’ve decided to do the hard work of testing the range that’s on offer.
From the best brie and cranberry sandwich to vegan delights, here’s where to find the high street’s best Christmas sandwiches this year.
Best classic Christmas sandwich: M&S Turkey Feast, £3.50
“The stalwart of the Christmas sandwich gang – this stellar sarnie is the one all other sandwiches are desperately trying to become. But they won’t. They can’t. Because this is the Christmas sandwich to end all Christmas sandwiches.” 5/5
Runner-up: Pret’s Christmas Lunch, £3.95
“We’ve done it, this is peak Christmas sandwich. Meaty and filling, this is a sandwich to keep you going for a while. Not too much mayo and delicious stuffing – peppery and not smushy at all. Well done Pret.” 4.5/5
Best vegetarian Christmas sandwich: Pret’s Veggie Christmas Lunch, £3.75
“This is my favourite Christmassy high street sandwich. The crunchy walnuts add a nice texture when so many other veggie sandwiches are just pure mush.” 5/5
Runner-up: Jamie Oliver Smoky Cheese & Coleslaw (available at Shell), £3.29
“Nice smoke flavours in the cheese, not overpowering. Good chunky slaw too. Nothing Christmassy about it in the slightest, but a good sarnie nonetheless.” 3/5
Best vegan Christmas sandwich: Plant Kitchen (M&S) The Nutcracker, £3.50
“Absolutely delightful, the filling is delicious and placed on a soft malted bread. The nut roast mixed with sweet potato and cranberry sauce compliments each other perfectly.” 5/5
Runner-up: Paul’s All About the Sprout, £4.25
“I’m no vegan but I love Brussel sprouts on pizza so was keen to try this fresh take on the Christmas sandwich. I didn’t get much hummus but loved the red cabbage, this felt more like a festive vegan banh mi – yum.” 4.5/5
Special mention: Very Merry Vegan Ciabatta from Coco di Mama, £4.25
"While Coco di Mama is only London-based, vegans and meat lovers should flock to their nearest location to try the vegan bacon sandwich. Not only does it taste like the real thing, but the added cranberry and parsnip stuffing makes it extra delightful." 5/5
Best gluten free sandwich: Waitrose Gluten Free Turkey, Stuffing & Bacon, £3.50
“The one thing gluten-free sandwiches need to get right is the bread, and this one well and truly succeeded. This sandwich is well stocked with turkey, pork and chestnut stuffing and the orange chutney is a surprisingly delicious addition.” 4.5/5
Best brie and cranberry Christmas sandwich: Pret’s Brie, Pistachio and Cranberry Baguette, £3.50
“Hands down best Christmas sandwich I’ve had this year! Hunks of brie, brown baguette, fresh rocket and the right amount of cranberry sauce, plus the surprise crunch of pistachio – oddly nice.” 5/5
Runner-up: Aldi Brie and Cranberry, £1.69
“One for the brie lovers, lashings of brie is about all you can taste in this sarnie, the hint of cranberry and lightness of rocket is a nice touch.” 4/5
Best pigs under blanket Christmas sandwich: Sainsbury’s On The Go Turkey Pigs and Blankets, £2.40
“The perfect ratio of turkey, sausage, bacon, cranberry and mayo – each compliments each other perfectly and the soft brown bread is a nice addition. The ideal Christmas sandwich for meat lovers.” 5/5
Runner-up: Paul’s The Festive Pig Sandwich, £4.65
“Biting into this crusty bacon and onion baguette is the first sign you’re about to eat something special. Inside, the pigs in blankets is combined with Brussels sprouts, red onion and a plum and balsamic chutney which compliments each other nicely. Plus, 50p from each of these sandwiches goes towards London-based charity The Felix Project, so there’s a feel-good element too.” 4.5/5
Best posh Christmas sandwich: Paul’s Dinde de Noel, £4.65
“For when you want something a bit fancy, this sandwich serves up piles of bacon, turkey and cranberries on an artisan sage and onion baguette. The cream cheese and horseradish topping adds a tasty touch but doesn’t over power it.” 5/5
Runner-up: Gail’s Christmas sandwich, £5.20
“A fresh take on the classic Christmas sandwich, sliced turkey is served atop a thick layer of cheese with homemade bacon jam and spicy chipotle aioli. A sophisticated option that won’t leave you needing a nap, as so many other Christmas sandwiches do.” 4.5/5
Best hot Christmas sandwich: Starbucks Festive Feast Panini, £4.25
“Best eaten while hot, this panini doesn’t shy away when it comes to filling. Layers of pulled turkey and maple-cured bacon is topped with Emmental cheese, chestnut stuffing and cranberry sauce in the soft cranberry-dotted panini.” 4.5/5
Runner-up: Gregg’s Festive Bake, £1.50
“While not technically a sandwich, this cult Christmas classic is the ultimate Greggs bake. Chicken, stuffing, bacon and sage and cranberry sauce create this dreamy Christmas meal wrapped in flaky pastry.” 4/5
Best classic Christmas wrap: Lidl Festive Wrap, £1.79
“The perfect ratio of bacon, turkey and stuffing all encased in a deliciously soft tortilla wrap. The Brussels sprout coleslaw adds a nice crunch but the only thing lacking was the cranberry sauce.” 4.5/5
Best vegetarian/vegan Christmas wrap: Wicked Kitchen Festive Feast Wrap (Tesco), £3.00
“The pea protein pieces doesn’t taste that strong but gives it some texture, the sage and onion stuffing is nice, salty and satisfying. And yet the whole thing remains fresh and zingy thanks to the spring onion and light mayonnaise dressing” 4.5/5
Best Christmas salad: EAT.’s Vegan Spiced Cauliflower, Hummus and Harissa Grains, £4.99
“While a salad isn’t something we’d tend to associate with Christmas, EAT.’s spiced salad hits all the right notes” 3/5
