It’s the most wonderful time of the year for sandwich aficionados, but some shops don’t bring as much joy as they should
The battle of the sandwiches is back(Image: Lea Dzifa Seeberg/MyLondon)
Christmas; a time of presents, family, and good food. Pre-Christmas; a time for sandwiches. Everyone who loves a sarnie knows that in early to mid-November, all the supermarkets release their version of Christmas cheer with bread. And every year, I must get my hands on them all. For I am a journalist second, and a glutton for festive food first.
This year, my adventures took me to Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Marks and Spencer, and Waitrose. The shopping experience at each is different, with the latter two’s stylish serenity a far cry from the meal deal frenzy of the first. I may sound like a snob, and reader, I am. Born to be a Waitrose girl, forced to be a Tesco girl, as they say.
That’s not to say I don’t absolutely rate a Tesco meal deal. Few shops does a caesar salad like them, and I find among shops they are the ultimate value for money. But would their Christmas sarnie measure up to the competition?
Sainsbury’s Turkey Feast – £3.45
Sainsbury’s Turkey Feast sandwich(Image: Lea Dzifa Seeberg/MyLondon)
At Sainsbury’s, the packaging is a festively lurid red, complete with an on-theme gold star. The turkey is surprisingly prominent in this sandwich. It’s moist, it’s succulent, and its flavour is enhanced rather than masked by the trimmings. I have yet to try it, but my husband says the wrap version is phenomenal. Make of that what you will. Rating: 4/5
Marks and Spencer Turkey Feast – £4.50
Marks and Spencer’s turkey feast sandwich(Image: Lea Dzifa Seeberg/MyLondon)
Expensive is my first impression of this, followed by disappointment in the distinctly un-festive packaging. They do donate five per cent of sales to Shelter, which warms my little Grinch-like heart. Sadly, the charity doesn’t taste that good. The onion mayonnaise is the downfall of this sandwich. If you like a sauce, you’ll probably enjoy this overly mushy concoction of alliums. It is one of the moister sandwiches of the lot, but it’s more turkey and sauce than turkey and trimmings. Rating: 2/5
Tesco Turkey and Trimmings – £3.40
Tesco’s Turkey and Trimmings sandwich(Image: Lea Dzifa Seeberg/MyLondon)
The beauty of a Tesco meal deal is nothing ever changes – and the same can be said for their Christmas sandwich. You’ll never be disappointed, nor will you be thrilled. As always, I’d like more cranberry. But I can’t fault its inoffensive charm. Rating: 3/5
Waitrose Turkey, Stuffing, and Bacon – £4.50
Waitrose’s Turkey, Stuffing, and Bacon sandwich(Image: Lea Dzifa Seeberg/MyLondon)
Another expensive sandwich in even less festive packaging than M&S. Purple and a snowflake does not Christmas make. But I forgive them, because this sandwich is amazing. Plenty of cranberry, moist turkey, sage and onion that shine through. Despite it being a fridge-ready sandwich, the layering of flavours is better than you’d get on a plate piled high with trimmings. With a subtle kick of pepper to round it off. Rating: 5/5
Bonus: Waitrose Festive Turkey Curry (£4.50) and Marks and Spencer Turkey Bacon Roll (£3.50)
The M&S sausage roll and Waitrose’s curry sandwich(Image: Lea Dzifa Seeberg/MyLondon)
I generally love M&S Food, and I hoped the retaielr would redeem themselves with their festive sausage roll. How can you go wrong with that? Alas. The pastry is wonderful and buttery, but the filling is nothing but a too-salty, plain, ordinary sausage roll. The Grinch has come for my favourite retailer. Rating: 1/5 One final push for greatness comes in the form of Waitrose’s curry sandwich. If the classic turkey feast sandwiches are too heavy and meaty for you, this is the one. Is it particularly festive? No, unless the curry you eventually order because you’re sick of Christmas counts. Is it delicious? A resounding yes. It’s fresh, it’s zingy, it’s got just the right amount of crunch thanks to the spinach. Waitrose, you’ve won Christmas. Rating: 5/5
The verdict
Those grabbing a quick meal deal will be pleased with Tesco and Sainsbury’s offerings this year. They’re the standard for a reason, and both provide an easy-to-grab festive boost, with Sainsbury’s just easing past its rival. But if you’re a true sandwich enthusiast, make the trip to Waitrose. Considering how wonderful their classic Christmas sandwich and the curry version are, I myself will be heading back for the rest of the festive range.
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Dining and Cooking