Are shop-bought Christmas puddings already cooked?

Store-bought Christmas puddings have usually been cooked but just require reheating before serving. This reheating can be done by either boiling the pudding in a pot of water on the stove or using a microwave. In the traditional preparation of a Christmas pudding, it is typical to cook it twice. Initially, often well in advance of Christmas, the pudding is steamed. Later, when it is ready to be served, the Christmas pudding is reheated. The reason for cooking the Christmas pudding ahead of time is to allow the flavours to mature, enhancing the pudding's deliciousness on the big day.

Can you reheat a shop-bought Christmas pudding?

Store-bought Christmas pudding is typically best enjoyed when heated for the first time. However, if you have leftovers, you can reheat them in the microwave or the oven. Keep in mind that reheating Christmas pudding a second time can result in a somewhat rubbery and even a slightly tough texture. You can also use leftover Christmas pudding to make cake pops, add to a brownie mixture, or whip up festive ice cream. To reheat, cover the Christmas pudding and put on a microwavable plate. Heat on high until piping hot, approximately 2-3 mins, depending on how much is left. Or heat the oven to 130C Fan/Gas 2 cover and bake for around 45 mins until hot through.

Can you get Christmas pudding without alcohol?

There are many free-from options available that still offer a traditional, Christmas pudding taste and appearance. You can find these in major supermarkets and online including Waitrose and Ocado.

What is a non-alcoholic substitute for brandy in Christmas pudding?

You can easily change the alcohol in your Christmas pudding to apple or orange juice or brewed tea such as Darjeeling.

How do you light a Christmas pudding?

Gently warm a small pan until the alcohol is hot. Remove from the heat, and quickly but carefully pour over the warm Christmas pudding. Carefully and swiftly ignite the alcohol using a lighter or match. Tilt the serving plate to one side, and gently, use a spoon to return any excess alcohol back onto the pudding.

Best Christmas puddings 2023: Where to buy your festive pud this year

Close up of a Christmas pudding with holly on top

(Image credit: Getty Images)

By Amanda James

last updated 5 December 2023

From the best supermarket Christmas puddings including Iceland and Aldi to independent sellers like Cartwright & Butler, here are the best Christmas puddings for 2023 all tried and tasted by our expert Food Team.

As the festive season approaches, a wide range of store-bought Christmas puddings from supermarkets to micro-bakeries and independent shops will be available, and choosing just one can be a hard decision, especially when they all give Mary Berry's Christmas pudding a run for its money.

Our expert panel who tried and tested a range of Christmas foods, including Christmas puddings for 2023 are Group Food Director Jen Bedloe, Food Editor Jess Meyer, Deputy Food Editor Rose Fooks, Food Writer Amanda James, and Junior Food Writer Georgia Sparks. With years of experience and a vast amount of culinary expertise, this team is well-versed in identifying what really makes the best Christmas pudding.

So, if you’re after the best shop-bought Christmas pudding on the market then look no further. Whether you fancy a traditional Christmas pudding, a Christmas pudding with a twist, or one for a small gathering then we’ve got you covered. With Cartwright & Butler taking the top stop for the overall best Christmas pudding, Iceland taking the best supermarket Christmas pudding and Aldi being best value for money at under £10, there is certainly something for everyone.

It's not just Christmas pudding that we've taste-tested this year - have a browse through our expert picks for the best Christmas cake, best Christmas desserts, and best mince pies. We've even rounded up the best turkey on offer this year.

Recent updates

This article was updated on the 5th of December. We checked the prices of all the products featured in the article and updated some of the deals for accuracy.

Where to buy Christmas pudding for 2023

Best tried and tasted Christmas puddings

Why you can trust GoodTo. Our experienced Consumer Editor & parent reviewers spend hours testing products to help you make the best choice. Find out how we test and review products.

1. Cartwright & Butler Traditional Christmas Pudding, 908g - View at Cartwright & Butler

Best Christmas pudding overall

RRP: £30 | Delivery: Same day delivery online between 6th-13th December | Available: Now online and in independent shops and luxury departments | Servings: 6-8

A traditional-tasting pudding rich in amaretto-soaked fruit, nuts, and spices. Sweet and salty with a pleasant aftertaste, a real warmth from the booze, but well balanced. This classic festive recipe would make a perfect centerpiece everyone will enjoy.

Food Writer, Amanda James says: "Lovely hints of citrus fruits and zesty notes from start to finish. Subtle crunch from the nuts, a good amount of dried fruits, and not too oozy. Homemade rustic look, sweet and salty reminiscent of salted caramel but still classic Christmas pudding flavours.”

Cartwright & Butler traditional Christmas pudding - £30.00 - Cartwright & Butler

2. Iceland Luxury Matured Christmas Pudding, 400g - View at Iceland

Best supermarket Christmas pudding

RRP: £4.50 | Delivery: Order online - The Food Warehouse and in-store | Available: Now | Servings: 4

A rich and juicy fruit pudding with a classic dome shape. Packed with cider, brandy, almonds, cognac, sherry, rum, almonds, walnuts, and pecans. A boozy classic Christmas pudding with a glossy finish, great for a traditional flame. If you’re a fan of nuts in your pud, this one is for you.

Group Food Editor, Jess Meyer says: "A great classic pud. Good size with a lovely dome shape. The dark colour and shiny finish turned out neatly. A strong caramel flavour with a good spice level. Not overly boozy but a good one for lighting. Nice mix of fruit and almonds.”

Iceland, Luxury Matured Christmas Pudding - £4.50 - Iceland

3. Holland & Barret Christmas Pudding, 454g - View at Holland & Barrett

Best vegan Christmas pudding

RRP: £10 | Delivery: Available in select stores and online | Available: 23rd October | Servings: 2-4

A well-balanced, warming, and gently spiced free-from Christmas pudding. Bursting with fruit, a note of citrus, and soaked in brandy and gluten-free ale including berries, currants, and figs. If you’re after a great vegan Christmas pudding or a pudding that isn’t too boozy then give this one a go.

Food Writer, Amanda James says: "Crunchy and not too sweet. Loved the citrusy flavour in this vegan pudding. It wasn't too boozy and had a lovely shape”

Holland & Barrett Christmas Pudding - £10 - Holland & Barrett

4. Aldi Specially Selected 18-Month Matured Christmas Pudding, 400g - View at Aldi

Best Christmas pudding under £10

RRP: £4.49 | Delivery: Instore | Available: Now | Servings: 4

A perfect dome-shaped Christmas pudding that held well together when cooked. Made with cider, French brandy, glacé cherries, and sherry, this pudding isn’t too boozy or sweet. Just the right amount of fruit, a great deep colour, and a lovely texture. Packed with nuts, on the crunchier side.

Deputy Food Editor, Rose Fooks says: "Very moist, lovely dome shape. Rich flavour with a warming boozy kick. Plump and juicy fruit with almonds.”

Aldi Specially Selected 18 Month Matured Christmas - £4.49 - Aldi

5. Abel & Cole Luxury Organic Christmas Pudding, 900g - View at Abel & Cole

Best traditional Christmas pudding

RRP: £17.95 | Delivery: Nationwide order online | Available: Now | Servings: 8

If you’re fond of tradition then this could be the one for you. Boil on the stove for a classic method that gives a moist texture and plump fruity finish. Packed with organic dried fruits and a glug of brandy, then wrapped in muslin for an extra traditional look.

Deputy Food Editor, Rose Fooks says: “A tall dome pleasing shape filled with dried fruit and candied peel. It can't be microwaved, but we'll forgive this as it was a sensational flavour. Slightly more cakey than others we tasted but light and fluffy. Light on the spice and not too boozy, this would benefit from a flaming.”

Abel & Cole Luxury Christmas Pudding - £17.95 - Abel & Cole

6. Fitzbillies Christmas Pudding, 560g - View at Fitzbillies

Best artisanal Christmas pudding

RRP: £17 | Delivery: Nationwide delivery | Available: From 9th November | Servings: 6

Traditional Christmas pudding made by hand and steamed overnight gives this pudding an inviting golden hue. Not as many fruits as the others but with apples and figs this gives a lighter colour. Lightly spiced and a welcoming slosh of brandy, this was similar to a figgy pudding.

Junior Food writer Georgia Sparks says: "Great sized pudding, lightly spic with less fruit, more sponge pudding but a lovely buttery texture. A great all-rounder and for those that aren't huge fans of Christmas pudding.”

Fitzbillies Christmas Pudding - £17.00 - Fitzbillies

7. Tesco Finest Black Forest Christmas Pudding, 800g - View at Tesco

Best alternative Christmas pudding

RRP: £12 | Delivery: Order online and instore | Available: Now | Servings: 8

A rich and decadent Christmas pudding drawing inspiration from the timeless black forest recipe. Moist and packed with Belgian chocolate chunks, candied cherries, and a dash of kirsch. Adorned with candied cherries and almonds coated in golden syrup glaze. On the sweeter side and reminiscent of a chocolate cake, this is a great option for those not keen on Christmas pud but still want tradition.

Group Food Editor, Jen Bedloe says: "An alternative to the usual pud with an almost brownie cake texture. Delicious and chocolatey, nice for something different especially with the jewel topping making it look very festive.”