Aldi told it's 'gone too far' over new £2.59 mince pies

Aldi's mince pies are a popular choice for shoppers, but the retailer has been told it's 'gone too far' with a new festive flavour this Christmas.

There have been all sorts of weird and wonderful flavours available over recent years, but the new Specially Selected Ruby Port, Fig & Cheese Puff Pastry Mince Pies are among the most unusual yet.

Priced at £2.59 for a six-pack, they have joined Aldi’s 'extensive mince pie line-up for 2024' and described as 'a sweet and savoury sensation that combines a traditional mince pie and a much-loved cheeseboard all in one'.

Read more: Iceland shoppers say 'get in my belly' as £2.75 festive favourite returns

Predicting the product would stir up a debate, Aldi said: "These quirky pies offer a deliciously flaky all-butter puff pastry with a blend of mouthwatering cheddar and Emmental cheese and are filled with a rich ruby port, fig, and pear mincemeat.

"The festive treat is topped off with a sprinkle of cheddar and Emmental cheese creating a delightful, tangy flavour blend that is bound to spark conversation."

And it's certainly done just that, with shoppers quick to comment on the new flavour, which arrived in stores on November 1.

Sharing their views on a Facebook for new products, one said: "I'm really not sure about this, I think Aldi has gone too far with this one." Another said: "I don't want the taste of cheese anywhere near my mince pies thanks."

But not everyone is against the idea, with others commenting that the flavour 'sounds good to me' and they 'can't wait to try them'.

The launch of the new product comes after Aldi was named the ‘Best Overall Grocer’ at the prestigious Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI) Christmas Taste Test 2024. The annual taste test, which reviews 730 products from over 97 brands, crowned Aldi as the overall winner.

Aldi’s Specially Selected Mince Pies, which cost 38p each, were named the ‘Best Mince Pie’, impressing the panel of judges with their ‘soft, flaky pastry’ and ‘sweet, caramelised fruit filling’.

Only last month we reported how the growing popularity of its Specially Selected range - its premium own-label products - means that, this year, it will make up more than 50% of its overall festive offering for the first time.

Among other new Specially Selected products are two new premium flavours if its Irish Cream Liqueur. Billionaire’s Irish Cream Liqueur and Espresso Chocolate Irish Cream Liqueur arrived in stores last month, costing £8.99 a bottle.