How we test pigs in blankets
The Good Housekeeping Institute tasted 26 pigs in blankets from all the major supermarkets and online butchers, to find the tastiest bangers for Christmas 2026.
Each was cooked and prepared according to the packet instructions and served blind to a panel of consumers. They were looking for well-seasoned sausage meat and evenly crisped bacon.
Read on to find out which porky picks impressed our panel.
Best pigs in blanket
Aldi Specially Selected Double Wrapped Pigs in Blankets 250g
Best pigs in blanket
Aldi Specially Selected Double Wrapped Pigs in Blankets 250g
Score: 88/100
Our winner for the second year running, Aldi's juicy bangers are encased in deliciously salty, crispy smoked bacon. Testers loved the natural pork flavour and well-balanced herby seasoning, with one declaring them 'absolutely fantastic'. Once you've tasted a double-wrapped PIB, it's hard to go back – and these are a bargain.
Available 25 November 2026
Best chunky pigs in blanket
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Discovery Old English Pigs in Blankets 590g
Best chunky pigs in blanket
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Discovery Old English Pigs in Blankets 590g
Score: 83/100
For something more substantial, these chunky Sainsbury's pigs in blankets deliver. The tender pork is seasoned with a classic 'Old English' blend of black pepper, sage and nutmeg, then wrapped in crisp, caramelised smoked bacon. Testers loved the warming spice and coarse, meaty texture, too.
Best frozen pigs in blankets
COOK Pigs in Blankets 400g
Best frozen pigs in blankets
COOK Pigs in Blankets 400g
Score: 82/100
It's always wise to have a frozen pack of pigs in blankets on standby for the season (after all, why limit them to the big day?). COOK's longer Cumberland chipolatas are wrapped in streaky bacon, and our panel praised the juicy, meaty texture and classic smoky flavour.
Score: 82/100
Morrisons' thick, succulent Cumberland-style sausages have a gentle sweetness, balanced by salty, smoky bacon and a warming kick of pepper and festive spice. Full-flavoured without being overpowering, these should go down well with the whole table.
Score: 80/100
The Jolly Hog's outdoor-bred and RSPCA-assured pigs in blankets are wrapped in double-smoked, treacle-cured back bacon for a subtly sweet, smoky finish. Well-seasoned with sage and black pepper, they're juicy and meaty, with one tester declaring them a 'fantastic addition to a roast dinner'.
Score: 80/100
Lidl keeps things simple with this chunky, well-priced take on the festive favourite. The pork is nicely seasoned with pepper and herbs, while caramelised bacon brings a welcome crunch. Nothing too fancy – just a crowd-pleasing PIB done well.
Available 10 December 2026
Score: 79/100
Another classic pig in blanket that will go down well on the big day. Co-op's gently seasoned pork sausage is wrapped with crisp, salty bacon that proved the highlight for testers. One for the traditionalists.
Available 9 December 2026
Score: 78/100
Christmas canapé, anyone? M&S's cocktail-sized pigs in blankets are made with outdoor-bred pork and are just the right size for festive entertaining. The sausage is soft and tender with a peppery kick, and salty bacon completes the classic combination. One tester declared them a 'top class' pig in blanket.
Score: 77/100
Online butcher Edenmoor – previously Pipers Farm – knows its way around a pig in blanket. Crisp streaky bacon is the star here, bringing rich, salty and caramelised notes to the simply seasoned sausage meat. Testers particularly enjoyed the 'lovely rich, crispy bacon', which adds plenty of character without overpowering the meat.
Best value pigs in blankets
Aldi Specially Selected Old English The Ultimate Pigs in Blankets 300g
Best value pigs in blankets
Aldi Specially Selected Old English The Ultimate Pigs in Blankets 300g
Score: 76/100
Old English seasoning makes another appearance here, this time in Aldi's well-priced pigs. Rosemary, sage and thyme give the chunky, juicy sausage a hearty flavour. A good choice if you like your pigs particularly herby.
Available 19 December 2026
Best flavoured pigs in blankets
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Chorizo-style Pigs in Blankets with a Hot Honey Glaze
Best flavoured pigs in blankets
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Chorizo-style Pigs in Blankets with a Hot Honey Glaze
Score: 76/100
If you fancy trying something a little different this year, these fun Sainsbury’s PIBs are glazed with hot honey, adding a little chilli to the chorizo-style bites. Watch out though – the heat builds on the palate, which some may not want on their Christmas dinner plate. Try serving them as canapés instead.
Available 2 December 2026
These also passed...
- Exceptional by ASDA Wagyu Pigs in Blankets, £5 for 210g, Score: 74/100
- Lidl Deluxe Footlong Pigs in Blankets, £4.99 for 400g, Score: 74/100
- Tesco Finest Nduja Pigs in Blanket with Hot Honey Sauce, £2.75 for 222g, Score: 72/100
Stacey looks after all food and drink reviews — from coffee pods and veg boxes, to natural wine and tequila. Stacey is also founder of Crummbs, where she’s written nearly 2,000 restaurant and hotel reviews since 2013. Prior to this, Stacey wrote hundreds of in-depth buying guides for the Independent, i newspaper and BBC Good Food, as well as reviewing restaurants and interviewing celebrities in her column at Balance Magazine. Stacey has also appeared in BAFTA-nominated BBC documentary Blood, Sweat & Takeaways, where she investigated South East Asia's food production industry, appearing on both Newsnight and BBC World Service to share her findings. Regularly checking out the latest restaurants, bars and product launches, Stacey also loves experimenting with recipes at home, and is a WSET-certified wine and spirits expert, with over 10 years of experience in the business. You can follow Stacey on Instagram @crummbs_uk
Callum is our Food and Drink Testing Manager and has been part of the world of professional catering for 10 years, from cheffing to food manufacturing. While working in manufacturing he specialised in bespoke product and menu development for several start-ups and well-known brands such as Wrap It Up! and HOP Vietnamese. He holds the WSET Level 2 in wine, a Level 3 in spirits and has a particular interest in agave spirits.
Georgia has been part of the hospitality industry for the last nine years. Her starting point was the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu culinary school where she gained a Diplôme de Pâtisserie. She has worked at a number of well-known restaurants and bakeries including The Club at the Ivy and Ottolenghi, Notting Hill where she was the head pastry chef. Most recently, Georgia worked at The Clink Bakery inside HMP Brixton, which aims to reduce reoffending through teaching. She is an expert in all things baked goods and holds a WSET level 2 in wine.