Brisbane foodies put Woolworths, Coles, Aldi festive food to the test

From Christmas classics to luxe frozen desserts and bizarre European snacks, Australia’s major supermarkets have a festive feast on offer this year. Watch as three Brisbane foodies share their verdict in this blind taste test.

Australia’s major supermarkets have pulled out all the stops this Christmas with their festive feasting ranges, focusing on ‘luxe for less’, but how do these faux-fancy foods really stack up?

We put three Queensland foodies up to the challenge of blind taste testing some of Woolworths’, Aldi’s and Coles’ quirkiest, bougiest and more classic Christmas treats, and there were some surprising winners.

MasterChef finalist Alana Lowes with the Coles Finest Hand Decorated Layered Peach Sponge Cake. Picture: Liam Kidston

Valentino Acuzar with the Aldi Salted Caramel and Chocolate Chip Panettone. Picture: Liam Kidston

Former MasterChef finalist and Weekender presenter Alana Lowes, Executive Chef at Hotel Indigo Valentino Acuzar and food influencer and former MasterChef finalist Montana Hughes ate their way through everything from panettone and pavlova, to scallops and fish wellingtons, with some surprising favourites making their mark.

CHECK OUT THEIR FULL VERDICTS BELOW

The Coles Welsh rarebit Chees Bake, with Aldi’s maple bacon wrapped scallops and Christmas Fig Parmesan & Cheddar Bites from Coles. Picture: Liam Kidston

A standout for the team was also perhaps the most out-there addition to Coles’ range this year- the Welsh rarebit Cheese Bake, which is hot cheese sauce flavoured with ale, mustard and Worcestershire sauce that is traditionally served on toast.

Coles own Brand Development Chef Michael Weldon said the team had focused on making products that were standouts, but still affordable and as easy as possible.

“Creating a memorable feast doesn’t have to break the bank. With fresh ingredients and some creativity in the kitchen, you can whip up a showstopping spread that’s delicious and affordable,” he said.

Woolworths Gold Chocolate & Raspberry Meringues. Picture: Liam Kidston

Straight from the freezer at Aldi, the toffee and pecan marbled roulade was ‘unbelievable’ and akin to a fresh bakery-bought treat.

Similarly, a spokesperson from Aldi said they would not be beaten on the cost of customers’ weekly shop.

Aldi’s Fish Wellington, accompanied by Woolworths Gold Duck Fat Potatoes With Truffle Butter. Picture: Liam Kidston

“We have an incredible range of festive items for all occasions this season. From our luxury Curated Collection line-up perfect for gifting, to our Australian half leg hams… and extra large Tiger Prawns… ALDI’s Christmas range provides high quality items at competitive prices,” they said.

“Our everyday low-price model means you are guaranteed great value, no matter if your basket is full of Christmas goodies, frozen finds or your day-to-day essentials.”

Food influencer Montana Hughes with the Coles Christmas Reindeer Bao Buns. Picture: Liam Kidston

The Woolworths Christmas range seemed to be a little lacking this year, with minimal options outside the standard Christmas fare, but Louis Eggar, Managing Director of Woolworths Food Company (Retail) said they had chosen to deliver a higher quantity of existing products, over introducing more new products.