Supermarket heroes to celebrate this Christmas

Tuck into the best mains, desserts and party foods for you and your guests over the festive season

- By Brian Dillon

IT'S the most wonderful time of the year, especially for eating. Supermarket shelves across the UK are stacked high with mince pies, fruit cakes and puddings as Britons gear up for a festive season packed full of flavour and value.

This year's Christmas ranges feature bespoke, luxury treats and main course show-stoppers, plus a host of cost-friendly sweet and savoury snacks. Popular trends include traditional British delights combined with international flavours - think currytasting doughnuts and elegant takes on familiar favourites such as sausage wreaths.

But which hero products should end up in your shopping trolley? Nine supermarkets have shared their must-have festive offerings with us. Bon appetit!

TESCO

BRITAIN'S largest supermarket is certainly appetising for shoppers based on its huge range of products alone.

However, there are three items that bosses believe customers will hanker after the most. Tesco Finest Chef's Collection Winslade Baking Cheese with Fig & Damsons (£18) is a mild and soft British cheese complete with a brandied, caramelised fig and damson compote. It promises "rich and creamy" flavours and is ready to pop in a ceramic pot suitable for baking.

Moving on to party food, Tesco Finest Slow Cooked Pork Belly Bites with cherry chipotle glaze (£5.50) have a smoky BBQ seasoning, while Tesco Finest Salted Banoffee Cascading Star (£14), above, is a sensational banana sponge with salted caramel sauce and popcorn pieces for a nutty crunch.

WAITROSE