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We tested over 30 Christmas sandwiches – these are the best ones to buy from M&S, Pret, Aldi and more
- Lucy Roxburgh – food and drink expert
Published: November 4, 2026 at 10:11 AM
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We’ve tasted festive sandwiches available on the high street and rounded up our favourites – you don’t need to wait until 25 December to enjoy all the flavours of a Christmas dinner
Just like Advent calendars and mince pies, the arrival of Christmas sandwiches on shop shelves is an annual cultural moment. From turkey toasties to super-sized subs, the task of fitting a whole Christmas dinner between two (or more) slices of bread is an art that's explored by supermarkets, coffee shops and bakeries. So, from now until the big day, you've got plenty of time to swap your usual prawn mayo or egg & cress with sliced turkey, cranberry sauce, camembert and many more festive flavours.
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We’ve done the hard work for you and tested over 30 Christmas sandwiches from all the big supermarkets to find the best to buy this year. Plus, we've been scouring the high street, trying Christmas sandwiches from Pret A Manger, Ole & Steen and more. These are our top-ranking results.
What did we look for in our search for the the best Christmas sandwich? As well as undeniable seasonal flavours, we looked for balanced, not too sweet (often a culprit when cranberry sauce or onion chutney is involved) options, with complementary elements that allowed you to taste each flavour without competing. We wanted sandwiches that held together well and weren't too messy – and we loved seeing innovation, good-quality ingredients and impressive breads.
From returning classics to delicious new twists, these are the best Christmas sandwiches to buy this year.
We'll be continuing to add to this list as more sandwiches launch, so let us know if you think there any more we need to try.
Best Christmas sandwiches to buy 2026
Joe & the Juice 'Joe Ho Ho Ho' sandwich
- Available from Joe & the Juice (£9.65)
Rating: 5/5
A different take on a classic Christmas sandwich, made distinctive by Joe & the Juice's signature thin, crunchy bread. This adds a satisfying contrast to the classic fillings inside: tender turkey, mushroom gravy and lots of veg in the form of red cabbage ketchup, crunchy slaw and fresh rocket. At just shy of £10, it is the most expensive sandwich we tried.
Waitrose No.1 roasted Italian porchetta ciabatta
- Available from Waitrose (£4.95, launching 18th November)
Rating: 5/5
If you're not a fan of turkey, this makes a nice change for a Christmas sandwich this year. The crunchy ciabatta roll looks attractive and switches it up from more familiar sliced bread. Inside, the porchetta is tender, fresh and herby, with bags of flavour.
M&S surf & turf brioche rolls
- Available from M&S (£6.50, launches 25 November)
Rating: 5/5
This intriguing duo was a surprise hit with the judging panel, and one that was still being talked about after 30 different sandwiches had been tried. Two brioche rolls are neatly packaged with different generous fillings: a 'surf' roll with classic prawn cocktail flavours, and a 'turf' roll with British roast beef and a drizzle of tangy dressing. A different take on festive flavours, and definitely a unique option in a sea of turkey and sliced bread. Plus, M&S donates 5 per cent of sales from every item in its festive food-to-go range to Shelter.
Pret A Manger Christmas baguette
- Available from Pret a Manger (£5.60)
Rating: 4.5/5
The Pret Christmas sandwich is a classic, but this year, it was the baguette version that won us over. The crunchy bread has satisfying chew and is generously filled with sliced turkey and the trimmings, including stuffing, cranberry & port sauce, rocket (which we prefer to the spinach used in the regular sandwich) and Pret's signature crispy onions for a little extra crunch. Pret is where to head pre-office Christmas party, or perhaps to revive you the day after.
M&S turkey feast sandwich
- Available from M&S and Ocado (£4.25)
Rating: 4.5/5
A classic that returns every year. If you're after a solid turkey sandwich, this is a good go-to. It has clear layers of turkey, stuffing, bacon and a generous level of cranberry sauce that provides sweetness without overpowering. The bread is soft without going soggy from all the fillings.
Aldi Specially Selected Wiltshire gammon & Christmas slaw bloomer
- Available from Aldi (£2.99, available in-store from 26 November)
Rating: 4.5/5
Very soft and pillowy white bread is the standout here; it almost feels homemade. There's lots of colourful slaw inside and freshness from the veg, alongside the thinly sliced, tender gammon.
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference festive ham hock sandwich
- Available from Sainsbury's (£4.50)
Rating: 4.5/5
Nice white bread with a good crust. The filling is made up of lots of salad, a thin slice of cheese and finely shredded ham for a hearty yet balanced sandwich. The chutney is sweet, but stays balanced – as long as you get a bite of everything at once.
Aldi pigs under blankets sandwich
- Available from Aldi (£1.99, available in-store)
Rating: 4.5/5
A great bargain Christmas sandwich option – the cheapest full sandwich on our list. The bacon stays impressively crispy, the bread is pleasantly soft and the onion chutney has a pleasant sweet flavour that balances the saltier meats.
Waitrose spicy falafel wrap
- Available from Waitrose (£4.50)
Rating: 4/5
If you're looking for a veggie Christmas option, this is a solid offering from Waitrose. It doesn't scream festive flavours, but falafel is always a crowdpleaser. The green wrap adds to the fresh herby flavours (and doesn't go soggy), and the veggie filling is well seasoned throughout.
Ole & Steen The Turkey Toastie
- Available from Ole & Steen (£8.95 takeaway, in-store from 3 November)
Rating: 4/5
First, it's important to note that this sandwich is absolutely huge! It's one for sharing or particularly hungry days. Thick slabs of focaccia are filled with plenty of fillings: turkey, crispy bacon, a very festive sprout & cranberry slaw, some melting cheddar cheese and chilli jam to cut through all that richness. Ours had cooled slightly by the time we ate it, but we can imagine it would be even better served super-hot and fresh.
Sainsbury's apple crumble Christmas sandwich
- Available from Sainsbury's (£1.85, launches 30 November)
Rating: 4/5
This won't be for everyone, but it's the only sweet sandwich on the market we've spotted so far this Christmas season. After a smattering of sweet sandwiches appearing over the summer, we were sceptical – but, this won us over. It's sold as a single sandwich and filled with pleasing textures. The sweet brioche bread is soft and fluffy, while inside are crisp slices of green apple, sweet apple compote and crunchy granola crumble layered with soft cheese and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. If you're curious, you have to try it.
Lidl Deluxe brioche bun ham & cheddar with slaw
- Available from Lidl (£2.99, launching 13 November)
IMAGE COMING TUES/WEDS
Rating: 4/5
While not wildly festive, this is a classic sandwich done well, and the brioche bun makes a pleasant change from the usual high street triangle sandwiches. Each component is well balanced and it's an easy, comforting go-to.
Co-op Christmas club
- Available from Co-op (£4.75, launches 2 December)
Rating: 4/5
On the whole, giant triple club Christmas sandwiches are not our go-to option, as it's a lot of bread to get through. However, this offering from Co-op gets bonus points for toasted bread and a neat, attractive appearance. Inside are layers of chicken (great for turkey sceptics), brie, cranberry sauce and truffle mayo for decadence.
Morrisons The Best Boxing Day curry wrap
- Available from Morrisons (£4.40)
Rating: 4/5
If you'll always be team chicken over turkey, this might be a winner. Tender chicken is dressed in curry mayo, slaw, spinach and cranberry chutney for a bigger nod to festive flavours. As is often the way with supermarket Christmas sandwiches, it does err a little on the sweet side.
Aldi brie & cranberry
- Available from Aldi (£2.49, available in-store)
Rating: 4/5
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A brie and cranberry sandwich always appears as a meat-free Christmas sandwich offering. This is a good option: the brie has good flavour, fresh spinach adds texture and the cranberry jam isn't too sweet.
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