I tried Sainsbury’s Christmas range — 1 dish is a clear winner

Even though I’m firmly in the camp of putting my Christmas tree up and revelling in festive joy from December 1, not everyone is on my wavelength. As summer draws to a close, many will already be looking forward to the major events in the latter months of the year.

Christmas is one of those big occasions. Supermarkets are gearing up for their biggest and busiest time of year, so I got a sneak peek at what will be adorning their shelves in just a few weeks’ time. Sainsbury’s hosted its Christmas showcase this week, and despite the odds — annoying delays and diversions from the train strikes —there was a sprinkling of festive joy coming early.

Alongside its clothing brand Tu, Argos, and Habitat, I got to see, try and revel in its festive givings — even if I couldn’t eat all of the display food.

This year’s theme is rooted in what they dubbed ‘new-stalgia’, which revels in the old and much-loved classics with a modern interpretation. Think caramel-filled mince pies, luxurious lobster and prawn cocktails, and banoffee-flavoured Irish liqueur. 

Sadly, a lot of this year’s food offerings were for show only, so I’ll have to wait like the rest of the country to sink my teeth into any of the main stars. Although it wasn’t all about the Christmas dinner table, and there’s one dish for me which stole the show. 

This might get me barred from many Christmas dinners, but the Taste the Difference Lobster Mac & Cheese (£4.75) was my winner. Pasta at Christmas sounds like a cardinal sin, but this is honestly worth it. 

A properly cheesy sauce that’s not too heavy on the stomach, balanced wonderfully with delicate lobster, topped with crispy breadcrumbs to add that much needed crunch and extra texture dimension. Seafood and cheese don’t always go together, however this is the exception.

If you’re a seafood lover, this year you won’t be disappointed. Personally, one of my favourite parts of Christmas Day is actually the food after the main event. I’m talking about picky bits, miniatures, snacks and cheese.

Normally supermarket cheese falls flat, but the Taste the Difference British Cheese & Quince Selection (£12) is not to be sniffed at. Or maybe it is…

My picks are the extra mature cheddar and their indulgent blue. There’s also a melty ‘adult’ brie, which looks like molten golden lava. Di-vine. 

Don’t forget the condiments either. Sainsbury’s Hot Maple Mayonnaise is perfect for dipping or smearing on a roast potato.

Unfortunately not all of the sweets were available to test out, but one to watch for this year is the Taste the Difference Irish Coffee Tira-Merry-Su (£12). Try saying that five times over.

Another I’m wanting to try is dual-chocolate mountain-shaped mousse, which gives Toblerone energy in dessert form, and the sleigh-shaped chocolate and orange dessert, which was described to me as an “adult’s version of a Jaffa Cake”. I’m sold, take my money.

As a nod to the viral Dubai Chocolate, Sainsbury’s has also launched a Taste the Difference Pistachio & Chocolate Irish Cream Liqueur (£10). It’s wonderfully smooth and not too sickly sweet, which I sometimes experience with Bailey’s. 

My other festive booze picks include the Taste the Difference Blackcurrent Spritz (£6.50), which transitions me nicely from Aperol season into winter. That way, spritz season can last all year, not just for the summer. There’ll also be an alcohol-free version.

I also enjoyed a Winter Sun Collins at The Sainsbury’s Arms, which showcased Sainsbury’s’ French Grain Orange Vodka. For bubbly lovers, watch out for the Taste the Difference Prosecco Rose Brut Millesimato.

For those looking for a warming drink, this year the supermarket is bringing out a white wine for its mulled selection. To warm the soul, I’d recommend a cup of the Winter Blend Espresso, it makes a mean flat white.

You’re sorted when it comes to gift ideas from Argos. The piece de resistance was the Ninja Slushie Frozen Drink Maker (£350), which was filled with rose wine (zero per cent, mind you). 

It may sound a little crazy serving iced drinks during the winter, but stranger things have happened. I got to see it in action and pour my own frozé slushie. Honestly, it’s the novelty that draws people in.

Other luxury goods include the Sage Barista Touched Brush Coffee Machine (£1,050), Ninja 1.19ml CREMi Deluxe Ice Cream Maker (£250), enough air fryers to last a lifetime, and gadgets and gizmos of all shapes and sizes for all the family.

If you’re after festive inspiration for the home, Habitat has got you covered. It’s launching its tallest Christmas tree yet, totaling 12 feet that comes pre-lit. 

There are also Christmas trees measuring five and six feet to fit into all and every household. Whether you’re looking for a sensual ambience befitting of a jazz club, bold and bright display, or taking inspiration from an Alpine ski chalet, there are decorations fitting for all themes.

A stand-out from Tu Clothing was the endless collection of PJs. Nothing quite says ‘UK winter’ like a snuggly pair of pyjamas.

Whether you’re after a traditional tartan for Christmas, something bold, or a nod to Christmas-drinks, there’ll be plenty of choices. My personal favourite was the cream cheesecloth pjs with diddy gingerbread men. Prices start from as little as £10.

Faux fur chic seems to be on the agenda for this winter. Although it’s not my personal choice of coat, they’ll definitely be snapped up quickly by the onslaught of Christmas parties.

I’m here for Sainsbury’s sense of ‘new-stalgia’, and if its preview is anything to go by, we’re in for a proper treat this Christmas.

There are a number of launch dates for all of the products across the four brands, with the earliest coming in just two weeks time. Products will launch in-store and online incrementally throughout the next few months.