Best panettone for Christmas 2026, taste-tested by a food writer
Christmas pudding and Christmas cake may be the traditional stars of the festive table, but panettone has been catching up fast. In 2023, Waitrose reported that panettone was outselling Christmas pudding, and last year Selfridges said it expected to sell three times more panettone than the year before. Light, fluffy and full of citrusy flavour, the Italian sweet bread is easy to love, and leftovers are perfect for bread and butter pudding. To find the best of this year’s crop, Evening Standard food writer Kate Ng taste-tested more than 20 panettones, from supermarket favourites to high-end retailers. Here are the winners.
Best Panettones at a Glance
- Best overall: Sous Chef Tradizionale Panettone, £28.99 at Sous Chef
- Best supermarket panettone: Sainsbury’s Cherry & Amaretto Panettone, £12 at Sainsbury’s
- Best traditional panettone: Waitrose Angela Hartnett Panettone, £20 at Waitrose
- Best flavoured panettone: M&S Collection Chocolate & Stem Ginger Panettone, £20 at Ocado
- Best showstopper: Gail’s Classic Sourdough Panettone, £25 at Ocado
What Makes a Great Panettone?
A good panettone is an enriched bread made with plenty of butter and egg yolks, and it goes through a long, multi-stage fermentation. The ideal loaf has a burnished brown dome that rises above its paper case, while the inside should be golden, light and fluffy. It should pull apart easily without leaving lots of crumbs, and squish together satisfyingly when pressed.
Traditional panettone has a fragrant aroma of citrus and vanilla, with an even spread of dried fruit like candied orange or lemon peel and sultanas. Modern versions can include anything from cherries and chocolate to stem ginger, pistachios and caramel. A truly great panettone feels rich but never heavy.
How the Panettones Were Tested
Each panettone was judged on its appearance and the structure of the bread inside, including how moist or crumbly it was. Flavour was key. Traditional panettones needed zesty yet rounded flavours with a generous amount of dried fruit, while flavoured versions had to show a good balance between all their ingredients.
Best Overall: Sous Chef Tradizionale Panettone
Price: £28.99 | Weight: 1kg | Origin: Italy | Dried fruit: Yes
The Sous Chef Tradizionale Panettone earned top marks and the best overall title. It arrives beautifully wrapped in colourful paper with a bright ribbon, making it a lovely Christmas gift, though the packaging is tricky to reseal once opened.
The panettone itself is wide rather than tall, with a deep brown crust and an impressively hefty feel. Despite its density, the bread is soft and fluffy, with no dryness or stray crumbs, and it pulls apart beautifully. It’s packed with raisins and candied citrus peel, giving it a tender, sweet bite, so it’s ideal for anyone who enjoys dried fruit. The flavour is subtle and sweetly scented, and it’s so rich that one generous slice is enough to satisfy.
According to Sous Chef, it’s made by a family of bakers in northern Italy using a closely guarded “mother yeast”, a natural sourdough culture that gives the bread its signature rise and fluffiness. At under £30, it’s an excellent artisan panettone that feels worth every penny.
Best Supermarket Panettone: Sainsbury’s Cherry & Amaretto Panettone
Price: £12
For the best value, the Sainsbury’s Cherry & Amaretto Panettone was named the top supermarket pick. Combining cherries with amaretto-inspired flavour, it’s an affordable way to enjoy a festive twist on the classic.
Best Traditional Panettone: Waitrose Angela Hartnett Panettone
Price: £20
If you prefer the classic style, the Waitrose Angela Hartnett Panettone took the title for best traditional panettone. Created in partnership with the Michelin-starred chef, it’s a great choice for anyone who loves a timeless, fruit-filled panettone.
Best Flavoured Panettone: M&S Collection Chocolate & Stem Ginger Panettone
Price: £20
For something a little different, the M&S Collection Chocolate & Stem Ginger Panettone was crowned the best flavoured option. Pairing chocolate with warming stem ginger, it’s ideal for anyone who wants a festive alternative to traditional dried fruit.
Best Showstopper: Gail’s Classic Sourdough Panettone
Price: £25
Looking for something impressive to put on the table? The Gail’s Classic Sourdough Panettone was named the best showstopper, making it a great centrepiece for Christmas gatherings or a special gift.
The Best Panettones Compared
| Panettone | Award | Price | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sous Chef Tradizionale Panettone | Best overall | £28.99 | Sous Chef |
| Sainsbury’s Cherry & Amaretto Panettone | Best supermarket | £12 | Sainsbury’s |
| Waitrose Angela Hartnett Panettone | Best traditional | £20 | Waitrose |
| M&S Collection Chocolate & Stem Ginger Panettone | Best flavoured | £20 | Ocado |
| Gail’s Classic Sourdough Panettone | Best showstopper | £25 | Ocado |
Prices were correct at the time of the review and may change.
Tips for Enjoying Panettone
- Serve it warm. Warming a slice briefly in the oven brings out its buttery aroma.
- Tear, don’t slice. Many fans prefer pulling panettone apart along its natural layers.
- Pair it well. Enjoy it with coffee, hot chocolate, mascarpone, custard or a glass of dessert wine.
- Use leftovers. Slightly stale panettone makes excellent bread and butter pudding or French toast.
- Store it properly. Keep it wrapped or in its bag to stop it drying out.
The Bottom Line
Panettone has become a festive favourite for good reason, and this year’s best options cover every taste and budget. The Sous Chef Tradizionale Panettone is the standout overall pick, Sainsbury’s offers excellent value, and Waitrose, M&S and Gail’s deliver great choices for traditionalists, flavour lovers and anyone wanting a showstopper. Whichever you choose, it’s a light, delicious alternative to heavy Christmas desserts.
FAQ
What is the best panettone for Christmas 2026?
In the Evening Standard’s taste test, the Sous Chef Tradizionale Panettone (£28.99) was named the best overall panettone.
What is the best supermarket panettone?
The Sainsbury’s Cherry & Amaretto Panettone (£12) was named the best supermarket option.
What makes a good panettone?
A good panettone should be light, fluffy and moist, with a browned dome, a rich buttery flavour, citrus and vanilla notes, and an even spread of dried fruit or other fillings.
What can I do with leftover panettone?
Leftover panettone is perfect for bread and butter pudding, French toast or enjoying with custard.
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