As Australian families finalise their festive menus, the centrepiece decision often comes down to the perfect leg of ham. To help shoppers navigate the supermarket aisles, the experts at consumer advocacy group CHOICE have put hams from Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, and IGA to the test in a rigorous blind tasting.
The Blind Taste Test Results
The panel judged cold cuts on flavour, texture, appearance, and smell, awarding each a score out of 100. The results revealed that a higher price tag does not guarantee a better product. The top-rated ham scored 80% and cost just $8 per kilogram, while the most expensive option, at $21.99 per kilo, managed only 68%.
Top-Rated Christmas Hams for Your Table
Coles Christmas Beechwood Smoked Half Leg Ham took the crown with a score of 80/100. Priced at $8 per kg, the experts praised its pleasant, mild aroma and a nice balance of sweet and smoky flavours. They noted a "good texture with moist mouthfeel" and described it as a "very good overall ham."
In second place was the Woolworths Mountain Ash Wood Double Smoked Half Leg Ham (75/100, $13/kg). It presented well with good pink flesh but lost points as some thicker slices were dry and chewy. The flavour was found to be mild and slightly sweet.
The third spot went to another budget option, the Woolworths Bone In Half Leg Ham (70/100, $8/kg). While it had a natural appearance, critics noted a bland flavour and uneven texture, with some areas being dry from overcooking.
Hams That Didn't Make the Cut
Further down the list, the Woolworths Gold Collection Triple Smoked Free Range Half Leg Ham (62/100, $15.50/kg) was criticised for its very dry and overcooked texture, particularly near the edges, despite a dark, heavily smoked appearance.
Aldi's Festive Selection Australian Half Leg Ham On-The-Bone scored 61/100 at $7.99/kg. The panel found it to be pale, dry, and uneven, with a powdery texture that distracted from its mild flavour.
This annual review by CHOICE provides a valuable guide for consumers, proving that careful selection can lead to both quality and savings during the expensive holiday period.
