I tried all of Aldi’s pigs in blankets – and the best was made with an unusual ingredient

Aldi has made a grand comeback to the festive scene with a second serving of its pigs in blankets-themed pop-up.

With a fresh Shoreditch location and an all-new menu, can win over a crowd of enthusiasts?

Having tasted their 2023 pigs in blankets (or PIBs for short) range, it’s clear they’re not afraid to think outside the box and whip up some unconventional

The only constant from last year is the option of unlimited PIBs, courtesy of Aldi’s Specially Selected Pigs in Blankets – a reliable yardstick, reports .

Also gracing our table was a bowl of the Specially Selected Pigs In Blankets Hand Cooked Crisps, delivering a satisfyingly salty kick.

The standout dish from the six-course menu might surprise you, but in my book, you can never go wrong with cheese.

Aldi’s Specially Selected Cheese in Blankets were a smash hit. Tiny, squishy bites of salty cheddar, creamy mozzarella and soft cream cheese encased in crispy bacon provided a delightful contrast amidst the pork overload.

Marrying Christmas dinner’s favourite nibble with elements of a cheese board is pure genius. If you’re seeking a break from the traditional pigs in blankets, these Cheese in Blankets should be on your list.

Other personal favourites include the Specially Selected Ultimate Pigs in Blankets. Imagine your typical PIB on steroids.

I firmly believe all pigs in blankets should be chunky and nearly the size of a golf ball.

There’s an undeniable touch of luxury to these PIBs, making them a definite upgrade. For a lavish flavour transformation that tastes high-end without breaking the bank, opt for the Specially Selected Truffle Chipolata Pigs in Blankets.

Truffle can be a contentious flavour, but if your palate leans towards the extravagant, these pigs in blankets will add a whole new layer to the traditional PIBs, much like the Ashfields Pigs in Blankets Roulette.

By the time the pork roulette wheel graced our table, we were already bursting at the seams. We managed one spin of the Roulette each, but alas, we both ended up with a spicy pig.

The Roulette offers a choice of mild, medium or a grim-reaper-flavoured pigs in blankets. While mine was spicy, I can’t confirm nor deny if I had the misfortune of picking a grim-reaper.

However, the dish that left me feeling rather Grinch-like was the Specially Selected Honey and Ginger Candy Cane Pigs in Blankets. Comparison is indeed the thief of joy, and while the PIBs are a visual delight and add a touch of whimsy, they didn’t quite measure up to last year’s candy canes.

In 2023, Aldi kicked off with a brie and cranberry flavoured candy cane, where the brie stole the limelight. But despite Aldi’s best efforts, the flavours of ginger or honey were nowhere to be found, just a vague sweetness mingling with the pork.

While novelty can be a delight, it’s a letdown when the presentation outshines the taste, leaving one feeling short-changed.

This rings ‘true’ for the Ashfields Loaded Yorkshire Sliders a brilliant concept on paper, but lacking that extra oomph, perhaps in the form of a hearty gravy bowl.

Despite being stuffed to the gills, we were treated to Aldi’s latest creation the Footlong Vegan Pig in Blanket, which can only be described as somewhat suggestive in appearance.

The offerings at this year’s Pigs in Blankets Restaurant provided an opportunity to sample new delights and gauge how Aldi has upped its game.

Some dishes were absolute showstoppers, while others could have done with a dash more festive spirit.

Aldi’s Pigs in Blankets Restaurant will be open on Friday, November 29 and Saturday, November 30. More information can be