CLONAKILTY
€2.59 for 280g, €9.25 per kg
This is a wonderful pudding, which deserves all the praise that has been lavished on it in recent years. It has a surprisingly pure ingredient list: while describing it as wholesome might be a bit of a stretch, the absence of any artificial preservatives or flavourings is to its credit. The high oatmeal content separates this from the other three puddings. All that oaty goodness lends it a chewy texture, which could be horrible in the wrong hands, but is actually wonderful. It also has a lovely spiciness to it. It is quite dear, however.
Verdict: A great pudding.
Star rating: ****
BALLINWILLIN HOUSE FARM
€5.40 for 320g, €16.88 per kg
Were money no object, this is the one we would go with every time. It is made with 50 per cent pork, plus onion pearl barley, oatmeal, spices and not much else. It has a lovely, meaty texture and strong flavours. It is also made by a small artisan producer in Cork, so has a better taste and appearance that some of its mass-produced rivals. But then there is the price – it is not ludicrously expensive but still almost three times dearer than the cheapest pudding. Worth it if you can afford it.
Verdict: Gorgeous. Dear.
Star rating: ****
DENNY
€1.65 for 199g, €8.29 per kg
Turkey? Sorry, what? There is turkey in this pudding? Yes, and quite a bit of it – 6 per cent, in fact. While we can't say we noticed it in the eating, we do think it was an odd thing to find listed among the long and perplexing ingredient list. We also have a problem with the texture of this mass-produced and widely available pudding – it is just too soft and spongy for us. It tastes all right, if a little too salty. While it is the cheapest of the puddings, we still think it was overpriced.
0 of 3
Verdict: Disappointing.
Star rating: **
SUPERVALU SIGNATURE PUDDING
€1.89 for 280g, €6.75 per kg
This is a real find. It is a high-end pudding from Supervalu, and while not quite as good as the Clonakilty – at least in our view – it is still excellent. This is a treat to adorn any breakfast table. It is nicely seasoned and has a lovely meaty texture. It should be easy for most people to source and is not overly expensive. It is also the cheapest of the four puddings, and is excellent value for money.
Verdict: Hard to fault.
Star rating: **
