Greggs has kicked off its Christmas season, and one of its brand-new treats is already proving a huge hit. The Sweet Mince Pie Roll went on sale on October 1 and has been disappearing from shelves almost as quickly as it arrives. At just £1, shoppers are snapping it up, with some calling it the new roly-poly.
Greggs is getting into the festive spirit early.
It might only be the start of October, but Greggs isn’t wasting any time getting ready for Christmas. The bakery chain has launched the first five items from its festive menu, and they’re now available in shops across the country. For many fans, the arrival of the seasonal range is a sure sign that the countdown to December has begun.
Each year, the Christmas menu gets plenty of attention, with customers eager to see what’s new and which favourites are coming back. This year’s first batch includes a mix of sweet and savoury options. Out of all of them, though, it’s the brand-new Sweet Mince Pie Roll that has got people talking the most.
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Meet the Sweet Mince Pie Roll.
The new bake takes the familiar shape of a sausage roll but swaps the meat for something much sweeter. Instead of a savoury filling, it’s packed with festive mincemeat and wrapped in the light, flaky puff pastry Greggs is known for. It’s a playful twist on two of the nation’s best-loved treats.
Priced at £1, it’s one of the cheaper ways to enjoy a Christmas snack on the go. That low price has helped make it an easy impulse buy for anyone popping in for a coffee or lunch. Considering how quickly it has started selling, plenty of people seem happy to give it a try.
What’s inside the new bake?
The filling is made from sweet mincemeat containing vine fruits, Bramley apples and candied orange and lemon peel. These ingredients give it the rich, fruity flavour most people associate with a traditional mince pie. The Bramley apples add a slight sharpness, which helps balance out the sweetness of the dried fruit.
Wrapping it all in puff pastry rather than the usual shortcrust gives it a lighter, crispier finish. This makes it feel a little different from the mince pies most of us eat every December. For anyone who enjoys the taste of a mince pie but finds them a bit heavy, it could be a welcome alternative.
Fans can’t get enough.
Shoppers have been quick to share their thoughts online, particularly in Facebook groups dedicated to new food launches. Many have praised the bake for its flavour and for being such good value. Several said it was hard to stop at just one, describing it as very moreish.
Even those who haven’t managed to get their hands on one yet are excited to try it. Plenty of people have been tagging friends and family in posts, planning trips to their nearest store. The buzz around the launch has helped it become one of the most talked-about items on the festive menu so far.
Why it’s being compared to roly-poly.
Jam roly-poly is a classic British pudding made from a rolled-up sheet of suet pastry filled with jam, usually served warm with custard. It’s a school dinner favourite for many people and brings back lots of fond memories. One customer described the Sweet Mince Pie Roll as a new version of the old pudding, and the comparison quickly caught on.
Lots of shoppers agreed that the best way to enjoy it is warmed up with a generous helping of custard. This turns a simple bakery snack into something closer to a proper dessert. It’s an easy option for anyone wanting a quick festive pudding after dinner without spending time in the kitchen.
Not everyone is convinced, though.
As with any new launch, not everybody is a fan. Some shoppers said they were tempted until they read about the orange and lemon peel, which they can’t stand. Candied peel is often divisive, and it’s one of the main reasons some people avoid mince pies altogether.
A few others simply didn’t like the look of it and said they’d be giving it a miss. Mincemeat is very much a love-it-or-hate-it flavour, so a mixed reaction isn’t too surprising. Those who aren’t keen still have several other festive options to choose from.
The rest of the Christmas range so far
Alongside the new roll, Greggs has launched Pigs in Blankets, a Sweet Mince Pie, a Christmas Cake Slice and Christmas Mini Caramel Shortbreads. This gives customers a good mix of savoury bites and sweet treats to pick from. The Pigs in Blankets option is likely to appeal to anyone who prefers something meaty over fruit and pastry.
These five items are just the start, as Greggs has confirmed the rest of its festive menu will be revealed later. Fans are already speculating about what might be coming next. If last year is anything to go by, there could be more seasonal bakes and drinks on the way before December.
Getting your hands on one might be tricky.
Because the Sweet Mince Pie Roll is selling so quickly, it’s a good idea to pop into your local Greggs earlier in the day when stock is at its highest. Bigger shops on high streets or at train stations may also have more available. If your nearest branch has sold out, check back the next day as new batches arrive.
If you’re planning to enjoy it as a pudding, warming it gently in the oven for a few minutes will help crisp up the pastry. Pair it with hot custard, cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple festive treat. Buying a few to share with the family is an easy way to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to the table.
