The concept that the best gifts are edible ones is a popular one. In fact, it’s one even embraced by the Monarchy.

Every year Queen Elizabeth II gives each one of her 1500 staff members a Christmas gift. Just what exactly? A Christmas pudding. The traditional alcohol-laden dessert is a favourite in the UK and the Queen herself has a reported soft spot for it.

And while the edible gift may be a traditional present around yuletide, just where the pudding is purchased from may surprise you. In a display of an increasingly budget-conscious climate, it’s believed that the monarch has  recently switched from luxury retailers to the popular chain of Tesco.

While originally procured from luxury retailers Harrods or Fortnum & Mason, it’s believed that the Queen now collects all 1500 cakes from Tesco. She is said to be particularly fond of the Tesco Finest 12-Month Matured Christmas Pudding. And its easy to see why – a small Christmas pudding from Tesco costs around $AUD5, compared to the $15 pudding of the same size from Fortnum & Mason.

It is the thought that counts after all…