When it comes to Chinese New Year snacks in Singapore, pineapple tarts continue to sit comfortably at the top of the popularity list. Year after year, they dominate festive sales across Singapore and Malaysia, becoming both a must-have treat for family gatherings and the default edible gift during house visits. Their symbolism of prosperity and good fortune only adds to their appeal.
Yet, despite their popularity, finding truly good pineapple tarts has become surprisingly difficult. Prices are rising, choices are overwhelming, and quality has become inconsistent. With shortcuts such as factory-made jam and mass production becoming more common, many festive favourites no longer taste like the old-school versions people grew up loving.
For Chinese New Year 2026, a rigorous tasting journey was undertaken to separate genuinely good pineapple tarts from those that simply look festive on the outside.
How the Pineapple Tart Taste Test Was Conducted
A total of 32 pineapple tart brands were sampled, ranging from established household names to boutique bakeries and home-based businesses. All purchases were made anonymously, without sponsorships or special treatment, ensuring a fair and unbiased review.
Each tart was assessed individually based on several core criteria. These included freshness of the pastry, balance between sweetness and tanginess in the pineapple jam, texture, aroma, and the overall harmony between filling and crust. Only original flavours were considered to maintain consistency, and brands that had already closed their festive orders were excluded.
In the end, only eight brands earned a spot on the recommended list. While personal preferences inevitably vary, these selections stood out for delivering quality that justified both their price and calories.
What Makes a Great Pineapple Tart Today
A great pineapple tart is more than just a festive snack. The pastry should hold its shape without crumbling instantly, while still offering a buttery, tender bite. The pineapple jam should be fragrant, slightly fibrous, and gently tangy rather than cloyingly sweet. Most importantly, the ratio between pastry and jam must feel intentional, not excessive in either direction.
While traditional Nonya-style open-faced tarts remain a benchmark, modern interpretations were judged on their own merits. The goal was not nostalgia alone, but honest enjoyment.
The Eight Best Pineapple Tart Brands for Chinese New Year 2026
Bengawan Solo Premium Pineapple Tarts
Among the standout performers, Bengawan Solo Premium Pineapple Tarts impressed with their handcrafted quality and rich butter-forward pastry. Made in limited quantities, these tarts feature generous honey pineapple filling and a refined texture that improves with time. Their popularity and scarcity reflect the labour-intensive process behind them.
TigerMom Kitchen
TigerMom Kitchen emerged as a strong contender in the home-baker category. These aromatic, melt-in-the-mouth pineapple balls showcased excellent balance and freshness, proving that small-batch baking still delivers exceptional results. The slightly soft pastry may divide opinions, but the flavour speaks for itself.
Chu and Co
Chu and Co made a memorable debut with their pineapple balls, combining salted French butter pastry with hand-grated Malaysian pineapple jam. The result is delicate, tangy, and thoughtfully crafted, appealing to those who appreciate subtle complexity.
The Lim’s Kitchen Golden Pineapple Gems
The Lim’s Kitchen Golden Pineapple Gems earned praise for their crumbly shortbread base and punchy pineapple filling developed over several years. With a near-perfect pastry-to-jam ratio, these tarts offer consistency and depth, making them a reliable festive choice.
Joyus Pastries
Joyus Pastries continues to win hearts through sheer consistency. Known for their open-faced pineapple tarts with firm, savoury pastry and chewy jam, they remain a favourite among long-time fans who value tradition over trends.
Nesuto’s Brown Butter Vanilla Pineapple Tarts
Nesuto’s Brown Butter Vanilla Pineapple Tarts stand out for their elegant packaging and refined flavour profile. The pastry is nutty and aromatic, while the pineapple jam remains mild and balanced. These tarts are particularly well-suited for gifting.
Bake Inc Premium Traditional Flower Pineapple Tarts
Bake Inc Premium Traditional Flower Pineapple Tarts showed noticeable improvement this year, with a more balanced jam and a crisp, sable-like pastry. While pricing has increased significantly, the overall flavour profile justifies its inclusion among the recommended eight.
Glory Pineapple Tarts
Glory Pineapple Tarts round out the list as the best value-for-money option. Easily available at supermarkets, these tarts deliver respectable flavour, fresh pastry, and a pleasantly zippy jam at an accessible price point.
Why Many Popular Brands Did Not Make the Cut
Several well-known bakeries and patisseries failed to meet expectations due to overly sweet fillings, stale pastry, or inconsistent quality. While presentation and branding were often attractive, taste ultimately determined the final list. In a year where prices continue to climb, value and flavour mattered more than reputation alone.
Choosing the Right Pineapple Tarts for Your Needs
For gifting, premium brands with attractive packaging and balanced flavours are ideal. For personal indulgence, home bakers and traditional producers often deliver better texture and aroma. Budget-conscious buyers can still find decent options, but expectations should align with price.
Ultimately, the best pineapple tart is one that matches your preference, whether that means crumbly and buttery or firm with a tangy bite.
Final Thoughts on Pineapple Tarts for Chinese New Year 2026
The pineapple tart landscape in Singapore has changed, but quality still exists for those willing to look carefully. While the recommended list may be shorter than expected, it reflects a commitment to honest taste over hype. For Chinese New Year 2026, these eight brands stand out as worthy additions to your festive table.
