Bisto has beaten Aldi and Lidl in a gravy taste test, with the big-name brand taking the top spot despite costing nearly three times as much. The comparison, carried out by Brian Dillon, pitted Bisto Favourite Gravy Granules against Aldi Quixo Standard Gravy Granules and Lidl Newgate For Meat Gravy Granules.
Flavour as the deciding factor
Dillon said that while he would normally use multiple criteria to evaluate products, when it comes to gravy it all comes down to flavour. He noted that consistency and texture were not considered because instant gravy can be easily adjusted with more or less boiling water, and none of the products had a strong scent.
He said he was surprised by the results, as he has often found that Aldi and Lidl make better versions of popular products at a much lower price. However, he found that Bisto's flavour was instantly distinguishably rich compared to the others, and he could not justify naming the cheaper versions as the better ones.
Full results of the taste test
Lidl's Newgate For Meat Gravy Granules, priced at 99p, came in last place. Dillon said it was not a bad product, but it did not have as much flavour as Aldi's, tasting a bit weak and potentially adding a bland layer to a roast dinner.
Aldi's Quixo Standard Gravy Granules, also priced at 99p, took second place. Dillon said he felt this gravy had a bit more richness than Lidl's, and considering it is the same price, it was the obvious choice for budget options.
Bisto Favourite Gravy Granules, priced at £2.95 at Tesco, was the winner. Dillon said it was by far the tastiest entry, and while it is considerably more expensive than both Aldi and Lidl, he felt he could taste the price difference. He said the more expensive option felt like the better one, and it would be his top choice if he were buying gravy any time soon.
