I consume sourdough bread daily and, while I occasionally bake my own loaf using my own starter, it is certainly far more practical to grab one during my weekly shopping trip. Sourdough has grown increasingly popular recently due to its reputation for being gentler on digestion, more nutritious, and having a reduced effect on blood sugar levels.
Yet, there are now numerous options available on the shelves, which can make selecting the right one for your needs and preferred taste quite challenging. I have carried out multiple taste tests over recent months, including sourdough varieties, and one supermarket consistently remains my top choice.
My Go-To Supermarket Sourdough
My go-to is the San Francisco Style Sourdough loaf from M&S. The description states: 'Our San Francisco Style Sourdough embodies the iconic tangy taste and chewy texture the city is famous for. Crafted using traditional methods and a distinct starter, it has a crisp crust and a soft, airy interior.'
It maintains its freshness for several days in my bread bin and delivers the ideal taste and consistency. It differs from Jason's sourdough white loaf as I find it possesses a gentler texture and subtler tang, which I greatly prefer in a sourdough loaf. The crumb and crust are less chewy than Jason's, in my view, and it freezes equally well.
Versatility and Value
Sometimes it is pre-sliced at my local branch, and other times I slice it myself at home. While it is rather expensive, it is easily accessible, and I do not waste any part of the loaf because I never tire of the gentle sourdough flavour. It is absolutely gorgeous toasted with butter, but it truly comes into its own as the basis for a toastie, turning perfectly crisp. If there is any leftover, I freeze the slices, ready whenever I fancy them.
Prices differ between M&S branches but I typically pay around £3 for the loaf, which is quite pricey, so I make sure not to waste any. Having sampled numerous sourdough loaves over the years, including one from Tesco's in-store bakery, M&S's San Francisco Style Sourdough continues to stand head and shoulders above the rest.
