Supermarket Cod Taste Test: Which Good Friday Fish Rivals the Chippy?
Nothing is more quintessentially British than a classic fish and chips dinner, and as Good Friday approaches, the quest for the perfect "chippy tea" at home intensifies. To help you avoid a disappointing soggy batter disaster, we conducted a comprehensive taste test of supermarket battered cod from Aldi, Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury's. Our goal was to identify which option best replicates the coastal original without the seaside price tag.
We sampled each fillet with chunky chips, peas, a twist of lemon, and curry sauce, providing a definitive ranking for your Easter fish dinner. From budget-friendly picks to fillets that taste closest to the real thing, here are the results.
Sainsbury's Battered MSC Cod Fillets
First up, Sainsbury's Battered MSC Cod Fillets, priced at £4.50 for two, looked impressive from the packaging. They cooked quickly in the oven, resulting in a moist and flaky texture. The batter crisped up nicely after 20 minutes, closely mimicking a chip shop fillet and providing a satisfying crunch. The fish itself tasted very fresh, falling apart effortlessly in the mouth. Overall, this was a solid choice that we would happily purchase again.
Rating: 4/5
Tesco's Battered Cod Fillets
Next, Tesco's Battered Cod Fillets, costing £3.95 for two, stood out with their generous size and abundant white flaky fish. They offered the strongest fish taste among all the options, delivering an authentic chippy experience. The batter was light and crispy, cooking well without excessive greasiness. This fillet felt the most like a traditional fish and chip shop offering, making it our top pick for those seeking the closest match to a takeaway.
Rating: 5/5
Asda's Battered Cod Fillets
Asda's Battered Cod Fillets, priced at £4.37 for four, were very reasonably priced and emerged with the most golden colour after cooking, enhancing their visual appeal. The fish was flaky and had the expected consistency, though it lacked the robust flavour and fishiness of the Tesco version. Additionally, the fillets were quite small. However, given the low cost per fillet, they represent excellent value for money.
Rating: 3/5
Aldi's Battered Cod
Aldi's Battered Cod, the cheapest option at £3.39 for four, did not match the quality of the others. The batter tasted a little soggy, even when cooked for the recommended time, though it did achieve a golden appearance. The fish was fresh and tasty, but the fillets were the smallest in size and not as full as desired. While you can't complain for the price, it falls short for those prioritizing a premium chippy-like experience.
Rating: 2/5
In conclusion, Tesco emerged as the clear winner, offering a fillet that closely resembles a traditional fish and chip shop meal. Sainsbury's provided a reliable alternative, while Asda and Aldi served as budget-friendly options with some compromises on size and texture. This taste test ensures you can enjoy a delicious Good Friday fish dinner at home without the guesswork.
