A taste test of nine tikka masala sauces found that supermarket own-brand options outperformed established names like Sharwood's and Patak's. Marks and Spencer's Tikka Masala Curry Sauce took top spot with a score of 8.5 out of 10, while Tesco and Aldi both scored 7.5, matching Sharwood's initial rating before it was later downgraded.
How the sauces were tested
The comparison, carried out by Matt Davies, pitted seven supermarket offerings against two popular brands: Sharwood's and Patak's. Each sauce was scored on flavour, texture, spice level and overall appeal.
Marks and Spencer's sauce, priced at £2.10 for 500g, was described as "wonderfully fragrant, thick and richly aromatic," with a spice level "spot-on for a mild sauce." It was noted as being more reminiscent of Patak's than Sharwood's, with a deeper orange colour and savoury undertones.
Brand leaders and budget options
Patak's Tikka Masala Cooking Sauce, at £2.50 for 450g, scored 8/10. It was judged thicker and spicier than Sharwood's, less sweet, and carrying robust hints of onion and garlic, coming closest to a curry-house tikka masala, though at a steeper price.
Tesco's Tikka Masala Cooking Sauce, at 85p for 500g, was an early contender for top spot, striking a balance between sweetness and spice, with onion and garlic notes and a chunky texture. Aldi's offering also scored 7.5, praised for its heat despite being a supposedly mild sauce.
Disappointing results for Sharwood's
Sharwood's Tikka Masala Cooking Sauce, the priciest at £2.65 for 420g, left the tester underwhelmed. Initially given a placeholder score of 7.5, it was later marked down for being "far too sweet" with an overpowering tomato taste, finishing with a score of 7/10.
Asda scored 7/10 for a "perfectly decent effort" that was slightly watery, while Lidl's scored 6/10, described as runny with an artificial taste. Morrisons scored 5.5/10, judged overly tomatoey with a sickly texture, and Sainsbury's Fragrant Tikka Masala Cooking Sauce scored 5/10, criticised for being watery, having no spice despite a two-chilli label, and an off-putting texture.
