In a blind taste test conducted by editor Sophie Law and five family members, Tesco's finest pork sausages emerged as the winner, outperforming popular brands including Richmond, Aldi, Lidl, M&S, and Sainsbury's. The test aimed to determine whether supermarket own-brand sausages could rival the well-known Richmond brand.
All sausages were cooked in an air fryer at 200°C for 10 minutes and rated on a scale of one to five. The combined scores placed Richmond last, with tasters describing them as having 'no taste or texture', being 'very soft and salty', and 'tasteless and very rusky'. Aldi's sausages came second-last, noted for having 'less flavour' despite being the cheapest at £2.49 for six.
Joint third place went to Sainsbury's Taste the Difference sausages (£3 for six) and M&S sausages (£4.25 for 400g). Sainsbury's were praised for flavour and size but criticised for pale colour, while M&S were described as 'chewy', 'quite fatty', and having an 'odd taste'. Lidl's pork chipolatas secured second place, earning praise for 'good colouring' and 'herby' flavour at £2.49 for 12.
Tesco's finest pork sausages (£4 for four, 440g) were hailed as 'salty, juicy and meaty' with a generous size and premium taste. Tasters appreciated the seasoning mix, noting they were neither too greasy nor overly salty. The victory highlights that own-brand products can compete with established names in quality and flavour.
