A French journalist has put five supermarket oven baguettes to the test, and the results may surprise shoppers who typically opt for M&S or Lidl. Jennifer Pinto, a reporter for Reach, volunteered for the taste test despite colleagues joking that her French heritage meant she had to participate. She is known for her passion for bread and often chooses oven baguettes as a versatile accompaniment to soups, salads, pasta, and stews.
Oven baguettes are popular in the UK because they offer the convenience of fresh, warm bread at home without the risk of stale bakery loaves. Pinto evaluated each baguette on six criteria: crispiness, softness inside, taste, freshness, appearance, and value for money, giving each a score out of ten.
Sainsbury's – 6/10
Priced at £1.50, the Sainsbury's baguette was a decent everyday option with a reasonable size and value. However, it didn't impress with its interior texture and slightly floury taste.
Lidl – 7/10
At just 85p, Lidl's baguette was the cheapest and a pleasant surprise. It was generously sized, had a soft interior, and offered a satisfying crunch straight from the oven, though it tasted plainer than the winner.
M&S – 7.5/10
The most expensive option at £1.95, M&S's bake-at-home rustic baguettes are made with sourdough, justifying the higher price. They are smaller than others but pair well with soup. The sourdough gives an open crumb with irregular holes, a distinct texture, and less processed flavour. A bonus is that both baguettes come separately packaged.
Tesco – 8/10
Tesco's baguette, at £1.45, took second place. It had an impressive oven spring, sliced beautifully with characteristic ridges, and emerged golden-brown and appetising. It offered solid value for money.
Waitrose – 9/10
Waitrose's bake-at-home white baguettes, priced at £1.50, were the clear winner. The size was generous enough for several people at lunch, with a gorgeous golden-brown finish. The crust was thin, crisp, and crackly, with an impressive rise that gave an authentic bakery quality. The inside remained soft and moist throughout, offering outstanding value.
