A comparative taste test of fish fingers has named Aldi's own-label version the clear winner, scoring 10/10 and outshining Birds Eye and other supermarket rivals. The test, carried out by Mia O'Hare of the Mirror, compared fish fingers from Aldi, Lidl, M&S, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Asda and Birds Eye, with all products prepared according to their oven cooking instructions.
Sainsbury's and Asda at the bottom
Sainsbury's fish fingers came last with a rating of 3/10. Despite having the darkest appearance and a pleasant-tasting batter, the fish was described as excessively chewy and left a peculiar, metallic aftertaste that let the product down.
Asda's fish fingers scored 4/10. They broke apart more than any of the others during cooking, with the batter peeling away from the fish as it was removed from the baking tray. The taste was fine, but the fish was a touch too chewy and the batter problem knocked off marks.
Tesco and Lidl mid-table
Tesco's fish fingers scored 5/10. They emerged from the oven misshapen, and this was one of the few products that caught slightly during cooking. Overall, the Tesco fish finger appeared to contain considerably more batter than fish and tasted slightly greasy.
Lidl's fish fingers, priced at £1.99, scored 7/10. The offering boasted an appealingly golden batter, though it did tend to separate while being eaten. The fish itself was pleasantly flavoured and less rubbery than several of the competitors.
Birds Eye and M&S close contenders
Birds Eye fish fingers, priced at £4.25 from Sainsbury's, scored 8/10. The branded fish finger split during cooking, much like the Asda ones, and appeared somewhat thin. However, the batter stuck better than many of its rivals, and it featured a delicate, non-chewy fish, making it clear why this remains such a well-regarded brand.
Marks and Spencer's fish fingers, priced at £2.80, pipped Birds Eye to the post with a score of 9/10. They boasted a generous fish content, were buttery and not chewy, and the batter offered a satisfying crispness while remaining firmly attached throughout.
Aldi takes the top spot
Aldi's fish fingers took the top spot with a perfect 10/10. They featured a gloriously golden, crunchy batter that stayed firmly in place, with thick and tasty fish delivering a satisfying crunch without any sogginess. These fish fingers comfortably outshone Birds Eye and will undoubtedly become a firm favourite going forward.
