Aldi's shortbread fingers, priced at just 95p, have been crowned the best in a blind taste test, beating market leader Walker's which costs £1 more. The budget supermarket's biscuits scored a perfect 10 out of 10, while Walker's managed a 9. Sainsbury's came last with a 3 out of 10.
How the Test Was Conducted
Mia O'Hare, Senior Spare Time Journalist for What's On, compared shortbread fingers from Aldi, Lidl, Asda, Marks and Spencer, and Sainsbury's against Walker's classic Scottish shortbreads. She assessed each for flavour, texture, and value for money.
To her surprise, the most affordable option proved both tastier and far better value than the rest. The biscuits were evaluated on a 10-point scale, with Aldi achieving full marks.
Full Rankings and Ratings
Sainsbury's – £1.30 – 3/10
Landing at the bottom, Sainsbury's biscuits were described as dry with an odd aftertaste. They had one of the smallest amounts of sugar dusted on top and were among the most expensive tested. O'Hare felt they didn't measure up to the rest regarding taste.
Lidl – 95p – 5/10
Lidl's shortbread was agreeable and buttery, delivering what you'd expect from a shortbread. It had no sugar on top. O'Hare called it a perfectly fine biscuit, though it didn't distinguish itself notably.
Asda – £1.25 – 7/10
Asda's fingers were crumbly with a pleasant texture. They separated easily and offered sweetness and sugar. However, O'Hare felt they could benefit from more butter as they occasionally tasted rather dry.
Marks and Spencer – £1.15 – 8/10
M&S biscuits were the darkest in colour and quite solid when bitten, providing a satisfying crunch before crumbling. Sugar was generously dusted on top, exceeding the amount on others. O'Hare found them slightly too firm but still an enjoyable snack.
Walker's – £1.95 from Sainsbury's – 9/10
This beloved brand earned its reputation, producing an outstanding shortbread. It was solid yet crumbled immediately upon eating. O'Hare considered these biscuits ideally buttery without excessive sugar.
Aldi – 95p – 10/10
The budget supermarket triumphed, achieving a perfect balance of butter and sugar. The biscuits were crumbly, exactly as shortbread should be, with sugar sprinkled on top. They avoided being overly sweet. Being the cheapest option tested, it was an undeniable champion.
Value for Money
Aldi's 95p shortbread not only scored highest in taste but also offered the best value, costing a full £1 less than Walker's. For shoppers seeking quality without the premium price, Aldi's shortbread fingers are the clear winner.
