Brown sauce, a beloved British condiment often slathered on bacon sandwiches or stirred into hearty stews, has long been dominated by the iconic HP brand. However, a recent blind taste test of supermarket own-label versions has uncovered a surprising new champion that costs just pennies.
The Great Brown Sauce Showdown
As a self-confessed brown sauce connoisseur from Nottingham, the birthplace of HP sauce, I embarked on a mission to determine whether any supermarket alternative could rival the century-old favourite. With HP typically priced around £3.90 for 600g, numerous retailers offer their own more affordable versions, prompting this rigorous comparison.
The Contenders and Methodology
I taste-tested brown sauces from Sainsbury's, Aldi, Lidl, Marks & Spencer, Asda, and the branded Daddies sauce available at Asda. Each was evaluated based on consistency, flavour intensity, tanginess, and overall resemblance to the classic HP profile that packs a distinctive punch.
The Disappointing Performers
Sainsbury's (£1.10 for 450g) ranked bottom with a watery appearance and lacklustre flavour that failed to deliver the expected kick, earning a mere 1/10 rating.
Marks & Spencer (£1.15 for 475g) proved overly sweet, reminiscent of mango chutney rather than traditional brown sauce, though it offered slightly more spice than Sainsbury's for a 2/10 score.
Daddies (£1.14 for 400g) provided adequate spice but required generous portions to achieve full flavour, resulting in a middling 6/10 rating.
The Strong Contenders
Lidl (£1.15 for 530g) delivered the largest bottle with a pleasant tanginess and spice, though some may find its flavour slightly mild, warranting a solid 7/10.
Asda (£1.16 for 460g) presented initial concerns with its lighter colour but impressed with excellent spice balance and tanginess, narrowly missing top honours with a 9/10 rating.
The Surprising Winner
Aldi's brown sauce, priced at just 99p for 455g, emerged as the clear victor. Not only was it the cheapest option tested, but it also most closely mirrored HP's signature depth and tanginess while boasting perfect consistency. This budget-friendly alternative even rivals the branded favourite, prompting a potential permanent switch that could save consumers significant money over time.
The taste test conclusively demonstrates that supermarket own-brand products can sometimes surpass established favourites, offering both quality and value. For brown sauce enthusiasts seeking authentic flavour without the premium price tag, Aldi's offering represents an exceptional choice that challenges traditional market leaders.
