In the great pantheon of British biscuits, the Bourbon holds a special place. That familiar chocolatey sandwich, the perfectly patterned holes, the sweet cream filling—it's a teatime titan. But does the iconic McVitie's original still reign supreme, or have the supermarket own-brands finally closed the gap?
We conducted a rigorous blind taste test to find out once and for all which Bourbon biscuit deserves a permanent spot in your cupboard. The contenders were the classic McVitie's, along with own-brand versions from retail giants Tesco, Aldi, and Lidl.
The Blind Taste Test: A Chocolatey Showdown
Stripped of their packaging and placed on identical plates, the four biscuits were judged on three key criteria: appearance, texture, and most importantly, flavour. The goal was simple: to find the most delicious Bourbon, with no bias towards brand name or price tag.
The Surprising Winner
After much crunching, dipping, and deliberating, a clear champion emerged. It wasn't the household name that took the crown.
The panel unanimously praised the winning biscuit for its superior chocolatey taste, noting it was far less sweet and more decadent than its rivals. The texture was also a standout feature—perfectly crisp with a satisfying snap, and a cream filling that was smooth without being overly greasy or cloying.
The Ranking Revealed
In a stunning upset, the budget-friendly option from Aldi (Their Belmont Bourbon Cremes) was declared the resounding winner. Tasters hailed its "authentic cocoa flavour" and "perfect balance."
Securing a very respectable second place was the classic McVitie's biscuit. It was praised for its nostalgic taste and familiar texture, but some found it slightly too sweet when compared directly to the winner.
Coming in third was Lidl's offering (Their Snackrite Bourbon Creams). While it delivered on crunch, the flavour was deemed less complex and the cream filling slightly less generous.
Bringing up the rear was Tesco's own-brand Bourbon. The main criticism centred on its overly sweet and almost artificial chocolate taste, which lacked the depth of the others.
The Verdict: Taste and Value Combined
This taste test proves a powerful point: the most expensive option isn't always the best. Not only did Aldi's Belmont Bourbon Cremes win on flavour, but they also represent incredible value for money, costing a fraction of the price of the McVitie's pack.
So next time you're navigating the biscuit aisle, you can confidently reach for the Aldi option. Your taste buds—and your wallet—will thank you for it.
