I tried seven own-brand sausages from the UK's largest supermarkets and was surprised by the results. What makes a good sausage? It comes down to flavour, texture, and appearance. Sausages are essential for a full English breakfast, bangers and mash, or sausage sandwiches. While brands like Richmond exist, every supermarket offers its own version. I bought the cheapest pack from seven local supermarkets, cooked each according to package instructions, and scored them on flavour (out of 10), appearance (out of 5), and texture (out of 5). Here are the results.
7. Lidl Borchwood 8 Pork Sausages
Price: £1.79 (454g)
Lidl is my usual go-to, but these sausages were disappointing. The smell was unappetising, and the flavour was bland compared to others. It tasted the most budget-friendly and left much to be desired.
- Appearance: 3/5
- Texture: 2.5/5
- Flavour: 5/10
- Final score: 10.5/20
6. JUST ESSENTIALS by ASDA 8 Pork Sausages
Price: £1.69 (454g)
Asda scored low. The sausages looked unappetising, had a rubbery texture, and a bland flavour.
- Appearance: 2.5/5
- Texture: 2/5
- Flavour: 7/10
- Final score: 11.5/20
5. Co-op Outdoor Bred 8 Butcher's Choice Pork Sausages
Price: £2 (454g)
Co-op's sausages were decent but not the best. The herb flavour overpowered the meat, and they were slightly dry.
- Appearance: 3/5
- Texture: 3/5
- Flavour: 7/10
- Final score: 13/20
4. Tesco British Pork Sausages 8 Pack
Price: £1.79 (454g)
Tesco's sausages were decent value. The texture was good but slightly mushy inside, and the skin was tough. Flavour was acceptable.
- Appearance: 4/5
- Texture: 3.5/5
- Flavour: 7/10
- Final score: 14.5/20
3. M&S British Outdoor Bred 8 Pork Sausages
Price: £1.90 (454g)
M&S ranked high again. The appearance was appetising, texture near perfect but slightly too soft, and flavour nice but herb-heavy.
- Appearance: 5/5
- Texture: 4/5
- Flavour: 7/10
- Final score: 16/20
2. Sainsbury's Butcher's Choice British Pork Sausage x8
Price: £1.79 (454g)
Sainsbury's tied for first but came second due to smaller size after cooking. Flavour was perfectly balanced with pork and herbs, texture meaty and smooth.
- Appearance: 4.5/5
- Texture: 5/5
- Flavour: 10/10
- Final score: 19.5/20
1. Aldi Ashfields Pork Sausages 8 Pack
Price: £1.79 (454g)
Aldi's sausages won due to shape and size after cooking. Flavour balanced meat and herbs, texture ideal—neither too tough nor too soft.
- Appearance: 4.5/5
- Texture: 5/5
- Flavour: 10/10
- Final score: 19.5/20
