Colin the Caterpillar Cake Deemed Worst in Supermarket Taste Test
In a surprising turn of events, the beloved Colin the Caterpillar cake from Marks & Spencer has been labelled the worst performer in a recent taste test conducted by the consumer champion Which?. The iconic chocolate caterpillar, a staple at British parties for over three decades, was bested by eight supermarket rivals, including Waitrose's Cecil, Co-op's Charlie, and Sainsbury's Wiggles.
Test Results and Consumer Feedback
The taste test involved a panel of 75 cake enthusiasts who evaluated nine caterpillar cakes from various retailers. Colin scored a mere 64%, placing it at the bottom of the rankings. Nearly half of the testers, 44%, complained that Colin's sponge was too dry, a common issue across several cakes in the competition.
In contrast, Waitrose's Cecil emerged victorious with a score of 78%, earning a best buy accolade. Judges praised Cecil for remaining remarkably moist, with a flavoursome chocolate shell and a perfect sponge-to-buttercream ratio. Cecil also proved to be the heaviest cake at 744g, making it more cost-effective by weight despite its £9.50 price tag.
Nutritional and Pricing Concerns
The test revealed that Colin not only struggled with texture but also packed the highest levels of sugar and fat among the caterpillar lineup. Per 100g, Colin contains 46.3g of sugar and 21.3g of fat. At £9.50, it was also one of the most expensive options, though M&S highlighted that it has the highest chocolate content at 39.5%, made from 31% cocoa solids and 100% Fairtrade cocoa.
Other notable performers included Charlie and Wiggles, who tied for second place with 73% scores. Aldi's Cuthbert, which underwent a redesign after a legal dispute with M&S, finished fourth with 72%, praised for its creamy buttercream but critiqued for a slightly dry sponge by over a third of the panel.
M&S's Response and Historical Context
M&S came out fighting after the test, pointing to a recent poll of 2,100 adults that named Colin the nation's best caterpillar cake. A spokesperson stated, At M&S, blind taste testers regularly taste our products against the market to ensure we remain number one for taste and quality – this includes our Colin cakes.
Colin the Caterpillar made his debut in August 1990 and has since become a cultural icon, known simply by his first name like celebrities such as Rihanna and Beyoncé. His fame has led to brand extensions, including his cake girlfriend Connie and a range of homewares like paper plates and napkins.
Expert Opinion and Market Alternatives
Natalie Hitchins, head of home products and services at Which?, noted that while M&S pioneered the caterpillar cake, rivals have created worthy alternatives. She said, There are better options out there than the original Colin. This includes offerings from Waitrose and even budget chain Iceland, which have gained traction among consumers.
The taste test underscores a competitive retail landscape where even established favourites must continuously innovate to maintain their appeal. As consumer preferences evolve, factors like moisture, flavour balance, and value for money are becoming increasingly critical in driving purchasing decisions.
