Filippo Berio Triumphs as Top Pesto in Comprehensive Supermarket Taste Test
In a rigorous blind taste test organised by consumer champion Which?, Filippo Berio has been officially crowned the best supermarket pesto available in the United Kingdom. The comprehensive evaluation pitted leading name brands against popular supermarket-own versions, with a panel of 71 discerning tasters delivering the final verdict.
The Battle of the Basil: A Blind Taste Test Showdown
The test featured a diverse array of pestos from across the UK market. This included premium name brands such as Filippo Berio and Sacla, alongside own-brand offerings from major retailers including Aldi, Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, Marks & Spencer, and Lidl. Each product was assessed completely anonymously, ensuring no brand bias could influence the results.
The 71-member expert panel meticulously rated each pesto on four key criteria: overall flavour, aromatic quality, visual appearance, and textural consistency. Participants were also encouraged to provide detailed feedback on what they specifically loved or loathed about each sample, offering rich qualitative data to support the scores.
The Unanimous Winner: Filippo Berio's Authentic Taste
Emerging victorious from the fierce competition was Filippo Berio's classic pesto. Which? reported that the product "wowed our tasters" with its superior quality. An impressive three-quarters of the panel found the basil flavour to be perfectly balanced, while an even higher proportion praised its ideal consistency—described as neither too coarse nor too fine.
The brand's delightful aroma also received significant commendation, contributing to its overall high score and ultimate victory over the competing supermarket alternatives.
Industry Reaction and Consumer Validation
Walter Zanre, UK Managing Director of Filippo Berio, expressed profound pride and surprise at the accolade. "We didn't know we were being tested, so it has come as the most wonderful surprise to know we are best in class in this gold standard of awards," Zanre stated.
He added, "We know our customers love the authentic taste of our Pesto - now they know they are officially eating the very best!" This independent validation from Which? serves as powerful confirmation for consumers seeking a reliably delicious, shop-bought pesto option.
Pesto remains a culinary staple in British households, valued for its ability to effortlessly enhance sandwiches, pasta dishes, salads, and cheese boards with its distinctive herby, cheesy, and nutty profile. While homemade versions have their charm, the convenience, shelf-life, and often competitive pricing of jarred pestos make them a popular choice for everyday cooking.
This definitive taste test provides much-needed guidance for shoppers navigating the often overwhelming selection on supermarket shelves, clearly identifying Filippo Berio as the benchmark for quality and flavour in the UK pesto market.
