A taste test of four Marks and Spencer sausage rolls, ranging from budget to premium, has delivered baffling results that challenge the notion that higher price guarantees better quality. The mid-range M&S Collection Classic Pork Sausage Rolls emerged as the clear winner, while the premium "Our Best Ever Sausage Roll" proved a disappointment.
Budget Option Falls Short
The cheapest option, M&S British Large Sausage Rolls at £1.15, scored a mere 3 out of 10. The tester noted a significant lack of sausage meat, with noticeable air gaps between the meat and pastry. The sausage itself was fatty with no detectable pork flavour, and the pastry was pale and underwhelming. The roll was deemed suitable only for those with bland palates.
Mid-Range Triumphs
The M&S Collection Classic Pork Sausage Rolls, priced at £3.40, scored an impressive 8 out of 10. The tester described a beautifully deep golden pastry generously filled with sausage meat. The flavour was enhanced by caramelised onion, ground spices, and dried herbs, providing a subtle sweetness. The sausage-to-pastry ratio was spot on, creating a harmonious blend of succulent meat and crisp yet moist pastry. The tester concluded these were the most well-balanced and satisfying sausage rolls, ideal for any picnic.
Premium Letdown
The "Our Best Ever Sausage Roll" at £3.25 scored only 5 out of 10. Despite its luxurious black and gold packaging and inclusion of caramelised onion and spices, the sausage meat was insipid with only a hint of pork. The tester encountered a substantial piece of fat, and the roll felt heavy rather than succulent. The quantity of meat was ample, but the flavour fell dramatically short. The tester expressed disappointment, expecting better from M&S at that price.
Novelty Giant Roll
The M&S Collection Ultimate Sharing Sausage Roll, a colossal option intended for sharing, scored 6 out of 10. While packed with meat from end to end, the pastry was somewhat dry, likely due to extended cooking time. The familiar spice blend failed to deliver the same punch as the Collection Classic, described as a "damp squib" compared to the earlier explosion of flavour. The tester deemed it a novelty product and a gimmick for solo diners, though it would hit the spot for those seeking something substantial.
The taste test revealed that the mid-range Collection Classic offers the best balance of flavour, texture, and value, outperforming both cheaper and more expensive options.
