Ellen Jenne tested four varieties of M&S sausage rolls, ranging from the budget-friendly British Large Sausage Rolls at £1.15 to the jumbo Ultimate Sharing Sausage Roll at £5.25. The results defied expectations, with the mid-range option emerging as the clear winner.
M&S British Large Sausage Rolls (£1.15) - 3/10
The cheapest option proved disappointing. The sausage-to-pastry ratio was poor, with air pockets between the meat and casing. The pastry was described as anaemic and bland, while the sausage meat tasted fatty with no discernible pork flavour. Jenne noted it reminded her of basic party sausage rolls from childhood.
M&S Collection Classic Pork Sausage Rolls (£3.40) - 8/10
This mid-priced option impressed with a gorgeous dark gold pastry packed with sausage meat. The flavour was enhanced by caramelised onion, ground spices, and dried herbs, creating a slightly sweet and well-balanced taste. The ratio of sausage to pastry was perfect, delivering a harmonic balance of juicy meat and crisp pastry. Jenne declared them the most rounded and enjoyable, ideal for a picnic spread.
Our Best Ever Sausage Roll (£3.25) - 5/10
Despite luxurious black and gold packaging, this sausage roll was the biggest disappointment. The meat was bland, tasting of nothing with only a whiff of pork. Jenne bit into a chunky piece of fat and found the texture more cloying than juicy. While the amount of meat was generous, the lack of flavour left her expecting more.
M&S Collection Ultimate Sharing Sausage Roll (£5.25) - 6/10
This behemoth was almost too large to eat comfortably. The pastry was slightly dry, likely due to extended cooking time. Although it contained the same spice blend as the Collection Classic, the flavour impact was reduced—described as a fizz and flop compared to a flavour bomb. Jenne considered it a novelty item best suited for sharing.
Overall, the M&S Collection Classic Pork Sausage Rolls offered the best value and taste, proving that paying more doesn't always guarantee quality, but the right mid-range option can deliver exceptional results.
