A taste test of rich tea biscuits from six supermarkets has crowned Tesco's 85p own-label version the winner, beating the established McVitie's brand. The comparison, carried out by Mia O'Hare, included biscuits from Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury's, Marks and Spencer, and McVitie's.
Lidl and Sainsbury's at the Bottom
Lidl's biscuits came last in the test, scoring 1/10. They appeared pale and had a pleasant texture, but the flavour was described as excessively tasteless, even by rich tea standards, leaving a peculiar aftertaste. A single bite was enough.
Sainsbury's scored 5/10, with its biscuit proving overly dry. The packet contained the least among supermarkets at 200g, compared to the standard 300g from others. It offered a solid texture and was sweet, but too dry to appreciate.
Aldi and M&S Impress
Aldi's rich tea biscuits scored 7/10. They appeared darker and bore a similarity in flavour to McVitie's, but had a considerably firmer consistency with a noticeable crunch. While the taste was on point, the firmness made them more difficult to chew and swallow.
Marks and Spencer's offering tied with McVitie's at 9/10. The biscuit boasted an appealing texture, tasting airy, refined, and with a hint of creaminess, making it a dependable option.
McVitie's and the Winner
McVitie's, priced at £1.85 from Sainsbury's, scored 9/10. It delivered a satisfying crunch without being overly hard and broke down nicely when eaten. The texture felt silky with a reassuring taste.
Tesco's 85p rich tea biscuits took the top spot with a 10/10 score. Despite expectations that the established brand would be unbeatable, Tesco's biscuits proved so velvety, delicate, and subtly sweet that they claimed victory. These pale-coloured biscuits offer a pleasing, crumbly consistency with a smooth, gentle finish, ideal for dunking in tea.
