In a quest for the ultimate Sunday roast side dish, a comprehensive taste test has put supermarket own-brand sage and onion stuffings head-to-head against the UK's beloved branded option, Paxo. The results have uncovered a new champion that delivers on flavour while saving shoppers a considerable amount of money.
The Great Supermarket Stuffing Taste Test
The investigation included stuffing mixes from seven major UK retailers: Aldi, Lidl, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's, Asda, Tesco, and Morrisons. Each was prepared according to packet instructions and judged on flavour, texture, and overall value for money, with the iconic Paxo serving as the benchmark.
Starting with the premium end, Marks & Spencer's offering, priced at £2.40 for 250g, used red onion, which created an overpowering flavour that dominated the palate. Despite a decent texture, it was deemed not worth the higher cost, scoring a modest 4 out of 10.
The budget options from Aldi and Lidl, both costing 45p for 170g, were found to be remarkably similar. They were palatable but lacked a robust sage flavour and were noted for being slightly too dry, each earning a middle-of-the-road 5/10.
Asda's own-brand stuffing, also at 45p, was criticised for being bland, with a texture that didn't impress. Even with extra water, it was considered dry, resulting in a score of 6/10.
The Standouts and The Surprise Winner
Tesco's stuffing emerged as a strong contender among the larger supermarkets. Priced at 45p, it boasted a superior texture—soft inside with a slight crisp on the outside—and a better flavour, though it still wasn't as strong as desired. It secured a respectable 7/10.
On the disappointing end, Morrisons stuffing, costing 75p for 170g, failed to justify its 30p premium. It was marked down for a lack of flavour, an odd taste, and an unappealing texture, landing a low score of 3/10.
The test concluded with a resounding victory for Sainsbury's own-brand sage and onion stuffing. Costing just 45p for 170g, it was declared the clear winner, outshining all other supermarkets and even the branded favourite. The tester found it tasted almost identical to Paxo, if not better, praising its lovely flavour and perfect texture. It received a perfect score of 10/10.
For comparison, the branded Paxo was rated at 8/10. While delicious, its price tag of £2.50 for 170g was considered expensive, especially when a near-identical taste could be achieved for a fraction of the cost.
The Verdict for Your Sunday Dinner
The ultimate takeaway from this culinary experiment is that you don't need to spend a lot for a quality stuffing. Sainsbury's own-brand stuffing provides a taste experience that rivals, and perhaps surpasses, the leading brand while being over £2 cheaper. This makes it the undisputed best value option for elevating your Sunday roast without straining your wallet.
