In a blind taste test of 10 frozen sausage roll brands from Australian supermarkets, a Tasmanian-made product emerged as the clear winner. The National Pies Large Sausage Roll, available at Woolworths for $2.85 per 150g roll, scored highest among a panel of six adults and several children for its crisp exterior and evenly textured, sausage-like filling.
The panel, assembled by writer Sarah Ayoub, judged each roll on flaky and crispy pastry, soft meaty interior, and meat-to-pastry ratio. All rolls were cooked according to packet instructions, with most baked in the oven. Testers noted that oven-baked rolls generally needed longer cooking times, while an air-fryer variety achieved superior crispiness.
National Pies’ roll, made with 20% beef, was described as “awesome”, “most bakery-like”, and “best flavoured”. Its “perfect, flaky casing” and balanced taste earned it the highest marks. In contrast, the Coles Frozen Party Sausage Rolls (24-pack, $9) were a hit with children but deemed “generic” and “bland” by adults, despite having the highest beef content at 39%.
The Strength Meals Co High Protein Sausage Roll ($11 per kg) divided opinion: some praised its “bold meat taste” and buttery, crunchy exterior from air-fryer cooking, while others criticised its “sawdust-like interior” and dryness. The Herbert Adams King Island Beef Sausage Rolls ($11 for 420g) impressed with their delicate, buttery pastry but were let down by a less exciting filling.
Overall, the test highlighted that price and meat percentage do not guarantee quality, with the winning roll costing $1.90 per 100g and containing only 20% beef, while cheaper options like Coles ($1 per 100g) offered safer, more basic flavours suitable for children’s parties.
