Forget the fancy bakeries – the real battle for Britain's best sourdough is happening in the aisles of your local supermarket. But with every chain now boasting an 'artisan' loaf, how do you separate the truly tangy from the frankly bland?
We embarked on the ultimate carb-fuelled mission, gathering sourdoughs from all the major players – Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury's, M&S, Aldi, and Lidl – to put them to the test. Our criteria were strict: a crisp, blistered crust, an open, airy crumb, and that signature complex, slightly sour flavour that makes sourdough so special.
The Crust and Crumb Verdict
First impressions count, and the crust told a thousand tales. Some loaves arrived with a pale, soft exterior that screamed 'factory loaf', while others had the authentic, flour-dusted, knobbly look of the real deal. The best had a satisfyingly hard crackle when squeezed.
Cutting into them revealed even more. The hallmark of a great sourdough is an irregular, open structure with plenty of bubbles. We found a shocking divide; some were dense and cake-like, while the top contenders boasted a beautiful, gelatinous crumb that was light yet chewy.
The Taste Test Champions
After rigorous tasting (a tough job, but someone had to do it), a clear winner emerged. Surprisingly, it wasn't always the most expensive option that triumphed.
The Top Tier: These loaves delivered on all fronts. A deep, fermented aroma, a balanced tang that wasn't overpowering, and a satisfyingly chewy texture. One high-end supermarket's signature sourdough stood out for its complexity, but a discount chain's offering provided astonishing value, coming a very close second with its impressive flavour profile.
The Middle Ground: Several loaves were perfectly acceptable for everyday sandwiches. They lacked the depth of flavour of the winners but were a reliable step up from standard white bread.
The Disappointments: A few well-known brands fell flat. The main offence? A complete lack of sourness, tasting little different from a standard brown loaf, despite the 'sourdough' label and a premium price tag.
What Makes a Real Sourdough?
True sourdough is made with just three ingredients: flour, water, and salt. It's leavened using a live 'starter culture' of wild yeasts and bacteria, not commercial baker's yeast. This long, slow fermentation is what develops the flavour and makes it easier to digest.
Be wary of loaves that include additives, yeast, or vinegar (used to mimic the sour taste). The best supermarket options are transparent about their ingredients and process, often found in the in-store bakery section rather than the pre-packaged aisle.
The Final Slice
You don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy a fantastic sourdough at home. Our taste test proves that with a keen eye, you can find an authentic, delicious loaf that rivals any artisan bakery – and you can pick it up with your weekly shop. The key is to know what to look for and which supermarkets are genuinely baking the goods.
