A food editor has taste-tested dozens of supermarket sourdough loaves to find the best, from Waitrose premium options to Sainsbury’s own bloomer. The search comes as sourdough’s popularity grows, but experts warn that not all loaves labelled as such are genuine.
Swie Joo, head baker at The Palmerston, explains that “sourdough isn’t a legally protected term, so technically any bread can currently be called sourdough.” This means some loaves may be standard yeasted bread with added flavourings. For a true sourdough, the loaf must be made with a live starter and fermented slowly without added yeast.
Among the top contenders is Wildfarmed’s sourdough, sold at Waitrose. Co-founded by Groove Armada’s Andy Cato and TV presenter George Lamb, the bread uses regenerative wheat and is slow-fermented over 32 hours. The editor praised its slight tang and pleasing chewiness, ideal for bacon sandwiches.
Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference sourdough, priced under £2, was described as more like a high-end white bread, lacking crustiness but with a decent springy crumb. The editor recommended eating it toasted. Meanwhile, Gail’s sourdough, available at Waitrose, earned praise for its darkened brown crust and chew without being tough, made with a range of grains.
