In the quest for the perfect sourdough, Britain's supermarkets are battling for bakery supremacy. But which store truly delivers that authentic, tangy flavour and perfect crust we all crave?
The Great British Sourdough Taste Test
We assembled a panel of bread enthusiasts to conduct a blind taste test of sourdough loaves from five major retailers: Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Marks & Spencer. Each loaf was judged on crust, texture, flavour, and overall authenticity.
The Contenders
Aldi's Specially Selected Sourdough - The budget contender promising artisan quality at a remarkable price point.
Asda's Extra Special Sourdough - Positioned as a premium offering from the value-focused supermarket.
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Sourdough - Part of their flagship quality range with high expectations.
Tesco's Finest Sourdough - Another premium player in the supermarket bakery wars.
M&S Classic Sourdough - From the retailer known for quality food offerings, often at a higher price.
Surprising Results Revealed
The tasting panel discovered dramatic differences between the supposedly similar loaves. While some offered genuine artisan characteristics with that distinctive sour tang and chewy texture, others disappointed with bland flavours and disappointing crusts.
Price proved to be no guarantee of quality, with one budget option outperforming loaves nearly twice its price. The winning loaf astonished our panel with its perfect balance of tangy flavour, airy crumb, and crisp crust that rivaled many boutique bakeries.
What Makes Great Sourdough?
Authentic sourdough requires time, skill, and natural fermentation. Our experts looked for:
- A crisp, substantial crust that crackles when squeezed
- An irregular, open crumb structure with air pockets
- That distinctive tangy flavour from natural fermentation
- A chewy texture that provides substance
- No artificial preservatives or additives
The Verdict: Which Supermarket Reigns Supreme?
After rigorous tasting and scoring, one clear winner emerged that combined authentic sourdough characteristics with surprising value for money. The results challenged preconceptions about supermarket bakery quality and revealed where bread lovers should truly be spending their money.
Whether you're a sourdough connoisseur or just looking for the best daily loaf, our taste test provides the definitive guide to navigating the supermarket bakery aisle.
