Is it possible to find a truly great, tangy, and satisfying sourdough loaf amidst the weekly grocery shop? We embarked on a delicious mission to find out, sampling and scrutinising sourdoughs from all the major UK supermarkets to separate the doughy heroes from the sour zeros.
What Makes A Great Sourdough?
True sourdough is a simple alchemy of flour, water, and salt, leavened naturally with a live ‘starter’ culture. We judged each loaf on its authentic sourdough flavour, crust, crumb structure, and overall value for money. No imposters allowed.
And The Winner Is…
M&S’s Seriously Superior Sourdough Bloomer took the top spot. Our panel praised its classic, robust flavour with a perfect balance of tang, a crisp, shattering crust, and an open, airy crumb that’s chewy in all the right ways. It’s the clear champion for those seeking a bakery-quality experience from the supermarket aisle.
The Top Contenders
It wasn't a one-horse race. The competition was fierce, with several loaves earning high praise:
- Waitrose No.1 White Sourdough: A very close second, celebrated for its complex, slightly sweet flavour and fantastic texture.
- Tesco Finest White Sourdough Bloomer: A brilliant budget-friendly option that delivers impressive flavour and a crisp crust without the premium price tag.
- Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Wildfarmed Sourdough: Noted for its distinctive, earthy taste and excellent quality ingredients.
Surprises and Disappointments
While some stores excelled, others fell short. Several loaves from other leading chains were criticised for a ‘cake-like’ softness, a lack of the characteristic sour tang, or a disappointingly dense crumb—hallmark signs of shortcuts in the fermentation process.
The Verdict
You absolutely can find an outstanding sourdough at your local supermarket. While nothing beats a loaf from a dedicated local baker, the gap is narrowing. For a near-perfect bake, head to M&S or Waitrose. For incredible value, Tesco’s Finest range is unbeatable. Your next great cheese sandwich awaits.
