A taste test comparing Richmond Meat-Free, Tesco Finest Pork and Heck Chicken Chipolatas revealed an unexpected winner. The chicken sausages outperformed both the pork and vegetarian options in flavour and texture, despite being the least visually appealing.
The Contenders and Prices
The three sausages were cooked simultaneously in an air fryer at 180C for 17 minutes. The Heck Chicken Chipolatas cost £3.25 for eight, the Tesco Finest Pork Sausages were £3.30 (or two packs for £5 with a Clubcard promotion), and the Richmond Meat-Free Sausages were £2.40 for a pack of eight.
Meat-Free Sausages: A Disappointment
The Richmond meat-free sausages were tried first. Once a game-changer in the vegan world for their texture, they have since become dry, crumbly and artificial in flavour. The texture was mushy and unpleasant, a far cry from the juicy bite the reviewer remembered. The sausages looked lumpy before cooking and emerged golden-brown but misleadingly so. The reviewer struggled to finish one and said it would likely be the last time they purchase them.
Pork Sausages: Appetising but Unsettling
The Tesco Finest pork sausages were the most visually appealing: thick, juicy and perfectly browned. They offered a succulent, flavoursome meat with a peppery kick. However, the reviewer felt queasy immediately after eating, attributing it to the greasy, fatty texture. The label revealed a considerable number of added ingredients and stabilisers, and the product has recently undergone a recipe change that Tesco shoppers have criticised. With only six in a pack and the highest price, the reviewer would not buy them again.
Chicken Sausages: The Surprising Winner
The Heck chicken chipolatas were the least visually appealing, appearing pale and unevenly cooked. However, they were comfortably the tastiest, with a firm yet juicy texture and a savoury, fresh-tasting chicken flavour. Lower in fat, they felt healthier and were a welcome change after the pork. The Heck website offers versatile recipes such as chicken and chilli jam sausage rolls and red pesto flatbreads. The reviewer concluded that despite their underwhelming appearance, the chicken sausages were the undisputed winner.
