In a taste test comparing supermarket own-brand ginger nut biscuits with McVitie's, two brands scored higher than the classic, with Sainsbury's and M&S both achieving 8/10. McVitie's received 7/10, while Aldi's version scored just 4/10.
McVitie's sets the benchmark
McVitie's Ginger Nuts, priced at £1.60, were described as crunchy and infused with generous quantities of ginger. The writer noted that McVitie's boasts the most intense and robust ginger flavour amongst all the biscuits tested. They snapped satisfyingly, though they weren't quite as hard as recalled, which was a relief.
These are among the priciest biscuits on the market, but that's the premium paid for a well-established and much-loved brand. The writer awarded McVitie's a total of 7/10, calling it a reliably solid option all round, particularly for those who enjoy a spiced biscuit.
Aldi's version falls short
Aldi's Ginger Nuts, priced at 59p, were found to be softer and considerably more crumbly than expected from a ginger biscuit, bearing more resemblance to a Digestive. The writer noted a notable absence of ginger and spicy warmth on the palate, describing the biscuits as disappointingly bland.
Despite appearing virtually identical at first glance, the biscuits couldn't have been more different once bitten into. Aldi's offering certainly had the feel of an imitation, and the writer scored it 4/10.
Sainsbury's and Waitrose impress
Sainsbury's biscuits, also priced at 59p, struck a delicate balance with the ginger flavouring, somewhat subtler than McVitie's. The biscuit was marginally thicker than those from Waitrose, delivering a satisfying and noticeable snap. The writer scored Sainsbury's 8/10, calling it a brilliant alternative to the big-name brands.
Waitrose's biscuits, priced at 85p, were remarkably similar to Sainsbury's, offering a slightly firmer snap. The writer noted that Waitrose delivers a decent ginger biscuit that nobody should dismiss out of hand, scoring it 7/10.
M&S delivers the classic snap
M&S biscuits, priced at 75p, were by far the toughest, far more reminiscent of the Ginger Nuts sparingly sampled during childhood. The flavour closely mirrored McVitie's, yet without any sense of being overpowering. One subtle distinction was a noticeable absence of the characteristic cracks on top of the biscuit.
Much like Sainsbury's, M&S offers a fantastic flavour paired with an exceptionally firm snap. The writer scored M&S 8/10, noting that if you're after a supermarket biscuit to whisk you back to your childhood days, M&S is more than capable of doing just that.
