In a head-to-head taste test of Britain's biggest supermarket fish fingers, M&S emerged as the clear winner with a perfect score of 5/5, outperforming the iconic Bird's Eye brand which scored 4/5. The test, conducted by Emily Malia, compared five brands: Asda, M&S, Sainsbury's, Bird's Eye, and Tesco, all cooked for 12-14 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius in the oven to ensure fairness.
Asda Fish Fingers: A Light but Lacking Option
Asda's fish fingers, priced at £1.12, scored 3/5. The orange-coloured breadcrumbs were crispy and crumbly, but the taste was described as very simple and not strong enough in fish flavour. However, the texture was a melt-in-your-mouth sensation once past the crispy batter. The reviewer noted they could eat endless amounts due to their lightness, but they lacked the satisfying fullness expected from a meal.
M&S Fish Fingers: The Premium Winner
M&S fish fingers, at £2.50, scored a perfect 5/5. They delivered a much stronger and chewier taste, making the eater feel like they were consuming real protein. The batter was thinner than Asda's but still crispy and delicious. Despite being more expensive than Bird's Eye (£2.10), the reviewer deemed them worth the extra cost, calling them a luxury option they would buy again.
Sainsbury's Fish Fingers: Thin and Disappointing
Sainsbury's fish fingers, the cheapest at 80p, scored only 2/5. They were noticeably thinner and had a higher breadcrumb-to-fish ratio. The taste was similar to Asda's but lacked both the melt-in-your-mouth texture and a good chew, resulting in a bland eating experience. The reviewer suggested that grilling might yield better results but remained unimpressed overall.
Bird's Eye Fish Fingers: A Trusted Classic
Bird's Eye fish fingers, priced at £2.10, scored 4/5. They were thinner and lighter in colour than some competitors but were chewier and tastier. The batter was crispier and less crumbly, offering a traditional fish finger experience that felt cosy and nostalgic. The reviewer concluded that while M&S beats them, Bird's Eye comes close and remains a trusted, reliable option for just 40p less.
Tesco Fish Fingers: A Solid Cheaper Alternative
Tesco fish fingers, at £1.15, also scored 4/5. They offered creamy, subtle fish flavour with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and less chew. However, they were mushier and less crispy on the outside than preferred, falling apart easily and sticking to the tray. Despite these drawbacks, they were deemed a great, more affordable alternative for those who prefer a milder fish taste.
Overall, the test concluded that while Bird's Eye remains a strong contender, M&S offers the best flavour and texture, justifying its higher price. Cheaper options like Asda and Tesco provide decent value, but Sainsbury's fell short. The results suggest that shoppers can find quality fish fingers at various price points, but the premium choice is clear.
