A taste test of five branded pasta sauces from UK supermarkets has produced surprising results, with a premium Italian brand taking top spot while a household name scored just 4/10. The comparison, carried out by Sophie Harris, Senior Audience Writer for Spare Time, tested sauces from Heinz, Loyd Grossman, Dolmio, Filippo Berio, Sainsbury's, and Mutti, all paired with the same pasta.
Heinz and Loyd Grossman Compared
Heinz Sun-Ripened Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce, priced at £2 for 350g, was described as delicious for those who love strong basil, but the flavour was too strong for the tester. The tomato flavour was also considered too sharp. The jar served three people with the right sauce-to-pasta ratio, but the tester said they would not purchase it again, scoring it 4/10.
Loyd Grossman Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce, at £3 for 350g, was a first-time try for the tester, who was particularly interested given its price. The jar served two to three people, possibly four. The sauce had clean ingredients and tasted more authentic than others, but the flavour was subtle. The tester would buy it again only if it was on offer, scoring it 7/10.
Dolmio and Filippo Berio Results
Dolmio Stir In Pasta Sauce Tomato & Basil, priced at £1.50 for 150g, was chosen because no large jars were available in the tester's local Tesco. It was fairly tasty with a mild flavour and not too overpowering basil. However, the tester felt there was not enough sauce for two people, scoring it 7/10.
Filippo Berio Basilico Pasta Sauce, £2.65 for 340g, was considered too mild for the tester's palate, with little taste of tomatoes or basil. Despite having fantastic ingredients, including tomato as the main ingredient and no added preservatives, the tester would not buy it again, scoring it 6/10.
Sainsbury's and Mutti Final Verdict
Sainsbury's Stir In Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce, at 85p for 150g, was tasty for the price but had an overpowering basil flavour. The tester suggested a pinch of salt and sugar would balance the flavours, scoring it 6/10.
Mutti Tomato Pasta Sauce with Basil, priced at £3.20 for 400g, was the clear winner. The tester described it as fresh and flavourful with a perfect basil-to-tomato balance. It served four people with sauce leftover, tasted the most homemade, and had an intense colour. The sauce scored 10/10, with the tester saying they would definitely buy it again. Reviews on the Tesco website praised the Mutti range for being flavoursome and worth the price, with one reviewer noting it works well when in a rush to make sauce from scratch.
