In a taste test of supermarket ginger nut biscuits against McVitie's, Sainsbury's and M&S both scored 8/10, edging out the original brand's 7/10, while Aldi's version was deemed bland with a 4/10.
Ellen Jenne, a writer who once skipped ginger biscuits as a child, tested McVitie's Ginger Nuts alongside own-brand versions from Aldi, Waitrose, Sainsbury's, and M&S to see if any could beat the classic.
McVitie's delivers pungent ginger but loses on value
McVitie's Ginger Nuts, priced at £1.60, were crisp, slightly tough, and perfumed with ample ginger. Jenne noted the most pungent and powerful ginger flavour of all the biscuits, making them a solid choice for fans of spicy biscuits. However, they were the most expensive option, which she attributed to the well-known brand's popularity.
Sainsbury's and M&S shine with balanced flavour and snap
Sainsbury's biscuits, at 59p, were delicately balanced with ginger, less overwhelming than McVitie's, and offered a pleasant snap. Jenne praised them for doing exactly what it says on the tin, calling them a great alternative to a big name brand.
M&S biscuits, at 75p, were the toughest, most reminiscent of childhood Ginger Nuts, with a flavour closely mirroring McVitie's but without the overwhelm. Jenne noted they lacked the distinctive cracks on top but still delivered great taste and a firm snap.
Aldi and Waitrose fall short
Aldi's biscuits, at 59p, were crumbly and lacked ginger flavour, feeling like an imitation. Jenne found them bland, a surprise for a biscuit that puts ginger at the forefront.
Waitrose's biscuits, at 85p, were strikingly similar to Sainsbury's, though slightly thinner, and offered a firmer snap. Jenne concluded they were a good biscuit that no one should turn their nose up at, scoring 7/10.
