A food journalist who regularly taste-tests supermarket products has revealed the best own-brand baked beans, fish fingers, ketchup, sausages, steak, and sourdough bread available in UK supermarkets. Brian Dillon, who writes about food, has conducted numerous taste tests over recent months and found that cheaper options often outperform pricier brands.
Sausages
Aldi's own-brand pork sausages achieved the highest ranking in a recent assessment. They scored a near-flawless 19.5 out of 20 for texture, appearance, and taste. Brian noted the ideal balance of meat and herbs, with a meaty texture that was easy to slice and enjoyable. Sainsbury's also scored well, but Aldi's sausages were slightly larger and plumper after cooking. At just £1.79 for a 454g pack, they were a pleasant surprise.
Baked Beans
Co-op claimed the top spot with a near-perfect score. The beans had a rich, deep colour, immediate sweetness, and ideal texture once cooked. They boasted the most robust flavour in the comparison, earning the tin its rightful place at the top.
Ketchup
Lidl's own-label ketchup won the showdown, beating M&S, Tesco, and Heinz. At £1.05 for 650g, it was neither overly sweet nor too overpowering, making it an ideal condiment. It also contains less sugar than Heinz, a bonus for health-conscious shoppers.
Fish Fingers
Sainsbury's 10 Breaded Omega 3 Pollock Fillet Fish Fingers came out on top at just 93p for a pack of 10. The breadcrumbs delivered superb flavour, the fish had the right level of fishiness, and the texture was a brilliant balance of slight crunch and smoothness with beautifully flaky fish.
Steak
Lidl's steak, priced at £5.49 for 195g (£28.15 per kg), was the winner. The 21-day matured British beef with Red Tractor logo showed impressive marbling before cooking and burst with flavour after, despite several rival steaks carrying higher price tags.
Sourdough Bread
Tesco was the clear winner in a head-to-head of five loaves. It stood out with a flawless crust and perfectly judged saltiness. It was equally impressive toasted, with an overall flavour that outshone offerings from Sainsbury's, Aldi, and Asda.
