In a blind taste test of popular supermarket fish fingers, M&S emerged as the clear winner, scoring a perfect 5/5 and beating household name Birds Eye, which scored 4/5. The test, conducted by Emily Malia for the Daily Record, evaluated own-brand offerings from Asda, Sainsbury's, and Tesco alongside the premium M&S and classic Birds Eye varieties.
How the Test Was Conducted
All fish fingers were cooked in the oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 12 to 14 minutes to ensure a fair comparison. Alternative cooking methods, such as frying, were not used in this test. The aim was to determine whether cheaper own-brand options could match the quality and flavour of established brands, or if paying more genuinely results in a superior product.
Asda Fish Fingers: 3/5
Priced at £1.12, Asda's fish fingers featured traditional orange-hued breadcrumbs that were satisfyingly crispy and crumbly. However, the overall taste was somewhat muted. While they were remarkably moreish due to their lightness, they did not leave the taster feeling properly satisfied after a meal. The fish flavour was noticeably subtle and not robust enough. On the positive side, the texture provided a wonderful melt-in-your-mouth sensation once the crispy exterior was broken through.
M&S Fish Fingers: 5/5
At £2.50, M&S fish fingers were the most expensive option tested, even surpassing the price of Birds Eye. However, the quality justified the cost. The fish fingers shone in flavour, being substantially stronger and chewier, giving a genuine sense of eating protein. The batter was crispy yet thinner compared to alternatives like Asda's, but still enjoyable. Emily stated she would buy these again without question, deeming them worth the additional expense.
Sainsbury's Fish Fingers: 2/5
Priced at just 80p, Sainsbury's fish fingers were the cheapest in the test. They were noticeably thinner, with a higher breadcrumb-to-fish ratio. Taste-wise, they were strikingly similar to Asda's product, lacking substantial flavour. The texture was also underwhelming, neither melting in the mouth nor delivering a satisfying chew. Emily suggested that grilling might produce better results, but overall, it was a rather unremarkable eating experience.
Birds Eye Fish Fingers: 4/5
Birds Eye, priced at £2.10, performed well, being noticeably thinner and paler in appearance but significantly chewier and more packed with flavour. The batter was crispier and less crumbly, resembling a classic fish finger that felt warming and familiar. Despite this, Emily still preferred M&S, though Birds Eye came close and remains a dependable choice for 40p less.
Tesco Fish Fingers: 4/5
At £1.15, Tesco fish fingers offered a superb budget-conscious alternative. They boasted a creamy fish flavour, more subtle than the robust tastes found elsewhere, making them suitable for gentler palates. The texture was melt-in-your-mouth with minimal chewiness. However, the results were somewhat soggier than several rivals, and the exterior lacked the desired crispiness. The fish fingers also broke apart easily and stuck to the tray.
Conclusion
The taste test revealed that while Birds Eye remains a strong contender, M&S offers a premium experience that surpasses it in flavour and texture. For budget-conscious shoppers, Tesco provides good value at a lower price, while Asda and Sainsbury's may not be worth the savings given their inferior taste and texture. According to Emily Malia, the extra cost for M&S is justified for those seeking the best fish finger experience.
