A taste test comparing bakery chains Gail's and Greggs has revealed stark differences in price and quality, with Gail's costing nearly three times as much for a similar selection of festive items. The test, conducted in Altrincham, pitted six products from each bakery against each other, including sausage rolls and festive bakes.
The total bill for six items at Greggs came to £9.65, while the same number at Gail's cost £26.90. Despite the higher price, the Gail's sausage roll (£4.10) was found to be overly seasoned and dense, resembling a pork pie more than a sausage roll. In contrast, the Greggs sausage roll (£1.20) was described as an excellent example with a golden, crunchy pastry and a smooth, salty filling.
In the festive bake category, Greggs' Festive Bake (£1.95) was praised for its classic Christmas dinner flavours, with decent turkey chunks and a sweet cranberry note. Gail's turkey and ham hand pie (£5.20) was noted for its delicate flavours but criticised for being overwhelmed by stringy leeks. The testers also noted that the Gail's pie was purchased cold, which may have affected the experience.
Other items tested included a baguette, with Greggs' version costing £3.70 and Gail's smoked turkey and Swiss cheese option priced higher. The test concluded that while Gail's offers a more artisan experience, the higher prices do not necessarily guarantee superior taste, with Greggs providing better value for money in many cases.
