Best supermarket own-brand sausages, beans and bread named in taste test results

Our taste tests compared supermarket own-brand sausages, beans, bread, ketchup, fish fingers and steak from Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Co-op and more to find the best buys

Following numerous taste tests conducted over recent months, we have compiled a definitive list of the finest sausages, bread, baked beans and other kitchen essentials available across UK supermarkets. These are staple food items found in every UK supermarket, with most retailers stocking their own-label varieties.

While they may appear broadly similar at first glance, they can differ enormously in terms of taste, texture and overall quality. This is precisely what we discovered when putting staples such as pork sausages, baked beans and steaks through their paces. Interestingly, the more budget-friendly options frequently outshine their pricier counterparts.

Aldi and Lidl have consistently performed strongly, while Tesco and Sainsbury’s excel in certain areas. As for M&S and Waitrose, they generally live up to the high expectations we bring to the table. Overall, results differ considerably, and the supermarket with the best sausages won’t necessarily stock the best baked beans.

Sausages

In a recent head-to-head comparison, Aldi’s own-label pork sausages came out on top. They performed impressively across texture, appearance and overall flavour, achieving a near-perfect score of 19.5/20.

The flavour struck an ideal balance between meat and herbs, while the satisfying meaty texture was effortless to cut through and thoroughly enjoyable. Sainsbury’s also impressed and scored well, though Aldi’s sausages were noticeably more substantial once cooked.

At £1.79 for a 454g pack, it came as a rather pleasant surprise to discover just how tasty these sausages turned out to be.

Baked beans

Baked beans are a quintessentially British staple, and virtually every supermarket offers its own take on them. When compared to well-known brands such as Heinz and Branston, own-brand varieties frequently outperform in taste tests.

In our very own taste test of own-label baked bean tins, one retailer emerged as the undisputed victor. Co-op claimed the top spot with an almost flawless score, with the first distinguishing feature being its rich, deep colour.

The sweetness then hit immediately, and the texture struck a perfect balance once the beans were cooked. They delivered the most pronounced flavour in our recent comparison, securing this tin’s place at the top.

Ketchup

In a recent ketchup comparison, Lidl’s own-label variety claimed victory, ranking above the likes of M&S, Tesco and other own-brand offerings, as well as surpassing Heinz. Priced at £1.05 for 650g, it struck the ideal balance between sweetness and strength, making it a perfect condiment that complements rather than overwhelms a meal — precisely what a condiment should do. Furthermore, it contains less sugar than Heinz, which is a bonus for those mindful of maintaining a healthier diet.

Fish fingers

Fish fingers are another household staple that can be found in the freezers of countless British homes. They are a fairly no-frills frozen food, popular for their simplicity. That said, some are undoubtedly superior to others. In fact, our recent fish finger taste test revealed clear winners and losers, with some of the highest-ranking options proving to be among the most affordable.

Sainsbury’s 10 Breaded Omega 3 Pollock Fillet Fish Fingers claimed top spot, costing just 93p for a pack of 10. The breadcrumbs delivered a remarkable flavour, while the fish itself struck the ideal balance of fishiness. It also boasted the finest texture of all the fish fingers tested, offering a perfect combination of slight crunch, smoothness and flaky fish.

Steak

Supermarket steak remains a firm favourite amongst shoppers during the summer months. If you’ve been pondering which retailer offers the finest cuts, we put them through their paces this year.

Lidl emerged as the champion, priced at £5.49 for 195g, equating to £28.15 per kilogram. The 21-day matured British beef proudly displayed the Red Tractor logo and showed an attractive marbling before cooking.

It delivered a burst of flavour once cooked, clinching the top spot despite numerous other steaks carrying considerably heftier price tags.

Sourdough bread

While some Britons prefer to bake their own sourdough at home, the overwhelming majority purchase it from their local supermarket. Having recently compared five loaves to determine the finest option, Tesco emerged as the clear victor.

It stood out as the undisputed winner, boasting a perfect crust and just the right level of saltiness. It proved delightful when toasted, and its overall flavour surpassed that of Sainsbury’s, Aldi and Asda.