Have you got a favourite?
They’re a national treasure and a tea-time staple this time of year. So when it comes to supermarket Welsh cakes, which ones are actually worth your pound?
I tasted my way through seven of the most widely available packs on shelves across Wales – from supermarket own brands to established Welsh bakeries – judging them on flavour, texture, value and authenticity.
Some were buttery perfection. Others… should perhaps stay on the shelf.
Before we start, you may be wondering what qualifies me to review a Welsh cake. To that I say, I’m Welsh, what other qualifications might one need for such a job? For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here
Now, here’s how they ranked.
7. Braces
Price: £1.30
Verdict: 3/10 Dry and lacking flavour
By some distance, Braces were the weakest of the lot. Which for me, is perhaps the biggest surprise of the test.
These were quite noticeably drier than the others. On breaking one open, the crumb looked pale and slightly dusty. The mouthfeel confirmed it – crumbly in the wrong way, absorbing moisture rather than offering softness.
Dry, crumbly and short on sultanas, these were difficult to finish. The texture was the main issue – lacking the soft, buttery bite that defines a proper Welsh cake. A disappointing and rare misfire from a well-known Welsh bakery name.
6. Lidl – Rowan Hill Bakery
Price: £1.09
Verdict: 4/10 Synthetic taste
These look pale and slightly uniform in a way that hints at mass production.
The aroma is faint, and on tasting there’s an artificial note – a sweetness that feels processed rather than buttery. The fruit lacks plumpness, and the overall flavour profile feels one-dimensional.
Texture is slightly rubbery, with less of that crumbly tenderness expected of a good Welsh cake.
They’re affordable, yes, but the compromise in flavour is noticeable, and you can get better for the same price elsewhere.
5. Tesco
Verdict: 5.5/10 Overly sweet
At first glance, these look promising. Evenly shaped, neatly browned, dusted lightly with sugar. But for me, the flavour balance is off.
The sweetness dominates from start to finish, overpowering the buttery base. Instead of richness, you get sugar. Instead of depth, you get surface-level sweetness.
The texture is acceptable – not dry, but not especially tender either. There’s a slight density to the crumb that makes them feel heavier than they need to be.
If you have a particularly sweet tooth, they may satisfy. For a more traditional Welsh cake, however, they miss the mark.
4. Morrisons
Price: £1.75
Verdict: 7/10 Pleasant but perhaps too sweet for some
These lean sweet – noticeably so – but not to the point of being overpowering. The texture was reasonably soft and they avoided the dreaded dryness.
If you prefer a sweeter cake with your cuppa, these might suit you.
3. Marks & Spencer
Price: £2.10
Verdict: 6.5/10
You’d expect excellence from M&S – and these were decent. Neatly made and visually appealing, with a nice hint of nutmeg. Not offensive, not dry – but not memorable.
2. Tan y Castell Bakery
Price: £1
Verdict: 7.5/10 Consistently good
A very strong second place.
These had good moisture, a decent sultana ratio and none of the dryness that plagues some supermarket versions. Not overly sweet, not bland – just a solid, dependable Welsh cake.
They may not have quite the buttery depth of Popty, but they’re not far off and a safe bet if you spot them in store, especially when they are priced at just £1 for 6.
1. Popty Bakery
Price: £1.35
Verdict: 8/10 Outstanding
These were head and shoulders above the rest. Truly lush. At £1.35 a pack, they were also among the cheapest – but you wouldn’t know it from the taste.
Rich, buttery and generously packed with sultanas, they had that proper homemade flavour that instantly transports you to a kitchen in full baking mode.
The texture was spot on: soft without being doughy, moist without being greasy. Every bite felt balanced.
If you want the best supermarket Welsh cakes in Wales, I’d reach for Popty Bakery. They’re proof that quality doesn’t have to cost more, and the closest you’ll get to a bakery-fresh Welsh cake off the shelf.
After ranking Popty Bakery as number one, I did a bit of research on the brand. They are a family-run business founded in the small village of Llanllechid, first opened at the beginning of the 1900s. No wonder they have it all figured out.
Remember, as with all great food debates, taste is personal – and we expect strong opinions.
So tell us, have we missed your favourite? Or is there something else you would like me to review? You can let me know by emailing holly.morgan@walesonline.co.uk.
