'I compared supermarket crumpets - there was one clear winner'
Crumpets are a British staple, and according to the baking giant, Warburtons are the nation's favourite. But could a supermarket's own brand rival them? We did the ultimate taste test to find out...
Crumpets are a cherished British favourite, rivalling the comfort of a warm buttered slice of toast. Indeed, they're far more intriguing than your average loaf.
In 2023, a staggering 2.3 million Warburtons crumpets were baked each week, totalling an impressive 124 million crumpets annually. Having not indulged in a crumpet for years, I decided to start with the best and put them head-to-head with offerings from Aldi, Sainsbury's, and a rather unique one from Waitrose, reports the Express.
Prices varied from 45p to £1.50, with Sainsbury's matching Aldi's competitive pricing. A top-notch crumpet should toast evenly, absorb butter like a sponge, and provide a comforting experience. Here's how it unfolded.
Warburtons Crumpets - six for 79p
The original, the classic, the crème de la crème of crumpets. The name Warburtons is practically synonymous with crumpets and is often the first choice for anyone craving a comforting bite slathered in butter.
Delightfully soft and squishy without being overly firm or dense, these crumpets were just as I remembered. Toasted for two minutes, I was surprised at how little it seemed to brown.
The toasting time hit the sweet spot, transporting me back to my youth when I would snack on crumpets and tea cakes. Despite my efforts to drench it in butter, it didn't soak up as much as I'd hoped, leaving the sponge somewhat lacking in flavour and a bit bland.
While the texture was pleasing, it definitely required a dollop of butter to inject some much-needed flavour. It might not have been as flavourful as I'd remembered, but I can see why Warburtons remains a firm favourite for many.
Aldi Village Bakery Crumpets - six pack for 45p
Aldi is a supermarket that has earned my trust over the years, consistently delivering quality staple items. However, their crumpets left me feeling rather let down.
Having sampled a variety of their bakery products, the Village Bakery Crumpets didn't quite hit the mark. Despite being one of the cheapest options, the quality seemed to mirror the price tag.
The texture was disappointingly dense, almost tough straight out of the packet. I had doubts that toasting would transform it into the light and fluffy treat I was hoping for - and sadly, I was correct.
Compared to the others, particularly Warburtons, its density was all too apparent, even after a stint in the toaster. The crumpet lacked the lightness and fluffiness I crave in such a snack.
On the plus side, it toasted more evenly than the Warburtons version, but overall, it's not one I'd trade for the original.
Waitrose Toaster Crumpets - six pack £1.50, reduced to £1.25
The first thing that struck me about Waitrose's crumpets is that the only round ones were either from its Essential range or a fancier sourdough variant. The standard crumpets came in 'people' and square shapes.
I'm not entirely comfortable with the idea of consuming 'people' riddled with tiny holes, so I opted for the square version. The unconventional design feels somewhat pretentious: Is it a slice of toast? Is it a waffle?
While you do get more crumpet for your buck, this is where it immediately falls short - the standard two-minute toasting time wasn't sufficient to cook it thoroughly.
However, an extra two minutes only highlighted how unevenly it cooked, with one side slightly more charred and carbon-flavoured than the other, resulting in an unpleasant mouthful. The rest of the crumpet toasted adequately, but lacked the desired crispness.
One aspect that was indisputable was the light and airy texture of the crumpet's centre. Waitrose certainly takes the biscuit for the most cloud-like mouthfeel.
However, the only discernible taste came from the toasting process, leaving the rest rather uninspiring. The concept of a Toaster Crumpet sounds brilliant on paper, but in practice, it doesn't quite hit the mark.
Sainsbury's Crumpets - six pack for 45p
Among all the round crumpets, Sainsbury's were slightly larger in diameter, giving the impression of better value for money. The crumpets felt denser than Warburtons, but this didn't seem to be an issue once they'd been toasted.
Sainsbury's emerged as the champion, perfectly crisping up the edges for a delightful crunch. It also excelled in butter absorption, requiring minimal effort to spread and infusing it with a warm, slightly salty taste.
Among all the crumpets tested, Sainsbury's was the clear winner, snatching the crown from Warburtons.
Sainsbury's also provided the option of a nine-pack of Warburtons Crumpets. These were available on a Nectar Card offer for £1, down from £1.15. In contrast, Sainsbury's regular price is 30p cheaper than Waitrose's price for the same product.
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