Latest news with #NatashaHarding
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
I tried supermarket scotch eggs – the 54p winner beats M&S and is perfect for summer snacking
Plus how to cut the cost of groceries EGG-CELLENT I tried supermarket scotch eggs – the 54p winner beats M&S and is perfect for summer snacking A SCOTCH egg is the perfect addition to any summer picnic - or an ideal savoury snack at home when hunger strikes. Despite the name, they're not Scottish. 7 Natasha Harding has tested scotch eggs ahead of picnic season Credit: Neil Hope Fortnum and Mason, the posh department store in London, claims to have created them in 1738 as a meal for travellers heading west from Piccadilly. You can still buy a box of four from the fancy shop for £19.95. These days, all of the supermarkets do their own versions, but which one is the tastiest and best value for money? Natasha Harding tried six and rated them out of 30. Tesco 2 scotch eggs, £1.09 54.5p per egg Per egg: calories, 280 fat, 17.8g sugar, 1.0g salt .72g 7 Tesco's scotch eggs were crowned the winner in our test Credit: Tesco A great price by Tesco for a nicely sized egg that was full of flavour - I liked the blend of onion and pepper in these. They were as delicious when eaten cold or warmed making them good to take out, or have at home. The reusable packaging is useful too and means that they stay fresh in the fridge. Taste: 9/10 Value: 10/10 Overall rating: 9/10 Out of 30: 28 Sainsbury's 2 scotch eggs, £1.25 62.5p per egg Per egg: calories, 281 fat, 18.2g sugar, 0.9g salt .77g 7 Sainsbury's eggs were in the mid-priced range but tasted more expensive Credit: Sainsbury's A super tasty egg from Sainsbury's that was nicely seasoned without being overpowering. They were in the mid-priced range, but tasted more expensive - and looked very appealing. The egg was particularly good and had a perfectly yellow yolk - and was well-covered with sausage meat and breadcrumbs. I'd buy these again for sure. Taste: 8/10 Value: 8/10 Overall rating: 8/10 Out of 30: 24 M&S 2 scotch eggs, £1.45 72.5p per egg Per egg: calories, 247 fat, 15.2g sugar, 0.3g salt .75g 7 M&S' eggs were particularly delicious when warmed and eaten with a light salad Credit: M&S Full of flavour and I particularly loved the coating which was super crunchy and plentiful. The egg was on the smaller size which wasn't an issue as I enjoyed the 'scotch' part of the egg so much. This one was particularly delicious when warmed and eaten with a salad as a light lunch. However, you're paying a premium price. Taste: 9/10 Value: 6/10 Overall rating: 7/10 Out of 30: 22 Waitrose 2 scotch eggs, £1.50 75p per egg Per egg: calories, 294 fat, 18.9g sugar, 0.6g salt .69g 7 Waitrose was the most expensive in our test Credit: Waitrose The most expensive egg that I tried was also the biggest of the bunch. The sausage meat was deliciously spiced, with ingredients including pepper, sage, nutmeg and paprika. The egg was a good size too, but there were other options that were just as tasty without the hefty price tag. I wouldn't choose this one over some of the others due to the cost difference. Taste: 8/10 Value: 6/10 Overall rating: 7/10 Out of 30: 21 Aldi 2 scotch eggs, £1.09 54.5 per egg Per 100g: calories, 260 fat, 8g sugar, 4.6g salt .75g 7 Overall Aldi's scotch eggs were a bit bland Credit: Aldi A bit smaller than the others and also paler in colour. Overall it was a bit bland - the sausage meat wasn't as flavoursome and it didn't have the oomph that some of the other eggs had. However, these might be a good option for children or those who don't like a strong taste. They warmed through nicely and for the price are a good picnic staple. Taste: 6/10 Value: 6/10 Overall rating: 6/10 Out of 30: 18 Asda 2 scotch eggs, £1.60 80p per egg Per 100g: calories, 260 fat, 8g sugar, 4.6g salt .75g 7 Natasha wasn't impressed by Asda's scotch eggs Credit: Asda Hmm, not impressed with these at all. The coating fell apart when I tried to cut into them and there wasn't much sausage meat inside - and what there was, was dry. There was a strong taste of pepper which was a little overpowering. The egg was a bit small too - and the whole thing was a bit of a disappointment - especially as they were the most expensive of the eggs I tried. Not my favourite. Taste: 3/10 Value: 3/10 Overall rating: 3/10 Out of 30: 9
The Sun
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I tried supermarket scotch eggs – the 54p winner beats M&S and is perfect for summer snacking
A SCOTCH egg is the perfect addition to any summer picnic - or an ideal savoury snack at home when hunger strikes. Despite the name, they're not Scottish. Fortnum and Mason, the posh department store in London, claims to have created them in 1738 as a meal for travellers heading west from Piccadilly. You can still buy a box of four from the fancy shop for £19.95. These days, all of the supermarkets do their own versions, but which one is the tastiest and best value for money? Natasha Harding tried six and rated them out of 30. Tesco 2 scotch eggs, £1.09 54.5p per egg Per egg: calories, 280 fat, 17.8g sugar, 1.0g salt .72g 7 A great price by Tesco for a nicely sized egg that was full of flavour - I liked the blend of onion and pepper in these. They were as delicious when eaten cold or warmed making them good to take out, or have at home. The reusable packaging is useful too and means that they stay fresh in the fridge. Taste: 9/10 Value: 10/10 Overall rating: 9/10 Out of 30: 28 Sainsbury's 2 scotch eggs, £1.25 62.5p per egg Per egg: calories, 281 fat, 18.2g sugar, 0.9g salt .77g A super tasty egg from Sainsbury's that was nicely seasoned without being overpowering. They were in the mid-priced range, but tasted more expensive - and looked very appealing. The egg was particularly good and had a perfectly yellow yolk - and was well-covered with sausage meat and breadcrumbs. I'd buy these again for sure. Taste: 8/10 Value: 8/10 Overall rating: 8/10 Out of 30: 24 M&S 2 scotch eggs, £1.45 72.5p per egg Per egg: calories, 247 fat, 15.2g sugar, 0.3g salt .75g Full of flavour and I particularly loved the coating which was super crunchy and plentiful. The egg was on the smaller size which wasn't an issue as I enjoyed the 'scotch' part of the egg so much. This one was particularly delicious when warmed and eaten with a salad as a light lunch. However, you're paying a premium price. Taste: 9/10 Value: 6/10 Overall rating: 7/10 Out of 30: 22 Waitrose 2 scotch eggs, £1.50 75p per egg Per egg: calories, 294 fat, 18.9g sugar, 0.6g salt .69g 7 The most expensive egg that I tried was also the biggest of the bunch. The sausage meat was deliciously spiced, with ingredients including pepper, sage, nutmeg and paprika. The egg was a good size too, but there were other options that were just as tasty without the hefty price tag. I wouldn't choose this one over some of the others due to the cost difference. Taste: 8/10 Value: 6/10 Overall rating: 7/10 Out of 30: 21 Aldi 2 scotch eggs, £1.09 54.5 per egg Per 100g: calories, 260 fat, 8g sugar, 4.6g salt .75g A bit smaller than the others and also paler in colour. Overall it was a bit bland - the sausage meat wasn't as flavoursome and it didn't have the oomph that some of the other eggs had. However, these might be a good option for children or those who don't like a strong taste. They warmed through nicely and for the price are a good picnic staple. Taste: 6/10 Value: 6/10 Overall rating: 6/10 Out of 30: 18 Asda 2 scotch eggs, £1.60 80p per egg Per 100g: calories, 260 fat, 8g sugar, 4.6g salt .75g Hmm, not impressed with these at all. The coating fell apart when I tried to cut into them and there wasn't much sausage meat inside - and what there was, was dry. There was a strong taste of pepper which was a little overpowering. The egg was a bit small too - and the whole thing was a bit of a disappointment - especially as they were the most expensive of the eggs I tried. Not my favourite. Taste: 3/10 Value: 3/10 Overall rating: 3/10 Out of 30: 9 How to save money on your supermarket shop THERE are plenty of ways to save on your grocery shop. You can look out for yellow or red stickers on products, which show when they've been reduced. If the food is fresh, you'll have to eat it quickly or freeze it for another time. Making a list should also save you money, as you'll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket. Going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills too. This means ditching "finest" or "luxury" products and instead going for "own" or value" type of lines. Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes where you can get cheap prices if they're misshapen or imperfect. For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50. If you're on a low income and a parent, you may be able to get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers to use at the supermarket too. Plus, many councils offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.
Scottish Sun
08-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
I tried supermarket Pizza Express dupes – my £1.99 tastes just as good as the original and it's HALF the price
Find out which pizza offered the best value for money CHEESY DEAL I tried supermarket Pizza Express dupes – my £1.99 tastes just as good as the original and it's HALF the price Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SUPERMARKET shoppers love reaching for a Pizza Express pizza - but can you find an own-brand one that's just as good? They can be pricey when compared to supermarket own brands. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Natasha Harding tested Pizza Express dupes At the moment a Margherita will set you back between £4.35 - £6.00 depending on where you buy it. Natasha Harding tried six supermarket brands and compared them to Pizza Express Margherita pizza - and rated them all out of 30. Pizza Express Margherita Pizza £4.35 (when bought with Nectar), Sainsbury's Per 100g: calories, 263 fat, 8.7g sugar, 3.4g salt 0.93g 8 The Pizza Express pizza has a good amount of toppings If the secret to a good pizza is in the dough, then Pizza Express hits the spot. The base cooked to perfection and it was a good size for two people. There was a good amount of topping and it cooked evenly in about 12 minutes. However, there are other pizzas that taste just as good for a fraction of the cost. Taste: 8/10 Value: 5/10 Overall rating: 6/10 Out of 30: 19 You can now buy the 'world's first air fryer pizza' in Tesco & people are saying they are perfect for lazy cooks Carlos Stonebaked Pizza £1.99, Aldi, Aldi Per 100g: calories, 308 fat, 10.2g sugar, 4g salt 1.09g 8 Aldi's pizza cooked in 12 minutes It cooked nicely in 12 minutes and was big enough to feed four people. The base was deliciously crispy and the cheese and tomato topping tasted authentically Italian. I haven't tried this flavour from Aldi before, but absolutely will in the future - my winner - and less than half the price of Pizza Express, that's dinner sorted. Taste: 10/10 Value: 10/10 Overall rating: 10/10 Out of 30: 30 Cheese & Tomato Pizza £1.90, Sainsbury's Per 100g: calories, 298 fat, 9g sugar, 2.6g salt 0.76g 8 Sainsbury's pizza costs £1.90 Good value and a perfect size for two. I wasn't so keen on this one as I thought it was a bit bland and there wasn't enough cheese to tempt my tastebuds. However, my daughter and her friend loved it and she's asked if she can have it for tea regularly. At that price, I'm happy to oblige - and if I join her, I'll add extra cheese on my half. Taste: 8/10 Value: 10/10 Overall rating: 7/10 Out of 30: 25 Stonebaked Margherita Pizza £2.58, Asda Per 100g: calories, 238 fat, 7.7g sugar, 3.9g salt 1.09g 8 Asda'a pizza offered good value for money It cooked well in just over 12 minutes and the generous size means it would satisfy four people, especially if you add a couple of sides. The topping was plentiful and the fact that you're getting a lot of pizza for your money means that this is a good staple for a family if you're unsure what to serve up for dinner. Taste: 9/10 Value: 7/10 Overall rating: 8/10 Out of 30: 24 Chef Select, Stonebaked Margherita Pizza £1.99, Lidl Per 100g: calories, 254 fat, 8.6g sugar, 2.3g salt 1.08g 8 Natasha was not keen on Lidl's pizza Another well priced pizza but I wasn't so keen on the taste. The tomato had an intense, slightly synthetic taste that I couldn't get away from. The cheese was generous and tasted great - and it cooked to perfection. If you like a stronger taste sensation, it might be one for you but it's not one I'd be keen to buy again. Taste: 6/10 Value: 10/10 Overall rating: 7/10 Out of 30: 23 Classic Margherita £3.10, Tesco Per 100g: calories, 259 fat, 7g sugar, 2.8g salt 0.75g 8 Tesco's pizza is generously sized It cooked nicely in just over ten minutes and looked very appealing once it was ready. It was generously sized and the base was just the right consistency of being thick enough but crispy too. It was oh so cheesy which hit the spot for me - I'd definitely buy it again if I needed a cheese fix. Taste: 8/10 Value: 7/10 Overall rating: 8/10 Out of 30: 23 Essential Cheese & Tomato Pizza £2.75, Waitrose Per 100g: calories, 260 fat, 8g sugar, 4.6g salt .75g 8 Natasha felt let down by Waitrose' Pizza I felt a bit let down by Waitrose offering as the Essential range is fantastic. The base was a bit thin, and it could have done with some extra toppings as it felt a bit lacklustre. If I was to buy it again, it would be as a base to add some extra ingredients to. Taste: 6/10 Value: 6/10 Overall rating: 6/10 Out of 30: 18
The Sun
08-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
I tried supermarket Pizza Express dupes – my £1.99 tastes just as good as the original and it's HALF the price
SUPERMARKET shoppers love reaching for a Pizza Express pizza - but can you find an own-brand one that's just as good? They can be pricey when compared to supermarket own brands. 8 At the moment a Margherita will set you back between £4.35 - £6.00 depending on where you buy it. Natasha Harding tried six supermarket brands and compared them to Pizza Express Margherita pizza - and rated them all out of 30. Pizza Express Margherita Pizza Per 100g: calories, 263 fat, 8.7g sugar, 3.4g salt 0.93g 8 If the secret to a good pizza is in the dough, then Pizza Express hits the spot. The base cooked to perfection and it was a good size for two people. There was a good amount of topping and it cooked evenly in about 12 minutes. However, there are other pizzas that taste just as good for a fraction of the cost. Taste: 8/10 Value: 5/10 Overall rating: 6/10 Out of 30: 19 You can now buy the 'world's first air fryer pizza' in Tesco & people are saying they are perfect for lazy cooks Carlos Stonebaked Pizza £1.99, Aldi, Aldi Per 100g: calories, 308 fat, 10.2g sugar, 4g salt 1.09g 8 It cooked nicely in 12 minutes and was big enough to feed four people. The base was deliciously crispy and the cheese and tomato topping tasted authentically Italian. I haven't tried this flavour from Aldi before, but absolutely will in the future - my winner - and less than half the price of Pizza Express, that's dinner sorted. Taste: 10/10 Value: 10/10 Overall rating: 10/10 Out of 30: 30 Cheese & Tomato Pizza Per 100g: calories, 298 fat, 9g sugar, 2.6g salt 0.76g Good value and a perfect size for two. I wasn't so keen on this one as I thought it was a bit bland and there wasn't enough cheese to tempt my tastebuds. However, my daughter and her friend loved it and she's asked if she can have it for tea regularly. At that price, I'm happy to oblige - and if I join her, I'll add extra cheese on my half. Taste: 8/10 Value: 10/10 Overall rating: 7/10 Out of 30: 25 Stonebaked Margherita Pizza Per 100g: calories, 238 fat, 7.7g sugar, 3.9g salt 1.09g It cooked well in just over 12 minutes and the generous size means it would satisfy four people, especially if you add a couple of sides. The topping was plentiful and the fact that you're getting a lot of pizza for your money means that this is a good staple for a family if you're unsure what to serve up for dinner. Taste: 9/10 Value: 7/10 Overall rating: 8/10 Out of 30: 24 Chef Select, Stonebaked Margherita Pizza £1.99, Lidl Per 100g: calories, 254 fat, 8.6g sugar, 2.3g salt 1.08g Another well priced pizza but I wasn't so keen on the taste. The tomato had an intense, slightly synthetic taste that I couldn't get away from. The cheese was generous and tasted great - and it cooked to perfection. If you like a stronger taste sensation, it might be one for you but it's not one I'd be keen to buy again. Taste: 6/10 Value: 10/10 Overall rating: 7/10 Out of 30: 23 Classic Margherita It cooked nicely in just over ten minutes and looked very appealing once it was ready. It was generously sized and the base was just the right consistency of being thick enough but crispy too. It was oh so cheesy which hit the spot for me - I'd definitely buy it again if I needed a cheese fix. Taste: 8/10 Value: 7/10 Overall rating: 8/10 Out of 30: 23 Essential Cheese & Tomato Pizza Per 100g: calories, 260 fat, 8g sugar, 4.6g salt .75g I felt a bit let down by Waitrose offering as the Essential range is fantastic. The base was a bit thin, and it could have done with some extra toppings as it felt a bit lacklustre. If I was to buy it again, it would be as a base to add some extra ingredients to. Taste: 6/10 Value: 6/10 Overall rating: 6/10 Out of 30: 18
