Latest news with #TastetheDifference
Metro
22-05-2025
- General
- Metro
Cheap £2.49 own-brand sausages officially crowned better than M&S and Jolly Hog
In recent weeks, supermarket own-brand items have been coming up trumps over more expensive big name brands. We saw an own-brand cola be crowned as 'better' than Coca-Cola in a Metro taste test and a panel of consumers told Which? that Aldi's Norpak butter was better than Lurpak. Tesco's cheddar cheese was also found to be superior to the likes of Cathedral City and Davidstow. And now another cheap supermarket staple has beaten out big names to be crowned the UK's best banger. According to a blind taste test of 65 people, Lidl's Deluxe Pork Sausages (£2.49 for 400g) are the cream of the crop, beating out competition from M&S, Sainsbury's and Morrisons as well as brands like Heck, Jolly Hog and The Black Farmer. Nine supermarket own-brand sausages were pitted against each other as part of the test and compared to several popular brands too. Ultimately, three ended up being named the superior 'best buys' of the lot. Lidl's sausages topped the rankings with a score of 77% as consumers loved their 'juicy texture', 'perfect meaty flavour' and 'herb and spice seasoning that hit the spot'. Three-quarters of participants liked the salt levels, while many thought they were 'good looking and succulent' sausages. As well as being a Best Buy, Lidl's sausages also gained a Great Value award as they're well below average price-wise. However, it's worth noting that Lidl's sausages are pretty high in saturated fat. Two sausages contain 11.5g, which is more than half the recommended daily maximum for women and more than a third for men. Following closely behind the bargain retailer, M&S Collection British Outdoor Bred Pork Sausages (£4.50 for 400g) came in second place with an overall score of 75%. The priciest of the bunch, these were well-liked sausages with good pork flavour, juiciness and salt levels relished by three-quarters of the tasters. Two-thirds said they enjoyed the texture, but while 58% said seasoning was well-balanced, the remainder were divided on whether it was too much or too little. Sainsbury's also garnered a score of 75% for their Taste the Difference British Pork Sausages (£3 for 400g). These bangers were hailed as 'excellent all-rounders', with highly rated pork flavour, 'perfect' juiciness, saltiness, and seasoning levels. The texture was also enjoyed by two thirds of testers. However, they lost a few marks on plate-appeal compared with the other Best Buys, and around a third said these sausages looked too pale. Lidl Deluxe Pork Sausages, 77% M&S Collection British Outdoor Bred Pork Sausages, 75% Sainsbury's Taste the Difference British Pork Sausages, 75% The Black Farmer Premium Pork Sausages, 72% Asda Exceptional Classic Pork Sausages, 71% Morrisons The Best Thick Pork Sausages, 70% Aldi Specially Selected Pork Sausages, 69% Co-op Irresistible Pork Sausages, 69% The Jolly Hog Proper Porker Sausages, 69% Iceland Luxury The Ultimate Pork Sausages, 65% Waitrose No.1 Free Range Pork Sausages, 62% Heck 97% Pork Sausages, 54% Outside of the top three, The Black Farmer Premium Pork Sausages (£3.50 for 400g) scored 72%. They were said to be 'appetising' but lost points for seasoning as a third of tasters wanted them to be 'punchier'. Asda's Exceptional Classic Pork Sausages (£2.98 for 400g) came in fifth place, with The Best Thick Pork Sausages from Morrisons (£3.25 for 400g) in sixth. Aldi's Specially Selected Pork Sausages (£2.49 for 400g) were in seventh place tied with both The Jolly Hog's Proper Porker Sausages (£4 for 400g) and Co-op's Irresistible Pork Sausages (£3.60 for 400g). And at the bottom of the list were Iceland's Luxury Ultimate Pork Sausages (£4 for 400g), Waitrose's No. 1 Free Range Pork Sausages (£4.50 for 400g) and Heck's 97% Pork Sausages (£3.25 for 400g). All of the sausages were blind-tasted and rated by a panel of 65 people in April 2025. The panel was made up of people who buy and eat pork sausages, and who broadly represent the demographic profile of adults in the UK (age range, gender split and more). More Trending The sausages were cooked according to pack instructions and served in a fully rotated order to avoid any bias. Each tester had a private tasting booth so they couldn't discuss what they were tasting or be influenced by others. The tasters then rated the flavour, aroma, appearance and texture of each sausage, and shared what they liked and disliked. View More » The overall score given was based on 50% flavour, 20% appearance, 15% aroma and 15% texture. These weightings are based on what people ranked as the most important attributes when tasting pork sausages. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: What to do in London if you didn't get tickets to Chelsea Flower Show MORE: Cadbury is launching brand new colour-changing Dairy Milk chocolate bars this summer MORE: Chocolate fans overjoyed as 'best' Maltesers return 11 years after being axed
Western Telegraph
12-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Sainsbury's axes Patisserie Valerie range from UK shops
The supermarket has confirmed that shoppers can no longer buy Patisserie Valerie cake slices and some have been left shocked. It comes as someone asked on X, formerly Twitter: '@sainsburys do you still sell patisserie Valerie range?' To which Sainsbury's responded: 'Hi there, unfortunately this range has been discontinued.' Others have also reacted on social media, as this 'gutted' fan of the iconic sweet treats wrote: 'Oh no! The Patisserie Valerie counter in Sainsbury's has gone! #gutted.' They added: 'Their raspberry trifle cake was my favourite xx' Patisserie Valerie's handmade cake slices were available at 400 Sainsbury's locations. Just some of the baked goods on offer throughout the years included Black Forest, Mille Feuille and Cheesecake slices. In 2018, the supermarket extended the number of stores offering the luxury bakes to 70, following a successful trial. This was due to 'very positive' customer feedback, Sainsbury's reported at the time, with people enjoying the convenience and ease of being able to pick up freshly made Patisserie Valerie cakes alongside other party supplies and their everyday groceries. Have you noticed Patisserie Valerie cake slices missing from your local Sainsbury's? Let us know in the comments below. Sainsbury's reveals summer 2025 dessert range The supermarket has also recently revealed its new line-up of desserts as part of its summer 2025 range. Discontinued UK Sweets/Chocolates These include: Taste the Difference Passionfruit, Raspberry & Pistachio Pavlova 'Prepare to be dazzled by this showstopper, a crisp, melt-in-the-mouth meringue coated with luscious passionfruit cream, juicy raspberries and nutty crunchy pistachios a dessert that's simply un-pav-lievable!' £7.50 for 460g, available now. Recommended reading: Taste the Difference Coffee & Mascarpone Tart 'Treat yourself with this creamy delight. Combining a rich, smooth coffee-infused mascarpone alongside a crisp buttery base, this scrumptious dessert strikes the perfect balance of bold coffee and velvety sweetness, topped with a chocolate cocoa dusting.' £5 for 444g, available from April 30. Newsquest has contacted Patisserie Valerie for comment.
South Wales Argus
12-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Sainsbury's axes Patisserie Valerie range from UK shops
The supermarket has confirmed that shoppers can no longer buy Patisserie Valerie cake slices and some have been left shocked. It comes as someone asked on X, formerly Twitter: '@sainsburys do you still sell patisserie Valerie range?' To which Sainsbury's responded: 'Hi there, unfortunately this range has been discontinued.' Others have also reacted on social media, as this 'gutted' fan of the iconic sweet treats wrote: 'Oh no! The Patisserie Valerie counter in Sainsbury's has gone! #gutted.' They added: 'Their raspberry trifle cake was my favourite xx' Patisserie Valerie's handmade cake slices were available at 400 Sainsbury's locations. Just some of the baked goods on offer throughout the years included Black Forest, Mille Feuille and Cheesecake slices. In 2018, the supermarket extended the number of stores offering the luxury bakes to 70, following a successful trial. This was due to 'very positive' customer feedback, Sainsbury's reported at the time, with people enjoying the convenience and ease of being able to pick up freshly made Patisserie Valerie cakes alongside other party supplies and their everyday groceries. Have you noticed Patisserie Valerie cake slices missing from your local Sainsbury's? Let us know in the comments below. Sainsbury's reveals summer 2025 dessert range The supermarket has also recently revealed its new line-up of desserts as part of its summer 2025 range. Discontinued UK Sweets/Chocolates These include: Taste the Difference Passionfruit, Raspberry & Pistachio Pavlova 'Prepare to be dazzled by this showstopper, a crisp, melt-in-the-mouth meringue coated with luscious passionfruit cream, juicy raspberries and nutty crunchy pistachios a dessert that's simply un-pav-lievable!' £7.50 for 460g, available now. Recommended reading: Taste the Difference Coffee & Mascarpone Tart 'Treat yourself with this creamy delight. Combining a rich, smooth coffee-infused mascarpone alongside a crisp buttery base, this scrumptious dessert strikes the perfect balance of bold coffee and velvety sweetness, topped with a chocolate cocoa dusting.' £5 for 444g, available from April 30. Newsquest has contacted Patisserie Valerie for comment.
Malaysian Reserve
07-05-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
The European Union's "Taste the Difference" Campaign Brings Exclusive Wine Events to the U.S. this May
This May, the Taste the Difference campaign will take part in USA Trade Tasting in Chicago, present a Grand Tasting in New York City, and host exclusive trade dinners in both cities—led by top sommeliers and featuring some of the finest European wines from Italy and Spain. NEW YORK, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The European Union's Taste the Difference campaign—led by its beneficiaries, Unione Italiana Vini (UIV) and PRODECA, Promotora dels Aliments Catalans —is set to launch a dynamic series of events in both Chicago and New York City from May 19 to 22. Aimed at increasing the competitiveness of high-quality European wines from Italy and Spain (PDO and PGI), the campaign seeks to raise awareness and enhance perceived quality among trade and media professionals. The program will feature immersive tastings, expert-led masterclasses, and exclusive trade experiences that highlight the diversity and excellence of European wines. The U.S. tour kicks off in Chicago on May 19 with an intimate five-course trade dinner at Alla Vita—a celebrated Italian restaurant known for its modern take on traditional cuisine. Italian producers will join the evening to share the stories behind their wines and engage directly with guests. On May 20, the campaign will have a strong presence at the USA Trade Tasting , one of the country's premier industry events. The day's highlights include: Masterclass: 'European Character – A Journey through the Italian wine regions' 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Led by Master Sommelier Mark Guillaudeu , this tasting explores how Italy's diverse geography—altitude, soil, and climate—shapes its wines. Each selection reveals a distinct terroir, from alpine slopes to coastal vineyards. Led by , this tasting explores how diverse geography—altitude, soil, and climate—shapes its wines. Each selection reveals a distinct terroir, from alpine slopes to coastal vineyards. Taste the Difference Press Conference 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Presented by representatives from UIV and PRODECA , this session invites media professionals to learn more about the campaign's mission, impact, and vision—accompanied by light bites. Presented by , this session invites media professionals to learn more about the campaign's mission, impact, and vision—accompanied by light bites. Masterclass: ' Spain , Catalonia – A Journey Through 12 PDO Wine Regions' 3:45 PM – 4:30 PM Lucas Payà , Global Brand Educator for House of Lustau, leads a tasting featuring seven wines that showcase the richness and diversity of Catalonia's 12 PDO regions. , Global Brand Educator for House of Lustau, leads a tasting featuring seven wines that showcase the richness and diversity of Catalonia's 12 PDO regions. Masterclass: 'From the Mountains to the Coast – Italy's Winescapes' 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Mark Guillaudeu , MS, returns to guide guests through a tasting that explores how Italy's varied landscapes—from mountain vineyards to coastal plains—shape its wines. The campaign continues in New York City on May 21 with an exclusive trade-only cocktail event at Manhatta. This elegant evening offers industry professionals the opportunity to taste and explore the heritage of Italian and Spanish wines while enjoying breathtaking views of New York City from Manhatta's rooftop. Attendees will also have the chance to connect directly with producers, who will be on hand to share the stories and insights behind their wines. The campaign reaches its grand finale on May 22 with the highly anticipated Taste the Difference Grand Tasting, taking place at Manhatta in New York City. This exclusive event will gather wine professionals for an immersive tasting experience, showcasing a diverse range of high-quality European wines. Press Conference 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM Led by representatives from UIV and PRODECA, this session provides updates on the campaign's goals, outcomes, and future direction. Led by representatives from UIV and PRODECA, this session provides updates on the campaign's goals, outcomes, and future direction. Masterclass: 'Italian Character – A Regional Journey' 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Hosted by Mark Guillaudeu , MS , this session continues the exploration of Italy's wine regions, with a focus on how regional differences in climate, soil, and elevation shape the character and style of Italian wines. Hosted by , this session continues the exploration of wine regions, with a focus on how regional differences in climate, soil, and elevation shape the character and style of Italian wines. Masterclass: 'Discover the Rich Heritage, Bold Flavors, and Hidden Gems of Catalonia in Spain ' 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Led by Master Sommelier Jonathan Eichholz, this tasting highlights the dynamic range and character of Catalan wines, celebrated for their bold interpretation of Spanish terroir. Join us in celebrating the richness of European winemaking. Discover full event details and register here: Taste the Difference Grand Tasting . For questions or additional information, please contact Gemma Bosch at [email protected]. About Taste the Difference The program: 'European Quality Wines: Taste the Difference', co-funded by the European Union and managed by Unione Italiana Vini (UIV) and PRODECA, Promotora dels Aliments Catalans, is dedicated to promoting European PDO and PGI wines in China and the U.S. This initiative includes diverse activities such as walk-around tastings, wine seminars, workshops, and B2B meetings conducted in target markets. It also invites wine professionals to embark on study trips to Europe, in Italy and Spain, offering an immersive experience of European quality wines. The program aims to showcase the rich heritage and superior quality of European wines. The beneficiaries: Unione Italiana Vini (UIV) is the oldest and most trusted organization in Italy's wine industry. The association includes members such as cooperatives, private wineries, agricultural organizations, bottlers, consortia, brewing equipment manufacturers, and laboratories. PRODECA, Promotora dels Aliments Catalans, is a public company established in 1986 that operates under the Regional Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Government of Catalonia. It supports the agri-food sector and its companies with the knowledge, tools, and experience to increase the reach of Catalan products both domestically and internationally. Media Contact: Gemma Bosch Colangelo & Partners [email protected] +1 917 365 4962 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Taste the Difference
The Independent
14-02-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Deliveroo apologises for ‘misjudged' Valentine's Day marketing stunt
Deliveroo has apologised for a Valentine's Day campaign which saw them send handwritten cards to customers ahead of the celebration. The food delivery company sent flower discount promotions in the post with handwritten envelopes and cards addressed to 'My Valentine', signed off from Deliveroo. The campaign received backlash for misleading people initially into thinking they had received an actual Valentine's card from a secret admirer, when really it was another form of marketing. After receiving negative feedback, Deliveroo told The Independent: 'We fully appreciate that the copy on the handwritten envelopes for our flower discount promotion was misjudged. 'Whilst the contents of the envelopes were clearly branded and the copy was inclusive to both those treating themselves or others, we apologise for any upset this promotion has caused and are reviewing our internal processes.' Deliveroo's letter campaign caught people's attention on social media, with one person on Reddit calling it 'dastardly'. They continued: 'My postie was like 'oooh that's exciting'. Hope he never asks where it was from as I am too ashamed to admit my only valentines was a 15% off flowers voucher.' Another person pointed out this might cause issues in households with jealous partners. The original poster agreed, responding: 'From the outside it looks like a generic valentines card with a handwritten address and the name is 'my valentine'. You can only tell it's an ad when you open it. 'Someone's getting stitched up with that one for sure.' Another person took to X to post: 'S*** myself at getting a handwritten anonymous valentine only to open it and it be from Deliveroo ???!?!??!' Deliveroo's cards aren't their only marketing campaign for Valentine's Day, as they announced a free sommelier service for customers in London, Manchester and Brighton. The service, bookable from 4pm on 13 February for a limited number of people, will see a sommelier visit customers' homes and offer wine pairings curated by TikTok 's self-proclaimed wine guy, Tom Gilbey. Mr Gilbey has paired Sainsbury 's Taste the Difference wines with a number of dishes found at a number of Deliveroo vendors, from Wingstop and Five Guys to Pizza Express and Toby Carvery.
