Forget the stress of perfecting your roast potato game – the frozen aisle is brimming with convenient and delicious alternatives. But with so many options to choose from, which frozen roast potatoes reign supreme? We have the answer, thanks to a comprehensive taste test conducted by Which?.
The test pitted major potato brands like McCain and Aunt Bessie against their supermarket own-brand rivals. A panel of 65 discerning taste-testers evaluated each contender based on appearance, texture, and flavor. While McCain’s Triple Cooked Roasts landed at the bottom of the rankings, a couple of supermarkets emerged as champions.
Two Top Spots, One Clear Winner:
Aldi’s Specially Selected Beef Dripping Roast Potatoes and M&S Maris Piper Roast Potatoes tied for the top spot, with Aldi claiming the coveted ‘Best Buy’ award for its exceptional value. Both scored a remarkable 74% out of 100, impressing the judges with their golden-brown exterior, satisfyingly crispy texture, and well-balanced flavor. Although a stronger taste might have pushed them further, these roasties hit the spot for most.
The Contenders:
While M&S’s Duck Fat Roast Potatoes earned a respectable 72% for their appealing color and crunchy exterior, they fell short in the flavor department. Nearly half the panel found the taste too weak, and a third criticized the dryness of the potatoes. It’s worth noting that Aunt Bessie, the only brand using duck fat, is the most expensive option and is best purchased during special offers.
Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Co-op all landed in the mid-range with scores ranging from 70 to 71 percent. Sainsbury’s Maris Piper Roast Potatoes with Beef Dripping impressed with their good looks and texture but lacked punch in the flavor department. Similarly, Tesco’s Finest Beef Dripping Roast Potatoes scored points for their balanced texture but missed the mark on taste. Despite being more expensive, Co-op Irresistible Beef Dripping Roast Potatoes failed to deliver a satisfying crunch.
Marks & Spencer also scored 71% for their Frozen Roast Potatoes in Beef Fat. While the texture was well-received, the lack of crispiness and a more pronounced flavor prevented them from reaching the top.
Asda’s Extra Special Beef Dripping Roast Potatoes, despite their premium label, fell short with a score of 60%. The taste-testers found them bland, lacking the desired crispness, and even the inside texture was not universally praised.
Conclusion:
When it comes to frozen roast potatoes, Aldi reigns supreme. Their Specially Selected Beef Dripping Roast Potatoes offer unbeatable value for money, boasting a delicious combination of texture and flavor that won over the Which? taste-testers. So, this Christmas, ditch the stress and rely on these budget-friendly winners for a delicious and satisfying side dish.
