I tried supermarket burger buns – the 26p winner is soft and fluffy and perfect for BBQs
FOR years, the humble burger bun has gone through a makeover and has become fluffier, sweeter and more golden.
In the 1970s, you’d stick your patty in what could only be described as a dull, squidgy bap.
But now, the supermarket bakery aisle is lined with glossy brioche buns.
They have a longer shelf life, too, which means you can store them at home for when the sun comes out and the taste can really make a break or your barbecue dinner.
So which is best? Lynsey Hope tried out a selection and here, she reveals her verdict.
Aldi Specially Selected Brioche Burger Buns
- £1.05 for 4 or 26p each.
Aldi’s buns had a lovely sheen.
They didn’t look as fluffy as others and were perfectly neat and handily pre cut – and the taste was spot on.
They were soft and buttery with a delicate sweetness and are incredible value for money at just 26p per bun.
They had a pretty good shelf life too. These were my winner and I’d definitely go back for more.
Taste: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Overall score: 10/10
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Brioche Sesame Seed Buns
- £1.30 for 4 or 33p each.
These seeded buns were a lovely option and went down a treat.
They are enriched with eggs and butter to make them extra soft and they had a light, airy feel to them.
The added sesame seeds made them a cut above most of the others and the brioche flavour was sweet without being too sugary, which can sometimes be weird with a burger.
A real hit.
Taste: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Overall score: 9/10
Asda Extra Special Sliced Brioche Burger Buns
- £1.35 for 4 or 33.8p each
I loved the buttery flavour of Asda’s buns, which were extra soft and fluffy, with a light airy texture and just the right level of sweetness.
They weren’t too calorific, either, with just 151 calories and 4.2g sugar and were a good, generous size.
However, they were a little bit squisher than some of the others.
They were pre cut and lasted well in the cupboard, though, so overall I’d definitely buy these ones again.
Taste: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Overall score: 7/10
Tesco Finest Brioche Burger Buns
- £1.35 for 4 or 34p each
The Tesco buns were surprisingly my least favourite.
They were the most expensive per bun and tasted much too sweet- more like a cake than bread – which ruined the taste of my burger.
They also contained a whopping 7.9g sugar and 192 calories per bun, which I felt was excessive and would put me off purchasing them again.
Taste: 4/10
Value: 5/10
Overall score: 4/10
Lidl Deluxe Sliced Brioche Burger Buns
- £1.05 or 26p each.
Lidl’s buns were extra large and very fluffy, and were all in all great value.
They’re a good option if you’re choosing a big burger and don’t want it bursting out the sides.
The buns had a nice sweetness without being overly cake-like or sugary. Delicious.
Taste: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Overall score: 8/10
Other summer BBQ taste tests
Waitrose Summer Brioche Burger Buns
- £1.75 or 43p each
Waitrose’s buns were lovely and soft, if a bit on the small side.
They were very fluffy and tasted delicious.
My only complaint is the price, as there are definitely cheaper options at other shops which tasted just as good, if not better. These are a bit of a luxury.
Taste: 8/10
Value: 5/10
Overall score: 6/10
Morrisons The Best Brioche Buns
- £1.25 for 4 or 31.3p each
The Morrison’s buns were a little on the small side, meaning they weren’t really big enough for my burger – not ideal.
I ended up eating a fair bit of the meat without any bread, which was disappointing, as well as a bit messy.
However, they were soft and buttery and I liked how the bread had a flaky, soft texture.
Taste: 6/10
Value: 6/10
Overall score: 6/10
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.