UK supermarket tops list for 'succulent' sausages - under £3 and 'better' than M&S

As we gear up for season, a Which? taste test has revealed the "best" and most "succulent" sausages across nine major supermarkets. The blind taste-test, based on a consumer panel of 65 people, pitted nine supermarket bangers, including Lidl, Morrisons, and Sainsbury's, against the popular brands Heck, Jolly Hog, and The Black Farmer.

Three superior stood out from the rest and were named Best Buys, although one pipped the post with a slightly higher consumer ranking, based on the flavour, aroma, appearance and texture. Lidl Deluxe Pork Sausages, coming in at £2.49, topped the rankings with a score of 77%, earning them Best Buy status and the Which? Great Value award.

Even though they cost £2 less than fellow winners , tasters gave them a 2% higher ranking for their flavour, appearance and juicy texture.

An impressive 80% of the testers said their meaty flavour was perfect, and the herb and spice seasoning also hit the spot with two-thirds of tasters.

M&S Collection British Outdoor Bred Pork Sausages earned an impressive 75% ranking and Best Buy status for its pork flavour, juiciness and salt levels, although opinion was split on the seasoning levels of the £4.50 pack.

Taste the Difference British Pork Sausages earned the same score and were also named Best Buy, coming in at a more price friendly £3. They were "excellent all-rounders", with highly rated pork flavour, juicy texture, and herb and spice seasoning.

The Black Farmer Premium Pork Sausages at £3.50 per pack came next with 72%, with most tasters enjoying their pork flavour and salt levels.

The Exceptional Classic Pork Sausages came close behind with 71%, costing less at £2.98, which were the third cheapest after Aldi and Lidl. More than 70% enjoyed the pork flavour and pleasing texture.

Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of Home Products and Services, said: "Sausages are a summer barbecue staple for many, so it's important to pick the right ones that will have your guests queuing up for more.

"Lidl came out on top for our taste tests, impressing with their juicy texture and meaty flavour. While pricier than Lidl's, M&S and Sainsbury's also dished up impressively succulent sausages."

The taste testers also tried sausages from Morrisons, Aldi, Co-op, Jolly Hog, Iceland, Waitrose and Heck.