THE Good Housekeeping Institute UK has revealed the results of its 2024 BBQ taste test, just in time for the May Bank Holiday weekend.
Waitrose came out top after winning three “best buys” across three different categories.
It also came runner-up in the fourth category.
Aldi came runner-up after scooping a number of high scores.
The discount supermarket won joint best, best budget and runner-up in several categories.
A favourite for summer treats, M&S, was also beaten by other supermarkets, including Tesco, Iceland and Asda.
This year, the GHI’s panel of taste testers sampled 110 products in search of the best BBQ mains, covering everything from traditional beef burgers and sausages to ribs and chicken.
Plant-based alternatives were also put to the test, with many scoring just as highly as the meat-based options.
For 2024, experts have also added an additional category to the BBQ line-up dedicated to hot sauces.
All products were blind tested, removing bias and ensuring fairness across retailers and brands.
Callum Black, food and drink testing manager at the Good Housekeeping Institute, said: “With the promise of warmer days on the horizon, we’ve eaten our way through countless burgers, bangers and brilliant ice-creams to find the very best on offer this summer.
“The Good Housekeeping Institute runs its BBQ Taste Test yearly, but for 2024, we’ve gone the extra mile and added an additional category entirely dedicated to hot sauce.
“Now covering all the classics, meat-free options, sauces and ice cream, the winners list is the key to an ultimate BBQ banquet for the May Bank Holidays and throughout the summer.”
Here are all the winners, runners up and best budget categories.
A total of 22 burgers were sizzled and savoured this year, with Edwards Honey and Rosemary Pork Burgers (£3.35 for two) scoring 84/100 and hitting top spot.
The testers loved the combination of well-seasoned British pork, Welsh honey and fresh rosemary.
Aldi came a close second, scoring 81/100 for its Aldi Specially Selected British Wagyu Beef Burgers (£3.49 for two).
Aldi’s Caramelised Onion and Red Leicester Burger (£2.99 for two) claimed a score of 77/100, making it the top pick in the budget category, too.
The testers applauded the earthy sweetness of these patties, which were beautifully combined with the light garlic and pockets of cheese.
Winner
Runner-up
Best budget
Supermarkets and brands haven’t overlooked veggies and vegans this year, with a fantastic variety of innovative products hitting shelves.
Best of the burgers went to Iceland for their Onion Bhaji Quarter Pounder (£2.00 for four), rated at 81/100.
These winning burgers have aromas of sweet, warming spices, onion and potato, rated highly by the panel.
Winner
Runner-up
Best budget
The best bangers this summer can be found at Morrisons, with its The Best Thick Pork Sausages (£3.25 for six) scoring 80/100.
These are classic sausages that are incredibly well balanced, with a good ratio of juicy fat.
Tesco came in second (79/100) with its Tesco Finest 4 Signature Pork Sausages (£4 for four).
And, for meaty sausages packed with flavour that don’t break the bank, Campbells Pork Haggis and Herb Sausages (£3 for six) scored 79/100 and were selected as the best budget option in the category.
Winner
Runner-up
Best budget
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.
Veggies opting for sausages should pick up Tesco Plant Chef & Cumberland Style Bangers (£2.30 for six) which scored 89/100, winning the meat-free category.
Flecked with herbs and perfectly browned, testers praised the flavour of these plant-based sausages, which are well seasoned.
The texture was also a hit – juicy and moist with a slightly crispy skin.
Winner
Runner-up
Best budget
There are a lot of great options outside sausages and burgers this summer, too.
Sainsbury’s won in the kebab category with its Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Texan BBQ King Kebab (£6.50 for two large skewers), which scored 87/100.
Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce is the highlight of these juicy chicken kebabs.
Testers loved the aromas of honey and smoky paprika followed by flavours of herbs and spices with cayenne pepper, garlic and parsley.
Then, taking the lead for chicken was Waitrose, the panel rating the Waitrose Middle Eastern Inspired Chicken Thighs with Amba Sauce (£4.25 for five pieces) at 83/100.
Finally, two products hit the top spot for ribs – the Jolly Hog’s BBQ Loin Ribs (£9 for 665g) scored 82/100, and Co-op‘s Slow Cooked BBQ Ribs (£4.75 for 470g).
Best kebab
Best chicken
Joint best ribs
Joint best ribs and best budget
Burgers and hotdogs aren’t complete without a splash of sauce.
This year, there were two clear winners in the all-new hot sauce category that are sure to add a kick to any BBQ bap.
First, Walker and Sons Slap Ya Mama Cajun Pepper Sauce came through with a score of 83/100.
Our testers loved the complex flavours of this wonderfully named hot sauce, which is crafted in Louisiana.
Also scoring 83/100 and joint first was Aldi Specialities Sriracha Hot Chilli Sauce (£1.99 for 535g).
Joint best hot sauce
Joint best hot sauce
Best for Mexican flavours
Best budget hot sauce
Best for truffle fans
Best paired with grilled chicken
Best for smoky flavours
Best sweet and sour style hot sauce
Spiciest hot sauce
Best all-rounder
Best for citrus fans
Last but certainly not least: sweet treats.
The very best ice cream on offer this year is the Waitrose No. 1 Cornish Sea Salted Caramel Brittle Ice Cream (£4.00 for 480ml) with a total score of 88/100.
Testers loved the vibrant salted caramel flavour of this ice cream, with a toffee and maple sweetness that was wonderfully balanced by the salt.
They also praised the rich, creamy taste, and the contrast of the smooth ice cream with the caramel toffee pieces dotted throughout – an incredibly moreish summer treat.
There are some brilliant options on the budget side, too.
The Iceland 3 Pack Double Honeycomb & Chocolate Crunch Majestics (£2.00 for 186g) were highly rated by the panel (83/100).
Best ice cream
Runner-up and best vegan ice cream
Best gelato
Best budget ice cream
Best fruit gelato
Runner-up best vegan and best sorbet
Best for chocoholics
Best pistachio ice cream
Best for Bailey’s fans
Best for tiramisu lovers
