I tried supermarket burgers – the winning patty was less than £2 and perfect for BBQs
BETTER late than never – barbecue season is finally here.
And there is nothing better than a juicy burger sizzling over hot coals.
From New York style patties to meat oozing with cheese, there is plenty on offer for 2024.
But which burger will go down a treat at your summer party?
Lynsey Hope tried some of the supermarket’s most exciting and luxurious offerings for 2024. Here, she reveals her favourites:
Lidl Deluxe Aberdeen Angus Beef Burgers (340g)
- £2.99 for 2
- £1.49 each
- 70% beef
This was a good all-round burger – it was very thick and had a nice texture.
The meat felt tender and good quality, but I thought it was a little lacking in flavour and could have done with more seasoning.
Also, quite a lot of fat came out during cooking.
But these were a good size, around 170g – ideal if you are catering for someone with a healthy appetite.
- Taste: 6/10
- Value: 8/10
- Overall score: 6/10
Waitrose Summer New York Style Beef Burgers (454g)
- £4.25 for 4
- £1.06 each
- 80% beef
This has all the flavours of a classic burger combined into one juicy patty – including cheese, gherkins and American style mustard.
It sounds a bit weird, but I found them delicious.
The cheese wasn’t overpowering and not much fat dripped out as I cooked them.
Overall, with a high beef content, I found these superb and everything I’d want in a burger.
A great price too – I’d definitely buy these again.
- Taste: 9/10
- Value: 8/10
- Overall score: 9/10
Asda Extra Special Gourmet Steak Burgers (340g)
- £3.75 for 2
- £1.87 each
- 84% beef
These Asda burgers felt like a real treat.
They are infused with bone marrow, beef stock and the fermented rice shio koji, which gives them a unique but delicate flavour.
It might not be for everyone, but I loved it.
They are very meaty and I thought the seasoning was spot on, making them perfect for a BBQ main.
There was a lovely sweetness from the onions, they had a good texture and a very pleasing taste.
Big and very filling too. Overall, this was my winner factoring in the taste and price.
- Taste: 10/10
- Value: 9/10
- Overall score: 10/10
Tesco Finest Quarter Pounders (454g)
- £4 for 2
- £2 each
- 94% beef
Tesco’s burgers offered the most expensive price per burger in my test – yet I didn’t think there was anything special about them.
They contain 94% beef and felt firm to touch so they didn’t fall apart as I was getting them out of the packet, which is always nice.
But, the overriding flavour was black pepper, which I thought was a little strong. They were also a little too greasy and onion-y.
Not bad, but not the best for the price.
- Taste: 5/10
- Value: 4/10
- Overall score: 4/10
Aldi Specially Selected The Ultimate Burger (340g)
- £2.89 for 2
- £1.44 each
- 87% beef
This is another burger infused with bone marrow and rice koji, and again I enjoyed it.
You get a lovely sweetness from the onion and I didn’t find them too greasy or fatty either.
I liked the texture, and they had a pleasing pinkness in the middle and a good level of juicy moisture, which made for a truly satisfying burger.
This one was a close second.
- Taste: 8/10
- Value: 9/10
- Overall score: 9/10
Morrisons The Best Quarter Pounders (454g)
- £4 for 4
- £1 each
- 48% beef
These burgers browned nicely, but I thought they were a little chewy and didn’t have loads of flavour.
They are a cheaper option – half the price per burger when compared to Tesco – but there’s nothing particularly special about them.
They would be easily livened up with sauces and toppings, though.
Good for serving en-masse.
- Taste: 4/10
- Value: 5/10
- Overall score: 5/10
Sainsbury’s Melt in the Middle Beef Burgers (340g)
- £3.50 for 2
- £1.75 each
- 51% beef chunk, 25% beef flank
Sainsbury’s burgers were a real crowd pleaser and consisted of a classic but tasty beef patty filled with tangy American cheese, which was overall delicious.
They felt very indulgent, but the cheese filling was subtle enough not to overwhelm the burger.
The kids enjoyed them too. I’d definitely purchase them again.
- Taste: 8/10
- Value: 7/10
- Overall score: 8/10
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.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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