The loveFOOD scone taste test

Scones with lashings of cream and jam - the perfect summertime bake. But if you're not making your own, which scones should you buy? Check out our taste test results.

Seven scones, nine taste testers, two jars of homemade jam, and two bowls of cream (whipped and clotted). What a fun afternoon in the office! Each scone (sultana, unless otherwise stated) was marked out of 10 and the test was done blind. So starting from the poorest performer and ending with the best…

Joint 6th – Aldi and M&S minis

Sorry chaps, but you each got 47%. Funny that such a high end brand would get the exact same score as one of the cheapest supermarkets.

What they said: "Stale?" questioned one taster over Aldi’s offering, and "missing something – the texture is all wrong” said another of M&S. Overall, both seemed to be too doughy for everyone’s taste.

How much? Aldi 50p; M&S £1.29

5th – Morrisons

A fairly steep climb to 56%. Only 50p for four plump scones? Madness!

What they said: Very varied reviews, from “nice, solid scone” and “very much the authentic English scone”; to “a bit stodgy and not enough fruit” and “middle of the road”.

How much? 50p

4th – Duchy Originals Organic All Butter

Well, well, well… the Waitrose Essential range beats the posh, organic, royalty Waitrose range! Power to the people! Duchy’s come in at 58%.

What they said: Again, we need more fruit! “A little bland – could have done with more sultanas”, “lacked sweetness”, and “utterly unremarkabale”… oh dear. But there  was a 7/10 from one taster!

How much? £1.59

Bronze – Asda

Asda steals third place with 62%. Scones are deemed to be rich and full of fruit.

What they said: A very happy 9/10 taster remarked, “lovely texture, fruity, and it looked nice”, whereas a not-so-happy bunny (namely loveFOOD editor Andrew Webb) gave it only 5, claiming a “strong powdery aftertaste”.

How much? 88p

Silver – Waitrose Essential

Well blow me down, what a victory for Essential ranges everywhere. These beauties scored an impressive 67%.

What they said: “Lovely flavour and great texture”, “pleasant”, and “very nice and light” were among many compliments. Although one did give them 4/10, guessing that they were “cheap”.

How much? 90p

Gold – Gail’s Bakery

Never have we seen such a popular product in any loveFOOD taste-test. Fact! Gail’s, the only non-supermarket scone in our test, and their apricot, blueberry and ginger drop scone is way out ahead with 80%.

What they said: “Lovely texture – definitely 1st”, “interesting ginger twist - I like the alternative taste”, “could eat a full plate, easily!” and “lovely, lovely, lovely”… need I go on?

How much? £1.95 *each*. Yes, nearly £2 each… but is it worth it?

What's your favourite supermarket scone? Or would you always buy yours from an artisan bakery? Talk to us in the Comments below.

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