Best UK roast potatoes crowned after testing Aunt Bessies, Aldi and more

11 November 2023 , 10:15

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One roast potato impressed the judges (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Roast potatoes really are the jewel in the crown of any Sunday roast - but especially a festive dinner. And sometimes, you value convenience more than anything else, so you'll be reaching for the frozen potatoes. But because they're such an important component of the meal, how are you supposed to know where to start with choosing them?

As part of the ongoing Which? taste test series, a panel of 76 potato experts compared a variety of frozen roast potatoes that are on offer from popular big brands, pitting them against supermarket own-brands - and you may be surprised by the results.

When it comes to delicious crispy roasties, there was a three-way tie for the top spot. Aldi (£2.49 for 1kg/ 25p per 100g), Aunt Bessie's (£4.40 for 700g/ 63p per 100g), and Waitrose (£3.40 for 1kg/ 34p per 100g) all came out on top, with the judges unable to properly differentiate the quality between the three, and they scored 72%. All three brands of potatoes were praised for their good strength of flavour, perfect crispiness, and ideal texture.

But it was Aldi's Specially Selected Beef Dripping Roast Potatoes that really impressed the judges - especially when it came to value for money. Aldi managed to bag the title of Best Buy, and it also achieved Great Value status.

Morrisons (70%), Tesco (67%), and Asda (66%) performed reasonably well, however, Sainsbury's (63%) roast potatoes weren't as enjoyed by the judges.

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Of all the potatoes tried by the panel, popular name-brand McCain Frozen Roast Potatoes ranked by far the lowest, with a score of just 46%, despite the fact they were pricier, coming in at £3 for 700g (43p per 100g). They scored less than all the other potatoes for looks, aroma, flavour, and texture.

Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, said: "For many, a festive dinner wouldn't be complete without a generous serving of roast potatoes, but achieving that piping-hot perfection can often mean more time spent cooking than with loved ones. To keep things quick and easy, we tested a variety of frozen alternatives on offer by big brands and supermarkets that require next to no preparation and can even be cooked in an air-fryer.

"While Aunt Bessie's, Waitrose and Aldi proved equally popular among our taste-testing panel for crispiness and flavour, it may come as a surprise to find that Aldi's Specially Selected Beef Dripping Roast Potatoes also achieved Great Value status for being the cheapest."

Danielle Kate Wroe