Supermarket Croissant Showdown: Which UK Retailer Bakes the Best?
When that morning hunger pang strikes, many of us dash to the local supermarket bakery for a quick breakfast fix. The humble croissant, with its promise of buttery, flaky layers, is a perennial favourite – but which UK supermarket truly delivers the perfect pastry experience? The team at Metro recently embarked on a delicious mission to find out, sampling freshly baked croissants from major retailers across the country.
The Contenders: From Budget to Bougie
The taste test covered a wide spectrum of supermarket offerings, from budget-friendly options to premium selections. Each croissant was evaluated on appearance, texture, flavour, and overall value for money. Here is how the major players stacked up in this buttery battle.
Co-op: Aromatic Disappointment
Score: 2/5
Priced at £1.10, the Co-op croissant was described as "dense" rather than light and flaky. Deputy First-Person and Opinion Editor Ross McCafferty noted that while it would "fill a hole" if you were extremely hungry, it ultimately failed the crucial test of tasting as good as it smells. The verdict was that it simply didn't deliver the airy, delicate experience that defines an excellent croissant.
Morrisons: Beautiful but Bread-like
Score: 3/5
At just 50p each, Morrisons' offering was praised for its traditional shape and glorious sheen. However, specialist food writer Courtney Pochin found it lacked the distinct flaky layers expected of a croissant, leaning more towards a brioche-like texture. It was sweet and tasty, but not quite hitting the pastry mark.
Asda: Surprisingly Moreish
Score: 4/5
Asda's 53p croissant proved to be a pleasant surprise. Lifestyle reporter Jessica Hamilton described it as "soft, buttery, and fluffy", though she noted it could have been crispier on the exterior. The overall experience was so enjoyable that she demolished it in under a minute.
Waitrose: A Tale of Two Halves
Score: 3/5
Priced at £1.35, Waitrose's croissant started strong with a bougie impression but quickly descended into crumbly chaos. Ross McCafferty compared it to a football match of two halves, ending with him "drowning in flakes". While the initial bites were promising, the structural integrity left much to be desired.
Lidl: The Cult Item That Disappoints
Score: 2.5/5
Despite selling 122 units every minute, Lidl's 65p cult bakery croissant failed to impress Courtney Pochin. She found it lacking in flavour, describing it as "bland and stodgy" with only a slight sweetness. While it didn't taste dry, it simply didn't live up to its popularity.
M&S: The Undisputed Champion
Score: 5/5
Marks & Spencer emerged as the clear winner with its £1.35 "bakery behemoth". Assistant lifestyle editor Jessica Lindsay praised its massive size, golden-brown colour, and crisp crust. More importantly, the texture was "moist yet flaky" with a rich, buttery flavour that "ticks all the boxes". A slight doughiness in the middle was noted but not considered a deal-breaker.
Sainsbury's: A Solid Middle Ground
Score: 3.5/5
Sainsbury's £1.35 croissant offered a nice snap on the outside, making it feel more authentic than some competitors. Courtney Pochin found it buttery and sweet without being too dense, concluding it was "definitely not a bad option" though not perfect.
Tesco: A Pleasant Surprise
Score: 4/5
Tesco's £1.20 offering exceeded expectations with its perfect flakiness on the outside and soft, buttery interior. Lifestyle reporter Eleanor Noyce admitted she wasn't expecting much but was thoroughly impressed, only wishing she had added jam to enhance the experience.
Aldi: Perfectly Average
Score: 3/5
Aldi's plain croissant was described as "perfectly fine" by acting lifestyle editor Kristina Beanland. While not particularly crispy externally, it was buttery, soft, and generously sized – a perfectly average option she would buy again.
The Verdict: Quality Comes at a Price
This comprehensive taste test reveals that while budget options like Morrisons and Asda offer decent value, the premium experience comes from M&S. Their croissant combines impressive size with authentic texture and flavour, justifying its higher price point. For those seeking a balance between quality and cost, Tesco and Sainsbury's provide strong alternatives. Ultimately, whether you prioritise price, size, or authentic French pastry characteristics will determine your perfect supermarket croissant.
