Supermarket Quiche Taste Test: The Best and Worst Revealed
No one appreciates a soggy bottom when it comes to quiche, and a recent rigorous taste test of supermarket options has uncovered which brands deliver on flavor and quality, and which crumble under scrutiny. Inspired by the expertise of renowned chef Gill Meller, whose rich and creamy quiche with crumbly pastry sets a high benchmark, this evaluation tested all products cooked as per manufacturer instructions. Overall, the quality was disappointing, with many quiches relying on ultra-processed ingredients like palm oil, emulsifiers, and often caged-hen eggs. Free-range claims were not always clear on packaging, making it essential to check ingredient lists. Additionally, some products misleadingly described pastry as "buttery" while using vegetable shortenings like palm and rapeseed oil instead. However, a few standout gems emerged, featuring simple ingredients, light and fluffy free-range custards, crisp all-butter pastry, and generous fillings.
While the best options are less processed, high in welfare standards, and rich in flavor, none fully mastered the pastry perfection of Meller's version. In every case, the outer layer crisped up nicely, but the base often remained undercooked and slightly stodgy in the middle. This highlights a common challenge in mass-produced quiches, where achieving an evenly cooked crust proves difficult.
The Top Picks: Best Supermarket Quiches
Best Overall: M&S Portobello Mushroom & Mascarpone Quiche
Priced at £4.25 for 230g, this small quiche is ideal for one or two servings. It boasts a golden-brown top with a generous scattering of thick-cut sautéed mushrooms. The mascarpone and free-range egg custard deliver a deep mushroom flavor, complemented by crisp, reasonably well-cooked all-butter pastry. Its simple, palm oil-free ingredients list makes it a standout choice for quality-conscious consumers.
Best Bargain: Waitrose Mediterranean-Inspired Vegetable Quiche
At £3.75 for 400g, this medium, deep-filled tart features a golden-brown top with large pieces of roast courgette and pepper. The wonderfully light and fluffy free-range egg custard is mixed with chopped spinach, and the crisp outer pastry adds to its appeal. While it includes regato cheese, cream, and olive oil in a relatively simple ingredients list, it does contain palm oil, which may be a drawback for some.
Other Notable Quiches
Exceptional by Asda Vintage Cheddar & Caramelised Shallot Quiche
Priced at £3.97 for 400g, this medium-size quiche has a fluted edge and a cheesy free-range egg custard topped with sticky balsamic caramelised shallots. Its long but relatively simple ingredients list is palm oil-free, offering excellent value for money.
Morrisons the Best Vintage Cheddar & Caramelised Onion Quiche
Costing £4 for 400g, this deep, medium-size tart features a pleated edge and a nicely caramelised onion top. It offers a hearty flavor with a short outer crust, though it can be a bit stodgy in the middle. The light free-range egg custard is dominated by onion flavor, but it includes palm oil.
Co-op Irresistible Vintage Cheddar Cauliflower Cheese Quiche
At £4.25 for 400g, this deep-filled, medium quiche stands out with a wonderful, crunchy, herby crumb. The genius cauliflower cheese combination provides a deeply savoury cheddar taste. While the outer edges of the shortcrust are crisp, the base is a little thick and doughy. It contains palm oil and is made with caged-hen eggs, but it remains good value and genuinely delicious.
Tesco Finest Oak-Smoked Cheddar & Caramelised Leek Quiche
Priced at £4.50 for 400g, this deep-filled quiche has a golden top of crunchy, cheesy crumb. The soft-set custard features a prominent smoked cheese flavor in a lovely, crumbly all-butter pastry. Its refreshingly simple ingredients list includes butter, fromage frais, and demerara sugar, but it is made with caged-hen eggs and is palm oil-free.
Higgidy Crispy Chilli Oil & Mature Cheddar Quiche
Available at £2.60 for 155g from Ocado or £3 from Sainsbury's, this small, spicy quiche is wrapped in baking paper and topped with a crispy red chilli crumb. The light free-range egg custard includes red peppers and spring onions, with pastry containing wholemeal spelt flour and certified-sustainable palm oil. It is delicious and properly spicy.
The Lower-Rated Options
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Extra Mature Cheddar & Caramelised Onion Quiche
Costing £4.50 for 400g, this deep-filled, medium-size tart has a sweet caramelised onion top. The free-range egg custard is firmly set and well-seasoned with a strong onion flavor, but the pastry is cooked through only at the edges, remaining stodgy in the middle. It contains palm oil and dextrose.
Aldi Specially Selected Mature Cheddar & Caramelised Red Onion Quiche
Priced at £2.49 for 420g and available in-store only, this deep-filled, medium-size quiche features a crunchy, golden crumb topping and a wholesome crust scattered with poppy seeds. The very firm-set, bechamel-like custard is made with free-range eggs and is sweet and well-seasoned. However, its long ingredients list includes butter and double cream alongside palm oil and emulsifiers.
Lidl Chef Select Cheese & Onion Quiche
At £1.99 for 400g and available in-store only, this deep-set medium-size quiche has a golden-brown top. The basic and firmly set cheese-and-onion custard, made with caged-hen eggs and corn starch, was reminiscent of a cheese, onion, and mayo sandwich. While the pastry is crisp and mostly cooked through, the short ingredients list includes cream but also palm oil and coloring.
In summary, this taste test underscores the importance of scrutinizing ingredients and cooking methods when selecting supermarket quiches. While some brands offer high-quality, flavorful options with ethical sourcing, others fall short with processed additives and uneven textures. For more insights, explore related topics on supermarket food reviews.
