Spring Rolls Comparison: A Detailed Look at Supermarket Offerings with Surprising Results
As the Chinese New Year approaches, the quest for the perfect spring roll intensifies. The Liverpool Echo team undertook the challenge of sampling spring rolls from four major UK supermarkets in a blind taste test, uncovering both delights and disappointments in equal measure.
Spring rolls, a staple in Chinese cuisine, are renowned for their crispy exterior and delectable fillings that range from duck to vegetables. With time constraints often hindering the preparation of these delicacies at home, pre-made options from supermarkets present a convenient solution for those craving a taste of Chinese cuisine.
To compare offerings from Asda, Tesco, M&S, and Morrisons, the team shunned luxury variants for each store’s own brand of vegetable spring rolls. Aldi and Lidl were also considered but lacked refrigerated spring rolls during the evaluation. Opting for larger spring rolls to maintain consistency in cooking, the team cooked all samples in an air fryer to achieve optimal crunchiness for the taste test.
Morrisons offered four vegetable spring rolls for £1.50, showcasing an abundance of vegetables but lacking in flavour according to testers. Criticisms included an overpowering onion taste and a dearth of spices, resulting in a bland overall experience that fell short of expectations. Despite being the most pocket-friendly option, Morrisons’ offering scored a modest 2 out of 5.
Asda’s six-vegetable spring rolls priced at £1.86 were met with mixed reviews, with testers unanimously highlighting the excessive thickness of the pastry. While the filling boasted strong flavours and a traditional dim sum taste, the imbalanced ratio of filling to wrapper detracted from the overall enjoyment. The spring rolls earned a middling score of 3 out of 5, positioning them as an average choice.
M&S showcased its six vegetable spring rolls at a higher price point of £3 per pack, double the cost of Morrisons’ alternative. However, the superior quality of M&S’ offering shone through in the taste test, with testers applauding the crispy texture, rich flavours, and perfect filling-to-wrapper balance. Despite the premium pricing, M&S’ spring rolls emerged as the clear winner with a commendable score of 4 out of 5.
In contrast, Tesco’s six-vegetable spring rolls, priced at £1.75 (Clubcard price), failed to impress the taste testers. Described as flavourless and limp, with a disconcerting resemblance to a toilet paper tube, Tesco’s spring rolls faltered in terms of taste, texture, and overall dining experience. The unanimous sentiment among testers was a resounding disappointment, scoring a mere 1 out of 5.
The test results underscored the diverse offerings and quality variations among supermarket spring rolls, with price not always reflective of taste. While Morrisons and Asda presented budget-friendly options, M&S emerged as the premium choice for discerning palates, overshadowing its competitors with superior flavour and texture. Tesco’s lacklustre performance served as a reminder that quality cannot be compromised in pursuit of affordability.
As the culinary landscape continues to evolve, the quest for the perfect spring roll remains an ongoing journey of taste and discovery. Whether indulging in a crispy parcel bursting with vibrant vegetables or savouring a flavourful bite of authentic dim sum, supermarket spring rolls offer a convenient gateway to Chinese cuisine for all.