In a blind taste test of digestive biscuits from major UK supermarkets, Aldi's own-brand biscuit, priced at just 59p, outperformed the iconic McVitie's, scoring a perfect 10 out of 10. The trial, conducted by Mia O'Hare for What's On, compared digestives from Aldi, Lidl, Asda, and Marks & Spencer against the market leader McVitie's.
Aldi Takes the Crown
Aldi's digestive biscuit impressed with an excellent consistency and a perfectly balanced savoury-sweet flavour. Unlike other contenders, it did not crumble excessively or prove too hard to bite. At 59p, it also offers significant savings compared to McVitie's, which costs £1.88 at Asda. O'Hare awarded Aldi a 10/10, declaring it the winner.
McVitie's Remains Strong
McVitie's, the household name, scored 9/10, praised for its unmistakable taste and ideal pairing with tea. However, it was narrowly edged out by Aldi's offering. O'Hare noted that McVitie's continues to outperform many own-brand alternatives but could not match Aldi's combination of quality and value.
Asda and M&S: Mixed Results
Asda's digestives, at 65p, scored 6/10. They were very crumbly, with the first biscuit disintegrating upon handling. However, the flavour closely matched McVitie's, and the biscuit was sweeter than others, which may appeal to some consumers. Marks & Spencer's digestives, priced at 90p, scored 5/10, criticized for being too hard and difficult to snap, resulting in a chewy texture that discouraged further consumption.
Lidl at the Bottom
Lidl's digestive biscuits, also 59p, ranked last with a score of 2/10. O'Hare described them as having an odd taste reminiscent of a Rich Tea biscuit rather than a traditional digestive. They lacked distinctive flavour, and after one bite, she felt she had experienced enough.
Conclusion: The Best Value Digestive
Aldi's digestive biscuit emerges as the best overall, offering superior taste, texture, and value. At less than a third of the price of McVitie's, it proves that cheaper options can rival branded favourites. For those seeking a classic digestive experience without the premium price tag, Aldi is the clear choice.
