I’ve found the best supermarket picnic food, from sausage rolls to loaded dips
After testing a basket full of picnic food – this is what to buy
What is the best supermarket picnic food?
Supermarket picnic food has come a long way from limp sandwiches and bland sides, with this year’s new launches leaning heavily into bold flavours and deli-inspired twists. There were plenty of standouts, from Waitrose’s vibrant harissa couscous salad to M&S’s addictive sour cream and chive pretzels and Aldi’s surprisingly good protein-packed egg bites. But the undisputed winner for me was Asda’s pil pil king prawns – smoky, juicy and packed with flavour. They tasted genuinely barbecue-worthy and were the one product I’d immediately buy again for a summer spread.
How I tested supermarket picnic foods
I tested a range of picnic food from different supermarkets. As well as testing the classics, I looked out for dishes that caught my attention and would elevate a picnic. When testing I paid attention to:
Taste and texture: Most importantly, each food on the list tastes good. No bland flavours made the cut. Texture was also paramount, with those who hit the mark making my shortlist. While I acknowledged adventurous flavours and pairings, the food still had to be delicious. Suitability for a picnic: As this is food to be taken outside and laid out on a blanket, I considered each dish's portability and how easy it was to eat with limited utensils. Those that needed heating up for example didn’t make the cut. Value for money: While they are a humble pleasure, picnic food can be expensive. So I looked for dishes that were worth their price tag.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Alice Reynolds is a writer and production journalist at IndyBest. A self-confessed foodie, she has covered food and drink launches and reviews, including the best supermarket pizza, best supermarket cheddar and best dark chocolate.
From supplements and health foods to supermarket buys like olive oil and wine, the wider IndyBest team have hand-picked the best of the best. As we test everything in real-life settings, we’ll only recommend something truly worth your money.
