In a comprehensive taste test of supermarket coleslaws, Waitrose’s deli-style coleslaw with red onion and chives has emerged as the top choice, offering a finely shredded, creamy slaw at £1.85 for 300g. The product avoids any stabilisers or gums, balancing red onion and chives without overpowering, alongside a mayo enriched with whipping cream and free-range eggs.
Coleslaw Contenders: Top Picks
Aldi’s Budget Pick
Offering great value, Aldi’s Specially Selected Rich & Indulgent coleslaw, priced at £1.29 for 300g, impressed with its creamy and moreish texture. The cabbage is prominent with hints of carrot and a mild onion, complemented by a straightforward mayo using guar and xanthan gums.
Lidl and Morrisons: Solid Choices
Lidl’s Deluxe Creamy Coleslaw, available for £1.29 per 300g, features a veg-heavy component with subtle onion notes. Despite the inclusion of potassium sorbate and xanthan gum, it retains an inviting mustard flavour. Meanwhile, Morrisons The Best Extra Crunchy Coleslaw, at £2 for 300g, offers a simple but satisfying option with a rich free-range egg mayo, despite containing xanthan gum.
Quality at Tesco and M&S
Tesco’s Finest Coleslaw, priced at £1.40 for 180g, balances sweetness and acidity well, opting for a thickened mayo with citrus fibre and gums. M&S’s Food Deli-Style Coleslaw, £2.40 for 300g available at Ocado, presents a medium-thick cut with a notable chive and onion flavour, supported by soft brown sugar and allspice, forgoing use of gums in favour of potato starch.
Mid-Range Options and Lower Ratings
Asda’s Exceptional Classic Coleslaw at £1.94 per 300g and Iceland’s Luxury Coleslaw at £2.25 for 330g both carry strong onion flavours, albeit with varying textures and sweetness levels. Co-op’s Irresistible Deliciously Rich Coleslaw at £2.25 for 300g is noted for its Dijon undertone, though its extensive ingredients list was seen as a drawback. Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Coleslaw, £1.50 for 180g, offers a creamy experience with lemon-juice acidity, but its complex makeup includes multiple stabilisers.
The diverse supermarket selection reveals options ranging from richly indulgent to freshly balanced, catering to varying palate preferences and affordability. Whether looking for value or a deluxe taste, supermarkets provide a range of slaws suited to different needs.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.