Waitrose crumpets with sourdough have been identified as the top choice in a recent taste test of supermarket crumpets. They were awarded four stars for their thick, well-aerated texture, full nutty flavour, and comforting fresh bread smell.
For those seeking value, Tesco classic crumpets were rated as the 'Best bargain', achieving three stars. These crumpets were noted for being very light and airy with a sweet-yeasty aroma and a fluffy yet crunchy-edged bite.
The test also highlighted that while surface holes are characteristic, the internal architecture and aeration, creating a honeycomb texture, are more crucial for a quality crumpet. This texture is achieved through a process similar to the school vinegar and baking soda experiment, using food-grade salts.
Other crumpets that scored highly with four stars included M&S five grain crumpets and Wildfarmed crumpets. Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference luxury sourdough crumpets received three stars, while The Bakery at Asda, Ocado, Warburtons original, Aldi Specially Selected sourdough, and Morrisons crumpets all received lower ratings.