A golden, flavourful stuffing is the crowning glory of any proper Sunday roast. It's a tradition with roots stretching back to Roman times, but today's cooks often reach for a convenient packet mix. With options ranging from the iconic Paxo to budget supermarket own-brands, a question arises: are they all created equal?
The Great Stuffing Showdown: Price and Presentation
To find the best balance of taste and value, we conducted a side-by-side comparison of stuffing mixes from seven leading UK supermarkets: Morrisons, Tesco, Asda, M&S, Aldi, Sainsbury's, and Lidl. The benchmark was the original Paxo.
The price differences were striking. A standard 170g box of Paxo will set you back £2.50. In contrast, Morrisons' own-brand version costs just 75p for the same weight. Marks & Spencer offers a larger 250g pack for £2.40. The title of cheapest option, however, goes to Aldi, with its 170g packet priced at a mere 45p. This budget price is matched by Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Lidl.
Beyond the Packet: Cooking and Results
Our examination went beyond just the dry ingredients. We prepared each mix according to packet instructions to see how they performed in the oven. The key tests were flavour, texture, and crucially, whether they achieved that desirable golden, crispy finish that makes stuffing so moreish.
Photographic evidence placed the packets and the cooked results side-by-side. This allowed for a clear comparison of nutritional information on the boxes and, more importantly, a visual assessment of the final product. Some turned a perfect golden brown, while others were less successful in achieving an appealing crisp.
The Verdict: Which Stuffing Mix Wins?
While the full, detailed report on taste and texture rankings is available separately, this price and visual comparison reveals a significant initial finding. There is a vast gulf in cost between the most expensive and the cheapest options, with some supermarkets charging over five times more than others for a similar-sized product.
This raises an important question for every home cook: does the premium brand justify its price with superior quality, or can a supermarket own-brand deliver the festive flavour and perfect crispness you desire at a fraction of the cost? The answer lies not just in the price on the shelf, but in the performance in the oven and on the plate.
For those looking to economise on their roast dinner without sacrificing tradition, the widespread 45p price point from several major retailers is a compelling starting point. The ultimate choice, however, depends on whether you prioritise brand heritage, specific flavour notes, or sheer value for money for your family feast.
