Our expert team of Good Food judges blind-tested products across 10 picnic categories to bring you our definitive shopping list for summer 2023. From sausage rolls to ice cream, read on to discover which supermarket products came out on top in our picnic categories.

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For more, visit our Summer Taste Awards winners page, plus read about which barbecue products we loved.

BBC Good Food Summer Taste Awards 2023 winners: best picnic food

Best coleslaw

Winner: Aldi Specially Selected coleslaw, £1.19 (300g)

This coleslaw stood out to judges in the blind tasting, thanks to its tangy flavour that's balanced with a good level of sweetness, just the right amount of sauce and crunchy veg, plus some herbs for added interest.

Available from:
Aldi (£1.19)

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Best dip

Winner: Co-op red pepper houmous, £1.85 (170g)

While this hummus isn’t anything ground-breaking, the simple addition of red pepper won over our judges. It's pretty, with deep red colour, and a solid new option for loyal classic hummus fans.

Available from Co-op, in store

Best sausage roll

Winner: Aldi Specially Selected hog roast sausage rolls, £1.99 (188g)

Generously sized and delicious warm, judges loved the addition of apple to these sausage rolls, which provides a full 'hog roast' taste and brings a touch of sweetness.

Available from:
Aldi (£1.99)

Runner up: Co-op n’duja sausage rolls, £3.40

These mini sausage roll slices are great for picnics, and have vivid orange colour and touch of paprika spice.

Available from Co-op, in store

Best vegetarian picnic pastry

Winner: Tesco Finest vintage cheddar and caramelised onion rolls, £2.60 (four pack)

The most classic sausage roll judges tasted, these have thick pastry, a nigella seed topping and cheesy, well-balanced filling.

Available from:
Tesco (£2.60)

Runner up: Lidl Chef Select spinach and feta parcels

We'd recommend serving these warm, so they're best for picnics in the garden rather than transporting long distances. But, they're generously filled, well-flavoured and generously seasoned.

Available from Lidl, in store

Best picnic centrepiece

Joint winner: Asda Extra Special charcuterie antipasti platter, £7 (273g)

While this simple platter isn’t necessarily a showstopper, judges enjoyed the individual components – this is a handy addition to last-minute picnic or al fresco drinks. The manchego is good quality and the olives large and juicy, and the judges appreciated the choice of both chorizo and salami.

Available from:
Asda (£7)

Joint winner: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference mushroom, mascarpone & thyme tart, £5 (400g)

This does require cooking before serving, so you'll need to plan ahead if you want to take it on a picnic. However, it's a hearty centrepiece, with a rich and cheesy mushroom filling and thick pastry – wrap well to keep warm.

Available from:
Sainsbury's (£5)

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This review was last updated in April 2023. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.

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