Brief
UK supermarkets offer a range of sourdough loaves and olive oils, food editor tests top picks
A food editor sampled dozens of loaves and bottles, finding that true sourdough requires a live starter and that extra‑virgin olive oil remains the benchmark for quality.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A food editor from The Independent tasted more than 20 supermarket sourdough loaves and a range of olive oils, publishing a guide to the best buys for 2026. The review highlighted the importance of a live starter for authentic sourdough and identified extra‑virgin olive oil as the top choice for flavour and nutrition.
Sourdough loaves: authenticity matters
The editor sliced dozens of loaves from brands such as Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and other supermarket own‑brands. Swie Joo, head baker at The Palmerston, explained that sourdough must be made with a live starter of wild yeast and bacteria, not commercial yeast. If yeast appears in the ingredient list, the loaf is not a true sourdough. The review noted that a good loaf should be soft, springy and have evenly distributed air pockets, while uneven holes – called tunnelling – indicate poor fermentation.
Olive oils: extra‑virgin remains king
In the olive‑oil review, the editor sampled bottles from Aldi, Asda and other supermarkets. Extra‑virgin olive oil (EVOO) was described as the benchmark for quality, produced by cold‑pressing olives at low temperatures to preserve flavour nuances. The review highlighted that EVOO offers heart‑healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidant polyphenols. The best overall pick was Asda’s Exceptional Greek Koroneiki extra‑virgin olive oil, priced at £7.
Key take‑aways for shoppers
- True sourdough requires a live starter and slow fermentation; avoid loaves that list commercial yeast.
- Extra‑virgin olive oil is the preferred choice for flavour and health benefits.
- Supermarket own‑brands can match premium labels in taste and value.
Key facts
- Sourdough must be made with a live starter of wild yeast and bacteria, not commercial yeast (independent.co.uk)
- Extra‑virgin olive oil is produced by cold‑pressing olives at low temperatures (independent.co.uk)
- Asda’s Exceptional Greek Koroneiki extra‑virgin olive oil was named best overall (independent.co.uk)
