The world of supermarket brioche buns is a fascinating one, filled with a surprising amount of variety and a not-so-surprising amount of... well, let's just say, 'processing'. As an avid foodie and self-proclaimed bun connoisseur, I decided to embark on a journey to uncover the best (and worst) brioche burger buns available at your local supermarket. Prepare to be amazed (or at least, entertained) by the wonders of modern baking.
The Great Brioche Bun Hunt
In my quest for the ultimate brioche bun, I set out to evaluate these supermarket offerings based on several key factors. First and foremost, I was looking for a light, fluffy texture with an open crumb, as this is the hallmark of a truly great brioche bun. I also considered the ingredients list, favoring those with simple, natural components over overly processed alternatives. Sustainability and animal welfare were also on my radar, though I must admit that these factors were somewhat overshadowed by my insatiable desire for a delicious bun.
The Contenders
The field of brioche buns was wide and varied, with each supermarket offering its own unique take on this beloved treat. Here's a breakdown of my top picks and some notable mentions:
Waitrose No 1 Brioche Rolls
Waitrose's No 1 Brioche Rolls were a clear winner in my book. These extra-large buns boasted a light, fluffy texture and an open crumb, with a distinguishable nutty flavor from the brown butter. The ingredients list was notably simple, featuring a good ratio of free-range egg and butter, with no emulsifiers or preservatives. In my opinion, this is the gold standard for supermarket brioche buns.
Co-op Irresistible Four Brioche Buns
Co-op's Irresistible offering was a close second, with its large, round, dark-golden buns. The turmeric-yellow crumb and buttery flavor were a delightful surprise, though the presence of emulsifiers and flavoring raised some eyebrows. Despite this, the overall quality was impressive, and the price point was hard to beat.
M&S Collection Brioche Buns Made with Sourdough
M&S's sourdough brioche buns were a standout choice, with their dark-brown glaze and open, cakey crumb. The simple ingredients list, including sourdough and Brittany butter, gave it a unique, sour twang. While the presence of emulsifiers and preservatives was a minor concern, the overall quality and flavor made up for it.
Aldi Specially Selected Brioche Burger Buns
Aldi's Specially Selected buns were a solid choice, with their French-made, small, shiny golden buns. The closed crumb and springy texture made them a great burger bun, with a good flavor and no sourness. However, the presence of emulsifiers was a minor drawback.
Asda Exceptional Brioche Burger Buns
Asda's Exceptional buns were a classic, airy brioche bun with a nice, golden carotene-colored closed crumb. The sour twang and rich, sweet flavor were a delightful combination, though the presence of emulsifiers, palm fat, preservatives, and maltodextrin raised some concerns.
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Brioche Burger Buns
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference buns were a medium-sized bun with a classic texture, light and fluffy, and a closed crumb. The rich, buttery flavor and sourness from the vinegar were a unique combination, though the presence of palm oil was a minor drawback.
Morrisons the Best Brioche Burger Buns
Morrisons' the Best buns were a small, soft, and buttery roll with an open crumb and sweet finish. The long ingredients list, including eggs, palm fat, emulsifiers, preservatives, maltodextrin, and flavoring, was a cause for concern, though the overall quality was passable.
Tesco Fire Pit Brioche Burger Buns
Tesco's Fire Pit buns were a party pack of eight egg-glazed brioche buns, with a sweet flavor and a sour twang from the fermented wheat flour. The soft texture and light, open crumb made them a good choice for burgers, though the presence of emulsifiers was a minor drawback.
St Pierre Brioche Buns
St Pierre buns were a sweet, small, sliced French brioche with a uniform glaze. The soft texture and closed crumb were a delight, though the chemical-like plastic aroma from the packaging was a cause for concern. The presence of eggs, invert sugar syrup, flavoring, and emulsifiers was a minor drawback.
La Boulangère Brioche Burger Buns
La Boulangère's brioche buns were a long-life French import made with barn eggs and no butter (just rapeseed oil), which some might argue is not truly brioche. The classic, golden egg glaze and white bready texture were a delight, though the presence of preservatives and a chemical aroma was a cause for concern. Despite this, the overall quality was impressive.
The Verdict
In the end, the bar for supermarket brioche buns is indeed quite low, with most products falling into the 'UPF' (Unremarkable, Processed, Flavorless) category. However, there are some shining stars among the sea of processed buns, offering a delightful blend of flavor, texture, and quality. While the presence of emulsifiers, preservatives, and other additives is a cause for concern, it's clear that consumers have a range of options to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics.
As for my personal favorite? Well, that's a tough one. I'd say the Waitrose No 1 Brioche Rolls are the clear winner, with their light, fluffy texture, simple ingredients list, and delightful nutty flavor. However, I'd also recommend giving the Co-op Irresistible buns a try, as they offer a delightful balance of flavor and quality at a great price point. And if you're feeling adventurous, why not give M&S's sourdough brioche buns a go? They're a unique and delicious choice that's sure to impress.
In the end, the world of supermarket brioche buns is a fascinating one, filled with a surprising amount of variety and a not-so-surprising amount of... well, let's just say, 'processing'. But with a little bit of research and a lot of taste testing, you can find the perfect brioche bun to suit your needs and satisfy your cravings.
