TV's Aldo Zilli tries all the supermarket cods – the delicious, authentic winner costs just 85p a piece
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
IT'S National Fish and Chip Day tomorrow – and last week the classic combo was also named our top dish to order in the pub.
But while a chippy tea remains a favourite, rising costs means many of us are forced to skip it.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
9
Celebrity chef Aldo Zilli rates a selection of battered cods
Credit: Darren Fletcher
Luckily, there are plenty of similar fish fillets available in the supermarkets to give you all the taste without the higher cost.
Celebrity chef Aldo Zilli, who is a Scottish Fish and Chip Awards judge and head chef at Elaine's Restaurant in London, tucks into a selection of battered portions.
Tesco Battered Cod Fillet Portions
4 pieces, 500g, £3.39, 52% fish
9
I don't know how they make this cod so cheap
Credit: Darren Fletcher
THESE frozen portions are Atlantic cod, which is sustainable and a good source, so I don't know how they make it so cheap.
It's an excellent price for four pieces.
For those nights when you want a chippy tea, you could absolutely cook an alternative with this box on standby in the freezer.
With some chunky homemade or oven chips, it's perfect for a takeaway taste.
It is not quite authentic in flavour as the batter is a bit soft.
But the fish tastes fresh, with a good, firm texture and it's flaking and moist.
The size of each piece is generous, too.
RATING: 4/5
The Sun tries Wetherspoons' new menu
Sainsbury's Battered Cod Fillets
4 pieces, 500g, £3.39, 58% fish
9
When picking up this Sainsbury's fish, be prepared for something more like a canape
Credit: Darren Fletcher
ONE of the higher ratios of fish but they do not seem plentiful.
The pieces of cod have been cut in a meagre way and look like offcuts. I suppose that's how you keep the price down, and it doesn't affect the taste.
The batter is a bit uneven and thicker around the edges.
It looks like it has a batter crust, which is quite strange.
But the fish tastes decent, is flaking and plump and appears and smells very fresh for a frozen piece of cod.
Not oily at all.
It's less than a pound for a portion but size-wise, be prepared for something more like a canape.
Good for small appetites.
RATING: 3/5
Asda Battered Cod Fillets
4 pieces, 440g, £3.75, 55% fish
9
Asda battered cod looks more like a biscuit
Credit: Darren Fletcher
AFTER cooking, I already don't much like the look of it and I'm not excited to tuck in.
The batter is an odd, nutty brown colour.
It should be a rich golden amber.
It looks more like a biscuit than a piece of fish and the coating is so crunchy you could crack your teeth.
There's a huge amount of batter that is so solid it's breaking away in shards, plus the cod is chewy and tasteless.
This resembles something that has been sitting under a canteen hotplate for hours drying out.
Not exactly a treat to replace a takeaway.
RATING: 2/5
M&S Battered Cod Fillets
2 pieces, 300g, £4.50, 58% fish
9
M&S cod fillets are a bit more expensive
Credit: Darren Fletcher
THE fish inside are fresh, not pre-cooked, which means the luxury level has been upped here – along with the price tag.
It is very good quality.
You get good chunky pieces of cod and can tell from the shape it is a proper, bouncy, fish fillet inside.
On the downside, there are only two pieces for the higher price, so great for couples but not for families.
And it took longer to cook than the packet said.
They taste very nice but the batter- to-fish ratio is off and the coating is too thick.
But it does taste like chip shop batter and the cod is moist.
RATING: 3/5
Aldi Battered Cod
4 pieces, 500g, £3.39, 52% fish
9
This Aldi cod is my winner!
Credit: Darren Fletcher
THE ingredients are pretty minimal, which is good, and as a freezer-friendly batter goes, it's a fairly authentic recipe.
I really liked the look of these.
Four chunky pieces of cod that will fill you up.
The fish in the batter is the right proportion to allow you to enjoy both flavours without either overwhelming the other.
And they both taste delicious.
Excellent flaking fish and the golden coating is crispy, tasty and exactly the right texture.
Frozen batter is hard to get right because it often goes soggy when you warm it back up.
RATING: 5/5
Lidl Battered White Fish Fillets
4 pieces, 500g, £2.50, 53% fish
9
Lidl offer cheaper pollock instead
Credit: Darren Fletcher
LABELLED as 'battered white fish', inside the batter you get pollock.
Not one you'll see on the board at your local chippy but it's not a bad alternative.
The firm texture is similar to a piece of cod, so it works well even if it's not as flavoursome and moist.
The main difference is price.
Pollock is much cheaper, which is why these portions are more budget friendly.
But if you are going to add ketchup, mushy peas and all the other trimmings, you probably won't notice it's not cod.
Great as a kids' meal option to save you money.
The batter had a strange texture though.
RATING: 3/5
Iceland Battered Skinless Cod
4 pieces, 440g, £3.50, 52% fish
9
Iceland's option has a dense coating
Credit: Darren Fletcher
SADLY, these were not good at all. They were a decent size and the batter looked thick.
But after I heated it up I realised just how dense the coating was.
In fact, there was hardly any fish inside at all.
When I pulled off all the outer layer, I was left with a teeny tiny amount of white fish.
That wouldn't be so bad if the golden casing was incredible, but it was not great.
It's not crispy and it dried out when cooking, so it sticks in your mouth.
Altogether, tasteless, watery and lacks flavour.
Not like battered fish at all.
RATING: 2/5
Young's Chip Shop
2 pieces, 300g, £4.50 (was £5.75) Ocado.com, 54% fish
9
Young's Chip Shop fillets are in an exceptionally crumbly, yet still light, crispy batter
Credit: Darren Fletcher
PROMISES to have bubbly batter just like you'd get fresh from the fryer.
In fairness, even when still frozen, this looks like a genuine chippy piece.
You get two really big pieces of cod and they've used the tail cut of fish like the longer, thinner pieces you are served in takeaways.
They are in an exceptionally crumbly, yet still light, crispy batter made with sodium bicarbonate for a golden chip shop texture and flavour.
Moist and tasty and there's more fish and less batter, which works well.
It looks, smells and tastes incredibly like a chippy offering.
RATING: 4/5
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
22 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Five sneaky tricks supermarkets and brands use to get YOU to spend more as fat jabs hit sales
Supermarkets are finding new creative ways to cash in on the weight-loss trend JAB ATTACK Five sneaky tricks supermarkets and brands use to get YOU to spend more as fat jabs hit sales Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WAISTLINES are not the only things shrinking with the use of weight-loss jabs – supermarket bottom lines are too. Food sales are falling, and data-analyst Kantar blames hunger-repressing injections like Mounjaro for a 0.4 per cent drop in the four weeks to June 24. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Supermarkets are doing their best to keep profits high despite the success of weight-loss drugs Credit: Getty 8 Hunger-repressing injections like Mounjaro have been blamed for a fall in food sales Credit: Alamy A 4 per cent rise in food prices in the past year is also reducing spending. Now the big stores and brands are fighting back. Rosie Taylor reveals the sneaky ways they try to make us part with our cash. TEMPTING YOUR TASTEBUDS BRANDS are launching new flavour combinations for staple products they think will be a big hit with shoppers. Heinz has released a Sweet Sriracha tomato ketchup (£2.68 at Asda), and Bird's Eye has launched fish fillets coated in a Mexican tortilla crumb (£1.98 from Asda). Brands are also releasing new products with trimmer waistlines in mind. These include Tango Sugar Free Strawberry Smash (eight cans cost £3.34 at Asda) and Pepsi's zero sugar Cream Soda flavour (eight cans costs £3.75 from Waitrose). Dr Jenna Vyas-Lee from Kove Minds clinic in Southwark, London, says: 'We get a hit of dopamine — the feel-good hormone — from trying new things. 'So, a new flavour of Coke speaks to that curious part of our brain. Feeding your curiosity by buying that item makes you feel good.' TIP: Tempted by an intriguing new flavour? Take a picture of it and add it to your shopping list for next week. Take time to think about whether you really want it, or if it's just an impulse buy. Nutritionist reveals which stars could be suffering from 'Ozempic face' & why some like Kelly Clarkson get away without 8 Heinz's new Tomato Ketchup Sweet Sriracha sauce is one of the flavour combinations being used to keep shoppers interested Credit: supplied 8 Tango is also creating new flavours, including their fresh Strawberry Smash drinks Credit: supplied SELLING FAT JABS SUPERMARKETS are finding new ways to cash in on the weight-loss trend. Asda and Morrisons are both selling fat jabs through online clinics. Asda is selling Wegovy injection doses from £118.98, while Morrisons is selling Mounjaro self-injectable pens from £129 a month. An investigation by Which? found buying from a registered pharmacy, like Asda, was safer than buying from unregulated online clinics where some fake versions of the drugs have been found for sale. TIP: Always speak to your GP before starting any new medication and only ever buy from registered pharmacies. 8 Asda and Morrisons are both selling fat jabs through online clinics. Credit: Alamy 8 Asda has even launched a new sportswear brand to try and tap into fitness-conscious customers Credit: supplied LAUNCHING FITNESS RANGES ASDA launched a new sportswear brand, Gym Locker, in January, to target fitness-conscious shoppers. Women's wear such as a sports bra and shorts start at £14. Men's wear starts at £12. While Aldi launched a budget Specialbuy fitness range in May, including a reformer pilates machine for £149.99, an £11.99 smart watch to track your steps and heart rate, and yoga mats for £5.99. Lidl launched a high protein product range on TikTok shop in February. The £5 bundles on offer included 500g packs of protein powder and protein pancake mixes. CREATING SPECIAL OCCASIONS SUPERMARKETS launch huge product promotions for Christmas, Valentine's Day and Easter. Now, they're finding new ways to encourage us to buy all year round. Asda is advertising a Summer Vibes promotion for picnics, barbecues and 'summer breakfast' products. Top picks include Birds Eye 12 Chicken Dippers for £2.48. But not on the list is its own-brand Just Essentials 20 breaded chicken nuggets at £1.10, a saving of £1.38. Tesco is pushing a Summer Essentials range, including a bistro set of two chairs and a table for £112.99 (pictured). The same set is available at Robert Dyas for £87.99, a saving of £25. Presenting products as a theme encourages us to buy more, said Patrick Young from research consultancy PRS In Vivo: 'It makes shoppers want to buy all the things they need to create that sense of occasion.' TIP: Always go shopping armed with a list so you are less likely to be swayed by marketing. PLAYING LAYOUT MIND GAMES WE'RE all guilty from time to time of walking away with goodies that weren't on our shopping list. But did you know supermarkets are constantly trying to get us to overspend using secret tactics? Shops invest heavily in 'space planning', where the store layouts are designed to get customers spending more. Techniques to catch our eye include putting stickers on the floor or signs around the shelves to highlight a new product or special offers. Brands in particular are jostling to get store customers' eyeballs on their goods — research shows shoppers ignore 80 per cent of products within two seconds of looking. Brands will therefore do deals with supermarkets to position their items in the best places along aisles. 'There is a lot of competition between brands on the supermarket shelf, it's an arms race,' said Young, adding: 'People tend to look in the middle and slightly down, so products at the top of the shelves could be better value.' Another super-sneaky tactic brands are using is to super-size packaging so products stand out more on shelves. TIP: Look at the top and bottom shelves to check for cheaper options. Always compare the price per gram on the label, instead of just looking at the item's price. This is the best way of seeing which products offer the best value for money. 8 Time limited deals are being used to try and create a sense of urgency for supermarket customers Credit: Morrisons RUNNING FOMO DEALS ANOTHER effective tactic stores use is putting time-limits on deals, for example Morrisons' When It's Gone It's Gone deals. 'This creates a sense of scarcity [the fear something could run out] and people also don't want to miss a chance to get value for money,' said Young. Shoppers may feel like they need to rush into buying deals, even when they are not actually great value. Nearly nine out of ten UK adults spend on non-essential little luxuries every month, including takeaway coffees or buying a drink or meal for a friend, according to research by Chase Bank. TIP: 'A good deal is only a good deal if you need it,' said Dr Vyas-Lee. If the product is something you buy regularly, such as toilet roll, it makes sense to pick up a two-for-one deal. But if it is a one-off purchase, you could be wasting your money. All prices correct at time of publication Gas boost for needy BRITISH GAS ENERGY TRUST has reopened its Individuals and Families Fund. It offers up to £1,700 to those struggling with energy debt, regardless of their supplier. Last year it helped 1,800 households, writing off £839,000 in debt. Boss Jessica Taplin said: 'This fund will help those who need it most get on stable ground and keep their homes and families warm and safe.' Grit-ish airways BRITISH AIRWAYS has reported a bumper 48 per cent rise in operating profits to £824million for the first half of the year. It comes despite a £40million hit from Heathrow's temporary closure in March due to a substation fire. 8 British Airways reported a bumper 48 per cent rise in operating profits for the first half of the year Credit: Getty The buoyant airline ramped up its flight programme, increasing capacity by 2.1 per cent and boosting revenues. Parent company International Airlines Group (IAG), which also owns Aer Lingus, Iberia, and Vueling, saw earnings jump 43.5 per cent to £1.88billion, with pre-tax profits climbing to £1.75billion. Meanwhile, the debate over Heathrow's third runway intensified yesterday as IAG backed rival proposals from hotel tycoon Surinder Arora and Heathrow's owners, calling both 'credible.' However, IAG boss Luis Gallego said: 'We only want to build something affordable that'll allow everybody to have more passengers, but they don't have to pay the level they are paying today.' Arora's £25billion plan for a shorter, 2,800-metre runway aims to avoid costly diversions of the M25 but does not include redevelopment of the central terminal area. Heathrow favours a full-length, 3,500-metre runway to maximise operational flexibility. It would cost £21billion, with its full expansion plan — including terminals and infrastructure — estimated at £49billion. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander will assess the competing plans this summer. Homes rise HOUSE prices rose by 0.6 per cent in July, reversing a 0.9 per cent drop in June, according to Nationwide. Annual growth climbed to 2.4 per cent, with the average home now priced at £272,664. With the Bank of England expected to cut interest rates next week, the housing market could see a fresh boost in activity in the months ahead. Mark Harris, boss of mortgage broker SPF Private Clients, said: 'We could be in for a busy autumn. Lenders continue to trim mortgage rates.' Fall slows THE downturn in UK factory production eased slightly again last month as the sector posted its strongest performance for half a year. The S&P GLOBAL UK manufacturing PMI rose to 48.0 from 47.7, signalling a slower decline — but it was still below the growth threshold of 50. Manufacturers blamed weak domestic and export demand, higher labour costs, and geopolitical pressures. Meanwhile, rising staff costs resulted in July being the ninth consecutive month of falling employment. Phone scams do a number on you By Lucy Andrews BEING targeted by a scammer can be a worrying experience. But has a fraudster ever pretended to be YOU to trick people out of their cash? That's exactly what happened to me, when I discovered my phone number had been 'spoofed'. It's a horrible form of identity fraud and a cunning way for con artists to attempt to steal money from unsuspecting victims, as the number appears to be from a trusted source. It all began six months ago, when I started getting mysterious phone calls from strangers claiming they had received missed calls from me. But when I checked my call log each time, I could see that I never phoned them. I would tell the caller that they made a mistake, and hang up. I was suspicious that these were scammers trying to lure me into handing over money in some way, so I made sure to block the numbers after I ended the phone calls. That was until last week, when I received a WhatsApp from a lady I didn't know. 'Hello, did you call me?' the text read. She sent a screenshot of her call log – and surprisingly, my phone number was at the top of the list. I asked my phone company, ID Mobile, what had happened. It said my phone number appears to have been spoofed. I paid £25 to change my number, as it made me feel sick thinking scammers were pretending to be me. Spoofing is becoming a big problem. The telecoms regulator, Ofcom, is so concerned about the growing threat that it launched a consultation last year on how to address the issue. It said a call from a spoofed number could appear more trustworthy, and 'victims are more likely to share personal information'. Worryingly, phone companies can't do a lot about spoofing, but you can take steps to prevent it happening. Be wary of who you share your number with. Most website forms will ask for it, but you don't always need to give your number away.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'I tried new 7UP Pink Lemonade flavour and was left surprised by one thing'
Social News Assistant Editor Samantha Bartlett decided to try out the new 7UP Pink Lemonade flavour which people have been talking about online to see what it was like There's nothing much more exciting to food and drink lovers than a fresh flavour of your favourite snack or beverage, such as the new Starbucks flavour spotted at Sainsbury's. That's why I was pleased when I managed to get my hands on a bottle of the recently released 7UP Pink Lemonade flavour – but did it live up to my expectations? The 7UP Pink Lemonade is the latest zero-sugar addition to the 7UP range that's apparently "tailor-made for sun-soaked afternoons".It's a blend of zesty lemon, lime and raspberry, and is designed to be served straight from the fridge, poured over ice, or used as a vibrant mixer in summer cocktails and mocktails. I decided to try it just on its own on my lunch break and I was very pleasantly surprised by how light and fruity it was. Some pink lemonades can often be too sharp or sweet, but this was the perfect blend and slipped down a treat, especially in this hot weather we've been having. It's also a great alternative for those trying not to drink Cola-Cola or Diet Coke, as it's caffeine-free. There's also no preservatives and no artificial colourings in it, which can only be a good thing of course. People online have also been loving the flavour, with the popular @greedysisterz_review_snacks Instagram account branding it "refreshing" and "perfect for a sunny day". One follower of the account admitted they also "loved" the drink, while another added: "It's so refreshing". Meanwhile, fellow Instagram account @soft_drinks_worldwide also was a fan, writing: "This 7-Up is a little sweeter than most pink lemonades I've had, which balances the sharp citrus's taste well. "All in all, pretty good drink, and always nice to see new flavours added to the UK market. I hope this one stays." Ben Parker, VP Sales – Off Trade, Carlsberg Britvic, said: '7UP Pink Lemonade represents a fresh twist for what is such a popular brand. "As one of the largest brands in the fruit-flavoured carbonates retail space, bringing in £77 million in Retail Sales Value, it presents an exciting opportunity for consumers and retailers. "We want to continue growing the category with exciting innovation, offering a drink that not only delivers on taste but also visually stands out on shelves to catch the eye of shoppers. He added: "We really look forward to seeing consumers trying the product and retailers and stockists benefiting from a launch that creates a buzz in the soft drinks space.' 7UP Pink Lemonade is available for shoppers to buy at Sainsbury's, Tesco, Amazon and Ocado with plans to roll out to additional retailers soon.
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
Asda knocks 30% off ‘very flattering' boho summer dress that was already an ‘absolute bargain'
SHOPPERS are in love with an an on-trend mini dress in Asda - and it's only £15. George is the supermarket's in-house fashion label and regularly delights fashion fans with its stylish buys at bargain prices. Recently, it's a sweet white broderie dress that is grabbing the attention of savvy shoppers. Its scalloped edges and embroidered design make this bargain dress look way more expensive than its original £22 pricetag - never mind its now £15 cost. It can be paired with flats or chunky sandals for a daytime look or dressed up with wedges and jewellery for the perfect holiday evening wear. So if you're in need of a versatile piece, then this is the one for you. The white, short-sleeved mini dress is available in store and online, and comes in sizes 8 to 24. It's flattering style is made from 'lovely material' and is a 'great fit', according to buyers. And delighted shoppers have already been gushing about the pretty summer frock which they have hailed a star purchase. One said: "This dress is gorgeous. I can't wait to wear it for a night out on my jollies. "It's lovely cotton material and looks very classy on. Dress up with low heeled sandal or down with pumps. Added bonus I had it at sale price." Another five star review read: "Bought for holidays and really happy with this dress. Nice quality and looks good on." Fashion fans are running to Asda for 'amazing value' holiday jewellery - including must-have £3.50 claw clips And a third raved: "Amazing quality. Great value. Looks very pretty." Meanwhile, a fourth said: "This dress is just so cute and will be worn a few time this summer. "True size 10, sits just above the knee. Very flattering and an absolute bargain." Elsewhere in store, shoppers are going wild for a £20 floral dress in that's "perfect in every way" and has you sorted for holiday or weddings. Is supermarket fashion the new high street? DEPUTY Fashion Editor Abby McHale weighs in: The supermarkets have really upped their game when it comes to their fashion lines. These days, as you head in to do your weekly food shop you can also pick up a selection of purse-friendly, stylish pieces for all the family. Tesco has just announced a 0.7 per cent increase in the quarter thanks to a 'strong growth in clothing' and M&S has earnt the title of the number one destination for womenswear on the high street. Asda's clothing line George has made £1.5 million for the supermarket in 2023, 80 per cent of Sainsbury's clothes sold at full price rather than discounted and Nutmeg at Morrisons sales are also up 2 per cent in the past year. So what is it about supermarket fashion that is becoming so successful? Apart from the clothing actually being affordable, it's good quality too - with many being part of schemes such as the Better Cotton Initiative. A lot of the time they keep to classic pieces that they know will last the customer year after year. Plus because they buy so much stock they can turn around pieces quickly and buy for cheaper because of the volumes.
