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The Guardian
an hour ago
- General
- The Guardian
‘An absolute steal': supermarket croissants, tasted and rated by Felicity Cloake
Until the age of almost 30, I was largely indifferent to croissants, primarily because, despite all the time I'd spent in France, I'd tried a squashy industrial example sometime in the 1990s and decided they weren't worth the effort. When I finally tasted a croissant fresh from a bakery, out of politeness more than anything else, the flakes fell from my eyes, and a love affair was born. Since then, I've made up for lost time – in fact, I wrote an entire book based around the idea of cycling across France rating croissants, and judged the inaugural Isigny Sainte-Mère Best Croissant Competition UK. But I still steer clear of the supermarket variety wherever I am in the world, so this tasting was a baptism of fire for me. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. My usual croissant-judging system, out of 10, has had to be adapted for the Filter's rating system, but the criteria remain the same: I place little weight on appearance, because some of the flabbiest, most disappointing-looking croissants I've encountered have been the most delicious and, conversely, some perfect-looking beauties have turned out to taste of nothing. Personally, I favour an all-butter croissant, because I like them to taste of butter, and preferably that slightly sweet French butter; if you have to add more on top, or indeed jam, cheese, or Nutella, they've not used enough in the dough. Ideally, the little paper bag should be translucent with grease by the time you get it to the cafe seat where you intend to demolish it in the company of a cafe creme. That said, I'm not averse to the slightly more savoury, bready British style, either, so long as it's done well. Texture-wise, though, I'm aware that a technically perfect croissant should be made up of many airy layers of pastry; I prefer them a little squidgy in the middle and shatteringly crisp at the ends and underneath. After all, if a croissant doesn't leave you covered in buttery crumbs, you're doing it wrong. Not that I'm fussy, of course. £1.30 each in store★★★★★ I'm always a bit suspicious of big croissants – what are they trying to make up for? – but I can see the flakes coming off this one as I remove it from the bag. It's even authentically squashed, as if put in there warm from the oven. Shatteringly crisp ends, lovely, damp, elastic crumb and a savoury, even salty flavour that seems to be characteristic of British croissants. It doesn't taste French, but it is delicious – I'd definitely buy this again. 59p each in store ★★★★☆ A clumsily large croissant with a mildly off-putting matt finish, like a pair of American tan tights, but a prime example of how you should never judge by appearances, particularly when it comes to pastry. Inside lurk some very respectable layers and a decent, if fairly neutral buttery flavour. It's also an absolute steal. £1.30 each★★★★☆ If I'd been told there was a French interloper here, I'd have picked out this glossy, handsomely layered chap as the most likely candidate. It's a bit dry inside, sadly, but it has excellent lamination and they've nailed that authentically French flavour, with the delicate sweetness of good unsalted butter. £1.75 for two★★★★☆ This one has a spray tan worthy of Love Island (I suspect egg wash), and though it has lost a bit of definition in the oven, a few layers are evident on the outside. Unfortunately, I cut it in half to discover an enormous hole in the middle, which feels like a technical fault or a swizz, because what I can taste is actually really rather good. Faintly sweet and subtly buttery, with crunchy, if dry ends, and what remains of an elastic interior. Feels like it has potential, hence the charitable rating. £1 each in store ★★★☆☆ A medium croissant, with a pleasant colour and a classic, flaky appearance. It's not bad at all texture-wise – the ends are delicious and a few layers are evident in the middle – but it's a bit dull and could do with a pinch of salt. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion £1.75 for two★★★☆☆ Looks a bit deflated, with a dull finish and not much in the way of layering visible. The flavour actually isn't bad – slightly yeasty and sweet – but the insides are fluffy like a bloomer, rather than rich and springy. Not unpleasant, you understand; just not what I look for in a croissant. £2.38 for four★★★☆☆ Another one to have been given an egg wash glow-up, though I won't hold it against it, because it wears it well, with decent definition and an airy, honeycomb centre. That said, 'exceptional' might be a little hubristic to describe this fluffy, inoffensively bland number. 59p each in store ★★☆☆☆ A nice-looking, golden brown pastry (if rather solid, like a toy croissant). There are some promising-looking layers on the outside that don't translate into much in the way of lamination in the middle, and it has an odd, pronounced, sweet yeasty flavour that reminds me slightly of rooibos tea. Unfortunately, I don't like rooibos tea. 50p each in store ★★☆☆☆ A small croissant, which is not necessarily a criticism; if it contains enough butter, small can be perfectly formed. I don't doubt some has been involved in the manufacturing process, but sadly I can't detect it in the finished product. The ends are so dry I have to reach for a glass of water, while the middle is bready, with a faintly sweet, but fairly neutral flavour. Butter and jam would be required to eat a whole one. £2.25 for six at Tesco£2.25 for six at Waitrose★☆☆☆☆ All the definition of a croissant emoji, but none of the colour, this reminds me of a runty version of a croissant-shaped dog toy I used to keep finding in my bed. No layers, just soft, chewy dough with a weirdly caramelised flavour. Tastes long-life, processed and unpleasant – I don't get the point of these, sorry. They remind me of something you might be given for breakfast on a long-haul flight, right down to the individual plastic wrapping.
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Lidl launches brand new bakery menu item that shoppers are going mad for
LIDL has launched a new bakery item and shoppers are going wild. The German discounter's Strawberries & Cream Blondie is now available in stores for 89p per slice. 1 The treat comes with a classic vanilla and butter Blondie base and is topped with white frosting. Shoppers were stunned to see the item on shelves, with one saying they "need it". Another fan simply commented "oh my days" after spotting the item back again. While a third said they just tried the delight and it tasted "amazing". And another eager customer said: "Take my money." But others weren't so impressed with the snack, with one shopper saying it looked like "lard". The product is new to Lidl stores, but some shoppers may have confused it with it's Eton Mess Blondie. The former treat, which was topped with meringue pieces, was sold seasonally last summer and is no longer available in stores. If you are keen to try Lidl 's snack you will need to head to one its 980 stores across the UK. That is because the bargain supermarket does not offer home delivery on any of its products, including food. You can find your nearest Lidl by visiting, Shoppers race to M&S as one of their best selling items which is a mum-essential viral are scanning for just 63 PENCE Strawberries and cream appears to be a popular flavour this summer, with M&S also launching a similar flavour snack. The posh grocer has taken inspiration from a viral Japanese trend and launched the Red Diamond Strawberry & Crème Sandwich. The £2.80 luxury sandwich comes packed with strawberries and a whipped cream cheese filling, all hugged between slices of sweet bread. M&S said: 'With our exclusive Red Diamond Strawberries at their juiciest best, the time has finally come to create the ultimate strawberries and crème experience.' M&S reckons it's perfect for everything from alfresco lunches, Wimbledon snacking, afternoon tea, or even just a sweet pick-me-up. How can I save money when shopping at Lidl? Lidl reduces items at the start of the day and the best deals can be found between 7am to 8am, when most stores open. Shoppers can often find cooked meats, salmon fillets and breads reduced by 30% or more. Not only does Lidl have its own range of reasonably priced alcohol, it also has its own knock-offs of branded favourites – so say cheers to its bargain boozees. Everyone knows about the "Middle of Lidl" – it's here where you'll find a load of random stuff that you didn't realise you needed, at decent prices. But if you are hoping to avoid spending more than you planned, you can check what will be in the "Middle of Lidl" on the supermarket's website in advance. The Middle of Lidl is refreshed every Thursday and Sunday. How to bag a bargain SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain… Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with. Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks. Sales are when you can pick up a real steal. Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on. Sign up to mailing lists and you'll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use and are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer. Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping. Bargain hunters can also use B&M's scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out. And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you'll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Costco's 'Soft and Velvety' New Dessert is Just a 'Shrunken Down' Version of This Fan-Favorite Item: 'What Took Them So Long?'
Costco's 'Soft and Velvety' New Dessert is Just a 'Shrunken Down' Version of This Fan-Favorite Item: 'What Took Them So Long?' originally appeared on Parade. Planning a trip to Costco? May the odds (and your willpower) be ever in your favor. Because if you so much as glance in the direction of the bakery section, it's over. And while summer might have you on your best diet behavior, Costco clearly has other plans. According to a post shared by @costcohotfinds, bakery departments in select regions have finally transformed Costco's fan-favorite Baked Cakes into a long-awaited cupcake offering. And if you're already familiar with the soft, moist, perfectly sweet magic of those beloved Baked Cakes, this 12-count cupcake situation is right up your aisle. 😋😋🍳🍔 'The Costco bakery makes the best cakes and these are no exception,' Laura captioned her post. And by the looks of the cupcakes on display in her video, we are obligated to for a cool $8.99, fans can grab a dozen of either Chocolate with Chocolate Buttercream or White Cake with White Buttercream — both topped with festive confetti sprinkles and perfect for your next friends-and-family get-together. 'Oh my goodness, they haven't had these in soooo long,' one fan wrote in disbelief. 'About time,' another added, while a third chimed in, 'We use this cake for every occasion.' To that, Laura responded, 'I come up with excuses to buy it!' When it comes to cupcakes, the urge to devour is real. Costco knows it, we know it and our weekly snack budgets will pay the price because of it. To sweeten the deal even more, it's a win for fans who have been pleading for cupcakes to make a comeback. Well, my friends — that day has finally 'Soft and Velvety' New Dessert is Just a 'Shrunken Down' Version of This Fan-Favorite Item: 'What Took Them So Long?' first appeared on Parade on Jun 22, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Taipan bakery closure in Hong Kong again emphasises need for businesses to adapt
The closure of well-known bakery chain Taipan Bread & Cakes, after 41 years in business, is the latest blow to Hong Kong's struggling food and beverage sector. There had been signs all was not well, so the company's demise is not a complete surprise. Three branches at MTR stations had already shut, and the usual mid-June recruitment of staff to make and package mooncakes did not materialise. But the loss of the bakery, which pioneered the production of 'snow skin' mooncakes in 1989, will be lamented by loyal customers and staff who stayed with it until the end. It was recognised as one of the city's top brands by the Hong Kong Brand Development Council. The company was, however, drawn into controversy in 2019 when the founder's son, Garic Kwok, then a director, posted criticism of the police on social media during anti-government protests. This in turn drew criticism from state media and a backlash from mainland consumers. Taipan products were removed from supermarket shelves and online retail platforms. Kwok deleted the posts and apologised. The company distanced itself from his actions, but the damage was done. The bakery was sold in 2021. This did not prevent its eventual decline. Now, the priority is to ensure Taipan employees receive their outstanding pay and other entitlements. The company is estimated to have debts of more than HK$38 million and recently stopped paying wages or making Mandatory Provident Fund contributions.
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Woman steals more than £110k from Looe family bakery
A former bakery manager who stole more than £110,000 from a small family-run Cornish bakery has been handed a suspended jail Horsfield, 55, took money from Looe Bakery, Looe, across an eight-year period, Truro Crown Court heard. Jurors were told the thefts nearly put the bakery out of of Eddystone Walk, St Martin, Looe, was jailed for two years, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid Malcolm Gibney said her actions were a "glaring breach of trust". Prosecutor Ramsay Quaife said grandmother Horsfield had been a friend of the bakery owner, Tonia Lewis. However, Ms Lewis had suspicions about the books and watched CCTV and caught Horsfield taking money from the till. 'Bare greed' Rupert Taylor, defending, said: "She is ashamed at what she has done. Everyone in the small town where she lives knows she is a thief. "It has ruined her life but she has no one to blame but herself."Mr Taylor added Horsfield was "bemused" at her own "bare greed".Mr Gibney said Horsfield had been struggling financially and had "helped herself out of the till" over many said: "Everyone knows you are a thief. It became too easy." Horsfield admitted theft by an employee to the value of £111,296 belonging to Looe bakery between January 2014 and February 2022.A Proceeds of Crime hearing will be held at a later date and the court heard Horsfield, now working as a cleaner, has paid back £1,700 so defendant, who has no previous convictions, claimed she had stolen £71,000 but the court accepted it was more than £100,000.
