As the weather warms up and barbecues get dusted off, there’s one side dish that regularly makes its way onto British plates – coleslaw. Whether it’s scooped next to a burger, tucked into a jacket potato, or served alongside cold meats on a picnic, the creamy mix of cabbage, carrot and dressing is a summer staple. But not all supermarket tubs are created equal.
Twenty-two different coleslaws from leading UK supermarkets have been taste-tested to find the ultimate ready-made version. Flavour, texture, freshness and value for money were announced before the verdict.
In a taste test, a Telegraph reporter said the top spot went to Co-op Irresistible Coleslaw, which wowed tasters with its colourful mix of finely sliced vegetables and a subtle nuttiness, likely from the rapeseed oil in the dressing.
Chives added a gentle lift, making it “absolutely lovely with cold roast chicken,” according to the Telegraph. At £2.10 for a 300g tub (70p per 100g), it wasn’t the cheapest on the list but scored highest for taste and presentation.
In second place was Exceptional by Asda Classic Coleslaw, praised for its thick, creamy sauce and a “mustardy kick” that elevated the flavour.
A swirl of crème fraîche gave it an indulgent edge, making it a great partner for ham carved off the bone. Priced at £1.64 for 300g (55p per 100g), it offered strong value without compromising on quality.
Third place went to Morrisons The Best Yoghurt Coleslaw, notable for its striking pink hue; even the dressing had a rosy tint.
The taste was reportedly “fresh and tangy”, with a mild onion note, and it managed a creamy texture despite being the lowest in fat among the top contenders. It retailed at £2.50 for 300g (83p per 100g).
But, not every entry impressed. Asda’s budget coleslaw, at 98p for 300g, landed near the bottom of the rankings for what testers described as a “slimy” consistency and an “industrial” taste.
Tesco’s Finest Coleslaw also fared badly, ranked 21st, criticised for its limp, thinly cut cabbage and an overall uninspiring flavour reminiscent of “grim school dinner salads.”
The results make one thing clear – not all coleslaw is created equal.
From limp, uninspired cabbage in a thin dressing to tubs bursting with freshness and flavour, the gap between the worst and the best is wide.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, firing up the barbecue or just looking for the perfect topping for a jacket potato, it might be worth skipping the cheapest option and reaching for one that’s proven to deliver crunch, creaminess and a hint of something special.
