Tested by We love a barbecue come rain or shine (which is good, because we usually have to contend with both!). So, our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute dusted off the grill and got busy tasting over 200 products – across 12 categories – from supermarkets and independent retailers to bring you the very best for your summer spread.
As well as the best burgers, sausages and all-important sauces, we’ve also tested delicious meat-free alternatives and even a few oven-cooked summer specials for when the weather isn’t quite playing ball. All so you can spend less time shopping and more time chilling. Aperol Spritz optional.
Read on for more BBQ taste tests: Best burgers | Best ribs | Best sausages | Best kebabs | Best BBQ chicken | Best steak | Best meat-free burgers | Best meat-free sausages | Best hot sauce | Best ice cream | Best summer food launches
But who came out on top? Well, it was a good year for the Co-op, which is the place to go for winning ribs, meat-free burgers and summer sharing bags of crisps. Premium supermarket Waitrose was another standout performer, taking home wins for its steak and BBQ sauce.
Meanwhile, Lidl came out as the top destination if you’re shopping on a budget, winning our “Best Value” title across the ribs, sausages, crisps and veggie sausage categories.
Ready to fire up the grill?
The winners of the GHI's BBQ Taste Test 2025
Best burger
From budget-friendly favourites to innovative flavour combos, our panel sampled 42 different burgers to bring you the best for your bun.
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Dry Aged Aberdeen Angus Beef Burgers 340g
Score: 90/100
Score: 84/100
Score: 73/100
Read on for our full list of the best burgers.
Best sausages
Our panel took on the ultimate sausage taste test, trying 14 bangers to find the top dog.
Score: 82/100
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Applewood Smoked Slow Cooked Pork Sausages 400g
Score: 80/100
Score: 78/100
Read on for our full list of the best sausages.
Best kebabs
From creamy halloumi to moreish spicy koftas, we tried 19 kebabs – across every category, including chicken, pork, beef, lamb, veggie and vegan – to find the best for your barbecue.
Score: 85/100
Score: 82/100
Score: 76/100
Read on for our full list of the best kebabs.
Best ribs
Take your inspiration from the US and put juicy ribs on the menu this summer. Our tasting panel sampled 18 sweet and sticky ribs to find the best.
Score: 85/100
Score: 83/100
Score: 73/100
Read on for our full list of the best ribs.
Best chicken
Whether you prefer spicy wings or a juicy marinated mini fillet, chicken is a versatile main that deserves a seat at the barbecue table. Our experts tried 14 different options.
Score: 86/100
Waitrose Middle Eastern Inspired Chicken Thighs with Amba Sauce 635g
Score: 83/100
Score: 70/100
Read on for our full list of the best BBQ chicken.
Best steak
Elevate your alfresco feast (or any special occasion) with these expert-approved steaks – from lean fillet to tasty ribeye.
Score: 89/100
Score: 88/100
Score: 74/100
Read on for our full list of the best steak.
Best new summer launches
From treacle beef brisket to vegan pulled pork, these are the best new summer food launches your guests will love.
Score: 88/100
Score: 87/100
Score: 82/100
Read on for our full list of the best summer food launches.
Best meat-free burgers
Our tasting panel fired up the grill to cook an impressive line-up of veggie and vegan burgers (22 in total) from the leading supermarkets and pioneering plant-based brands. These are the ones that were love at first bite.
Score: 83/100
Score: 81/100
Score: 74/100
Read on for our full list of the best vegetarian and vegan burgers.
Best meat-free sausages
We tried 19 vegetarian and vegan sausages, but only the ones with the most pleasing texture, convincing plant-based skin and delicious herbs and seasoning made it into our line-up.
Score: 89/100
Score: 83/100
Score: 73/100
Read on for our full list of the best vegan and vegetarian sausages.
Best summer sauces
Condiments can bring a meal to life, adding that final flourish to your plate. These are the top sauces and dips to try this summer, according to our panel.
Score: 90/100
Score: 89/100
Score: 85/100
Read on for our full list of the best hot sauces.
Best sharing crisps
Get the party started with our experts’ favourite sharing bags for summer. Serve with a refreshing aperitif – cheers!
Score: 86/100
Score: 78/100
Tyrrells Furrows Beef Brisket & Black Peppercorn Sharing Crisps 150g
Score: 78/100
Best ice cream
From family friendly fruity scoops to indulgent gelatos, we've found a summer flavour for every occasion.
Score: 82/100
Score: 79/100
ASDA Really Creamy Strawberry Sorbet & Cream Flavour Ice Cream 900ml
Score: 74/100
Read on for our full list the best ice cream.
Callum is our Food and Drink Testing Manager and has been part of the world of professional catering for 10 years, from cheffing to food manufacturing. While working in manufacturing he specialised in bespoke product and menu development for several start-ups and well-known brands such as Wrap It Up! and HOP Vietnamese. He holds the WSET Level 2 in wine, a Level 3 in spirits and has a particular interest in agave spirits.
Joanna Anastasiou is our Food and Drinks Tester, and has completed certifications in Sensory Foundation and WSET Wine Level 2 training. Prior to this she studied geography with conservation biology at the University of Exeter and trained at Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland. Through this she has developed a passion for sustainability within the food and agricultural sectors. Joanna also volunteers in kitchens with FoodCycle, as well as on multiple wildlife conservation projects, where she formed a particular love for bees!
Georgia has been part of the hospitality industry for the last nine years. Her starting point was the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu culinary school where she gained a Diplôme de Pâtisserie. She has worked at a number of well-known restaurants and bakeries including The Club at the Ivy and Ottolenghi, Notting Hill where she was the head pastry chef. Most recently, Georgia worked at The Clink Bakery inside HMP Brixton, which aims to reduce reoffending through teaching. She is an expert in all things baked goods and holds a WSET level 2 in wine.
