Chicken sausages triumph in taste comparison with pork and meat-free options

In a taste test comparing Richmond Meat-Free, Tesco Finest Pork, and Heck Chicken Chipolatas, the chicken sausages emerged as the clear winner, surprising even the most seasoned sausage enthusiasts.

The humble sausage is a beloved breakfast staple in Britain, enjoyed in various forms from sandwiches to full English breakfasts. With a wide range of varieties catering to different dietary needs, sausages remain a versatile and popular choice. Having previously followed a plant-based diet, I decided to put several popular sausage options to the test to determine which truly deserves the crown.

I visited my local Tesco to gather samples of pork, chicken, and veggie sausages, aiming to compare all three and find a clear winner. A succulent texture and a decent herby flavor were the key criteria. I selected the Heck Chicken Chipolatas, priced at £3.25 for eight, alongside the Tesco Finest Pork Sausages at £3.30.

There was a promotion running where Clubcard holders could pick up two packs of these for £5. For old times’ sake, I also grabbed the Richmond Meat-Free Sausages, which came in considerably cheaper at £2.40 for a pack of eight.

The meat-free contender

Although I cooked all three sausages simultaneously in the air fryer at 180C for 17 minutes, it was the meat-free option I chose to try first. I remember when these first appeared on shelves, and they were an absolute game-changer in the vegan world. The texture was unlike anything else available at the time, which was often stodgy, crumbly, and vegetable-based rather than a mock meat like the Richmond ones.

However, the meat-free sausages were a disappointment. Whether the recipe has been altered I’m not sure, but they simply don’t taste anywhere near as good as they once did. They looked oddly shaped and lumpy before even going into the air fryer, and while they emerged a satisfyingly golden-brown color, this turned out to be misleading as the taste left a lot to be desired. They were dry, crumbly, and overwhelmingly artificial in flavor. I recalled them having a decent bite and juiciness, but on this occasion, the texture was mushy and unpleasant.

Despite eating meat nowadays, I still enjoy vegan food—but not this. I could barely manage to finish it. Regrettably, this will likely be the last time I purchase these, which is a shame given what an enthusiastic fan I once was.

The pork contender

Next came the pork sausage, which was undoubtedly the most appetizing-looking of the three. Thick, juicy, and perfectly browned in the air fryer, I was eager to tuck in. The meat was genuinely succulent and flavorful, with a pleasant peppery kick. However, I felt really queasy immediately after eating it. It was very fatty and greasy—while that’s only to be expected from a processed meat product, it wasn’t something I particularly enjoyed.

Upon checking the label, I noticed a considerable number of added ingredients and stabilizers. This is another product that has recently undergone a recipe change, and Tesco shoppers aren’t happy. They showed promise for a brief moment, but unfortunately, that was as good as it got. They were also the priciest option, with only six in a pack, so I’d be unlikely to pick these up again.

The chicken contender

Finally, it was time to put the chicken sausage to the test. Visually, this was by far the least appealing—appearing pale and unevenly cooked in comparison to the pork and veggie options, despite spending an identical amount of time in the air fryer. Appearances can be deceptive, however, and this was certainly the case here. This chicken chipolata was comfortably the tastiest of the three, offering a wonderfully firm yet juicy texture and a savory chicken flavor that felt quite fresh and clean.

After the unpleasant pork experience, this was a welcome change. Being considerably lower in fat goes some way to explaining why they tasted so much healthier, making them an excellent choice for anyone keeping a close eye on their diet. What’s more, these sausages seem to be even more versatile. The Heck website features an array of mouth-watering recipes, ranging from chicken and chili jam sausage rolls to red pesto and chicken sausage flatbreads, all of which are well worth trying out.

Don’t be deterred by their underwhelming appearance—when it came to the taste test, the chicken sausages came out as the undisputed winner.