I tested all the supermarket prawn sandwiches – and the winner was an extra-special own brand version
WHILE the cost-of-living crisis has caused a lot of uncertainty, one thing we can agree on is that prawn mayo sandwiches reign supreme.
The tasty shellfish with creamy mayonnaise treat has been the top-selling packet sarnie for the past ten years.
Although the lunchtime favourite is based on just two main ingredients, the nation’s supermarkets have tried to put their own spin on it.
Here, James Liveris tests the best, with marks out of five.
Co-op prawn mayo on malted bread, £3
A MODEST sandwich that is most definitely good value for money.
The Co-op has opted for a fibre-enriched malted bread, which was a nice touch.
I was delighted to find the sauce was light and that there was a decent amount of prawn to go with it.
And with a price tag of just £3, I would say it is worth every penny.
Plus, with the certified MSC sustainable fishing ethics surrounding the catch, you can chomp away guilt-free.
What’s not to love?
Rating: 3.5/5
M&S prawn mayonnaise on soft malted brown bread, £4.25
THIS delightful sandwich is an absolute showstopper from the very first bite.
It is evenly weighted and embodies a perfect harmony between bread, sauce and prawn.
However, as comes with the brand, M&S’s version will cost hungry shoppers that little bit extra at £4.25.
The prawn is fresh, with no aftertaste or smell of the sea.
And the bread is thick, so no juice can seep through.
It’s a tempting treat that would not be out of place on a royal platter.
Rating: 4/5
Morrisons prawn mayo on oatmeal bread, £2.85
MORRISONS has done well with this buttery delight.
I personally feel the measurements of this sandwich are spot-on, with top marks for density.
The flavour of the prawn was a bit disappointing, however, and that put me off testing another one.
With a light slather of butter, the sauce hardly had to do any heavy lifting.
But unfortunately I would have to warn seafood virgins to tread with caution.
Rating: 3/5
Waitrose prawn mayo on oatmeal bread, £3.79
WORK has clearly gone into perfecting Waitrose’s creamy sauce, which gives this above-average marks.
I will be honest, though – the prawns taste as if they are fresh out of the trawler nets, which is not for everyone.
And the bread was a little soggy for my liking – which I don’t think many people would find pleasant.
Regardless, this is a safe and tasty option on a balmy summer’s day.
But with the price being on the steeper side, you may be better off window shopping.
Rating: 3/5
Tesco prawn mayonnaise on malted bread, £2.60
SITTING by the seaside with gulls chirping nearby is what you envision when you tuck into this sandwich.
It is the minimum amount of fuss with the maximum amount of flavour.
And what it lacks in presentation, Tesco makes up for with a mayo containing hints of pepper and lemon.
I was a bit apprehensive taking a bite, but ended up pleasantly surprised.
In fact, I’d say you could even pass these off as your own with the in-laws.
The perfect all-rounder.
Rating: 3.5/5
Aldi prawn mayonnaise on malted brown bread, £1.85
THIS is the cheapest prawn and mayo sarnie out there – but don’t let that put you off.
Its contents are wedged between two slices of tasty bread that provide the perfect balance for a rustic taste.
If pay day is out of sight, this is an Aldi meal that will get consumers through.
Admittedly, the shellfish texture is a tad chewy.
But it is nowhere near enough to stop you going back for more.
Quick and easy to digest, it would be a great pick-me-up in a labour-intensive job.
Rating: 3/5
Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference prawn mayo cocktail, £4
THIS would be my pick if I had a craving for a prawn and mayo-based flying lunch.
It may skew from the norm with a few extra ingredients, but it is extra-special.
Slices of white multi-seed bread envelop finely diced onion, crisp greens, meaty prawns and a fancy sauce.
This pricier option will leave you wanting more. And you know you’re getting a solid serving of protein and salad.
In fact, it is about as close to a home-made round as you can get.
Rating: 4.5/5