Cooking your own is always cheaper, but as a disabled person I am unable to do much real cooking right now, so these ready meals are a life saver. It’s good to know which is the tastiest and best value. I have a local Aldi, so I’ll definitely get one of their cottage pies in.
@@duckweedy you'd need to make multiples at the same time and freeze them for it to be the best economy. I used to put a shepards pie a lasagne and a fish pie in the oven all at the same time to keep the costs down.
I'm with you Gareth. Aldi was the best , followed by Tesco. Asda Essentials are offering inferior quality by comparison. The supermarkets are getting greedy by continually making profit from the population that are struggling financially. There seems to be no limit to the tactics being used, in order to make a few more pounds for their shareholders.
The prices keep going up and the quality and quantity lessen. They can't mask inflation anymore. They've pushed it as far as the can, so expect to see 'other meats' enter the processed food-chain soon.
Great to see your channel growing so much Gareth. Been watching since you were at a few hundred followers if I remember correctly. No messing...just great, straight to the point stuff. All the best.
Hi Gareth, glad you commented on the Asda just essentials prices , as its shocking its every week they sneak the prices up, seems a market thing to me , got everyone buying it now increasing prices ,
To be honest, mate, I don't think you'll make a cottage pie with butcher meat, decent veg and potatoes, as cheap as a supermarket ready meal, even at current quite outrageous prices. But - with quality ingredients - you WILL get a pie that isn't ... how can I put it ... CRAP!!! Doesn't even need to take that much longer, in terms of personal time. Tip for the really keen. Chop the taties small, so they're ready to mash in 10 minutes. DON'T stint on the butter - and bugger the doctors - these days I use garlic ghee. A tablespoon of Bailey's Irish Cream - most of it will cook off but you'll still get a hint. When the whole thing is in the oven, pull it out 5 minutes early, shred some parmesan over the top and put it back. You'll never touch supermarket crap again. And you won't want to swap your plate with King Charlie...
oooh garlic ghee! I agree with what you're saying to a fair extent, but you can be smart and make it economically better and food quality better. Takes smarts and a love for cooking. Bought Frozen meals are good to a point. Your own meals frozen are another subject
I enjoy your comparison videos, but feel you should include a more accurate price comparison when items vary in price. This is done by pricing by amount per unit weight (100g). Great work but watch the waste line!
@@Niclouyat 15+ years ago, my doctor gave me 2 years tops if I didn't mend my ways. 2 years later he was dead, in his mid-50s. I'm now 80 - not a well man by any stretch. But still alive enough to know there has to be more to my life than not being dead yet. If I'm afraid of anything these days, it's of finding myself under the wheels of a bus, thinking "Bugger - I could have that pork pie after all !"
Proper brew, that 👌 Had the tesco and aldi cottage pie many a time, when there's a yellow label on them 😉 cottage pie is one of those things that is always better homemade, better gravy and plenty of grated cheese on top before it goes in the oven
Oh thanks Elaine that's very kind of you. I went to France in Summer, I've got a France playlist, some videos of my time there if you would like to watch them, will be in my France playlist 👍👍
Your right about the Asda yellow range rising in price as when they first brought the cottage pie out it was £1.20 so has gone up by 25p in the last few months. The hands down winner is definitely the Aldi one for bang for the buck. Another great comparison Gaz 👍
Yes true but these are just for convenience. They're brilliant for work. Especially for me being a long distance lorry driver. I keep them in the truck fridge freezer, then bang them in the cab microwave a few minutes and its done. Beats paying extortionate prices at the services for cheap unhealthy crap like McDonald's and KFC.
@@matty6848 Exactly Matt, I was going to say something similar. All of these ready meals serve a purpose. My partner works continental shifts and night shift if he hasn't made food to bring in, he always has frozen ready meals as a back up. He says nicer and far cheaper than work canteen
Always keep the water that has cooked your potatoes and vegetables ,the potato water often has a thick paste that helps to naturally thicken your gravy. Sweet potatoes, carrots, swede and parsnips the liquid really flavours a meal especially if meat juices are added.
Hiya Gaz…is it wrong that I watch these then make my shopping list 🤣 I will be making cottage pie tmro😁 Thanks again for another down to earth & ace review - Happy Friday to you and yours xx
I've had the Tesco one and found it to be good my wife made cottage pie for tea tonight she uses ground skirt mince from the butcher's a real winter warmer and cheaper than buying two Tesco's
Good video. Just done my shopping at Aldi - Again prices have gone up. Bread now 79 p - doesn't seem 5 mins ago it was 39 p !!!! just basic stuff going up . 😳
I popped into Aldi earlier. The cheese you compared days ago has gone up 20p! Food inflation is getting silly, even at the best value shops. Keep it up, videos are getting better.
Great programme 👍 helping to Make the right choices when buying ready-made meals comparisons are to supermarkets are spot on thank you for being real xxx
Morning Gareth thank you for the cottage Pie revisited vlog, I haven't seen the original vlog yet but will watch in time. I have never bought cottage pie always make my own but looking forward to your test. Really enjoyed this vlog glad you liked the Tesco pie. Thank you
I think the Aldi ready meals are the best for quality. Check out their fish pie, it's lovely and has big chunks of fish. I rarely buy ready meals or processed but like to have days off making from scratch so I like to try out different ones.
I found that with the essential range. A couple of weeks ago a cheese and bacon quiche was £1.40. Next week £1 70! That's not much but still bad if you're on a budget
I prefer homemade, but for a quick meal I like the fresh Aldi family one for a fiver paired with some veggies, not full of gristle like most are. I put a bit of butter and white pepper on top of the mash near end of cooking, makes a tad bit of difference.
As I am on a low income , I am always looking for bargins/ Why I watch your reviews/saves me having to try out loads of stuff, (saving time and money. Thank You Garrth)👏 I have noticed a lot of Asda foods have no seasoning, no salt/seasoning lack taste, so you are correct.
TRIPLE PEEL-SEAL FAILURE !!! really do appreciate these videos mate cos I am skint and will happily walk to 3 different supermarkets to do my bit of shopping to get the cheapest things and save 3 or 4 quid and you test the stuff I'd usually get anyway so I really do appreciate the info.
Hey Gaz✌️not only was that super informative it was also hilarious mate😂😂I was in hysterics with the seal peal ordeal 😂 I'm exactly the same I'm glad I'm not the only one, you go have a lie down I feel your pain 😂great comparison 👍✌️(🍻🤔) ☕
just a wee tip gareth when ever i have a ready meal i follow the instructions for microwave cooking example 7 mins ect and then i transfer said meal to the airfryer for the final 5 mins and it gives the impression of being in the oven for 40 mins it is dependent on the size of your airfryer but i find the smaller size meals fit in my airfryer nicely saves a lot of time and energy keep up the good work mate
Hi Gareth, I noticed that you feature ASDA more amongst the big 4 supermarkets and I can see why. I bought all the long life ASDA Just essentials, Tesco Stockwell/Growers Choice and Sainsbury Hubbards Foodstore items for the local foodbanks and found the following: Sainsburys 20 items £13.49, Tesco 32 items £19.72, Asda 45 items £24.61. Asda should be congratulated.
Glad to hear you use the water from your peas in your gravy. I have always used the water from my mash potatoes in my gravy. It definitely adds to the flavour
I always use my vegetable water for gravy, that is how gravy used to be made years ago, but don't think many do these days. Its a shame as a lot of the vitamins end up in the water.
I use my pea water for my gravy as well 😂. Making my kid a nice homemade cottage pie tomorrow, this video has literally made me want to start cooking it now 😋
Asda are crafty with the just essentials prices, they started cheap on almost all the products to suck us in buying them, then of course they creep the price up once there selling well, can’t beat a homemade cottage pie, and can work out cheaper for a family, great review again mate
I can't bring myself to buy these ready meals with all the additives. I batch cook in a slow cooker,divide into portions and freeze. A batch of savoury mince and a pan full of mashed potato doesn't take long to prepare. But your comparisons are invaluable for people who not willing or unable to make their own
Hi Gareth ! A good cup of tea and some nice cottage pies, doesn't mince and mash go together? maybe with a sprinkle of cheese? Enjoy it when the underdog wins al the best John i
Such a cracking bloke 👍🏻. As I was watching this the mrs said if I wanted anything from the shop..I said yeah a cottage pie. Another helpful review mate Have a nice weekend
I like your videos mate. It's not scientific but just down to earth advice. I also think you care, you made me think about people on there own at Christmas. Keep up the good work. ✌️👍
The top two both looked nice. I do love a nice mash. But I hate a plain mince! Mince was used as a go to for every British mother in the 70's 80's and even in the 90's. When done right it is amazing.
Hi Gareth. There's enough cottages there to make a small village. A slightly longer video than average, but well worth the effort to compare the three cottage pies. Great review mate. I thoroughly enjoyed it, you made me laugh especially with the Seal Peel failures. Oh No, Oh No! 😂 I hope you don't lose any sleep over it. Cheers Gareth 👍🤤😂😂
Vegies are the staple for any pie gravy Onion celery and carrots but I have made cottage pie with sweet potato and potato mash 1/2 and half added frozen peas in there as well
Well ! ... We think alike ! I had Cottage Pie tonight but it was the Bisto version .... And, it wasn't bad. 12 mins in the Microwave and then 10 mins in a already hot Oven. Have to say I thought the Tesco one looked delicious before cooking. When cooked, the Gravy looked so rich and meaty. I'll try the Aldi one now next week. Great review, Gareth .... You didn't once Mince your words .... 😎😂😉👍👏
We are having aldi fresh cottage pie & veg for tea tomorrow Gareth ours is the bigger cottage pie it was £4 something just can't remember exactly it could have been £4.49 I always make my gravy with the vegetable water it does make lovely gravy, good review Gareth keep up the good work yeah the prices are rocketing in all the supermarkets
Just subscribed. Would you please include Lidl in your next comparison, if you can. We shop mainly @ Lidl & Aldi. Your Chanel very useful please keep up the good work. Christmas is coming, any Christmas special food items you want to compare would be interesting, last year my wife picked -up some Very Special Tesco Christmas festive food and we were not impressed. Over priced, over packaging no flavour. we would like to cook more from basic but with us both working full time, the convenience of cooking a ready made meal that is , tasty & value for money is a big hit with the family as you are aware. Reg Neil ps. I will ask the wife what she would like you to compare try and get back to you.
I like the longer videos Gareth. I personally like the Tesco Cottage Pie as the mince is bigger and it’s not very peppery. The Aldi one is ok but just a tad too much pepper for my taste. I tried the Bisto Pigs in Blankets gravy the other day, would be interesting to know what you think of it?
The store selection must have taken you a wee while based on your previous comments! The new (for me) usual sharp observations of weight, percentages, ingredients, and ease of the "seal & peel" tests have got to be a unique examination, invented and presented only by you! The progs. are compulsive, entertaining, and essential viewing, as there is nowt like this anywhere! I've never tried using my pee water but will give it a try and report back. Would you ever consider doing a live whisky comparison? You don't look like a boozer, but with a few of your soldier mates would be interesting to saddos like me! I will share your site with as many people as I know. Looking forward to Frki.18/11/22 at 8pm. Enuff smoke blowing from me, just a tad concerned with the cross-contamination mentioned! VBW x
I'm glad that you've never tried using your pee water, that would be disgusting! 😝 I would suggest that you try using your pea water though, as Gareth said, it helps to add pleasant sweeter flavour. 😋
Hi Gareth with the Asda essentials range price going up that's exactly what supermarkets do to get the custom. They introduce new products at a drop down price and actually sell at a loss at the beginning, then once they have enough people buying they're products they slowly increase the price in the hope that most won't notice. Most don't notice that the cottage pie they brought two weeks ago for £1.50 is now £1.60 and so on. I only know this because my cousin works in marketing for Morrisons and that's what all supermarkets do.
Cheers Matt, yes I've had a few managers from big supermarkets explaining the same thing. Never mind nothing we can do is there. Cheers mate, have a good weekend pal 👍👍
Yes, but with food price inflation now at around 14% (it's higher than the average inflation of 10.1%) prices are going up all the time. However, I see some products and wonder why they have gone up, too. I think some retailers are using inflation to justify some price increases where it isn't warranted. I was surprised to see the Just Essentials sausages have increased to £1.20, whereas the ASDA Farm Stores sausages a year ago were 80 pence. They were pretty much the forerunner of the JE sausages, just packaged differently now.
One thing i do is us an old order and import it as a current order, it can be shocking at the change pricing in just 4 weeks, bloody horrifying when using a 12 month old order the prices and the amount of items no longer even stocked, i read an article where it stated asda has slashed there range by about 40% in the past year favouring more profitable SKU's.
@@manoo422 I do so little shopping in Tesco nowadays that I hardly visit once in two weeks. The latest what I call a scam is the way Tesco highlights the Clubcard price in yellow, so that your eyes tend to be drawn to the lower price. You only realise your mistake at the till.
Hi Gareth, thanks for your review, I'm surprised you liked the aldi one best I will give it a try, just a suggestion but wouldn't you find it easier to put your phone down and position it, rather than holding it on a selfie stick? Then you would have both hands free to try the food, might make it easier for you, you probably wouldn't drop any then, only trying to help, thanks again 😉
New subscriber... I need to stop watching your videos when I'm hungry 😂 so many food cravings now... Think you're doing a fantastic job Gaz!! You're doing the work for us all and it's much appreciated! Thank you!!! ✨
You can get bags of frozen mashed potato, which I keep a stock of. I sometimes go to my nearest Tesco and check the ‘discounted items’ fridge and there is usually a tray or two of beef mince, or steak mince or lamb mince (nothing wrong with it, just has to be used immediately). Can get that for half price or more. So I can make a home made cottage/shepherds pie for about £2, which will also have any leftover veg in, and it’s gorgeous! I’d never go back to pre-made ones again…. Also, meat content of mine will always be over 50%! No contest, really.
I always have a bag of mash in my freezer. Saves a lot of time peeling,cooking etc. Aunty Bessie is the best and cheapest of them all. Maybe store bought meals are fine but thy don't taste like home mash. Enjoyed watching your show and will be back . Mollie.x
I'll choose the Aldi cottage pie next Tuesday - if it is actually in stock. I find more and more products are out of stock in Aldi, Tesco, and Lidl. Morrisons and ASDA are better with stock replenishment. For example, I wanted to try the Stockwells baked beans and sausages, but the local Tesco didn't have them.
@Richie Reports UK It's just that having watched Gareth's review of the Stockwells label, plus three others, I was keen to see for myself. I doubt they will equal Branstons. But I'll have to wait until I get to a large Tesco, because our local one, while bigger than an Express, is still tiny in comparison.
Hey, love this channel (just subscribed), I find it really interesting. Just as an observation as someone from Australia visiting the UK, I am astounded by how you guys here buy things like this. It all looks pretty gross to be honest. Went to Tesco last week and 2 whole aisles of this type of garbage in the chilled and frozen. People walking around with trolley full of it. How hard is it to peel potatoes and cook some meat folks? I even saw pre made mash and pre cut veg...why? Can't you Brits its cook or something? This stuff just doesn't get sold where I live, we make stuff from fresh ingredients. I have seen frozen lasagne in Australia and the odd frozen Chinese and we call them 'loser meals'. I love seeing what not to buy and total respect for you risking yourself all in the name of research. Surely heating all this stuff up in plastics and all the preservatives must be awful for you? Anyway good luck and thanks for the entertainment and research it's been a culture shock. 😀
Where I live the council "meals on wheels" service has been replaced by 2 different well known national companies. That deliver frozen meals. I tried them a few years ago, and found them much more expensive for about the same quality as a supermarket brand. For example one currently has a 400g cottage pie for £4.65. That includes peas, carrots and onion gravy.
There all jumping on the band wagon for putting prices up & just for the hell of it as they think we will still pay for it 🤔 great vid BFG keep up the great taste testing 👍
A lot of reds in the Aldi one. I make a huge cottage pie that can be portioned up into 8 individual meal size portions then freeze them, do the same when making Lasagne.
Hello. I had the asda one when it was smartprice and it was OK. But have to admit I haven't had an essential one. Thought you .ight like to know, I follow a lady who has the channel Root of Avalon. She is sharing about prepping, and food dehydration and storage. She said that you inspired her to try the asda essential range and she has recommended you to her viewers. Nice that another youtuber has acknowledged you 🙂🙂
Ta for doing these vids Gareth mate. They're always interesting, fun and helpful. And I love reading all the other comments from sort of other normal people. Sort of! 😉
Thankyou Gareth....another amusing post thanks,I always have a smile on my face watching you! I'm thinking Aldi must be in glee as the cost of living rises,they always seem to reach out with great deals.The "big guns" Asda,Tesco etc have so much debt to cover they may lose more market share as their costs rise due to interest rates increasing and passing that cost to customers?
i tried the cottage pie & your right its very bland but a bit of brown sauce sorted it right out ,i recently tried the just essentials beef steak £2,25 & it was spot on , done in the air fryer with chips & onion rings
That Tesco one looked lovely and rich, I'm sure I've had the Aldi one before but I wasn't overly impressed because I seem to recall that it was too bland for my liking 👍
I love cottage pie, Gareth! We actually call it shepherd's pie here in the US although it's made with beef and not lamb. Lamb isn't nearly as popular here as beef. Cottage Pie is an amazing dinner and comfort food, especially in winter
We have sheperds pie as well in the UK. The only difference between the two is cottage pie is made with Beef and sheperds pie is made with lamb meat. Basically the same dish but different meat.
Cottage pie is wonderful ,my go to comfort food .£3 for one is a lot though when you think you can make enough for 4 for around £5 .It's a lot of faff I know and of course takes longer to cook .It's a shame the Asda one isn't up to much since not everyone has the facilities ,inclination or physical ability to cook that sort of thing .Good to know Aldi's is at least still reasonable and worth eating .
Exceptional upload and strongly recommend watching **recommended* 👏🏻👏🏻 Well,cottage me pied 😁👌👌 Out of the three it’s only the smart price I’ve had. After seeing and hearing about the other two,,I’d definitely be on to it. Thanks gar ,a lot
Cooking your own is always cheaper, but as a disabled person I am unable to do much real cooking right now, so these ready meals are a life saver. It’s good to know which is the tastiest and best value. I have a local Aldi, so I’ll definitely get one of their cottage pies in.
Yes can't beat homemade
@@BaldFoodieGuy Of course now have to consider energy costs if you make your own. Is it cheaper taking energy costs into account?
@@duckweedy you'd need to make multiples at the same time and freeze them for it to be the best economy. I used to put a shepards pie a lasagne and a fish pie in the oven all at the same time to keep the costs down.
Iceland mince hotpot or lasagne, quite nice and not silly money.
Prices are going up at a alarming rate. Even better reason to watch your reviews. Much appreciated.
Much appreciated
Tom come to Australia, food is twice the UK costs. One of those cottage pies would cost you 3 quid here.
I'm with you Gareth. Aldi was the best , followed by Tesco. Asda Essentials are offering inferior quality by comparison. The supermarkets are getting greedy by continually making profit from the population that are struggling financially. There seems to be no limit to the tactics being used, in order to make a few more pounds for their shareholders.
cheers Terry
The prices keep going up and the quality and quantity lessen. They can't mask inflation anymore. They've pushed it as far as the can, so expect to see 'other meats' enter the processed food-chain soon.
I love Aldi food hate tescos
Great to see your channel growing so much Gareth. Been watching since you were at a few hundred followers if I remember correctly. No messing...just great, straight to the point stuff. All the best.
Thank you pal
Hi Gareth, glad you commented on the Asda just essentials prices , as its shocking its every week they sneak the prices up, seems a market thing to me , got everyone buying it now increasing prices ,
Very true!
AI just checked a year later in May 2024 they have gone up from £1.45 to now £2.21. Shocking.
Call me tight ... But all I can think about is how much cheaper ( and better ingredients) a home made batch of pies would be
To be honest, mate, I don't think you'll make a cottage pie with butcher meat, decent veg and potatoes, as cheap as a supermarket ready meal, even at current quite outrageous prices. But - with quality ingredients - you WILL get a pie that isn't ... how can I put it ... CRAP!!!
Doesn't even need to take that much longer, in terms of personal time.
Tip for the really keen. Chop the taties small, so they're ready to mash in 10 minutes. DON'T stint on the butter - and bugger the doctors - these days I use garlic ghee. A tablespoon of Bailey's Irish Cream - most of it will cook off but you'll still get a hint. When the whole thing is in the oven, pull it out 5 minutes early, shred some parmesan over the top and put it back. You'll never touch supermarket crap again. And you won't want to swap your plate with King Charlie...
oooh garlic ghee! I agree with what you're saying to a fair extent, but you can be smart and make it economically better and food quality better. Takes smarts and a love for cooking.
Bought Frozen meals are good to a point. Your own meals frozen are another subject
I enjoy your comparison videos, but feel you should include a more accurate price comparison when items vary in price. This is done by pricing by amount per unit weight (100g).
Great work but watch the waste line!
@@jackwaycombeI love your comment bugger the doctors 😂 I think the same as you❤
@@Niclouyat
15+ years ago, my doctor gave me 2 years tops if I didn't mend my ways. 2 years later he was dead, in his mid-50s.
I'm now 80 - not a well man by any stretch. But still alive enough to know there has to be more to my life than not being dead yet.
If I'm afraid of anything these days, it's of finding myself under the wheels of a bus, thinking "Bugger - I could have that pork pie after all !"
Proper brew, that 👌
Had the tesco and aldi cottage pie many a time, when there's a yellow label on them 😉 cottage pie is one of those things that is always better homemade, better gravy and plenty of grated cheese on top before it goes in the oven
I live n France so can never buy these products - but I wouldn’t miss an episode because Gareth makes me smile!
Oh thanks Elaine that's very kind of you. I went to France in Summer, I've got a France playlist, some videos of my time there if you would like to watch them, will be in my France playlist 👍👍
Your right about the Asda yellow range rising in price as when they first brought the cottage pie out it was £1.20 so has gone up by 25p in the last few months. The hands down winner is definitely the Aldi one for bang for the buck. Another great comparison Gaz 👍
Cheers Ian yes going up fast in price. Have a good weekend pal.
No surprises about Asda ramping prices up they're owned by the same pair of brothers as fuel profiteers EuroGarages
Hi It's cheaper to get a tin of minced beef and a bag of mash get at least 3/4 ready meals for just under £2
Yes true but these are just for convenience. They're brilliant for work. Especially for me being a long distance lorry driver. I keep them in the truck fridge freezer, then bang them in the cab microwave a few minutes and its done. Beats paying extortionate prices at the services for cheap unhealthy crap like McDonald's and KFC.
@@matty6848 Exactly Matt, I was going to say something similar. All of these ready meals serve a purpose. My partner works continental shifts and night shift if he hasn't made food to bring in, he always has frozen ready meals as a back up. He says nicer and far cheaper than work canteen
3/4 meals out of one tin lol. Maybe for under 5 years. Youd prob find cheaper. If you bought fresh and batch cook n freeze.
@@nikkijayne4451 yep you don't get a lot of meat in them that's why probably 3/4
Definitely and just make it all up and freeze ready for when you want it
Always keep the water that has cooked your potatoes and vegetables ,the potato water often has a thick paste that helps to naturally thicken your gravy. Sweet potatoes, carrots, swede and parsnips the liquid really flavours a meal especially if meat juices are added.
That's exactly what I do.A lot of taste and goodness in the water
It can be high in oxalate though. Not good for everyone
Hiya Gaz…is it wrong that I watch these then make my shopping list 🤣 I will be making cottage pie tmro😁 Thanks again for another down to earth & ace review - Happy Friday to you and yours xx
thanks Ali, have a good weekend x
I've had the Tesco one and found it to be good my wife made cottage pie for tea tonight she uses ground skirt mince from the butcher's a real winter warmer and cheaper than buying two Tesco's
Sounds great! cheers Brian.
Good video. Just done my shopping at Aldi - Again prices have gone up. Bread now 79 p - doesn't seem 5 mins ago it was 39 p !!!! just basic stuff going up . 😳
Cheers Christine
don’t stop doing these comparison vids.. really helpful
You're welcome
I popped into Aldi earlier. The cheese you compared days ago has gone up 20p! Food inflation is getting silly, even at the best value shops. Keep it up, videos are getting better.
thanks
@@Scooby_Doobie_Doo it goes up 20 but then it’ll go up another 20p and so on and so on
Great programme 👍 helping to Make the right choices when buying ready-made meals comparisons are to supermarkets are spot on thank you for being real xxx
You're welcome 😊
Morning Gareth thank you for the cottage Pie revisited vlog, I haven't seen the original vlog yet but will watch in time. I have never bought cottage pie always make my own but looking forward to your test. Really enjoyed this vlog glad you liked the Tesco pie. Thank you
You're welcome 😊
Aldi one seems to have a lot of oil on the plate
I think the Aldi ready meals are the best for quality. Check out their fish pie, it's lovely and has big chunks of fish.
I rarely buy ready meals or processed but like to have days off making from scratch so I like to try out different ones.
I’ve only ever had the Asda essential one so this was really interesting, thank you and I don’t mind your longer videos x
You're welcome x
I found that with the essential range. A couple of weeks ago a cheese and bacon quiche was £1.40. Next week £1 70! That's not much but still bad if you're on a budget
All the prices on this video changed again just a week later. The asda cottage pie is now £1.60
That's an inflation rate of 15% *PER WEEK* 😱
Great to see a cottage pie comparison,its a winter comfort for me ,thanks ,will you be comparing mince pies soon ,❓
I prefer homemade, but for a quick meal I like the fresh Aldi family one for a fiver paired with some veggies, not full of gristle like most are. I put a bit of butter and white pepper on top of the mash near end of cooking, makes a tad bit of difference.
Cheers pal 👍👍
horsemeat is always cheaper
I've ad both Tesco and Aldi. Aldi is by far the best in my opinion. Really tasty
As I am on a low income , I am always looking for bargins/ Why I watch your reviews/saves me having to try out loads of stuff, (saving time and money. Thank You Garrth)👏 I have noticed a lot of Asda foods have no seasoning, no salt/seasoning lack taste, so you are correct.
Glad you like them!
TRIPLE PEEL-SEAL FAILURE !!!
really do appreciate these videos mate cos I am skint and will happily walk to 3 different supermarkets to do my bit of shopping to get the cheapest things and save 3 or 4 quid and you test the stuff I'd usually get anyway so I really do appreciate the info.
Yes totally failure 🤣👍😭😭
Hey Gaz✌️not only was that super informative it was also hilarious mate😂😂I was in hysterics with the seal peal ordeal 😂 I'm exactly the same I'm glad I'm not the only one, you go have a lie down I feel your pain 😂great comparison 👍✌️(🍻🤔) ☕
Haha cheers Martin, yes isn't it a pain when it doesn't come off 😭👍👍
@@BaldFoodieGuy drives me insane 😂 but I'm like it with everything, pull here, tear here etc and if it doesn't 😠first world problems 😂✌️
Another great comparison. Keep them coming and have a fantastic weekend xx
Thank you x have a good one x
just a wee tip gareth
when ever i have a ready meal i follow the instructions for microwave cooking example 7 mins ect
and then i transfer said meal to the airfryer for the final 5 mins
and it gives the impression of being in the oven for 40 mins
it is dependent on the size of your airfryer
but i find the smaller size meals fit in my airfryer nicely saves a lot of time and energy
keep up the good work mate
Thank you will try it next time 😊👌👌
Love your down to earth reviews. Comparisons like these are very useful in these trying times. Cheers.
These are really practical comparisons.
And, of course, we love cottage pie and shepherd's pie.
Basic needs met.
Cheers.
thanks
Hi Gareth, I noticed that you feature ASDA more amongst the big 4 supermarkets and I can see why. I bought all the long life ASDA Just essentials, Tesco Stockwell/Growers Choice and Sainsbury Hubbards Foodstore items for the local foodbanks and found the following: Sainsburys 20 items £13.49, Tesco 32 items £19.72, Asda 45 items £24.61. Asda should be congratulated.
Cheers David 👍👍
I noticed tesco and morrisons prices are going up much quicker than asda
Glad to hear you use the water from your peas in your gravy. I have always used the water from my mash potatoes in my gravy. It definitely adds to the flavour
I always use my vegetable water for gravy, that is how gravy used to be made years ago, but don't think many do these days. Its a shame as a lot of the vitamins end up in the water.
Alway use the veg water for gravy 🤩
Proper coverage , I’ve enjoyed all of the down to earth talk
cheers Jeff
🎵And when she saw the size of his cottage pies it very near turned her head….🎵😂😂(Ernie, song by Benny Hill 1971) 😀
haha brilliant
🎵 And he drove the fastest milk cart in the west! 😅
I use my pea water for my gravy as well 😂. Making my kid a nice homemade cottage pie tomorrow, this video has literally made me want to start cooking it now 😋
Asda are crafty with the just essentials prices, they started cheap on almost all the products to suck us in buying them, then of course they creep the price up once there selling well, can’t beat a homemade cottage pie, and can work out cheaper for a family, great review again mate
cheers Lenny
I never thought I enjoy your Webb site but I do from New Zealand
Cheers Terry thank you
I can't bring myself to buy these ready meals with all the additives. I batch cook in a slow cooker,divide into portions and freeze. A batch of savoury mince and a pan full of mashed potato doesn't take long to prepare. But your comparisons are invaluable for people who not willing or unable to make their own
I understand
Hi Gareth ! A good cup of tea and some nice cottage pies, doesn't mince and mash go together? maybe with a sprinkle of cheese? Enjoy it when the underdog wins al the best John i
Sounds great! Cheers John
Such a cracking bloke 👍🏻. As I was watching this the mrs said if I wanted anything from the shop..I said yeah a cottage pie. Another helpful review mate Have a nice weekend
Cheers Pete, enjoy your cottage Pie 👍👍
I like your videos mate. It's not scientific but just down to earth advice. I also think you care, you made me think about people on there own at Christmas. Keep up the good work. ✌️👍
Cool, thanks
The top two both looked nice. I do love a nice mash. But I hate a plain mince! Mince was used as a go to for every British mother in the 70's 80's and even in the 90's. When done right it is amazing.
Mmmm. Crying out for mushy peas, bit of beetroot and a cheeky chunk of unsliced bread. Thanks pal.
Yummy
Cheers mate It’s always a pleasure to watch your channel & I totally trust your judgment. 🥂🇬🇧
Much appreciated
Ahhhhhhh just had the ASDA one delivered earlier haha. Keep up the good work my man!
cheers will do
Hi Gareth. There's enough cottages there to make a small village.
A slightly longer video than average, but well worth the effort to compare the three cottage pies. Great review mate. I thoroughly enjoyed it, you made me laugh especially with the Seal Peel failures. Oh No, Oh No! 😂
I hope you don't lose any sleep over it.
Cheers Gareth 👍🤤😂😂
haha yes john, a hamlet lol not cigar lol
@@BaldFoodieGuy Hahaha. Very good.
I had to google that. Now I get it 👍😉
Yes a Hamlet... Not a cigar or a village. 😀
Great review again Gareth. Have a good weekend.👍
Thanks 👍 have a good one too Brian
I always make my gravy from the vegetable juices, especially when making Sunday dinner with all the popular veg juices and roast tin goodness..
yes as do I, spot on
Your videos are brilliant for this time.
Thank you very much!
Great vid, cracking idea for the gravy with the pea water........
Cheers Frank
Vegies are the staple for any pie gravy Onion celery and carrots but I have made cottage pie with sweet potato and potato mash 1/2 and half added frozen peas in there as well
Well ! ... We think alike ! I had Cottage Pie tonight but it was the Bisto version .... And, it wasn't bad. 12 mins in the Microwave and then 10 mins in a already hot Oven. Have to say I thought the Tesco one looked delicious before cooking. When cooked, the Gravy looked so rich and meaty. I'll try the Aldi one now next week. Great review, Gareth .... You didn't once Mince your words .... 😎😂😉👍👏
haha cheers Mark
That was a great video..the tesco one looked the best. Good tip with your gravy..your becoming a true you tube star..👍👍👍
thanks
Hi G.
Nice to see you taking such consideration with the gravy..... it can make or break a meal, sometimes. :)
Keep up the good work
Yes definitely, carrot juice is tasty 🥕👍👍
Your videos are so entertaining and useful lots of my mates here in Ireland watch your videos a lo keep up the good work
Glad you like them!
Another great video!
Love the high sided dinner plates, where are they from please?
Cheers Darren, asda
We are having aldi fresh cottage pie & veg for tea tomorrow Gareth ours is the bigger cottage pie it was £4 something just can't remember exactly it could have been £4.49 I always make my gravy with the vegetable water it does make lovely gravy, good review Gareth keep up the good work yeah the prices are rocketing in all the supermarkets
thanks will do
Just subscribed. Would you please include Lidl in your next comparison, if you can. We shop mainly @ Lidl & Aldi. Your Chanel very useful please keep up the good work. Christmas is coming, any Christmas special food items you want to compare would be interesting, last year my wife picked -up some Very Special Tesco Christmas festive food and we were not impressed. Over priced, over packaging no flavour. we would like to cook more from basic but with us both working full time, the convenience of cooking a ready made meal that is , tasty & value for money is a big hit with the family as you are aware. Reg Neil ps. I will ask the wife what she would like you to compare try and get back to you.
thanks for the sub, we dont have a lidl near us unfortunately sorry.
I like the longer videos Gareth. I personally like the Tesco Cottage Pie as the mince is bigger and it’s not very peppery. The Aldi one is ok but just a tad too much pepper for my taste. I tried the Bisto Pigs in Blankets gravy the other day, would be interesting to know what you think of it?
Oh yes I've heard about that gravy 👍👍
The store selection must have taken you a wee while based on your previous comments! The new (for me) usual sharp observations of weight, percentages, ingredients, and ease of the "seal & peel" tests have got to be a unique examination, invented and presented only by you! The progs. are compulsive, entertaining, and essential viewing, as there is nowt like this anywhere! I've never tried using my pee water but will give it a try and report back. Would you ever consider doing a live whisky comparison? You don't look like a boozer, but with a few of your soldier mates would be interesting to saddos like me! I will share your site with as many people as I know. Looking forward to Frki.18/11/22 at 8pm. Enuff smoke blowing from me, just a tad concerned with the cross-contamination mentioned! VBW x
Cheers pal great comment 👍👍
I'm glad that you've never tried using your pee water, that would be disgusting! 😝 I would suggest that you try using your pea water though, as Gareth said, it helps to add pleasant sweeter flavour. 😋
Hi Gareth with the Asda essentials range price going up that's exactly what supermarkets do to get the custom. They introduce new products at a drop down price and actually sell at a loss at the beginning, then once they have enough people buying they're products they slowly increase the price in the hope that most won't notice. Most don't notice that the cottage pie they brought two weeks ago for £1.50 is now £1.60 and so on. I only know this because my cousin works in marketing for Morrisons and that's what all supermarkets do.
Cheers Matt, yes I've had a few managers from big supermarkets explaining the same thing. Never mind nothing we can do is there. Cheers mate, have a good weekend pal 👍👍
Yes, but with food price inflation now at around 14% (it's higher than the average inflation of 10.1%) prices are going up all the time. However, I see some products and wonder why they have gone up, too. I think some retailers are using inflation to justify some price increases where it isn't warranted. I was surprised to see the Just Essentials sausages have increased to £1.20, whereas the ASDA Farm Stores sausages a year ago were 80 pence. They were pretty much the forerunner of the JE sausages, just packaged differently now.
One thing i do is us an old order and import it as a current order, it can be shocking at the change pricing in just 4 weeks, bloody horrifying when using a 12 month old order the prices and the amount of items no longer even stocked, i read an article where it stated asda has slashed there range by about 40% in the past year favouring more profitable SKU's.
Tesco have very recently put up all their similar range/size ready meals to £3.00 they have been £2.50 for years!
@@manoo422 I do so little shopping in Tesco nowadays that I hardly visit once in two weeks. The latest what I call a scam is the way Tesco highlights the Clubcard price in yellow, so that your eyes tend to be drawn to the lower price. You only realise your mistake at the till.
Another excellent review. These ready meals are great if you are a bit short of time, especially if you can just get one out of the freezer.
Thank you kindly
Just found ur channel, absolute love the content! :) great videos and great fun
Thank you kindly Ben.
Hi Gareth, thanks for your review, I'm surprised you liked the aldi one best I will give it a try, just a suggestion but wouldn't you find it easier to put your phone down and position it, rather than holding it on a selfie stick? Then you would have both hands free to try the food, might make it easier for you, you probably wouldn't drop any then, only trying to help, thanks again 😉
Great suggestion!
New subscriber... I need to stop watching your videos when I'm hungry 😂 so many food cravings now...
Think you're doing a fantastic job Gaz!! You're doing the work for us all and it's much appreciated! Thank you!!! ✨
Thank you kindly and welcome to the channel. I appreciate it 😁👍👍
Loved your review, no Aldi here in NI sadly. We do have Lidl.
Sorry to hear that, we dont have a lidl, wanna swap lol
You can get bags of frozen mashed potato, which I keep a stock of. I sometimes go to my nearest Tesco and check the ‘discounted items’ fridge and there is usually a tray or two of beef mince, or steak mince or lamb mince (nothing wrong with it, just has to be used immediately). Can get that for half price or more. So I can make a home made cottage/shepherds pie for about £2, which will also have any leftover veg in, and it’s gorgeous! I’d never go back to pre-made ones again…. Also, meat content of mine will always be over 50%! No contest, really.
Brilliant cheers Richard, have a good weekend 👍👍
I always have a bag of mash in my freezer. Saves a lot of time peeling,cooking etc. Aunty Bessie is the best and cheapest of them all.
Maybe store bought meals are fine but thy don't taste like home mash. Enjoyed watching your show and will be back . Mollie.x
I was just thinking that myself
Absolutely love cottage pie/shepherds pie, but nothing tastes better than home made.
One of my pet hates is peel off film which doesn't. Surely it is not so difficult to do it right, but relatively few packs do peel cleanly.
In my view your channel is the best food channel hope you’re well also I love the Iceland shepherds pie
Thanks so much
I'll choose the Aldi cottage pie next Tuesday - if it is actually in stock. I find more and more products are out of stock in Aldi, Tesco, and Lidl. Morrisons and ASDA are better with stock replenishment. For example, I wanted to try the Stockwells baked beans and sausages, but the local Tesco didn't have them.
@Richie Reports UK It's just that having watched Gareth's review of the Stockwells label, plus three others, I was keen to see for myself. I doubt they will equal Branstons. But I'll have to wait until I get to a large Tesco, because our local one, while bigger than an Express, is still tiny in comparison.
Great review Gareth, i remember in my bedsit days, i would put gravy granules straight in with the peas...!! take care mate 👍
Cheers David
Hey, love this channel (just subscribed), I find it really interesting. Just as an observation as someone from Australia visiting the UK, I am astounded by how you guys here buy things like this. It all looks pretty gross to be honest. Went to Tesco last week and 2 whole aisles of this type of garbage in the chilled and frozen. People walking around with trolley full of it. How hard is it to peel potatoes and cook some meat folks? I even saw pre made mash and pre cut veg...why? Can't you Brits its cook or something? This stuff just doesn't get sold where I live, we make stuff from fresh ingredients. I have seen frozen lasagne in Australia and the odd frozen Chinese and we call them 'loser meals'. I love seeing what not to buy and total respect for you risking yourself all in the name of research. Surely heating all this stuff up in plastics and all the preservatives must be awful for you? Anyway good luck and thanks for the entertainment and research it's been a culture shock. 😀
Cheers James great comment thankyou very much. Much appreciated 👍👍
Where I live the council "meals on wheels" service has been replaced by 2 different well known national companies. That deliver frozen meals. I tried them a few years ago, and found them much more expensive for about the same quality as a supermarket brand. For example one currently has a 400g cottage pie for £4.65. That includes peas, carrots and onion gravy.
Cheers pal 👍👍
Oh I wish you would try the luxury slow cooked cottage pie from Iceland it's a frozen one but its lovely 😋
Yes I've done that one 😊👍
There all jumping on the band wagon for putting prices up & just for the hell of it as they think we will still pay for it 🤔 great vid BFG keep up the great taste testing 👍
Cheers will do 👍👍
You have encouraged me to get into my own kitchn and make a decent veggie one, with some decent mash.
Oh delicious 😋👌
Great review, and really eye opening Gareth. Thanks chap😊
Glad you enjoyed it
@@BaldFoodieGuy thanks Gareth. I did indeed 👍
Enjoyed the video xx
Glad you enjoyed it.
A lot of reds in the Aldi one. I make a huge cottage pie that can be portioned up into 8 individual meal size portions then freeze them, do the same when making Lasagne.
I think you do an excellent job, many thanks. And yes Ive prescribed 👍
Cheers June 👍😁
All the goodness from veggies goes into the water, so you do right to use it Gareth!! 👍Kx
Loved the video, as always, when they all came out the oven they looked good,
Thank you
@Bald Foodie Guy
Gareth,
Could you tell if the mash was made from fresh potatoes or instant?
The Iceland one is also great, we love it, well done by the way, bob on.... Pete
Cheers Gareth great review mate. They look all good if you pimp them all lol. Cheers Gareth great review.👍❤👍❤👍
You're welcome pal
Good review Gareth cheers...Most of the Aldi ready meals are good like lamb or beef hotpot and curries chicken sweet sour rice all nice...
thanks Jon
Hello.
I had the asda one when it was smartprice and it was OK. But have to admit I haven't had an essential one.
Thought you .ight like to know, I follow a lady who has the channel Root of Avalon. She is sharing about prepping, and food dehydration and storage. She said that you inspired her to try the asda essential range and she has recommended you to her viewers. Nice that another youtuber has acknowledged you 🙂🙂
oh nice Anne thanks for letting me know.
@@BaldFoodieGuy 🙂🙂👍👍
🏴👏 great review Gaz, hope you and all the family are doing good? 👏🏴
cheers Mark, you too pal.
Ta for doing these vids Gareth mate. They're always interesting, fun and helpful. And I love reading all the other comments from sort of other normal people. Sort of! 😉
you're welcome
Thankyou Gareth....another amusing post thanks,I always have a smile on my face watching you! I'm thinking Aldi must be in glee as the cost of living rises,they always seem to reach out with great deals.The "big guns" Asda,Tesco etc have so much debt to cover they may lose more market share as their costs rise due to interest rates increasing and passing that cost to customers?
You're welcome 👍👍
i tried the cottage pie & your right its very bland but a bit of brown sauce sorted it right out ,i recently tried the just essentials beef steak £2,25 & it was spot on , done in the air fryer with chips & onion rings
Cheers Keith 👍👍
That Tesco one looked lovely and rich, I'm sure I've had the Aldi one before but I wasn't overly impressed because I seem to recall that it was too bland for my liking 👍
It's so good!
I love cottage pie, Gareth! We actually call it shepherd's pie here in the US although it's made with beef and not lamb. Lamb isn't nearly as popular here as beef. Cottage Pie is an amazing dinner and comfort food, especially in winter
We have sheperds pie as well in the UK. The only difference between the two is cottage pie is made with Beef and sheperds pie is made with lamb meat. Basically the same dish but different meat.
yes like Matt says with beef or lamb
Shepherd's pie made with lamb, hence the reference to shepherds, If it's not lamb, then it's called cottage pie.
@@misolgit69 no
I be,ie e in some parts of South Korea and China they have German Shepherds Pie .
Cottage pie is wonderful ,my go to comfort food .£3 for one is a lot though when you think you can make enough for 4 for around £5 .It's a lot of faff I know and of course takes longer to cook .It's a shame the Asda one isn't up to much since not everyone has the facilities ,inclination or physical ability to cook that sort of thing .Good to know Aldi's is at least still reasonable and worth eating .
Cheers Wendy
Loving the poppy dude, NEVER FORGET! 🇬🇧♥️
Cheers
agree about Aldi same as the Cod in Batter tried every make of Cod in batter and it beats them all
Exceptional upload and strongly recommend watching **recommended* 👏🏻👏🏻
Well,cottage me pied 😁👌👌
Out of the three it’s only the smart price I’ve had.
After seeing and hearing about the other two,,I’d definitely be on to it. Thanks gar ,a lot
Thank you so much 😁
@@BaldFoodieGuy I usually make my own en-batch
Or I’ve had it on holiday
An absolute delight to watch and learn. Full support from me 👍👍
yes cant beat homemade
@@BaldFoodieGuy all day long.freezes fantastic too