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 230 products, across 16 categories – our biggest yet – 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 fish | Best sides | Best meat-free burgers | Best meat-free sausages | Best summer sauces | Best hot sauce | Best ice cream | Best summer food launches | Best summer desserts
But who came out on top? Well, it was a good year for Tesco, which is the place to go for winning steaks, vegan sausages, dessert, cocktails, and more. Premium supermarket Waitrose was another standout performer, taking home wins for its chicken and BBQ sides.
Meanwhile, Aldi came out as the top destination if you’re shopping on a budget, winning our “Best Value” title across kebabs, ribs, sausage, chicken, hot sauce and side categories.
Ready to fire up the grill?
The winners of the GHI's BBQ Taste Test 2026
Best burger
From budget-friendly favourites to innovative flavour combos, our panel sampled 23 different burgers to bring you the best for your bun.
Score: 83/100
Read on for our full list of the best burgers.
Best sausages
Our panel took on the ultimate sausage taste test, trying 17 bangers to find the top dog.
Score: 89/100
Read on for our full list of the best sausages.
Best kebabs
From creamy halloumi to spicy steak, we tried 17 kebabs – across every category, including chicken, beef, lamb and veggie – to find the best for your barbecue.
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 15 sweet and sticky ribs to find the best.
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 13 different options.
Score: 88/100
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: 94/100
Read on for our full list of the best steak.
Best fish
A new category for 2026, we’ve found the best fish and seafood for cooking on the barbecue this summer.
Score: 86/100
Read on for our full list of the best fish.
Best new BBQ launches
From Turkish sausage to vegan steak, these are the best new summer food launches your guests will love.
Score: 94/100
Score: 92/100
Read on for our full list of the best new summer food launches.
Best meat-free burgers
Our tasting panel fired up the grill to cook an impressive line-up of vegan burgers (14 in total) from the leading supermarkets and pioneering plant-based brands. These are the ones that were love at first bite.
Read on for our full list of the best vegan burgers.
Best meat-free sausages
We tried 14 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
Read on for our full list of the best vegan and vegetarian sausages.
BBQ sides
These BBQ sides are almost better than the main event, from loaded dips to buttery corn on the cob.
Read on for our full list of the best BBQ-friendly side dishes.
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.
Read on for our full list of the best summer sauces and best hot sauces.
Best summer desserts
Whether you’re looking for a fruity panna cotta or Biscoff cheesecake for pud, we’ve found the most spectacular sweet centrepieces to impress your guests.
Read on for our full list of the best summer desserts.
Best ice cream
From family friendly fruity scoops to indulgent gelatos, we've found a summer flavour for every occasion.
Score: 89/100
Read on for our full list the best ice cream.
Stacey looks after all food and drink reviews — from coffee pods and veg boxes, to natural wine and tequila. Stacey is also founder of Crummbs, where she’s written nearly 2,000 restaurant and hotel reviews since 2013. Prior to this, Stacey wrote hundreds of in-depth buying guides for the Independent, i newspaper and BBC Good Food, as well as reviewing restaurants and interviewing celebrities in her column at Balance Magazine. Stacey has also appeared in BAFTA-nominated BBC documentary Blood, Sweat & Takeaways, where she investigated South East Asia's food production industry, appearing on both Newsnight and BBC World Service to share her findings. Regularly checking out the latest restaurants, bars and product launches, Stacey also loves experimenting with recipes at home, and is a WSET-certified wine and spirits expert, with over 10 years of experience in the business. You can follow Stacey on Instagram @crummbs_uk
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.
