Short on time? Too tired to cook? Don’t worry, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been hard at work testing 219 grazing treats across 12 categories – from sausage rolls to juicy olives – to create the ultimate picky tea, whatever the weather.

The best picnic food for 2026

How we test

Our experts munched their way through 12 classic picnic categories, from the all-important sausage rolls to the most delicious tapas and salads, testing products from all the major supermarkets and brands. Each was blinded to avoid brand bias before being assessed on its aroma, flavour and texture.

Best tapas and antipasti

This exciting category is at the very heart of a successful picky tea and encompasses a variety of delicious bites. From innovative Spanish spin-offs to traditional stuffed peppers, this is the very best of the deli aisle, according to our experts. They should know, after trying 32 hot and cold products in this category.

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Best picnic heroes

Proving there’s more to picnics than the classic sausage roll, we’ve found a selection of hero launches to tuck into. From Scotch eggs to pork pies, there’s no end to the ways you can get your alfresco fix this summer.

Our experts tried 24 products, looking for a picnic-ready options outside of the traditional sausage rolls. These were the highlights...

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      Best sausage rolls

      Perfect for sunny picnics, alfresco lunch breaks and, well, any time really – you can’t beat a good sausage roll. We tested 19 ready-made meaty parcels, looking for those packed with well-seasoned pork and encased in crispy, buttery pastry.

      These are the ones we recommend adding to the picnic basket...

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        Best veggie rolls

        Don’t eat meat? No problem. Whether you like your roll packed with veggies or one that replicates a meaty filling, we’ve got the pastry for you.

        Our panel munched through 18 vegetarian and vegan rolls to find the best. They were looking for evenly baked, flaky pastry, with a generous filling – whether that’s a plant-based protein, or a chunky mixture of veggies, herbs and spices.

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        Best falafel

        Falafel is a great product to have on standby for a last-minute tea. The deep-fried vegetarian Middle Eastern snack – generally made with chickpeas, herbs and spices – is super versatile. They can be eaten hot or cold, are rich in protein and fibre, and can be served a multitude of ways. Try stuffing them into pittas, add to salads, or turn them into a wrap, along with fresh veggies, hummus, yoghurt or other dips.

        Our experts enjoyed 18 classic and flavoured falafel from all the major supermarkets and brands. Each was warmed and blinded before being presented to our panel, to prevent brand bias. They were looking for a well-seasoned, well-balanced blend of chickpeas and pulses, with a mix of herbs and spices that enhance the natural flavour, along with a crispy, deep-fried exterior.

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        Best salads

        Picnics can feel like a beige carb-fest at times, so brighten everything up with one of these expert-approved fresh and zingy salads. We sampled 11 new, ready-made salad pots, looking for fresh, crunchy veg and well-cooked (but not stodgy!) grains. Dressings should be bold and punchy without weighing the salad down or making it soggy, and finally, ingredients need to be well-proportioned (for example, if a salad includes feta, we want to see plenty of it throughout!).

        Read on for the best buys of the season...

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        Best charcuterie

        A well-curated charcuterie board is made for sharing. From thinly sliced chorizo to ribbons of prosciutto, whether you mix and match or buy a ready-made selection of sliced meat, they’re an essential part of the spread. Team with crackers and cheese for a more well-rounded meal.

        Our panel tested every component of an impressive 27 products to find the best grazing boards.

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        Best olives

        We bet you’ll have popped a juicy olive into your mouth before you’ve even finished assembling your picky tea! Whether fresh, tinned or jarred, stone in or destoned, everyone has a preference when it comes to the humble olive.

        Our experts tested 24 varieties on the quest to find the best. They were looking for a rich and buttery flavour, and crisp, juicy texture. Each one should be briny but well-balanced, with additional ingredients adding flavour without overpowering.

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        Best crisps

        Whether it’s for low-key entertaining with a cracking glass of wine, or as the perfect pairing for a picky tea, there’s always a reason to have a tasty sharing bag of crisps (or three) in the cupboard.

        And summer is the perfect time to push the boundaries, with brands bringing out lots of innovative recipes to tempt us, from tapas-flavoured, to those inspired by our favourite holiday destinations. We sampled 17 varieties, just to be sure you buy the best.

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          Best dips

          No picnic is complete without the stars of the spread – dips! Whether you’re dunking or slathering, these flavourful companions turn simple snacks into something spectacular. From creamy hummus and zesty tzatziki to bold guacamole and smoky baba ghanoush, picnic dips bring variety and joy to every bite.

          Our experts sampled 25 varieties to pair with crunchy veggies, crispy chips, or warm bread – let the dunking begin!

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          Best sweet treats

          However plentiful the savoury spread, there’s always room for a sweet treat. A new category for 2026, our testers sampled 13 options, from picnic-ready flapjacks to light, sunshine-ready desserts and cream cakes for afternoon tea perfection.

          These also passed...


          How to create the ultimate grazing table

          If you’re hosting, but want to keep it low-key, it’s entirely possible to turn the simplest of snacks into something spectacular, with a few simple tips and tricks.

          The best picky teas are all about fun, variety, and a table full of irresistible bites to graze on. Think of it as a DIY feast where everyone builds their perfect plate.

          We eat with our eyes first, so make sure to pile plates and platters high with a variety of our best buys, interspersed with colourful crudités, crackers and dips. Try presenting food at different heights too, for a fun mix-and-match experience. But ultimately, there are no rules – so keep it casual, be creative, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a relaxed, joyful feast!

          Headshot of Stacey Smith
          Stacey Smith
          Senior Food & Drink Editor

          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

          Headshot of Callum Black
          Tested byCallum Black
          Food and Drink Testing Manager

          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.  

          Headshot of JoJo Anastasiou
          Tested byJoJo Anastasiou
          Food and Drinks Tester

          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! 

          Headshot of Georgia Turnell
          Tested byGeorgia Turnell
          GHI Food & Drink Tester

          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.