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8 best kebabs for BBQ season, from halloumi to rump steak

All Taste Approved by our panel

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Burgers and sausages are the BBQ stalwarts, but why not try adding a little extra flavour to the grill this summer with one of these top-rated kebabs.

From creamy halloumi to moreish spicy skewers, as part of our annual BBQ Taste Test, we’ve been busy finding the best chicken, beef, lamb, and veggie kebabs for popping on the grill when the weather warms up (or not – because we're nothing if not resilient here in the UK).

Pre-marinated with herbs, spices and sauces, they also take minimal effort, meaning less time prepping and more time enjoying a gin in a tin in the sunshine. Serve with fresh salads, dips and warm flatbreads for summer on a plate.

Best kebabs to buy 2026

In a hurry to fire up the barbie? These are our top picks at a glance but keep scrolling for our full reviews.

How we test BBQ kebabs

Our tasting panel sampled 16 meaty and vegetarian kebabs from the leading supermarkets and independent butchers in a quest to find this summer’s best skewers.

Each was cooked according to the packet instructions and blinded to avoid bias. Testers were looking for tender, delicately charred ingredients with aromatic and well-balanced seasoning.

Read on for the best kebabs to add to your BBQ line-up this summer.

1
Best steak kebab

Exceptional by ASDA Rump Steak King Kebab 476g

UK Taste Approved(GH)
Rump Steak King Kebab 476g
1
Best steak kebab

Exceptional by ASDA Rump Steak King Kebab 476g

Score: 85/100

Our winning kebab features tender rump steak in a glossy, sweet and spicy glaze. The full-flavoured skewers have a smoky barbecue aroma, a gentle char and subtle heat on the finish. Serve on flatbread with labneh, rocket and pickles.

2
Best lamb kebab and best value

Aldi Ashfield's Minted Lamb Kebabs 360g

UK Taste Approved(GH)
Ashfield's Minted Lamb Kebabs 360g
2
Best lamb kebab and best value

Aldi Ashfield's Minted Lamb Kebabs 360g

Score: 84/100

Feeding a crowd? You can afford to stock up with Aldi’s affordable lamb kebabs. The rich, juicy meat is complemented by fresh-tasting mint, and testers enjoyed the rustic texture, which they felt could be mistaken for homemade. We won’t tell if you don’t...

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3
Best chicken kebab

Tesco Fire Pit Greek Style Chicken Kebabs 260g

UK Taste Approved(GH)
Fire Pit Greek Style Chicken Kebabs 260g
3
Best chicken kebab

Tesco Fire Pit Greek Style Chicken Kebabs 260g

Score: 83/100

We adore the Greek influence in these juicy chicken kebabs, which deliver a little taste of sun-drenched summer holidays right here in the UK. Beautifully seasoned with aromatic oregano and refreshing lemon, the succulent meat is particularly delicious with a dollop of tzatziki on the side.

4

M&S Chicken Shawarma Kebabs 339g

UK Taste Approved(GH)
Chicken Shawarma Kebabs 339g
4

M&S Chicken Shawarma Kebabs 339g

Now 66% Off

Score: 82/100

Consisting of tender, boneless chicken thighs, marinated in Middle Eastern-inspired herbs and spices, Marks & Spencer’s shawarma kebabs are deliciously complex. Juicy and succulent, try serving on a warm flatbread with hummus, salad and a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds.

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5

Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Teriyaki Chicken King Kebab 700g

UK Taste Approved(GH)
Taste the Difference Teriyaki Chicken King Kebab 700g
5

Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Teriyaki Chicken King Kebab 700g

Score: 82/100

Taking inspiration from Japan’s snacking skewers, the chicken is coated in a sweet and sticky teriyaki glaze that’s bursting with ginger, garlic and salty soy sauce. This ensures the meat stays juicy – and they’d be even better with a little extra char from the grill.

6

Lidl Memphis BBQ Beef Kebabs 720g

UK Taste Approved(GH)
Memphis BBQ Beef Kebabs 720g
6

Lidl Memphis BBQ Beef Kebabs 720g

Score: 80/100

These smoky beef skewers take inspiration from the US for herbs and spices – the meat is seasoned with plenty of hickory BBQ paste. The result is treacle sweet and rich, with impressive crispy edges. An easy crowd pleaser, just add potato salad.

Available TBC

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7
Best veggie kebab

Waitrose BBQ Herby Halloumi Kebabs 240g

UK Taste Approved(GH)
BBQ Herby Halloumi Kebabs 240g
7
Best veggie kebab

Waitrose BBQ Herby Halloumi Kebabs 240g

Score: 78/100

Is it even a BBQ without a slice of halloumi slipping between the grills? This flavour-packed veggie skewer is also coated with a Greek-inspired combo of oregano, parsley and lemon. The bright marinade perfectly complements the creamy cheese, and the halloumi retained a squishy but firm texture.

8

The Ginger Pig Peri-Peri Marinated Chicken Kebabs 360g

UK Taste Approved(GH)
Peri-Peri Marinated Chicken Kebabs 360g
8

The Ginger Pig Peri-Peri Marinated Chicken Kebabs 360g

Score: 77/100

Give your gathering a Portuguese vibe with these peri peri chicken kebabs from renowned butcher, The Ginger Pig. The tender, free-range chicken is marinated in red pepper and paprika, which provides a family friendly hint of heat.

The kebabs are also available in four other marinades, including jerk, lemon and herb, chimichurri and shawarma.

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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.  

Lettermark
Tested byJoanna 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.

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