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From M&S' ‘Tomapork’ to vegan steak: the new BBQ launches shoppers will be obsessed with this summer
Make your menu sing (and your guests come back for more) with these fresh new summer dishes.
Tested by Joanna AnastasiouFood and Drinks Tester
Make your menu sing (and your guests come back for more) with these fresh new summer dishes.
We’re proud to unveil the summer launches that had the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute drooling during our annual BBQ Taste Test.
These products don’t fit into any of our traditional BBQ categories – and some are better cooked in the oven than on the grill – but they’re the dishes our experts flagged as “must-order” for sharing this summer.
From authentic Turkish sausage to succulent slow-cooked pork, these are the products to turn to even if your BBQ is rained off, or the grill is already at max capacity. Because when the products are this good, there’s always space on the plate.
Best summer launches for 2026
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How we test new BBQ launches
Our experts sampled the standout BBQ launches from supermarkets and independent retailers this summer. They were looking for top-notch ingredients and exciting new recipes. Each was blinded to avoid brand bias, and our testers’ feedback considered aroma, taste and texture. These are the must-buy products this summer.
Tesco Finest Red Thai Style Pork Belly Slices 500g
Tesco Finest Red Thai Style Pork Belly Slices 500g
Score: 94/100
A fresh, fragrant red Thai-inspired sauce peps up Tesco’s pork belly slices. Packed with garlic, lemongrass and coconut, the marinade delivers a hint of heat on the finish, complementing the naturally sweet, grassy meat.
The Jolly Hog Hot Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork Shoulder 380g
The Jolly Hog Hot Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork Shoulder 380g
Score: 92/100
If the weather isn’t playing ball, get that BBQ flavour courtesy of this oven-cooked option. Each pack serves two and takes just 25 minutes to cook, transforming into the ultimate pulled pork with caramelised, crispy edges and a sticky, smoky glaze.
M&S Collection Heritage Gold Tomapork 592g
M&S Collection Heritage Gold Tomapork 592g
Score: 91/100
Every bit as impressive as a tomahawk steak, this porky alternative is sure to impress at your next BBQ. The giant chop has a high fat content, keeping it juicy and tender on the grill, with a blush-pink centre. Finished with butter, roasted shallots, garlic and herbs, it makes a striking, flavour-packed centrepiece.
Tesco Finest Slow Cooked Smoked Turkey Breast 618g
Tesco Finest Slow Cooked Smoked Turkey Breast 618g
Score: 89/100
Thought turkey was just for Christmas? Think again. This hot-smoked, slow-cooked breast can be reheated in the oven, and finished on the grill for a smoky char. We know turkey gets a bad rep, but fear not, this is deliciously moist, with salty cooking juices and a gentle chilli and mustard kick. Try it in tacos and wait for the compliments to roll in.
Score: 89/100
Give lamb its moment in the limelight with these spicy rump steaks. Tender and soft, our experts found this cut crisped up perfectly on the grill, while the harissa lends it a nice smoky, chilli-flecked finish.
Redefine Meat Plant Based Flank Steak 200g
Redefine Meat Plant Based Flank Steak 200g
Score: 87/100
Most of our testers described this vegan “flank steak” as tasting convincingly meaty, although not all were hoodwinked. But for those who don’t eat meat, this plant-based alternative is genuinely impressive, and will make a nice change from squeaky halloumi and veggie kebabs.
Gymkhana Green Tikka Salmon 395g
Gymkhana Green Tikka Salmon 395g
Score: 85/100
Gymkhana’s new pre-marinated range lands just in time for BBQ season – and it’s a complete gamechanger. Created by the two Michelin-starred restaurant, this green tikka salmon brings the best of bold tandoor flavours to the British grill, with a punchy, aromatic marinade packed with depth and spice. A standout for summer get-togethers – we tried it on the Big Green Egg – it’s an easy way to bring a touch of restaurant-quality flair to your garden.
Summer Grill by ASDA Beer Belly Pork Belly Slices 710g
Summer Grill by ASDA Beer Belly Pork Belly Slices 710g
Score: 85/100
We’re loving all things Americana for our BBQ this year – blame World Cup fever! And ASDA’s pork belly, complete with American cheese sauce, fits the bill perfectly. The beer-influence is bold, cutting through the charred meat and creamy sauce. Add coleslaw, potato salad and corn on the cob for an all-American feast.
Available 1 June 2026
Lumberjaxe Cowboy Butter Seasoning
Lumberjaxe Cowboy Butter Seasoning
Score: 83/100
This genius product is the ultimate summer pantry hack. A blend of BBQ herbs and spices – think garlic, buttermilk, paprika and lemon salt – it adds instant depth with just one sprinkle. You could also mix it into softened butter to melt over meat and veg. Try it on ribs or brisket and prepare to be wowed.
Score: 83/100
Made from a blend of organic beef and pork, Riverford’s Turkish sausage is unlike any other banger you’ll throw on the barbie this summer. Rich and umami, the Middle Eastern-inspired spicing is beautifully balanced with plenty of garlic. Char it well for maximum flavour, then serve with a bulgur wheat salad and a dollop of Greek yoghurt.
Read on for more BBQ taste tests
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
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!
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