Cook-in sauces are a cost-effective way to efficiently whip up a low-effort meal. For MK’s Test Kitchen, we’ve put large brands to the test.
In the ring
The team tasted two brands from the following sauces to find out which one came out on top:
Sweet & sour sauce
Royco Sweet and Sour cook-in sauce, 415g (R53)
vs
DENNY Sweet and Sour cook-in sauce, 415g (R53)
Tasting team:
“Denny won it for me! It provided both a sweet and sour taste, and was beautifully balanced.” – Oreneile Modise (Food Intern)
“I’m not one to stand in the kitchen for hours – I’d rather buy a sauce and have it taste like I made it! Denny’s sweet and sour sauce really appeals to me. Its silky texture and tangy flavour coats my tongue in such a filling way -a definite winner in my eyes!” – Geraldine Amoko (Senior Copy Editor)
“I enjoyed both sweet and sour sauce brands, but if I had to choose – I would go for Denny.” – Anelitha Hiti (Lifestyle Intern)
Final thoughts:
DENNY grabbed the win here, as it came across as the most exciting and well rounded sauce overall.
Mushroom sauce
Knorr Creamy Instant Mushroom Sauce, 38g (R19)
vs
Lancewood Mushroom Sauce, 250ml (R40)
Tasting team:
“When it comes to the mushroom sauce, Lancewood wins hands down. The sauce tastes like mushrooms because it contains mushrooms, and you get the full herby flavour. Knorr was just not up to scratch.” – Christi Nortier (Lifestyle Editor)
“Lancewood wins the category. It’s tough to compare the two because Knorr is a dry mixture and is thus more muted and artificial. Lancewood is able to get the fresh, homemade taste across as those tubs have a much shorter shelf life.” – Gail Damon (Food Contributor)
Final thoughts:
The team’s reactions were passionate about this one! Knorr wins on affordability and shelf life, but Lancewood’s fresh offering just pushed it to the side. To make a fresh mushroom sauce from scratch would cost more, so Lancewood is the winner!
Tomato-based sauce
Monteverde Passata Crushed Tomatoes, 400g (R37)
vs
Ina Paarman Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce, 400g (R73)
Tasting team:
“The Monteverde passata was too acidic when compared to Ina Paarman, which was well balanced, light and fresh.” – Christi Nortier (Lifestyle Editor)
“One of my favourites from the day was Ina Paarman. It was delectable, rich and full of flavour.” – Anelitha Hiti (Lifestyle Intern)
Final thoughts:
Monteverde is significantly more affordable and forms a base for a sauce that needs a few more bits and a simmer to soften its sharp tomatoes. Ina Paarman’s sauce secures the win because it’s ready to heat and eat, saving you time while also delivering on flavour.
