Salami

Tesco Finest Salami Milano

€2.09 for 70 grams, €29.86 per kg

Highs: This is very similar to the Marks & Spencer salami, except it is cheaper and more widely available. It has a nice texture and a gentle hint of garlic, which complements the pork flavours. It is not excessively salty, is quite mild and comes in suitably thin slices.

Lows: While it is not the most expensive salami tried, it certainly is not cheap. Its mildness might count against it for some, and it does lack a kick. It is also quite fatty (par for the course when it comes to many salamis) and is missing the authentic Italian smells you might expect.

Verdict: Fairly unmemorable.

Star rating: ***

Espina Smoked Salami

€1.99 for 100 grams, €19.90 per kg

Highs: This is, comparatively, a cheap salami that is widely available. It also has a fairly gentle flavour that some people might find appealing.

Lows: One man's appealing may be another man's appalling, however, and while to label this brand thus might be overstating the case, it certainly is a long way from nice. Were it not for the fact that it says "smoked" in big letters, you would have no indication that it had come within a pig's squeal of a smokehouse. It looks disturbingly pink and while you have to expect salami to be a little greasy, this takes it to the limit.

Verdict: Grim and greasy.

Star rating: *

Marks & Spencer Salami Milano

 €2.99 for 80 grams, €37.38 per kg

Highs: This has a pretty good texture and some strong flavours to savour. The flecks of pepper give it a decent kick and the thin slices make it very easy to eat - you could go through half a packet before you even introduce it to a piece of bread. Lows: At more than €37 per kilo, this is the most expensive tried, and while it would be nice to say that it was a price worth paying for the complex flavours and earthy authenticity, it's just not possible. The strongest and most lingering flavour is of salt, and it lacks a garlic hit. Also, it is not easy to come by.

Verdict: Alright, bar the price.

Star rating: **

Aldi's Deli Continental Milano Salami

€1.75 for 100 grams, €17.50 per kg

Highs: This is something of a revelation. It is much cheaper than the other Milano salamis and is as good, if not better, than them, too. It comes in big slices and has a stronger and more memorable flavour than the competition. It has a nice texture and is not overly greasy making it very, very good value.

Lows: This is impossible to fault in terms of quality and value, which leaves us with little or nothing to complain about. However, you need to be within striking distance of an Aldi store to source it.

Verdict: Tastes great, great value.

Star rating: *****