Most supermarket sushi is so disappointing that it makes the decade-long training of Japanese sushi chefs seem entirely justified. While not all products in this test are terrible, the bar is undeniably low.
Beyond freshness, my biggest concern was sustainability. Fish stocks are depleted, and open-water aquaculture—especially salmon farming, the source of the UK's favourite sushi topping—can have serious environmental and welfare issues. In-house sustainability claims are minimal, and only two products carry third-party certification.
The Best Overall
Taiko smoked salmon deluxe – £6.85 for 291g at Waitrose (£2.35/100g) ★★★☆☆ The freshest and most skillfully made sushi of the bunch, rolled fresh in store. A huge selection of 14 pieces includes nigiri, lettuce rolls, hosomaki, and a standout smoked salmon, red pepper, and rocket roll. Comes with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi. No third-party certification, but Taiko is a member of the Sustainable Seafood Coalition.
Best Bargain
Sainsbury’s fish sushi selection – £3.30 for 150g (£2.20/100g) ★★☆☆☆ Includes king prawn and smoked salmon nigiri, a sweet chilli and MSC-certified cold-water prawn California roll, an RSPCA-assured cured Scottish salmon California roll, and two veggie hosomaki rolls. Overcooked rice, and soy sauce only. One of the few products with some third-party certification.
The Rest
M&S Kando classic fish selection – £6 for 167g (£3.59/100g) ★★★☆☆ An eclectic western-style eight-piece box with a perfectly balanced king prawn and avocado California roll, reverse surimi roll, drab tuna and cabbage roll, king prawn and Scottish salmon nigiri, and cucumber hosomaki. Firm, well-cooked rice. Includes soy, ginger, and wasabi. Good traceability and responsible sourcing claims.
Yo! Ultimate Catch – £6 for 279g at Co-op (£2.15/100g) ★★☆☆☆ A 12-piece selection: four prawn and salmon nigiri, four California-style rolls (MSC-certified surimi, avocado, sesame, and nice salmon, cucumber, sesame), and four veggie hosomaki. A bit tired but enjoyable. Includes all three condiments.
Tanpopo Montaro sushi – £5.75 for 257g at Ocado (£2.24/100g) ★★☆☆☆ An eight-piece selection with salmon and prawn nigiri, tuna and chicken maki rolls, and all three condiments. Tightly packed, overcooked but firm rice, plenty of fresh protein. Almost three stars, but no certification or clear sustainability.
Tesco smoked salmon, tuna & prawn sushi – £3.30 for 136g (£2.43/100g) ★☆☆☆☆ Seven pieces: a neat sriracha prawn California roll, an underfilled and underwhelming tuna mayo California roll, and three salmon hosomaki. Firm, fresh rice, but soy sauce only. Tesco says it works to ensure all seafood is responsibly sourced.
Co-op Sushi Menu salmon & tuna – £3.75 for 132g (£2.85/100g) ★☆☆☆☆ Two California rolls (surimi and tuna teriyaki), two salmon nigiri, and two salmon hosomaki. Soy only. Overcooked rice, disparate flavours. No certification; Co-op says seafood meets its sourcing standards.
Asda salmon & prawn sushi large pack – £3 for 210g (£1.43/100g) ★☆☆☆☆ Three nigiri, two California rolls, and three small hosomaki with cured and cooked salmon. Good firm bite, reasonably fresh rice. Includes soy, wasabi, and ginger. No certification.
Aldi Eat & Go fish sushi selection – £2.19 for 146g (in store only) ★☆☆☆☆ A varied six-piece selection: two reverse California rolls (tuna; salmon and cream cheese), prawn and salmon nigiri, and cucumber and salmon hosomaki. Firm and fresh. No certification.