Ainsley Harriott Products UK: The Complete Guide to His Couscous and Soup Range [2026]

I'll be honest with you—I've had a packet of Ainsley Harriott Moroccan Medley couscous sitting in my desk drawer for three months now. It started as a "sample for testing" and has quietly become my emergency lunch solution more times than I care to admit. And frankly, that tells you everything about why this TV chef's food range has become such a staple in British kitchens.

Ainsley Harriott isn't just a familiar face from Ready Steady Cook. He's built one of the most successful celebrity chef food brands in the UK, and his couscous and soup products have been supermarket fixtures for over fifteen years. But are they actually any good? I've spent weeks testing, comparing, and yes, occasionally burning my mouth on too-hot cup soups to bring you this complete guide.

Who Is Ainsley Harriott? The Man Behind the Brand

Before we get into the products themselves, it's worth understanding the chef behind them. Ainsley Denzil Dubriel Harriott MBE was born in Paddington in 1957 to a Jamaican father (the pianist Chester Harriott) and an English mother. His path to becoming a household name wasn't exactly conventional.

Harriott started his culinary career at 16 with an apprenticeship at an East End restaurant. He worked his way through some of London's most prestigious kitchens—the Dorchester, Brown's, the Hilton, Quaglino's—eventually becoming Head Chef at Lord's Cricket Ground. But cooking wasn't his only talent. He actually formed a comedy double act called the Calypso Twins in the early 1990s, performing at the Comedy Store and even releasing a hit record called "World Party."

His television break came with BBC's Can't Cook, Won't Cook in 1995, where his infectious energy and genuine warmth made him an instant hit. He went on to present Ready Steady Cook for an extraordinary 21 series and nearly two thousand episodes. That's the kind of staying power most TV chefs can only dream about.

What sets Harriott apart from other celebrity chefs who've launched food ranges is that he actually seemed to care about making good, accessible food. While Gordon Ramsay has focused on restaurant empires and premium ready meals starting at £26 for two (not exactly everyday eating), Harriott went the opposite direction—flavoured couscous packets for under a pound.

The Ainsley Harriott Couscous Range: A Complete Breakdown

Let me be direct: Ainsley Harriott couscous is the brand leader in flavoured couscous in the UK, and that position wasn't achieved by accident. With around 1,000 monthly searches for "Ainsley Harriott couscous" alone, it's clear this range has serious consumer demand.

Available Flavours

The couscous range includes approximately eight different flavours, though availability varies by supermarket. Here's what I've managed to track down:

Moroccan Medley – This is the bestseller, and for good reason. The grains are light and fluffy with mint and cumin flavours that are—and this is important—not overpowering. There's a delicate balance that works brilliantly as a side dish. Actually, I've found it works surprisingly well stuffed into roasted peppers.

Spice Sensation – With around 70 monthly searches, this is another popular choice. It's got more heat than the Moroccan Medley, though "spice sensation" might be overselling it slightly. It's warming rather than face-melting.

Roasted Vegetable – Described on the packet as having "a hint of garlic" and being "perfect with chicken." Having tested this claim, I'd say it's accurate. The vegetable flavour is present but subtle.

Sundried Tomato & Garlic – More Mediterranean in profile. Works well cold in salads, which isn't something you can say about all the flavours.

Mushroom – Earthy and surprisingly moreish. This one I'd recommend if you're serving it with beef.

Lemon, Mint & Parsley – Fresh and zesty. Probably the most summery option.

Mediterranean – Similar profile to the Roasted Vegetable but with different herb emphasis.

Citrus Kick – Now, here's where I need to be honest. I came across some genuinely strong opinions about this flavour online. One reviewer described it as "like a mouthful of washing up liquid." I haven't personally tried this one, but that's a warning worth heeding.

How to Prepare Ainsley Harriott Couscous

The preparation couldn't be simpler—place the couscous in a bowl, pour 200ml of hot water over it, let it stand for 3 minutes (some packets say 5 minutes, which I'd recommend for fluffier results), then fluff with a fork. Done.

Each packet is typically 100-125g and makes a decent single portion or a side dish for two. At around 75p per packet, it's not the cheapest way to buy couscous (plain couscous is considerably less), but you're paying for the convenience and flavouring.

The Couscous Tubs

There's also a larger tub format (1.5kg) available at Costco for those who've committed fully to the Ainsley Harriott couscous lifestyle. These offer better value per gram but obviously require more storage space. I know of at least one person who claims they're "brilliant for long distance hiking"—you can add packet tuna or chopped smoked sausage, pour on boiling water, wait five minutes, and you've got a hot meal on the trail.

Ainsley Harriott Cup Soups: Flavours From Around the World

The cup soup range is where things get interesting. With 320 monthly searches for "Ainsley Harriott soup" and "Ainsley Harriott cup soup," this is a product line with genuine brand loyalty.

What Makes These Different From Standard Cup Soups?

Harriott has positioned his cup soups as a premium alternative to brands like Batchelors or standard supermarket own-brands. The flavours draw inspiration from global cuisines rather than the traditional "cream of tomato" approach.

They're free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives—a genuine selling point for those watching their intake of additives. Each serving makes half a pint, and calorie counts are generally reasonable (the Vegetable Chowder, for instance, is 72 calories per serving).

The Cup Soup Flavour Range

Szechuan Hot & Sour – This is the standout. With 50 monthly searches specifically for "Ainsley Harriott hot and sour soup," it's clearly a favourite. The heat is authentic without being overwhelming, and there's a proper depth of flavour that you don't always get from instant soups.

Thai Chicken – Here's where I need to share some bad news. According to reviews, the recipe was changed with an "improved recipe" reformulation that several loyal customers describe as a "watered down version." The original was apparently excellent; the current version has divided opinions.

Mulligatawny – A curry-spiced soup that's warming and satisfying. Around 30 monthly searches suggests a dedicated following.

Chicken & Leek – More traditional British fare, and executed well.

Italian Minestrone – Vegetable-packed and hearty for a cup soup.

Vegetable Chowder / New England Vegetable Chowder – Creamy and comforting. Suitable for vegetarians.

Wild Mushroom – Earthy and rich. One of my personal favourites.

Goan Spiced Chicken – Indian-inspired flavours. Another example of the range's global ambitions.

Butternut Squash – Sweet and velvety.

Spicy Lentil – Good protein content for a cup soup, and genuinely filling.

Southern Cajun Gumbo – Bold, American-inspired flavours.

Broccoli & Stilton – British comfort in a mug.

The Honest Truth About Ainsley Harriott Cup Soups

Look, I'm not going to pretend these are homemade. Several reviewers have noted they can be quite salty—one memorably described a variety as "like drinking a cup of salt with bits of veg floating about." But here's the thing: compared to most instant soups, they're a step up. The flavours are more complex, the ingredient lists are cleaner, and they genuinely taste like someone put thought into the recipes.

Are they the best on the market? Many customers think so. Are they perfect? No. But I'd take a Szechuan Hot & Sour over a standard Cup-a-Soup any day of the week.

Where to Buy Ainsley Harriott Products in the UK

One of the most common searches I encountered was people trying to find specific products. Here's the current supermarket availability:

Tesco

Tesco stocks a solid range of both couscous and cup soups. The Hot & Sour Soup 3 Pack (60g) is regularly available. Prices tend to be around £1-£1.50 per box for soups.

Sainsbury's

Good availability of the couscous range, including some flavours you won't find elsewhere. The couscous packets are typically around 75p-£1.

ASDA

ASDA stocks popular flavours from both ranges. Worth checking for their rollback deals—I've seen couscous packets drop to 50p during promotions.

Morrisons

Morrisons carries the Creamy Vegetable Chowder Cup Soup (80g) and several couscous varieties. Their pricing is competitive with Tesco.

Ocado

For the widest online selection, Ocado tends to stock more obscure flavours. Useful if you're hunting for something specific like the Thai Chicken.

Amazon

Amazon sells multi-packs if you want to stock up. A 12-pack of Sundried Tomato & Garlic Couscous, for instance, offers better per-unit value. However, some reviewers have noted that Amazon prices can be higher than supermarkets for individual items.

Costco

The 1.5kg couscous tubs are available here. Great value if you have the storage space and membership.

British Corner Shop (International)

For those outside the UK missing a taste of home, British Corner Shop ships Ainsley Harriott products worldwide. It's how expats in America, Australia, and beyond get their fix.

Ainsley Harriott vs Other Celebrity Chef Food Brands

How does Harriott's range compare to other celebrity-endorsed products? Let's put it in context.

Jamie Oliver has partnered extensively with Sainsbury's, focusing on recipe cards and ingredients that encourage cooking from scratch. His approach is educational—teaching people to cook—rather than providing ready-made solutions.

Loyd Grossman went the pasta sauce route and, interestingly, tops consumer surveys as the most popular celebrity food brand in the UK (according to Mintel research). His sauces offer more cooking involvement than Harriott's instant products.

Gordon Ramsay has ventured into premium ready meals, but at £26 for dinner for two, he's targeting a completely different market.

What Harriott understood—and this is why his brand has endured—is that there's a massive market for quick, tasty, affordable meals that don't require cooking skills. A busy parent wanting to add a flavourful side dish to grilled chicken doesn't need a cooking lesson; they need Moroccan Medley couscous.

Nutrition: Are Ainsley Harriott Products Actually Healthy?

With 20 monthly searches for "is Ainsley Harriott couscous healthy," this clearly matters to consumers. Here's the honest assessment.

Couscous Nutrition

Couscous itself is technically a type of pasta made from semolina flour. It's not particularly low-calorie—a 100g serving of cooked couscous provides about 112 calories, 23g carbohydrates, 3.8g protein, and minimal fat (0.2g).

Compared to white pasta (131 calories per 100g cooked), it's slightly lighter. It also contains fibre, B vitamins, and minerals including calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. So it's a reasonable carbohydrate choice.

The flavoured versions add seasonings and sometimes dried vegetables, which don't dramatically change the nutritional profile but do add sodium. If you're watching salt intake, check the labels—this applies to all flavoured convenience foods.

Important note: Couscous contains gluten (it's made from wheat). Not suitable for coeliacs unless you find a gluten-free alternative.

Cup Soup Nutrition

The cup soups are generally low in calories (50-100 per serving depending on flavour), low in fat, and provide a warm, filling snack. They're marketed as free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives.

The main nutritional concern is sodium. Like most instant soups, salt content is higher than homemade alternatives. The Vegetable Chowder at 72 calories per serving is one of the lighter options.

Are they "health food"? No. Are they a reasonable quick lunch or afternoon snack within a balanced diet? Yes, absolutely.

Tips for Getting the Most From Ainsley Harriott Products

After extensive testing (and that emergency desk drawer stash), here are my recommendations:

For couscous:

• Add a splash of olive oil after cooking for better texture
• The Moroccan Medley genuinely works well stuffed in peppers or mixed with roasted vegetables
• Use slightly more water than recommended for fluffier results
• Cold couscous salads work best with Sundried Tomato or Lemon Mint & Parsley flavours

For cup soups:

• Use water just off the boil rather than furiously boiling—it affects texture
• The Hot & Sour benefits from a squeeze of lime if you have one to hand
• These work surprisingly well as sauce bases for quick stir-fries (I discovered this by accident)

The Verdict: Is the Ainsley Harriott Range Worth Buying?

After testing multiple products across the range, here's my honest conclusion.

The couscous is excellent value and genuinely tasty. It's not going to replace properly cooked couscous with fresh herbs and spices, but it's not trying to. For a quick side dish ready in under five minutes, it delivers. The Moroccan Medley and Spice Sensation are the standouts.

The cup soups are better than most instant alternatives but come with caveats. The salt content is worth watching, and some flavours have apparently been reformulated in ways that disappointed loyal customers. The Szechuan Hot & Sour remains excellent.

Overall, Ainsley Harriott has created something that fills a genuine gap in the market—quick, flavourful, affordable food that doesn't taste mass-produced. In a Mintel survey, only 18% of consumers said they were influenced by celebrity endorsements, and a third believed stars only backed products for the money. The longevity of the Ainsley Harriott range suggests consumers see it differently—this is a product line that's earned its supermarket shelf space.

Would I recommend it? Yes. It's been in my desk drawer for three months for a reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ainsley Harriott couscous healthy?

Ainsley Harriott couscous is a reasonable carbohydrate choice, providing around 112 calories per 100g cooked, along with fibre, B vitamins, and minerals including iron and zinc. It's slightly lower in calories than white pasta. The main nutritional consideration is sodium content from the flavourings—if you're watching salt intake, check the labels. It contains gluten and isn't suitable for coeliacs.

What flavours of Ainsley Harriott cup soup are available?

The range includes approximately 12 flavours: Szechuan Hot & Sour, Thai Chicken, Mulligatawny, Chicken & Leek, Italian Minestrone, Vegetable Chowder, Wild Mushroom, Goan Spiced Chicken, Butternut Squash, Spicy Lentil, Southern Cajun Gumbo, and Broccoli & Stilton. Availability varies by supermarket, with Ocado typically offering the widest selection.

Where can I buy Ainsley Harriott couscous in the UK?

Ainsley Harriott couscous is stocked at Tesco, Sainsbury's, ASDA, Morrisons, and Ocado. Costco sells 1.5kg tubs for bulk buyers. Amazon offers multi-packs for home delivery. Prices typically range from 75p to £1.50 per packet depending on retailer and promotions.

How do you cook Ainsley Harriott couscous?

Place the couscous in a bowl, pour 200ml of boiling water over it, cover and let it stand for 3-5 minutes (5 minutes gives fluffier results), then fluff with a fork. For extra flavour, add a splash of olive oil after cooking. Each packet makes a single portion or side dish for two.

Is Ainsley Harriott couscous vegan?

Most Ainsley Harriott couscous flavours are suitable for vegans, as they contain no animal products. However, always check individual packet labels as formulations can vary. The Spice Sensation and Roasted Vegetable varieties are confirmed vegan-friendly.

What is the best Ainsley Harriott couscous flavour?

Based on sales and reviews, the Moroccan Medley is the bestselling and most highly rated flavour. Reviewers praise its light, fluffy texture and balanced mint and cumin seasoning that isn't overpowering. The Spice Sensation is the second most popular choice for those wanting more warmth.

How many calories are in Ainsley Harriott cup soup?

Calorie content varies by flavour, but most Ainsley Harriott cup soups contain between 50-100 calories per serving. The Vegetable Chowder is one of the lowest at 72 calories. All varieties are low in fat. Each serving makes half a pint of soup.