The Original Patty Co: Your Complete Guide to Jamaican Patties in UK Supermarkets [2026]

The first time I tried a proper Jamaican patty, I was 19 and standing outside a Caribbean takeaway in Wolverhampton during a freezing January afternoon. The golden pastry shattered as I bit into it, releasing steam and the unmistakable aroma of Scotch bonnet pepper and allspice. I'd had supermarket "spicy pasties" before, but this was something else entirely—a proper deep-filled patty with that distinctive turmeric-yellow crust.

That experience stuck with me. And it turns out I was standing about five minutes from where The Original Patty Co has been making their patties for over 60 years.

What Is a Jamaican Patty? History and Origins

A Jamaican patty is a semicircular pastry filled with seasoned meat, vegetables, or fish, baked inside a flaky golden crust. The distinctive yellow colour comes from turmeric or egg yolk brushed onto the dough before baking.

But here's what I find fascinating about the Jamaican patty: it's a genuine fusion food that tells the story of Jamaica's complex history. The patty evolved from the Cornish pasty, brought to Jamaica by British colonists in the 17th century. From there, African and Indian influences transformed it into something uniquely Caribbean—the Indian influence shows in the curried fillings, whilst the Scotch bonnet peppers speak to African culinary traditions.

In Jamaica today, patties are true street food. You'll find them everywhere from corner shops to petrol stations, often tucked inside cocoa bread for extra substance. The patty has become so iconic that Jamaica's motto "Out of Many, One People" could easily apply to this humble pastry—it's an edible representation of the island's multicultural heritage.

When Jamaicans migrated to the UK in the 1960s and 70s, they brought their patties with them. Fast forward to 2026, and you can now find authentic Jamaican patties in major supermarkets across Britain.

The Original Patty Co: Over 60 Years of Authentic Jamaican Patties

The Original Patty Co has been baking Jamaican patties in England since the 1960s, making them one of the longest-established Caribbean food producers in the country. Based in Wolverhampton, they've built a reputation for authentic recipes and generous fillings.

What sets them apart? For starters, they're actually from the Windrush generation's legacy—this isn't a corporate attempt to cash in on Caribbean cuisine, but a genuine family business with roots in the community. Their patties are notably deep-filled compared to some competitors, and they've expanded well beyond the classic beef to include some properly interesting flavours.

The Original Patty Co Product Range

Classic Patties:

• Beef Patty (the bestseller)
• Chicken Patty
• Lamb Patty
• Vegetable Patty (suitable for vegetarians)

Gourmet Range:

• Curry Mutton Patty
• Ackee & Saltfish Patty
• Jerk Chicken Patty

Jamaican Meals:

• Jerk Chicken & Rice
• Curry Mutton & Rice
• Oxtail & Rice

I'll be honest—the Ackee & Saltfish patty surprised me. I wasn't sure how Jamaica's national dish would translate into patty form, but it works remarkably well. The creamy ackee balances the salted fish beautifully.

Where to Buy Jamaican Patties in UK Supermarkets

Good news for patty lovers: you no longer need to hunt down a specialist Caribbean shop (though those are brilliant too). Here's where to find Jamaican patties on your regular supermarket run.

ASDA

ASDA stocks The Original Patty Co Beef Patty (140g) in the chilled section, typically alongside other world food items. You can order online for delivery or click and collect.

Tesco

Tesco carries Port Royal Jamaican patties—their Beef Jamaican Patty (140g) is available at £1.25, or £1 with Clubcard. Port Royal have been producing authentic Jamaican street food in the UK for over 15 years, so you're getting decent quality at supermarket prices.

Morrisons

Morrisons also stocks Port Royal patties in most larger stores. Check the world food aisle or the frozen section.

Sainsbury's and Waitrose

Availability varies by store, but both occasionally stock Caribbean patties. Sainsbury's has expanded their world food range significantly over the past few years.

Direct from The Original Patty Co

If your local supermarket doesn't stock what you want, The Original Patty Co offers direct delivery with free shipping on all orders. You can buy a box of 10 fresh patties for £20—that's £2 per patty, which is actually competitive with supermarket prices when you factor in the quality.

Jamaican Patty Flavours: From Beef to Jerk Chicken

Not sure which flavour to try first? Here's my honest breakdown after testing more patties than my colleagues think is reasonable.

Beef Patty

The Classic. If you've never had a Jamaican patty before, start here. The filling is seasoned ground beef with onions, garlic, thyme, and Scotch bonnet pepper. The spice level varies by brand—The Original Patty Co's version has a proper kick without being overwhelming.

Verdict: The gateway patty. Rich, savoury, with enough heat to keep things interesting.

Chicken Patty

A lighter alternative to beef, though "lighter" is relative when we're talking about pastry-wrapped goodness. The chicken filling tends to be milder, making it more accessible if you're nervous about Scotch bonnet heat.

Verdict: Great for patty beginners or kids. Still properly seasoned.

Lamb Patty

Lamb patties offer a richer, more robust flavour—the meat pairs beautifully with Jamaican spices, especially when there's a hint of rosemary in the mix. Some argue you can't tell the difference from beef once all that seasoning goes in. I disagree, but it's a fair point that the spices do dominate.

Verdict: Worth trying if you enjoy lamb. Premium flavour, though often pricier.

Jerk Chicken Patty

This is where things get interesting. Jerk seasoning—with its blend of allspice, thyme, Scotch bonnet, and that distinctive smokiness—transforms the humble patty into something special. Levi Roots may have brought jerk to mainstream supermarkets, but The Original Patty Co does it properly.

Verdict: My personal favourite. Complex flavour, proper heat.

Vegetable Patty

Filled with seasoned vegetables (typically carrots, sweetcorn, peppers, and sometimes callaloo), veggie patties are more than an afterthought. The best versions are generously spiced and genuinely satisfying.

Verdict: Better than you'd expect. Legitimate option, not just a compromise.

Salt Fish (Ackee & Saltfish) Patty

Ackee and saltfish is Jamaica's national dish, so putting it in a patty makes cultural sense. The combination of creamy ackee fruit and salted cod is distinctive—it won't be for everyone, but if you're already a fan of the dish, you'll love the patty version.

Verdict: For the adventurous. Authentic and unusual.

How to Cook Jamaican Patties: Oven, Air Fryer and More

Here's the thing: cooking method matters more than most people realise. A badly reheated patty is a sad shadow of what it could be.

Oven Method (Best Results)

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (fan) or 190°C (conventional)
2. Place patties on a lined baking tray—don't stack them
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and heated through
4. Let rest for 2 minutes before eating (that filling is volcanic)

Pro tip: If cooking from frozen, don't thaw first. Go straight from freezer to oven and add 5-10 minutes.

Air Fryer Method (Quick and Crispy)

Air fryers have changed the game for frozen food, and patties are no exception.

1. Preheat air fryer to 180°C (350°F)
2. Place patties in basket—single layer, no overlap
3. Cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway
4. For frozen patties, cook at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes

Result: Incredibly crispy pastry. The air fryer genuinely rivals oven baking and takes half the time.

Microwave Method (In a Rush)

Look, sometimes you need food fast. Microwaving won't give you that flaky crust, but it'll get you fed.

1. Remove packaging and wrap in kitchen paper
2. Microwave on medium-high for 2-3 minutes (frozen) or 60-90 seconds (chilled)
3. Let stand for 1-2 minutes
4. For crispier results, finish in a toaster oven at 200°C for 2 minutes

Honest assessment: The pastry will be soft, not flaky. Acceptable in emergencies only.

Are Jamaican Patties Healthy? Calories and Nutrition

I'm not going to pretend Jamaican patties are health food. They're pastry wrapped around seasoned meat—delicious, comforting, but not something you'd eat before a marathon.

That said, let's look at the actual numbers.

Typical Nutritional Values (per 140g patty)

The protein content is actually decent—around 12-15g per patty from the meat filling. You're also getting some iron and B12, particularly from beef patties.

The Reality Check

A Jamaican patty is roughly equivalent in calories to a Greggs sausage roll or a supermarket sandwich. It's fine as an occasional lunch or snack. Where people run into trouble is eating multiple patties or combining them with other heavy foods.

Healthier strategies:

• Pair with a side salad rather than chips
• Choose chicken or vegetable patties for slightly lower fat
• Treat as a complete meal, not a starter

Comparing Caribbean Patty Brands Available in the UK

The Original Patty Co isn't the only game in town. Here's how they stack up against other brands you might find.

The Original Patty Co

• Heritage: 60+ years in the UK
• Strengths: Deep-filled, authentic recipes, wide range including gourmet options
• Where to buy: ASDA, direct online
• Price: £2-2.50 per patty

Port Royal

• Heritage: 15+ years, North London based
• Strengths: Widely available in supermarkets, good value
• Where to buy: Tesco, Morrisons, ASDA
• Price: £1-1.25 per patty

Island Delight

• Heritage: Major UK Caribbean food brand
• Strengths: Good availability, consistent quality
• Where to buy: Various supermarkets
• Price: £1.50-2 per patty

Specialist Bakeries

If you live in an area with Caribbean communities—Birmingham, London, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds—you'll likely have local bakeries making fresh patties daily. These are often the best option if you can find them. Paradise Patties in Tottenham, Flakey Crust Bakery, and numerous independent shops offer quality that's hard to beat.

Controversial opinion incoming: supermarket patties are convenient, but they rarely match a freshly baked patty from a proper Caribbean bakery. If you have access to one, use it.

Other Caribbean Foods to Try from UK Supermarkets

Once you've discovered Jamaican patties, you might want to explore more Caribbean cuisine. Here are some other products worth seeking out.

Sauces and Seasonings

• Hot Pepper SauceEncona Hot Pepper Sauce** - West Indian hot sauce, widely available
• Dunns River - Jamaican seasonings and sauces
• Tropical Sun - Caribbean groceries including jerk seasonings
• Reggae Reggae SauceLevi Roots Reggae Reggae Sauce** - The Dragons' Den success story

Drinks

• Tropical Vibes - Caribbean soft drinks
• Ting - Jamaican grapefruit soda, perfect with patties

Tinned Goods

• Grace Ackee - For making ackee and saltfish at home
• Callaloo - Leafy green, essential for Jamaican cooking
• Gungo Peas (Pigeon Peas) - For rice and peas

The UK Caribbean food market has grown significantly. What was once only available in specialist shops is now increasingly stocked in mainstream supermarkets, particularly in areas with Caribbean communities.

My Verdict on The Original Patty Co

After testing their range extensively (occupational hazard, really), I'm comfortable saying The Original Patty Co produces some of the best supermarket-available Jamaican patties in the UK. Their 60 years of experience shows in the quality—the pastry is properly flaky, the fillings are generous, and the spicing is authentic without being gimmicky.

The downsides? They're not as widely stocked as Port Royal, so you might need to order direct. The prices are slightly higher than budget options, though the quality justifies it. And if you're after mild flavours, some of their range might challenge your palate.

But that's kind of the point, isn't it? A proper Jamaican patty should have personality. It should make you take notice. And The Original Patty Co's patties do exactly that.

For those new to Caribbean food, I'd suggest starting with a classic beef patty—either from The Original Patty Co or Port Royal from your local supermarket. Once you've got a taste for it, branch out into jerk chicken, lamb, or the adventurous ackee and saltfish. Your lunch breaks will never be boring again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you cook Jamaican patties from frozen?

Preheat your oven to 190°C and bake frozen patties for 25-35 minutes until golden brown and heated through. Don't thaw them first—go straight from freezer to oven. For air fryer cooking, set to 200°C and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. The air fryer produces particularly crispy results. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it makes the pastry soft rather than flaky.

What is a Jamaican patty?

A Jamaican patty is a semicircular pastry filled with seasoned meat, vegetables, or fish, baked inside a flaky golden crust. The distinctive yellow colour comes from turmeric or egg yolk. It evolved from the Cornish pasty brought by British colonists, then was transformed by African and Indian culinary influences into something uniquely Caribbean. Traditional fillings include beef, chicken, lamb, saltfish, and vegetables, all heavily spiced with ingredients like Scotch bonnet pepper, thyme, and allspice.

Are Jamaican patties healthy?

Jamaican patties are a moderate-calorie food at 300-360 calories per standard patty, containing around 12-15g of protein. They're not health food—the pastry is high in carbohydrates and fat—but they're comparable to other grab-and-go options like sausage rolls or sandwiches. The beef filling provides iron and vitamin B12. For a healthier option, choose chicken or vegetable fillings and pair with a salad rather than additional carbohydrates.

Where can I buy Jamaican patties in the UK?

Jamaican patties are available at major UK supermarkets including ASDA (The Original Patty Co), Tesco (Port Royal), and Morrisons. You can also buy direct from producers like The Original Patty Co, who offer free delivery nationwide. For the freshest patties, look for Caribbean bakeries in cities like Birmingham, London, Manchester, and Bristol—local bakeries often produce superior products to pre-packaged supermarket options.

How many calories are in a Jamaican patty?

A standard 140g Jamaican beef patty contains approximately 300-360 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of roughly 35-43g carbohydrates, 14-18g fat, and 12-15g protein. Chicken patties tend to be slightly lower in fat, while lamb patties can be higher. Vegetable patties are generally similar in calories due to the pastry content.

Can you freeze Jamaican patties?

Yes, Jamaican patties freeze extremely well for up to 3 months. Most commercial patties are sold frozen already. To freeze fresh patties, wrap individually in cling film, then place in a freezer bag. Cook from frozen without thawing for best results—thawing can make the pastry soggy. Many people buy multipacks specifically to keep a stash in the freezer for quick meals.

What flavours do Jamaican patties come in?

The most common Jamaican patty flavours include beef (the classic), chicken, lamb, vegetable, jerk chicken, and saltfish (ackee and saltfish). The Original Patty Co also offers curry mutton patties. Beef remains the most popular and traditional choice, with jerk chicken growing in popularity. Vegetable patties typically contain carrots, sweetcorn, peppers, and sometimes callaloo. Some brands offer cheese beef patties and chicken sweetcorn varieties.