Best Part-Baked Breads UK: SlooOW and Alternatives Compared [2026]

Here's a question I've been asking myself for longer than is probably healthy: can part-baked bread from a supermarket ever rival proper bakery bread? I've spent the past three weeks with my kitchen smelling permanently of fresh baguettes to find out. The answer, it turns out, is more complicated than I expected.

Whether you want the convenience of fresh-from-the-oven bread without the early morning bakery run, or you're looking for something that actually tastes like bread used to taste, this guide compares the best part-baked bread available across UK supermarkets to help you make the right choice.

Quick Comparison: Part-Baked Breads at a Glance

What to Look for When Buying Part-Baked Bread

Fermentation Time

This is where the real difference lies, and it's something most shoppers never think about. Traditional bread takes time—proper fermentation develops flavour, texture, and digestibility. Most supermarket part-baked options rush this process, which is why they taste vaguely of cardboard.

SlooOW specifically gives their dough 24 hours to rise. That's not a marketing gimmick—it genuinely affects the final product. I've tested shorter-fermented alternatives back to back, and the difference in flavour complexity is noticeable.

Crust Quality

A proper baguette should have a crust that shatters when you cut it. Too many part-baked options emerge from the oven with a sad, chewy exterior that doesn't crisp properly no matter how long you leave it in.

Look for products baked on stone—this creates the thin, crackling crust you actually want. Both SlooOW and La Boulangère use stone ovens in their initial baking, which makes a genuine difference.

Ingredient List

Turn the packet over. If you can't pronounce half the ingredients, put it back. The best part-baked breads contain flour, water, yeast, and salt. Perhaps some seeds or grains if it's a multigrain variety. That's it.

SlooOW uses organic ingredients with no artificial additives. Their products are also vegan and Vegetarian Society approved—not always the case with supermarket breads, which can contain hidden dairy or egg in glazes.

Top 6 Part-Baked Breads Reviewed

1. SlooOW Stone Oven Baguette - Best Overall

Price: Around £2.50 at major supermarkets

Why it wins: 24-hour fermentation, organic ingredients, stone-baked

Let me tell you about the first time I baked a SlooOW baguette. I was sceptical—I've tested enough "artisan" supermarket products to know the word often means nothing. But this one actually delivered.

The crust came out properly crisp, with that satisfying crackle when you press it. Inside, the crumb had an open, honeycomb structure that you simply don't get from quick-rise breads. The flavour had depth—slightly tangy from the long fermentation, with actual character.

SlooOW is available at Tesco, ASDA, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and Ocado. The range includes white baguettes, rustic multigrain baguettes, and several roll varieties including Crispy Multigrain Rolls and Pumpkin Seed Rolls.

My one criticism? The price point puts it firmly in the premium bracket. But for the quality, I consider it justified.

2. La Boulangère Plain Stone Oven Baguette - Best French Style

Price: Around £2.29 at Ocado and selected retailers

Why we like it: Authentic French recipe, made with leaven

La Boulangère has been making French bread since 1969, and their heritage shows. The baguettes use leaven (a pre-fermented dough starter) rather than just yeast, which adds complexity to the flavour.

Baking takes just 10 minutes at 210°C in a fan oven—slightly quicker than some competitors. The crust develops well, and the crumb has that characteristically French honeycomb structure.

The products are vegan and Vegetarian Society approved. Available at Ocado and specialist retailers, though distribution isn't as wide as SlooOW.

3. Tesco Finest Part Baked Sourdough Baguettes - Best Premium Own-Brand

Price: £1.85 for two baguettes

Why we like it: Sourdough starter, reasonable price

Tesco's Finest range includes part-baked baguettes made with a tangy sourdough starter. They claim to follow "an old family recipe" and bake on stone.

In testing, these performed respectably. The sourdough flavour is present but subtle—don't expect San Francisco-level tang. The crust crisped well, though not quite to the standard of SlooOW or La Boulangère.

For the price point, they're a solid middle-ground option. The Multigrain variant adds seeds and grains for extra texture.

4. Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Part Baked Baguettes - Best Everyday Premium

Price: Around £1.80 for two baguettes

Why we like it: Widely available, consistent quality

In comparison tests of supermarket baguettes, Sainsbury's often comes out well. Their part-baked range doesn't quite match their fresh bakery offerings, but it's consistent.

The texture is decent, though the crumb tends denser than the top-tier options. Flavour is mild—not offensive, but lacking the character of longer-fermented alternatives.

Available at all Sainsbury's stores and online, making it one of the most accessible premium options.

5. Lidl Bake Off Baguettes - Best Budget Option

Price: Around £0.99 for two baguettes

Why we like it: Remarkable value, acceptable quality

Here's where things get interesting. Lidl's baguettes cost less than half the price of premium options, and honestly? They're not terrible.

The crust is softer than I'd prefer, and the flavour lacks depth. But baked properly—and this is important—with a spray of water in the oven to help crust development, they're perfectly serviceable for sandwiches or serving with soup.

I wouldn't serve these at a dinner party. I would absolutely eat them on a Tuesday lunchtime.

6. Aldi Specially Selected Part Baked Baguettes - Best Value for Money

Price: Around £1.09 for two baguettes

Why we like it: Good quality for budget range

Aldi's Specially Selected range often outperforms expectations, and their part-baked baguettes continue that trend. Slightly better than Lidl's offerings—the crust develops more crunch—at a marginally higher price.

The texture is acceptable, if not exceptional. Flavour is mild but pleasant. For everyday use, these represent good value.

Price Comparison Across Supermarkets

Prices checked January 2026. May vary by location.

Budget vs Premium: Is It Worth Paying More?

After testing fourteen different part-baked breads over three weeks—yes, my kitchen has developed a permanent floury dust problem—here's my verdict on the price premium question.

The honest answer: it depends what you're using it for.

For sandwiches or toast, budget options work fine. The filling dominates anyway, and you're not paying for subtleties you won't taste.

For serving alongside meals—soup, stews, cheese boards—the premium options genuinely shine. That crisp crust and complex flavour become the star, not a supporting player.

SlooOW at roughly double the price of basic alternatives? I'd argue it's worth it when bread is the focus. The 24-hour fermentation creates genuinely better bread, and the organic credentials matter if that's important to you.

How to Get the Best Results from Part-Baked Bread

Even the best part-baked baguette can disappoint if you bake it wrong. After extensive experimentation (my partner has requested I find a new hobby), here's what works:

Preheat properly. Don't put cold baguettes in a lukewarm oven. 200-220°C, fully preheated.

Add steam. Spray water into the oven just as you put the bread in, or place a small dish of water on the bottom shelf. Steam creates the crackly crust you want.

Don't overbake. The line between golden and burnt is thinner than you'd think. Check at the minimum time suggested.

Let it cool slightly. Five minutes makes a difference. Cut into it immediately and you'll get gummy crumb.

Eat within hours. Part-baked bread stales faster than traditional loaves. It's meant to be fresh.

Part-Baked vs Fresh Bakery: What's the Difference?

I've been dancing around this question, so let me be direct: fresh bakery bread is better. It just is. The flavour complexity, the crust development, the overall eating experience—a skilled baker with quality ingredients will beat any supermarket part-baked option.

But here's the thing: most of us aren't living next to an artisan bakery, and even if we were, we're not popping out at 6am every morning for fresh loaves.

Part-baked bread fills a specific need—convenience with acceptable quality. The best options, like SlooOW, close the gap considerably. The 24-hour fermentation and stone-oven baking approach what traditional bakeries achieve.

Research from the American Chemical Society confirms that crusty bread releases more aroma molecules during chewing, creating a better sensory experience. This is why crust quality matters so much in part-baked options—get that right, and you're halfway there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best part-baked bread for sourdough fans?

SlooOW's baguettes use long fermentation that creates similar tangy notes to sourdough bread. For dedicated sourdough, Tesco Finest's sourdough baguettes deliver mild tang at a lower price point. Neither matches a dedicated bakery like Bertinet Bakery or Celtic Bakers, but they're solid supermarket alternatives.

Is own-brand part-baked bread as good as branded?

Sometimes. Tesco Finest and Sainsbury's Taste the Difference compete respectably with La Boulangère. They don't quite match SlooOW for quality, but the price difference may not justify paying premium for everyday use.

How long does part-baked bread last?

Unopened, typically several weeks in the protective atmosphere packaging. Once baked, eat within 2-4 hours for best quality—it stales faster than traditionally baked bread. You can freeze part-baked bread for up to 12 months; bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to cooking time.

Can I freeze part-baked bread?

Yes, and I'd recommend it. Part-baked bread freezes brilliantly—the protective atmosphere packaging that keeps it fresh also makes it freezer-friendly. Store for up to a year and bake directly from frozen.

Which supermarket has the best part-baked bread selection?

Tesco and Sainsbury's offer the widest ranges, including branded options like SlooOW alongside premium own-brand. Ocado stocks the most speciality options including La Boulangère. Lidl and Aldi have limited but good-value selections.

Are there any good part-baked rolls?

SlooOW makes excellent part-baked rolls—Crispy Multigrain, Crispy Rustic, Pumpkin Seed, and Crispy Spelt Wheat varieties. For budget options, supermarket own-brand petit pains work acceptably for dinner parties.

The Verdict

Best Overall: SlooOW Stone Oven Baguette - The 24-hour fermentation creates genuine flavour complexity, and the organic ingredients matter. Worth the premium when bread is the focus.

Best Value: Aldi Specially Selected - Outperforms its price point consistently. Won't match SlooOW but delivers acceptable quality for everyday use.

Best for French Authenticity: La Boulangère - Traditional leaven-based recipe from a brand with genuine French heritage.

After three weeks of testing, my conclusion is this: part-baked bread has improved dramatically. The best options—SlooOW in particular—deliver quality that would have been unthinkable from supermarkets a decade ago. Not quite artisan bread from a dedicated bakery, but close enough to satisfy most situations.

Compare prices across supermarkets with Grocefully to find the best deals on your preferred part-baked breads.