We tasted store-bought buttermilk rusks and found the best one – just in time for winter

We tasked our team with an anonymous taste test as we set out to determine which traditional chunky-style buttermilk rusk would take the tea (or coffee). Admittedly, they were all tasty and the results were close, but there was a clear champion on the day.

From overall taste and buttermilk flavour to sweetness, dunkability and crunch, we put five different brands to the Food24 Taste Test.

See the results below:

Bokomo Buttermilk Rusks: 3.5/5

Raters noted that these rusks dunked well and held their shape, making for an overall good rusk experience. It was slightly darker than the other rusks with bit more of a caramel note to it, which some said overpowered the buttermilk, noting that it comes across as more of a caramel rusk rather than buttermilk. This rusk wasn’t sweet at all, which is perfect for those who prefer their rusks less sugary.

Checkers House Brand Buttermilk Rusks: 3.4/5

These rusks delivered on the buttermilk flavour but were too sweet. Overall, a good rusk that dunked well, with a good amount of crunch and nice colour, making it perfect for a sweet-rusk lover.

Ouma Buttermilk Rusks: 3/5

Raters immediately identified the iconic buttermilk rusk flavour and taste they remember growing up with, but despite the nostalgia, they felt the rusk was too light in colour and this ultimately affected the experience. Raters noted a bitter aftertaste from baking soda, which overwhelmed the whole enjoyment and affected the scores. The rusk is otherwise well-balanced: it delivers on the buttermilk flavour, isn’t too sweet and scored well on both dunkability and crunch.

Pick n Pay No Name Brand Buttermilk Rusks: 3.6/5

Raters noted that these rusks were similar to Ouma Buttermilk Rusks, but they scored extra points because no bitter aftertaste was detected. The rusks had a nice colour to them and there was a good balance of flavours with the buttermilk flavour coming through strong. Some raters noted that the rusk really needed a really good dunking, though, so it’s not recommended for crunching!

The winner: Woolworths Buttermilk Rusks: 4.3/5

These rusks are perfectly balanced in terms of sweetness and crunch. They also dunk well, while not being too crunchy – a good rusk overall, despite being more on the subtle side where the buttermilk flavour is concerned.

The rules of Food24 Tastes:

– All tasters tasted and scored all five samples.

– The samples were tasted without packaging and were not easily identifiable.

– The samples were not labelled and were tasted in a random order.

– Each sample was rated on texture, flavour and dunk ability and crunch.

– This article is not sponsored in any way, and Food24 was not paid to come to any particular result.

Our taste tests are always unbiased and intended for your entertainment. You may, however, have come to this article through various paid-for advertising.