Emma Mykytyn Simon Howie Streaky Rashers Review: Are the Three-Star Great Taste Bacon Rashers Worth Buying?
When browsing the bacon section, the three Great Taste stars displayed on the packet immediately caught our attention. As three stars are the highest rating awarded by Great Taste, we decided to put Simon Howie Streaky Rashers to the test.
Could these award-winning streaky bacon rashers live up to the impressive label?
Why we chose Simon Howie Streaky Rashers
Food awards can be a helpful guide when supermarket shelves are filled with similar-looking products. The prominent three-star Great Taste label made these rashers stand out from the other bacon on display.
Great Taste awards are judged through blind tastings, with products assessed on qualities such as flavour, texture and overall eating experience. A three-star rating is reserved for products considered exceptional, so naturally, we had high expectations. Of course, being Great Taste Award judges, we had to re-affirm this!
Cooking the streaky bacon
We cooked the Simon Howie rashers until the fat had rendered and the edges had turned crisp and golden using an air fryer.
The rashers cooked evenly, producing that lovely bacon sizzle and unmistakable smoky aroma.
Although streaky bacon contains more fat than back bacon, much of it rendered during cooking, helping the rashers become crisp without turning tough.
Keep an eye on them towards the end of cooking, as the thin rashers can quickly go from perfectly crisp to overdone.
What do Simon Howie Streaky Rashers taste like?
The first thing we noticed was the balance between the crisp edges and the softer, meatier sections. The rendered fat added plenty of flavour, while the bacon had a satisfying savoury and smoky taste.
There was enough saltiness to make the rashers feel indulgent without completely overpowering the pork. The texture was also a highlight: crisp when cooked well, but not brittle or excessively dry.
These are particularly good rashers for anyone who prefers crispy streaky bacon rather than thicker slices of back bacon.
How to serve Simon Howie Streaky Bacon
We tried the rashers both on their own and on a roll.
Other ways to eat them:
In a bacon roll with brown sauce or tomato ketchup
Alongside eggs, sausages and tattie scones in a Scottish breakfast
Crumbled over macaroni cheese
Added to a cheeseburger
Wrapped around chicken or sausages
Served with pancakes and maple syrup
Chopped and stirred through pasta, soup or salad
Are the three Great Taste stars deserved?
Based on the flavour and texture, it was easy to understand why the Simon Howie streaky rashers received three Great Taste stars. They cooked well, crisped nicely and delivered plenty of savoury bacon flavour.
The Great Taste label was what persuaded us to choose the packet, and on this occasion, the award led us to a product we would happily buy again.
Simon Howie Streaky Rashers review: the verdict
Simon Howie Streaky Rashers are a good choice if you enjoy bacon with crisp edges, rendered fat and a rich, savoury flavour.
They may not be the option for someone who prefers thick, lean back bacon, but for breakfast rolls, burgers and recipes that call for crispy bacon, they work very well.
Frequently asked questions
Are Simon Howie Streaky Rashers good?
We found the rashers flavourful, savoury and easy to crisp. They are particularly suited to bacon rolls, cooked breakfasts and dishes where crispy bacon is needed.
What does a three-star Great Taste award mean?
Three stars are the highest Great Taste rating. The award indicates that judges considered the product exceptionally good during the blind-tasting process.
What is the best way to cook streaky bacon?
Streaky bacon can be grilled, fried or cooked in the oven. Cook it over a moderate heat so that the fat has time to render before the outside becomes too dark.
Are streaky rashers better than back bacon?
That depends on personal preference. Streaky bacon has more fat and generally becomes crisper, while back bacon is thicker, meatier and leaner.
