Top 10 Best Pâtés in the UK 2020

The word "pâté" is translated literally as "paste" from French. It is generally made out of ground seafood, meat or animal parts that are not often used in cooking - most commonly, the liver. Many chefs argue that eating pâtés is a great way to consume an animal "nose-to-tail" therefore appreciating and honouring the animal. The texture can be smooth or coarse - this is down to personal preference. 

The mixture is then slow-cooked with the addition of various spices, sometimes alcohol and often dairy products such as cream. Traditionally in France, pâtés can be eaten hot or cold, on bread or as part of a pastry. In the UK, however, the most common way to eat pâté is as part of a charcuterie platter on top of crackers or spread over your favourite bread. 

When deciding on which pâté to buy, there are a number of things you need to consider. In this section, we will explore the different types of meat and ingredients that are normally used for making pâtés. Different meats, of course, have different tastes and nutritional properties, so keep reading to find out what you need to bear in mind. 

Traditionally, the most common ingredients in pâté making are pork and veal. However, the spread can also be made with wild game such as rabbit, pheasant and duck as well as fish. Although this is not always the case, it is good to bear in mind that pork fat is frequently added to other types of meat, so if eating pork is against your religious beliefs, for example, make sure you check the ingredient label carefully before buying the pâté. 

Which part of the animal the meat is from is also important to take into consideration. Generally speaking, liver pâtés are likely to have a smoother and creamier texture than those that are made from other types of meat. Pâté recipes can also include heart, liver, lungs and other edible organs. 

Many classic pâté recipes involve cooking down the meat together with port, champagne and brandy. Of course, throughout the cooking process, the alcohol will eventually evaporate, leaving only the sweet, smooth, woody flavour imparted by oak barrels. 

However, if you wish to experience the pure taste of the meat, or perhaps due to religious reasons, you may want to avoid consuming foods that have been cooked in alcohol. If that's the case, please check the label carefully.  

If you happen to have a sweet tooth or want some variation from regular pâtés, we would recommend giving fruity pâtés a try. Pâté is a very rich delicacy, so its flavour can be further enhanced by combining it with something sweet and acidic to add some contrast.

This is why it is common to serve pâté with fruit chutney, conserves, jelly, mustard or pickles. Many pâtés in the UK supermarkets are sold with jelly already included as an extra top layer, and some of the most popular jellies include orange, cranberry and port.

Generally speaking, pâtés are usually divided into coarse and smooth. The coarse pâté will often be called something like "Ardennes pâté", "pâté de campagne", "country pâté" or "farmhouse pâté" on the label. The smooth pâté will often say "Brussels pâté" on the packaging. The choice, in this case, boils down to personal preference.

Because of their silky texture, smooth pâtés tend to be easier to spread on your favourite type of soft bread. However, coarse pâtés because of their chunky texture are less easy to spread and generally need to be sliced instead. For the best experience, we suggest eating coarse pâtés on top of a cracker or a slice of toasted sourdough bread. 

Just like with any food, it is important to not overindulge and look at the nutritional values provided on the pâté packaging. Aspects such as fat and salt content, as well as potential allergens, are all important to consider. 

Liver pâtés are famously considered to be pretty healthy because the liver is believed to be one of the most nutritious parts of an animal to consume due to the high vitamin content. However, it is hard to deny that pâtés tend to contain a lot of fat, depending on the type of meat being used. Seafood and chicken pâtés are likely to be the least taxing on your cholesterol levels. 

If you need to watch your fat intake for health reasons, make sure to double-check the nutrition label. On the other hand, if you're just intending to order pâté as a special treat or to spread on crackers on Christmas day, just remember to enjoy it in moderation!  

In order to create that rich flavour, pâté recipes use a variety of ingredients such as various spices and, of course, salt. Salt is not necessarily bad for you but consumed regularly in large quantities, it can contribute to higher blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease. 

But unless you are in the risk group, consuming a bit of salt every now and then as part of your varied diet probably will not do you much harm. Still, if you would rather keep an eye on your salt intake, make sure you check out the nutritional values on the pâté label. 

Many pâté recipes also include ingredients such as cream to give the spread a luxurious, smooth texture. Not all pâtés include dairy in its recipes, but many such as mackerel and salmon do. So make sure you check the label carefully in case you have any allergies. 

Now that you have a better understanding of what makes a good pâté and how to choose the one that suits your taste, it is time to introduce the top 10 Best Pâtés that we could find sold online in the UK supermarkets.  We believe there is something on this list for every taste and need, so check it out! 

Whatever the occasion, whether Christmas Day, Easter, a birthday or graduation celebration, it's always fun to take the chance to prepare finger food and other nibbles for your friends, family and guests to enjoy. You don't have to stop at cured meats and cheese; here are other essentials to consider adding to the shopping basket! 

We hope you enjoyed reading our guide to the UK's favourite pâtés and now have a better understanding of what to expect when selecting the product that suits your needs best. Whether you are planning a party, a brunch or simply wanted to add some excitement to your office lunches, we hope you have found your new favourite spread! 

Author: Maria C