How does Iceland’s ‘dupe’ Domino’s Pizza range compare to the real thing? (stock)(Image: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Supermarket chain, Iceland has launched its own version of a popular pizza takeaway product range, and one shopper was so eager to sample it that he purchased the entire collection. Stuart Snowden, who goes by the name, Grumpy Northern Foodie on social media, bought several items under the The Dough Company brand to conduct an extensive taste test.
“I’m rating every item in the Iceland Domino’s range,” he began in an Instagram video. “That’s the sides, the pizzas and the desserts. We have got everything to try – so let’s see what is actually worth it.” Stuart went on to try an impressive seven side orders, eight pizzas and two desserts, awarding each one a score out of 10.
Sides
Stuart kicked off with Cheese and Bacon Loaded Wedges, which cost him £2.50. “They’re alright,” he commented. “Nice and cheesy, but they’re missing the bacon flavour so that’s a five out of 10 for me.”
The £2.75 BBBQ Wings side came next and delivered a “nice, tangy flavour” along with a “bit of spice”. Nevertheless, Stuart remarked: “It just needs more sauce. Six out of 10.”
Moving to the third side, he revealed The Dough Company’s Chicken Kickers – another £2.75 purchase. “Not far off Domino’s to be fair,” he stated. “You get more in the box, but they need more ‘kick’. Five out of 10.”
Following this were the Buttermilk Chicken Strips – priced at £2.75 again. “They’re crispy, they’re tasty, but they’re just crying out for a garlic and herb dip,” Stuart admitted. “Seven out of 10.”
Another side option was Iceland’s Cheesy Dough Balls Twist, which tasted “surprisingly good” due to their robust garlic flavour. “Not so much cheese, but still a strong one – eight out of 10,” Stuart remarked.
Pepperoni Mozzarella Sticks were the following selection from the wide array of sides. “Honestly, where’s the pepperoni?” he questioned regarding the £2.75 item after sampling it. “It tastes more like ham and cheese. Four out of 10.”
Concluding the side orders was the Garlic Cheese Bread, though regrettably it was far from saving the best until last for Stuart. “All of the cheese is in the middle, and there’s not much garlic,” he noted. “It’s alright as a side, but nothing special. Five out of 10.”
Pizzas
On to the mains – all priced at £3.75 – Stuart opted for the Cheese Melt flavour initially. “Good base, sauce pretty decent, but the cheese tastes cheap,” he acknowledged. “It’s not a bad start, but it’s a six out of 10.”
The New Yorker followed in the tasting, featuring pepperoni, peppers and mushrooms. “It needs way more toppings than this,” Stuart observed, however. “It definitely needs more mushrooms in what you’d expect from this style. Bit of a miss. Four out of 10.”
The third pizza was the BBQ Texan. “This one’s good and there’s loads of barbecue flavour,” Stuart praised. “There’s lots of toppings and the base is absolutely spot on. It’s a solid eight out of 10.”
The Pepperoni Party was next on the list – its topping is self-explanatory – and it clearly made a good impression. “Now this is the closest to the Domino’s version,” he stated. “There’s loads of topping, big flavour… it’s my favourite so far. It’s absolutely belting. Nine out of 10.”
Stuart then sampled the Carnivore – often referred to as Meat Feast – which arrived “packed with toppings” and was “really tasty”. Though he admitted: “It could just do with a little more sausage meat, but it’s still another belter. Nine out of 10.”
With his impressive appetite showing no signs of waning, Stuart moved onto the Veggie Volcano pizza. “It’s not for me,” he criticised. “The veg tastes cheap and there’s nowhere near enough spice on this one. Sorry, but it’s a three out of 10.”
Another spicy pizza followed in the form of Flaming Tandoori. Stuart praised its “good curry flavour” complemented by a “nice bit of heat”. He declared: “Very, very tasty. Good. Eight out of 10.”
The final pizza in the test was the Hot and Spicy. “It does exactly what it says on the box,” he commended. “It’s spicy, it’s hot, but it could use a bit more meat on there,” he mused. “It’s a solid effort though – seven out of 10.”
Desserts
First up for the desserts were the Caramel Dough Balls priced at £2.75. “They don’t quite hit how you would want them to,” Stuart explained. “There’s more dough than sauce, but it’s nice when you get a good bite. Six out of 10.”
And finally, there was a box of four Chocolate Cookies. “They’re £2.75 and they’re big cookies, but there’s not enough chocolate in them,” he lamented. “I want them more gooey, but they will be nice with ice cream when they’re heated. Seven out of 10.”