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Who Reviews the Reviewer? An Easter Special (Part 1)

Who Reviews the Reviewer? An Easter Special (Part 1)

Here at The Trading Post we have been checking out some online reviews for some of our most popular products, as posted on the websites of some of the UK’s biggest supermarkets. We’ve then compiled the results, to give us a near-scientific meta-score of these reviews. At the same time we’ve had a look at some of our favourite reviews and tried to make some overall sense of what people are thinking… Furthermore, we are starting with an Easter Special, so there’s quite a lot of chocolate in there.

 

Cadbury Mini Eggs Easter Eggs

Sainsbury’s: 4.8 stars (6 reviews)

Tesco: 1.6 stars (8 reviews)

Asda: 4 stars (25 reviews)

Morrisons: No reviews

Average Score: 3.6 stars (out of 5)

 

Review Highlights:

Who’s does like a mini egg

I've always loved Cadbury Mini Eggs, and this 97g pack is the perfect treat! The chocolate is smooth and creamy, with that signature crunchy sugar shell that makes them so addictive. The portion size is just right for a snack or sharing (if you can resist eating them all yourself!).

What really stands out is the value for money—you're getting high-quality Cadbury chocolate at a great price. Whether for Easter or just a sweet treat, these mini eggs never disappoint. Highly recommend!

Sainsbury’s website (5 stars)

TP: Firstly, you have to love the title, and wonder exactly what went wrong with their processing of apostrophes. We have to assume they mean “who doesn’t like a mini egg?” They follow this with the most formal review of any product I think I’ve seen on one of the supermarket websites. This person LOVES mini eggs, but it also makes them sound like an employee of either Cadbury or Sainsbury’s. You’ve got to appreciate the effort here. This is a STRONG 5 stars.

 

Perfect

Perfect size and love the mini eggs inside. Very good quality.

Sainsbury’s website (4 stars)

TP: This person has titled their review “perfect,” said the size is “perfect” and that they “love” the mini eggs. They’ve then given it four stars (out of five). This suggests a general lack of understanding over the abstract concept of perfection and perhaps a worrying underappreciation of love. Still, keep hold of the idea that these eggs are the perfect size…

 

Disgusted at price and size!

I was so shocked when this arrived in my shopping order I even asked the chap that delivered them to check if they had been given by mistake. I was expecting two medium size Easter egg's not two small one's. They are the same size egg's as the small one's from last year and yet Tesco have got them as medium. I understand that prices have gone up but this is past a joke!

Tesco website (2 stars)

TP: The Tesco reviews have significantly lower scores than Sainsbury’s reviews and this seems to be primarily due to there being an “M” in the picture displayed on the Tesco website. People have apparent collectively decided two things, firstly that this “M” indicates that the Easter Eggs are “medium-sized” and, secondly, that these Mini Egg Easter Eggs are not “medium.” It’s a bit weird because, as far as we’re aware, there is no objective measure of Easter Eggs where “medium” is a universally recognised size. There is also a picture which appears to show the size of the egg with mini eggs as a reference and the weight (97g) is in the title. Despite these clues, people have (independently but simultaneously) decided that these are not “M” eggs and THAT IS A BIG PROBLEM. Aside from the product review, the apostrophe issue has arisen again with Cadbury Mini Egg Easter Eggs. I always enjoy a misplaced apostrophe.

 

absolutely amazing banging

i love it so much the easter egg is awesome no matter the size and ignore the 1 star reviews from people

Tesco website (5 stars)

TP: This Tesco review is just calling out everyone who has given a 1 star review. This reviewer is happy to buck the trend and their complete lack of punctuation makes the review seem all the more genuine. This person is bring much-needed joy to the Tesco website.

 

Can’t beat an easter egg!

Although you don't get as much for your money, i still enjoy these as you get the chocolate and the mini eggs

Asda website (4 stars)

TP: Had to include this one as it has an awesome (and surely intentional) pun in the title. Well done reviewer. Well done.

 

More Card

Morrisons website

TP: This is not actually a review, rather a very strange thing that Morrisons have on their website. Where Tesco have put an “M” on their displayed picture (sending their reviewing customers into meltdown), Morrisons have somewhat-cryptically put a small green banner declaring “More Card.” The picture is apparently suggesting that one of the main selling points, or benefits, of these Easter Eggs is “more card.” What does that mean? Do I want more card? Where is this card? What is the purpose of the card? Unfortunately there are no reviews on this product on the Morrisons site, so we don’t know what people think about the card situation. You can guarantee that if Tesco had suggested the egg contained “more card” there would be endless people saying that there isn’t enough card, that the card is overpriced and that there was much more card in their Easter eggs when they were a child… all whils’t s’praying apostrophes’ randomly th’roughout.

Cadbury Mini Eggs Easter Eggs are available for delivery throughout in France at The Trading Post.

- Click here for PART 2 of Who Reviews the Reviewer? Easter Special -

Created On  20 Mar 2025 11:00  -  Permalink
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Who Reviews the Reviewer? An Easter Special (Part 2)

Who Reviews the Reviewer? An Easter Special (Part 2)

Here at The Trading Post we have been checking out some online reviews for some of our most popular products, as posted on the websites of some of the UK’s biggest supermarkets. We’ve then compiled the results, to give us a near-scientific meta-score of these reviews. At the same time we’ve had a look at some of our favourite reviews and tried to make some overall sense of what people are thinking… Here is PART 2 of our very exciting Easter Special!

 

Cadbury Dairy Milk Buttons Easter Eggs

Sainsbury’s: 5 stars (4 reviews)

Tesco: 2.6 stars (8 reviews)

Asda: 2 stars (2 reviews)

Morrisons: No reviews

Average Score: 3.2 stars (out of 5)

 

Review Highlights:

Great

Lovely just to snack on when you get that chocolate urge!

Sainsbury’s website (5 stars)

TP: This person will eat Easter eggs whenever they get “that chocolate urge.” This seems to be a very specific, and perhaps uncontrollable, chocolate urge. Whilst we think many people would consider Easter eggs to be a very particular type of confection, to be eaten at very a particular time of the year, this reviewer’s intimation that they are “lovely to snack on” present the refreshing idea of Easter eggs as a suitable “snack” at any time… on the train when commuting to work, in the park with friends, or perhaps just at your desk in the office.

 

Great texture and good price!

I bought this and my children loved it. As always .

Sainsbury’s website (5 stars)

TP: What would you say was the best thing about Cadbury chocolate Easter eggs?

No one:

No one ever:

This one Sainsbury’s reviewer: texture.

WHAT? They have picked “texture” out as their primary plus-point. They have discerned that the texture of this chocolate is extremely favourable, presumably when compared with other chocolate. This person’s appreciation of texture is clearly much more finely-tuned that we can imagine. They are a marvel.

 

MY FAV

Always the first egg i buy when the eggs come out, love that the buttons are in the egg and not in the bag anymore as that is how I remember them when I was a kid.

Sainsbury’s website (5 stars)

TP: To start, full CAPITALS in the title and, enthusiastically, a possible misspelling of FAVE. Then absolute approbation, borne of nostalgia, of the Cadbury buttons being loose inside the chocolate egg. A technical marvel that also reduces the need for excess packaging in an ecologically-sensitive way. Surely something everyone can enjoy…

 

Much smaller than last years egg.

Much smaller than last year plus loose buttons inside, not value for money anymore and going back years with the unpacked buttons.

Tesco website (1 star)

TP: Apparently some people think that extra packaging is a good thing. They love to fill that recycling bin. Wasn’t the past great, when we had all that plastic packaging. Here nostalgia is for a presumably more recent past (than the Sainsbury’s reviewer above) when there was abundant plastic packaging with EVERYTHING. These were halcyon times for our Tesco customer. They are clearly the sort of people who go to the airport and shrink wrap their bags with the special machine… not for safety or security… just for the plastic/inconvenience/wastage/destruction of mother earth/addition cost/LOLs.

 

,Cadbuiry

,Cadbuiry have reduced the size, no way are these mediium, I bought a selection of Cadbury eggs and they are very small. Will have to buy some chocolate bars to add to them, too embarassed to give them on their own

Tesco website (2 stars)

TP: Leading from the front, this Tesco review of the “,Cadbuiry” Giant Buttons Easter Egg refers (like the Mini Eggs ones above) to Tesco’s addition of an “M” to the picture. This customer has size-based embarassment. We were going to say something about the relatability of wanting to give someone a treat but being concerned about it not being big enough, but decided against it in case it was misinterpreted.

 

Again?

Morrisons website

TP:

No one:

No one ever:

Absolutely no creature on any plane of being:

Morrison’s website: MORE CARD!

Cadbury Dairy Milk Giant Buttons Easter Eggs are available for delivery throughout in France at The Trading Post.

- Click here for PART 3 of Who Reviews the Reviewer? Easter Special -

Created On  20 Mar 2025 11:00  -  Permalink
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Who Reviews the Reviewer? An Easter Special (Part 3)

Who Reviews the Reviewer? An Easter Special (Part 3)

Here at The Trading Post we have been checking out some online reviews for some of our most popular products, as posted on the websites of some of the UK’s biggest supermarkets. We’ve then compiled the results, to give us a near-scientific meta-score of these reviews. At the same time we’ve had a look at some of our favourite reviews and tried to make some overall sense of what people are thinking… Here is the third and FINAL engaging instalment of our very exciting Easter Special!

 

Terry’s Milk Chocolate Orange

Sainsbury’s: 3.6 stars (46 reviews)

Tesco: 1.5 stars (4 reviews)

Asda: 4.8 stars (103 reviews)

Morrisons: 4.1 stars (14 reviews)

Average Score: 4.3 stars

 

Review Highlights:

pointless review

This is an orange. it is Chocolate. it was very nice.

Asda website (5 stars)

TP: Nailed it. Realised the futility of it all, yet still wrote the review. Kudos.

 

Great tasting chocolate orange

As always Terrys chocolate orange us delicious. This was fresh and irresistable.

Asda website (5 stars)

TP: “Fresh and irresistible” eh? I understand “irresistible” as, if nothing else, it links up with the visceral “chocolate urge” expounded by the earlier Buttons Easter Egg reviewer. “Fresh” is a slightly weird flex, but ok.

 

Terry can keep it!

Terry’s doesn’t taste like it used to, it’s got a waxy taste and texture. Does not leave a pleasant aftertaste.

Asda website (3 stars)

TP: Texture again! Perhaps we haven’t been paying enough heed to the texture of chocolate. Is this seriously a thing? Is this some sort of textural synesthesia? Still 3 stars though, so by no means a deal-breaker.

 

shrinkflation

I can't believe the price has gone up as well as the product size has reduced.

Tesco website (2 stars)

TP: This has only been a review of three products’ reviews, but seriously Tesco reviewers, why do you hate the things you buy? All the Tesco reviews reference the reduced size compared to apparently previous iterations of the chocolate orange, but surely this doesn’t make it a bad product. The other three supermarket websites average solidly about 3.5 stars and Tesco is below 2! This is actually quite a common thing on supermarket reviews; rather than reviewing the product “in hand”, customers use the review to air other perceived grievances with the product, the supermarket, the delivery driver or, xenophobically, other nations… It’s a bit weird and arguably missing the point.

 

yanks ruined this

made by Frys these were yummy now they are too sweet and reduced in size, USA company that bought Frys ruined this like new owners of Cadbury did cream eggs. If you never knew the originals maybe ok but otherwise forget it.

Asda website (3 stars)

TP: This is very much the “vanilla” end of xenophobia you can find on supermarket reviews. Blame aside, it seems a fairly balanced review although it is from 2018 and we’re pretty sure people were still riding horses and using a mangle (not at the same time) back then…

 

Well orange flavor

Its truly taste well orangey my kids love it

Asda website (5 stars)

TP: Don’t want to go down the “yank-blaming” route but not a massive fan of “flavor” which could be an autocorrect issue. However, US-spellings aside, you have to love the simplicity of this review. Written from the heart, possibly entirely bypassing the brain.

Terry’s Milk Chocolate Oranges are available for delivery throughout in France at The Trading Post.

Click here for the third and FINAL PART of Who Reviews the Reviewer? Easter Special

Created On  20 Mar 2025 11:00  -  Permalink
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The History of British Food Imports in France: A Culinary Journey Across the Channel

The History of British Food Imports in France: A Culinary Journey Across the Channel

When you think of France, your mind likely drifts to croissants, escargot, and a perfectly aged Bordeaux. But what about a steaming plate of fish and chips or a comforting spoonful of custard? At The Trading Post, we’re passionate about bringing British and international foods to France—and there’s a rich history behind why these flavours have found a home here. Let’s take a tasty trip through time to explore the history of British food imports in France.

The Early Days: A Tale of Trade and Taste

The story begins centuries ago when Britain and France, despite their famous rivalry, were busy trading goods across the Channel. While wine and cheese flowed north, Britain sent hearty staples south—think salted fish and wool, though not exactly the fish fingers we know today! By the 18th century, British ports like Dover were swapping goods with Calais, laying the groundwork for a culinary exchange that would evolve over time.

Fun fact: tea, now a British icon, started trickling into France from British traders in the 1700s. While the French stuck to their café au lait, a small but growing taste for British habits was brewing.

Post-War Nostalgia: The Rise of the Expat Craving

Fast forward to the 20th century—World War II changed everything. British soldiers stationed in France during the wars introduced locals to their rations, including tinned meats and biscuits. After the war, as Britain rebuilt, a wave of British expats settled in France, especially in regions like Normandy and the Dordogne. With them came a longing for home comforts: Marmite, baked beans, and proper cheddar.

By the 1950s and ‘60s, small British food shops popped up in Paris and beyond, catering to this growing expat community. These early imports weren’t widespread—imagine a clandestine jar of HP Sauce swapped between neighbours—but they sparked a niche demand for British foods in France that’s only grown since.

The Pub Boom: British Culture Hits French Soil

The 1980s and ‘90s saw a surge in British influence with the rise of Anglo-inspired pubs across France. Cities like Paris and Lyon embraced the charm of a pint and a ploughman’s lunch. Pub owners began importing British staples—think digestive biscuits, pickled onions, and even black pudding—to recreate that authentic UK vibe. Suddenly, British food imports in France weren’t just for expats; curious French locals wanted a taste, too.

At The Trading Post, we see echoes of this era in our customers’ love for classics like Highland Shortbread or Branston Pickle—items that bridge nostalgia and discovery.

Today: A Modern Melting Pot

In 2025, the appetite for British foods in France is stronger than ever. The internet has made it easier to satisfy cravings, and expat communities—now numbering over 150,000 Brits in France—and many people rely on websites like ours to deliver their favourites. Meanwhile, French foodies are embracing international flavours, from a sneaky spoonful of custard on their tarte tatin to a full English breakfast on a lazy Sunday.

Data backs this up: imports of UK food and drink to the EU rose by 5% in 2024 alone (source: UK Trade Office), with France as a top destination. Whether it’s the comfort of Heinz Beanz or the quirky allure of Marmite, British imports are carving out a permanent spot in French kitchens.

Why It Matters to Us

At The Trading Post, we’re proud to continue this legacy. Our mission is simple: bring the best of British and international foods to your doorstep in France. From the post-war expat pioneers to today’s global food lovers, the history of British food imports in France is a story of connection, comfort, and a little culinary courage.

So, next time you pop open a jar of Colman’s Mustard or brew a cup of PG Tips, you’re not just tasting Britain—you’re savouring a shared history.

What’s your favourite British food memory in France? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear your story! And if you’re craving a taste of home, explore our full range at The Trading Post.

Created On  16 Mar 2025 11:00  -  Permalink
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Exceptional Easy Eats: 30-Minute Seared Ostrich Steaks with Garlic Butter Veggies Recipe

Exceptional Easy Eats: 30-Minute Seared Ostrich Steaks with Garlic Butter Veggies Recipe

Looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that’s packed with protein and bold flavours? This Seared Ostrich Steak with Garlic Butter Veggies is a 30-minute gourmet dish that’s easy to make at home.

Ostrich meat is a lean, high-protein alternative to beef, with a rich, meaty taste and tender texture. Best of all, you can find premium ostrich steaks and essential ingredients at The Trading Post, making it easy to cook this restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 30 minutes – Fast and easy to prepare.
Healthy & High-Protein – Ostrich is leaner than beef but just as flavourful.
Gourmet at Home – Perfect for a quick but impressive dinner.
Made with The Trading Post Ingredients – Everything you need in one place!


Seared Ostrich Steak with Garlic Butter Veggies Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 2)

All starred (*) ingredients are available at The Trading Post.

For the Ostrich Steaks:

  • 2 ostrich steaks (about 150g each) (*)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (*)
  • ½ tsp salt & black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (*)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder (*)
  • 1 tsp butter (*)

For the Garlic Butter Veggies:

  • 1 tbsp butter (*)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (*)
  • 1 small zucchini, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 100g green beans, trimmed
  • ½ tsp dried oregano (*)
  • ½ tsp salt & black pepper
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (*)

Optional Sides:

  • Mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, or a side salad

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ostrich Steaks (5 minutes)

  • Pat the ostrich steaks dry with paper towels.
  • Rub with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  • Let the steaks rest while you prepare the vegetables.

2. Cook the Garlic Butter Veggies (10 minutes)

  • Heat 1 tbsp butter in a large pan over medium heat.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Toss in zucchini, red bell pepper, and green beans.
  • Season with salt, black pepper, and oregano.
  • Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and set aside.

3. Sear the Ostrich Steaks (5-7 minutes)

  • Heat 1 tbsp butter in a pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the ostrich steaks and cook for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 4-5 minutes per side for medium.
  • Remove from heat and let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

4. Serve & Enjoy (3 minutes)

  • Slice the ostrich steaks against the grain.
  • Plate with garlic butter veggies and your choice of mashed potatoes, fries, or salad.

Serve immediately and enjoy!


Why Ostrich Meat?

💚 Lean & High-Protein – More protein than beef, with less fat.
💚 Rich & Flavourful – A tender, meaty taste without being gamey.
💚 Nutrient-Packed – High in iron, B vitamins, and essential minerals.
💚 Quick to Cook – Cooks faster than beef and remains juicy.


Shop Ostrich Steaks & More at The Trading Post

Recreate this delicious high-protein meal with authentic, high-quality ingredients from The Trading Post!

Premium Ostrich Steaks – Lean, flavourful, and protein-rich.
Smoked Paprika & Garlic Powder – Elevate the taste of your steaks.
Olive Oil & Butter – Essential for cooking and flavour.
Lemon Juice & Oregano – Adds the perfect finishing touch.

👉 Shop now at The Trading Post and enjoy gourmet dining at home!

 

Created On  11 Mar 2025 9:00  -  Permalink
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Pairing British Foods with French Wine

Pairing British Foods with French Wine

France and Britain might have a historical rivalry, but when it comes to food and wine, they’re a match made in heaven. At The Trading Post, we’re all about bringing British and international foods to France—and pairing them with French wine is the ultimate cross-channel delight. Whether you’re an expat missing home or a French foodie with a curious palate, here’s how to pair British foods with French wine for a meal that’s both très délicieux and quintessentially British.

1. Cheddar Cheese and Bordeaux

Nothing says British like a sharp, crumbly cheddar—perfectly stocked in the dairy & chilled section of our shop. Pair it with a bold red Bordeaux, like a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Médoc. The wine’s tannins cut through the cheese’s richness, balancing every bite. Serve it with McVitie’s Digestives for a simple yet sophisticated snack.

2. Fish and Chips with Sauvignon Blanc

Golden, crispy fish and chips are a British staple—and yes, you can find the essentials at The Trading Post. Match this classic with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley. Its zesty acidity complements the fried batter and tartar sauce, making every mouthful sing. Add a dash of Sarson’s Malt Vinegar for that authentic kick.

3. Shepherd’s Pie and Côtes du Rhône

A hearty shepherd’s pie, with its savory mince and creamy mash, deserves a robust partner. Enter a Côtes du Rhône red—its earthy, spicy notes elevate the dish’s warmth. Whip one up using our Bisto Gravy Granules for that true British depth of flavour, and let the wine work its magic.

4. Scones with Champagne

Afternoon tea isn’t complete without scones, clotted cream, and jam—check our Rodda's Cornish clotted cream for the good stuff. Pair them with a dry Champagne from Reims for a luxurious twist. The bubbles cut through the richness of the cream, while the wine’s subtle fruitiness dances with the jam. It’s a British-French fusion that’s pure indulgence.

5. Sticky Toffee Pudding and Sauternes

For dessert, nothing beats sticky toffee pudding—a sweet, gooey treat you can recreate with ingredients from The Trading Post. Pair it with a luscious Sauternes, a sweet white from Bordeaux. The wine’s honeyed apricot notes amplify the pudding’s caramel richness, creating a finale that’s hard to resist.

Why It Works

Pairing your favourite British foods with a variety of French wines isn’t just delicious—it’s a celebration of two culinary worlds. British dishes bring comfort and nostalgia, while French wines add elegance and finesse. With over 150,000 British expats in France craving a taste of home (and plenty of locals joining the fun) this combo is trending in 2025. At The Trading Post, we’re here to make it easy—stocking everything from HP Sauce to Custard Powder, Chateauneuf du Pape to Viognier for your next pairing experiment.

Try It Yourself

Ready to give it a go? Grab your favorite British goodies from our shop, pop open a bottle of French wine, and let the flavors collide. Whether it’s a casual supper or a dinner party showstopper, these pairings are sure to impress.

What’s your favorite British food and wine combo? Share it in the comments—we’d love to hear your tasty ideas! Explore our full range at The Trading Post and bring a bit of Britain to your French table.

Created On  10 Mar 2025 11:00  -  Permalink
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