A recent taste test has identified which supermarket raspberry jam truly stands out, surprisingly knocking the well-known brand Hartley’s off the top spot.
Budget-friendly jars from Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons were put to the test against the leading premium brand.
The Daily Dish, which conducted the evaluation, found that Aldi’s jam achieved the highest score by delivering a perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and generous fruit pieces.
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Priced at just 89p—almost a pound cheaper than Hartley’s—Aldi’s winning jam proves that quality doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag, reports the Express.
The Daily Dish expert remarked, “Surprise winner! Aldi’s budget-friendly jam offered an unexpectedly premium experience, prompting tasters to reach for seconds. Its vibrant color and glossy finish rivaled Hartley’s.”
What truly impressed was the abundance of raspberry pieces in each spoonful, lending a homemade feel. The sweetness struck just the right note without tasting artificial, while the smooth, consistent texture spread easily without dripping.
At 89p, Aldi’s jam outperformed competitors almost twice the price. The expert summed it up: “A genuine bargain that doesn’t compromise on flavor.”
Hartley’s—an established brand since 1871 and priced at £1.85 at Tesco—was rated second but fell short compared to supermarket alternatives. The specialist noted, “It offers balanced sweetness with recognizable raspberry chunks, but it wasn’t markedly different from some cheaper jams. The texture was smooth with enough fruit bits to confirm real fruit content.”
Lidl’s preserve took second place with its rich ruby color, strong raspberry aroma, and visible seeds and fruit fragments. It struck a fine balance between sweetness and fruitiness while maintaining good consistency on toast.
Other supermarket jams also impressed. Tesco’s offering provided a reliable balance and firmness, Asda’s spread easily with a mild raspberry flavor, Sainsbury’s had a silkier texture but less fruit focus, and Morrisons delivered a dependable yet unremarkable jam.
The culinary expert noted that all supermarket jams were around half the price of Hartley’s yet several matched or outperformed it in quality.
Sophie Harris, Senior Audience reporter, conducted her own raspberry jam taste trial with similar, surprising results. She echoed the Daily Dish’s verdict, declaring Aldi the champion. Harris commented, “Aldi’s jam was absolutely delicious with a great flavor that wasn’t artificial at all. The texture was perfect, and the sweetness was just right.”
In contrast, Hartley’s preserve exhibited a grainy consistency that was thicker and almost gelatinous, making it less smooth and harder to spread. It also leaned sweeter but lacked standout qualities, leading Harris to conclude it fell short of Aldi’s superior offering.
So, what do you think of this ranking? Which supermarket raspberry jam is your favorite? Share your thoughts below.