A recent taste test has revealed that Aldi’s £0.89 raspberry jam outperforms even well-established premium brands like Hartley’s. Conducted by the Daily Dish, the test compared budget jams from Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons against Hartley’s, the iconic brand dating back to 1871.
Aldi’s jam stood out with its perfect balance of sweetness and texture, and an abundance of raspberry pieces that gave it a homemade feel. The vibrant color and glossy finish closely matched Hartley’s, while costing nearly £1 less. The expert panel praised the jam for its smooth consistency and effortless spreadability, describing it as a “genuine bargain that doesn’t compromise on flavour.”
Hartley’s, sold at £1.85 at Tesco, came in below expectations. While it offered balanced sweetness and recognizable fruit chunks, its taste wasn’t significantly different from cheaper options. Testers noted a grainy, almost gelatinous texture, and an overly sugary profile that lacked distinction.
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Lidl’s preserve claimed second place, admired for its rich ruby hue, strong raspberry aroma, and perfect balance between sweetness and fruitiness. Tesco and Asda’s jams were dependable, with good taste and consistency, while Sainsbury’s featured a smoother texture but less pronounced fruit flavor. Morrisons’ jam was consistent but did not stand out.
Senior Audience reporter Sophie Harris echoed these findings in her own taste test, declaring Aldi’s jam the winner for its delicious, natural flavor and ideal texture. She noted Hartley’s thicker, grainy consistency and overly sweet taste as shortcomings.
Ultimately, Aldi’s affordable jam proves you don’t need to pay premium prices for quality. Which supermarket jam is your favorite? Share your thoughts below.