Marks and Spencer's strawberry jam, priced at 90p, has come out on top in a taste test against Hartley's and other supermarket own-brand jams. The M&S jam scored 10/10, beating Hartley's, which scored 7/10, and was praised for its consistency and rich flavour.
How the Jams Were Tested
Mia O'Hare, Senior Audience Writer for Spare Time, compared strawberry jams from Lidl, Aldi, Asda, and Marks and Spencer against Hartley's. The branded Hartley's jam cost £1.70 from Asda, while the supermarket versions cost between 89p and 90p.
The jams were ranked on flavour, texture, and overall value for money. Results showed that the cheaper options could match or even beat the branded variety.
Rankings and Ratings
Lidl's jam came last with a 3/10 rating, described as lacking the sweet, fragrant aroma expected from strawberry jam and having a paler colour. Asda's jam scored 7/10, with a bolder flavour and richer colour, though the texture was considered slightly too thick.
Hartley's also scored 7/10, noted for its jelly-like consistency and thick, dense texture, which proved to be its downfall. Aldi's jam scored 9/10, offering a rich, deep red colour and an inviting sweet aroma, with a lighter texture and superior consistency.
The Winner
M&S jam was the clear winner, scoring 10/10. It was described as feeling like a genuine treat, spreading effortlessly and bursting with rich flavour. The jam contains seeds and carries a distinctly homemade quality, all at a fraction of the cost of the branded rival.
