When it comes to the weekly shop, certain brands command fierce loyalty—Heinz baked beans, Cadbury chocolate, and for many, Robinsons orange squash. But a new blind taste test by Metro has revealed that a supermarket own-brand might just be the superior choice.
How the Taste Test Was Conducted
The Metro team sampled orange squash from Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, Asda, Co-op, M&S, Waitrose, and Sainsbury's, alongside the classic Robinsons. Each was scored on taste, strength, smell, and value for money, with a maximum total of 100 points.
Winner: Asda Quadruple Strength Orange Squash
Asda's Quadruple Strength Orange Squash (£1.84 for 1.5L) claimed victory with a score of 64 out of 100. Tasters described it as 'nostalgic' with a sweetness level that was 'just right'. Its aroma was praised for smelling 'like actual oranges', and its quadruple strength earned it 17 out of 25 points in that category. One reviewer said, 'It tastes exactly how you’d want a glass of orange squash to taste,' while another noted it 'transported them straight back to childhood birthday parties.'
Runner-Up: Robinsons Orange Squash
The classic Robinsons Orange Squash (£1.25 for 1L) came in second with 61 points, just three points behind. While it was deemed 'nice' with an 'inoffensive' taste and smell, it lost points for its double strength, scoring only 13 out of 25. Some found it 'a tad weak', though it was praised as 'smooth' with a 'pleasant citrus aftertaste'.
Full Results
- Asda: Taste 15/25, Strength 16/25, Smell 14/25, Value 19/25 — Total 64
- Robinsons: Taste 16/25, Strength 13/25, Smell 13/25, Value 19/25 — Total 61
- Lidl: Taste 13/25, Strength 9/25, Smell 13/25, Value 23/25 — Total 58
- Aldi: Taste 8/25, Strength 17/25, Smell 9/25, Value 24/25 — Total 58
- Sainsbury's: Taste 14/25, Strength 17/25, Smell 15/25, Value 9/25 — Total 55
- Co-op: Taste 16/25, Strength 17/25, Smell 14/25, Value 8/25 — Total 55
- Waitrose: Taste 12/25, Strength 12/25, Smell 14/25, Value 15/25 — Total 53
- M&S: Taste 9/25, Strength 8/25, Smell 10/25, Value 18/25 — Total 45
- Tesco: Taste 9/25, Strength 17/25, Smell 6/25, Value 13/25 — Total 45
Lidl's Lindhouse Double Strength (89p for 1.5L) and Aldi's Sun Quench Double Strength (99p for 1L) tied for third with 58 points. Both were excellent value, but Lidl scored higher on taste and smell, while Aldi was stronger. Sainsbury's (£2.30 for 1.5L) and Co-op's own-brand followed at 55 points each, both quadruple strength, with Co-op edging ahead on taste. Waitrose (£1.50 for 1.5L) earned 53 points, described as 'too strong' with a 'sharp tang'. At the bottom, M&S (£1.25 for 1.5L) and Tesco (£1.80 for 750ml) each scored 45. M&S was likened to 'Berocca' with a medicinal flavour, while Tesco was deemed the most 'artificial' tasting.
