Express reporter Jennifer Pinto conducted a blind taste test comparing regular cola from Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl, and Sainsbury's against the original Coca-Cola. Each drink was judged on taste, sweetness, fizz and carbonation, aftertaste, and value for money. The winner was Lidl's Freeway Cola at just £0.49 for a 2-litre bottle, scoring an impressive 9/10.
Test Results: Lidl's Freeway Cola Tops the Chart
Lidl's Freeway Cola was the biggest surprise of the test. At just £0.49 for a 2-litre bottle, it offers incredible value. Pinto found it had a lighter caramel aftertaste compared to other supermarket options, making it easier to drink. It also boasted the best fizz among supermarket colas, a key factor for enjoying a crisp cola on a hot day. With around 4.5g of sugar per 100ml, it strikes a good balance and has significantly less sugar than Coca-Cola.
Pinto rated it 9/10, praising its excellent value for money.
Sainsbury's Cola Comes Second
Sainsbury's cola, priced at £0.85 for a 2-litre bottle, scored 8.5/10. It is very similar to Morrisons in taste and ingredients, with the same sugar content of around 4.3g per 100ml. The main difference is the fizz; Sainsbury's version feels slightly more carbonated, giving it more lift when served cold. It is lighter and more refreshing than Coca-Cola, though it lacks some of the signature richness. Still, for the price, it is a solid alternative.
Coca-Cola and Morrisons: Solid but Expensive
Coca-Cola, priced at £2.50 for a 500ml bottle or £2.75 for a 1.75l bottle, scored 8/10. It has the strongest fizz of all drinks tested and relies on real sugar, giving it a syrupy, crisp mouthfeel that artificial sweeteners cannot replicate. However, its high price and sugar content (10.6g per 100ml) placed it third overall.
Morrisons cola, at £0.85 for a 2-litre bottle, scored 7/10. It doesn't match Coca-Cola's fizz but comes close in flavour, with significantly less sugar (4.3g per 100ml). It is slightly less sweet and lighter, making it more drinkable in larger quantities.
Aldi's Vive Cola: Budget-Friendly but Lacking
Aldi's Vive Cola, also priced at £0.49 for a 2-litre bottle, scored 6/10. It is a decent budget alternative with lower sugar (around 4.9g per 100ml) but lacks strong fizz. The biggest downside is the aftertaste, which leans heavily towards caramel sweetness that lingers and overpowers the drink. It is refreshing over ice but can become too much.
Conclusion: Supermarket Colas Offer Great Value
Pinto's test shows that supermarket own-brand colas can rival Coca-Cola in taste while being significantly cheaper and lower in sugar. Lidl's Freeway Cola emerged as the clear winner, offering the best balance of flavour, fizz, and price. For shoppers looking to save money without sacrificing taste, Lidl's 49p cola is the top choice.
