A comprehensive taste test of vine tomatoes from major UK supermarkets has identified Morrisons' The Best Viola Cocktail tomatoes as the top choice, praised for their deep maroon colour and rich umami flavour. The test, which evaluated sweetness using a Brix refractometer and overall flavour, also named Ocado's organic tomatoes on the vine as the best bargain. At the bottom of the rankings, Natoora Sicilian vine-ripened tomatoes and Wholegood organic round tomatoes were described as watery and flavourless.
Testing Methodology and Key Findings
The tomatoes were scored on sweetness (Brix score, where each point represents 1% sucrose in the juice by mass), overall flavour, value for money, provenance, transparency, and growing methods. Brix scores ranged from 4 (bland and watery) to 7 (satisfyingly sweet). The best examples balanced sweetness with refreshing acidity, a fresh tomato leaf aroma, and complex umami. Notably, organic certification did not guarantee superior flavour.
Experts advise that even ripe-looking tomatoes benefit from being left on the countertop for a few days to ripen further and improve flavour. They should never be refrigerated, as cold adversely affects texture and taste.
Best Overall: Morrisons the Best Viola Cocktail Tomatoes
Priced at £2.15 for 300g (72p/100g), these medium-sized, deep maroon tomatoes are grown by Isle of Wight Tomatoes. They achieved a Brix score of 7, with low acidity and incredible umami flavour. The review called them "proof that delicious tomatoes can be grown in the UK."
Best Bargain: Ocado Organic Tomatoes on the Vine
At £2.25 for 400g (56p/100g), these large, round, deep scarlet-red Ronvine tomatoes are grown in Essex with Soil Association certification. They have a strong green-tomato vine aroma, firm flesh, and a subtle sweetness (Brix 4) with a little acidity. Their freshness, organic status, and price make them the best bargain.
Other Rated Tomatoes
M&S Organic Rosa Vine Tomatoes
£2.50 for 375g at Ocado (67p/100g). Medium-large, intense orange-red skin, grown in the UK. Brix 5, low acidity, rich umami. One of the better-value entries.
Tesco Sweet Vine-Ripened Tomatoes
£1.15 for 255g (45p/100g). Medium-sized, orange-red Saint Anna tomatoes from the Netherlands. Brix 5, simple flavour, lush tomato leaf aroma.
Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Majestic Vine Tomatoes
£2.05 for 300g (68p/100g). Small to medium, brick-red Annico Cove grown at Thanet Earth in Kent. Mild flavour but relatively sweet (Brix 6).
Asda Exceptional Vine-Ripened Tomatoes
£2.06 for about 445g (about 46p/100g). Large, round Roterno grown in Scotland. Mild sweetness (Brix 4), flat, one-dimensional flavour. A standard sandwich tomato.
Co-op Irresistible Pick of the Crop Vine-Ripened Tomatoes
£2.65 for 420g (63p/100g). Medium, round Sweeterno from Hertfordshire. Traditional sandwich tomato, mildly sweet (Brix 5), very firm flesh and skin.
Waitrose No 1 Red Choice Vine Tomatoes
£2.70 for 300g (90p/100g). Medium, glossy, scarlet-red P1 from the Netherlands. Firm but watery and mild, Brix 5.
Wholegood Organic Round Tomatoes on the Vine
£3.25 for 450g at Ocado (72p/100g). Medium, round organic Spanish tomato with gold-flecked skin. Firm but flavourless, Brix 4. Packaged in compostable film.
Natoora Sicilian Vine-Ripened Tomatoes
£3 for 350g at Ocado (86p/100g). Large, round, orangey-red tomato from Sicily. Disappointing, watery, mild, Brix 5. Packed in cardboard box with compostable film.
Seasonal Considerations
Because tomatoes are a seasonal crop, flavour and availability change over summer. Shoppers may find different varieties than those tested. The review recommends leaving tomatoes on the countertop for a few days to enhance flavour and never refrigerating them.
