In the great British ritual of tea-making, the humble tea bag is a cornerstone of our daily routine. But does a higher price always mean a better cuppa? We decided to settle the debate once and for all by pitting Aldi's budget-friendly Everyday Tea Bags against the premium offering from Marks & Spencer.
The Contenders
On one side, we have Aldi's champion: their Everyday Tea Bags, costing a mere 85p for 80 bags. That's just over a penny per brew. On the other, the upmarket M&S Gold Tea Bags, coming in at a significantly steeper £2 for 50 bags.
The price difference is stark, but we were determined to look beyond the cost and focus on what truly matters: the taste, colour, and overall experience of that all-important first sip.
The Blind Taste Test Method
To ensure complete impartiality, we conducted a blind taste test. Identical mugs were used, and the tea was brewed for the exact same amount of time with fresh, boiling water. A splash of semi-skimmed milk was added to each, just as the nation prefers.
Our testers evaluated each tea based on three key criteria:
- Colour: How rich and inviting did the brew look?
- Aroma: Was the smell malty, fragrant, or weak?
- Taste: The most important factor – was it strong, smooth, bitter, or bland?
The Shocking Result
After careful consideration, the outcome was not what we expected. While the M&S tea produced a perfectly lovely, golden cup with a decent flavour, it was Aldi's budget bag that stole the show.
The Aldi tea bag delivered a remarkably robust colour and a full-bodied, classic English breakfast tea flavour that stood up perfectly to milk. It lacked any unpleasant bitterness and provided a genuinely satisfying cuppa that belied its tiny price tag.
Our testers consistently preferred the Aldi brew, often expressing disbelief when the brands were revealed. The M&S tea, though pleasant, was deemed slightly less punchy and, ultimately, less value for money given the significant price gap.
The Final Verdict
This taste test proves that when it comes to tea, you don't always get what you pay for. Aldi's Everyday Tea Bags are a triumph of value and quality, offering a superior taste experience for a fraction of the cost of premium brands.
For those looking to save pennies without sacrificing the quality of their daily brew, the choice is clear. Aldi has firmly put the kettle on for its rivals, proving that a perfect cuppa doesn't have to cost a fortune.
