Lidl's £1.29 blueberries have been named the tastiest in a comparison of six supermarkets, outperforming more expensive punnets from M&S, Tesco, and Waitrose.
How the taste test was carried out
Angela Patrone, a senior lifestyle reporter, sampled blueberries from Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury's, M&S, Tesco, and Waitrose. She ate several berries from each punnet to account for the occasional dud.
Patrone admitted she wasn't a big fan of blueberries before the test, finding them bland, but said the test showed she hadn't tried the right supermarkets.
The results from cheapest to most expensive
Lidl's blueberries, at £1.29, were the cheapest and scored 10/10. Patrone described them as exceptional: firm, juicy, and flavoursome, with a preferred balance of sweetness and tartness, despite not being as large as M&S's berries.
Aldi's blueberries cost £1.69 and scored 3/10, being the most bland and smallest, though with a relatively long shelf life. Waitrose's Essential punnet, at £1.90, scored 7/10, with a mix of sizes and a good blend of sweet and bitter flavours, but some mushy berries and a shorter best-before date.
Sainsbury's British blueberries, at £2, scored 5/10, with little flavour and a mushy texture. Tesco's blueberries, also £2, scored 8/10, with larger, sweeter berries that were firm and juicy with a tart kick.
The most expensive option
M&S's British hand-picked blueberries, at £2.50, scored 9.5/10, with uniformly large, firm berries and sharp, juicy flesh, living up to the store's reputation for quality fruit.
Patrone noted that going into the test she expected M&S to have the best blueberries, but was mistaken, as Lidl's cheaper option took the top spot.
