Whether it evokes childhood memories or serves as a guilty pleasure breakfast, Kellogg's Coco Pops hold a special place in many British hearts. But at £2.85 for a 420g box, can they still justify the cost? A cheaper alternative may be just as good.
Testing the Alternatives
I put supermarket-branded Coco Pops from Asda, Lidl, Tesco, and M&S to the test to see if any could beat the family favourite. Each cereal was fairly tested in a bowl with a portion of milk, half-filling the bowl, just like any ordinary morning.
Asda Choco Snaps – £1.20
Asda's Choco Snaps are thinner than the original but remain crispy. They appear dark, but the colour quickly fades when milk is added. The chocolate taste is less prevalent than other options. Due to their thinness, they wilt faster and lose flavour sooner, potentially becoming bland in a large bowl. Rating: 3/5
M&S Choco Pops – £1.20
M&S Choco Pops are described as 'toasted puffed rice cereal' and are high in vitamins and iron. They are super crunchy and chocolaty, with a taste very similar to Coco Pops. The chocolate flavour is strong, with a dark chocolate edge, and it turns the milk a chocolatey brown. Rating: 5/5
Lidl Cocoa Snaps – £1.15
Lidl's Cocoa Snaps are smaller and less dark, looking less like Coco Pops. They are far less crispy and go soggy quicker. The chocolate taste is sweeter and less rich, making it quite sickly. Rating: 3/5
Tesco Choco Snaps – £1.25
Tesco's Choco Snaps offer a cheap and cheerful alternative, though recipe changes have irked some customers. The cereal still has a sweet, chocolaty taste and is a close match to Kellogg's flavour. For the price, it is a strong contender for a supermarket swap. Rating: 4/5
The Original: Kellogg's Coco Pops – £2.85
The original flavour is hard to beat, but M&S comes close. Coco Pops are tasty, full of fibre and iron, and make a good start to the day. However, for the stark price difference, either M&S or Tesco would work well, especially for children. Kellogg's chocolate coating is unique, but the alternatives come close. Even Kellogg's goes soggy if left in milk too long. Rating: 5/5
Ultimately, M&S Choco Pops match Kellogg's in taste and texture while costing £1.65 less, making them the best budget-friendly alternative.
