In a surprising twist, some supermarket own-brand jams have given the iconic Hartley's a run for its money in a blind taste test. The experiment, conducted to find the best budget-friendly options, revealed a few unexpected winners that could save shoppers a pretty penny without sacrificing flavour.
The Taste Test Setup
Five supermarket jams were pitted against Hartley's classic strawberry variety in a blind comparison. The testers evaluated each product on:
- Texture and consistency
- Fruit content and quality
- Sweetness balance
- Overall flavour profile
The Unexpected Winners
While Hartley's maintained its reputation for quality, two supermarket brands surprisingly matched its performance in several categories. The budget options impressed with their:
- Rich fruit flavour
- Perfect spreadable consistency
- Natural tasting sweetness
Where Some Brands Fell Short
Not all budget jams made the grade. Some common complaints included:
- Overly gelatinous texture
- Artificial aftertaste
- Inconsistent fruit distribution
Expert Tips for Jam Selection
When choosing your next jar of jam, consider these professional tips:
- Check the fruit content percentage - higher is generally better
- Look for jams with shorter ingredient lists
- Opt for products that specify the type of sugar used
The results prove that with careful selection, you don't always need to pay premium prices for quality jam. While Hartley's remains a solid choice, savvy shoppers now have credible alternatives that deliver on both taste and value.
