A blind taste test of nine semi-skimmed milks has crowned Tesco's own-brand two-pint bottle the winner, scoring 10/10 and beating Cravendale, which cost 55p more, at £1.75.
The comparison, carried out by Daily Express Senior Lifestyle Reporter Angela Patrone, pitted six supermarket own-brand milks against Cravendale, Graham's Gold Top and The Estate Dairy. All bottles were covered with tea towels during the tasting to keep the test fair.
Tesco Takes Top Spot
Tesco's semi-skimmed milk, priced at £1.20 for two pints, was praised for getting the balance "perfectly" – not too watery and not too full. The reporter noted it was very similar to Sainsbury's but preferred the flavour of the Tesco option.
Sainsbury's own-brand milk, also £1.20 for two pints, came second with a 9/10 rating, described as having a great consistency and strong flavour without a sickly aftertaste.
Budget Brands Disappoint
Lidl's semi-skimmed milk scored the lowest at 3/10, with the reporter noting a "weird aftertaste" that persisted on a second taste. Aldi's offering, at £1.20 for two pints, scored 4/10, described as bordering on the watery side.
Waitrose's milk, the most expensive supermarket-branded option at £1.25 for two pints, scored 3.5/10 for being "very bland." M&S milk, also £1.20, scored 8/10 with good flavour but was less preferred than Sainsbury's.
Premium Brands Fall Short
Among the premium brands, Graham's Gold Top at £1.80 for 1.75 pints scored 6/10, with the reporter finding it too thick and heavy for daily use. The Estate Dairy, at £3 for 1.75 pints, scored 7/10, described as rich and velvety but too intense for regular consumption.
Cravendale, priced at £1.75 for 1.75 pints, scored 4/10. Despite its popularity, the reporter detected an "artificial taste" and recommended supermarket alternatives for the price.
