A blind taste test of nine semi-skimmed milk varieties from six supermarkets has crowned Tesco the clear winner, scoring a perfect 10/10, while Lidl finished last with a disappointing 3/10.
The test, conducted by lifestyle reporter Angela Patrone, compared supermarket own-brand options from Sainsbury's, Aldi, Tesco, Lidl, Marks and Spencer and Waitrose against premium brands Cravendale, Graham's and The Estate Dairy. To ensure fairness, nine glasses were lined up with the corresponding bottles hidden behind tea towels.
Tesco Takes Top Spot
Tesco's semi-skimmed milk, priced at £1.20 for two pints, was praised for striking the perfect balance between consistency and flavour. The reporter noted it was remarkably comparable to Sainsbury's but found its flavour slightly more appealing, earning it the highest rating of the test.
Sainsbury's own-brand milk, also £1.20 for two pints, came a close second with a 9/10 rating. It was described as having excellent consistency and robust flavour, without the cloying aftertaste that plagued some competitors.
Budget Brands Struggle
At the other end of the scale, Lidl's semi-skimmed milk scored just 3/10, with the reporter noting an odd aftertaste that persisted even on a second try. Aldi fared slightly better with 4/10, though its milk was described as watery compared to the alternatives.
Waitrose, despite its premium reputation, scored a lowly 3.5/10, with the flavour described as disappointingly bland. At £1.35 for two pints, it was the priciest supermarket own-brand option in the test.
Premium Brands Fail to Impress
Among the premium brands, Cravendale scored just 4/10, with the reporter underwhelmed by an unnatural flavour despite its thick texture. Graham's Gold Top scored 6/10, praised for its quality but deemed too rich for everyday consumption at £1.80 for 1.75 pints.
The Estate Dairy, at £3 for 1.75 pints, scored 7/10. While it delivered a rich, velvety texture reminiscent of double cream, its intensity made it unsuitable for daily use, better suited as an occasional luxury.
