In the quest for the perfect orange squash that delivers both flavour and value, we put supermarket own-brands to the ultimate test against the household names we all know and love. With inflation squeezing household budgets, many shoppers are wondering if cheaper alternatives can truly compete with premium brands like Robinsons and Ribena.
The Squash Showdown Setup
Our blind taste test pitted leading supermarket squashes against the brand leaders in a head-to-head comparison. Participants sampled each squash without knowing which was which, rating them on flavour, sweetness, and overall appeal.
The Contenders
- Robinsons Orange Squash (the premium benchmark)
- Ribena Orange Squash (another household favourite)
- Tesco Orange Squash
- Asda Orange Squash
- Sainsbury's Orange Squash
- Aldi Orange Squash
- Morrisons Orange Squash
Surprising Results Revealed
The findings revealed some remarkable alternatives that could save shoppers significant money without sacrificing taste. One supermarket's squash emerged as a clear winner among tasters, with many struggling to distinguish it from the more expensive branded options.
The budget-friendly champion impressed with its balanced sweetness and authentic orange flavour, proving that you don't always need to pay premium prices for quality. Meanwhile, another supermarket's offering divided opinion with its distinctive taste profile that some found too sharp.
What Makes a Great Squash?
According to our tasters, the perfect orange squash should have:
- A natural orange aroma without artificial notes
- Balanced sweetness that isn't overwhelming
- No bitter aftertaste
- Good colour that suggests quality ingredients
- Consistent flavour when diluted to different strengths
Value Versus Quality: The Verdict
While the branded squashes performed well, the gap between them and the best supermarket alternatives was surprisingly narrow. For families going through multiple bottles each week, switching to the top-rated supermarket brand could save hundreds of pounds annually without noticeably compromising on taste.
The ultimate revelation? Several tasters actually preferred certain supermarket squashes over the branded versions, citing cleaner aftertastes and more refreshing qualities that made them perfect for daily hydration.
Whether you're a squash connoisseur or just looking to trim your grocery bill, our taste test proves that sometimes the store shelf holds hidden gems that rival – and occasionally surpass – the big names in flavour and satisfaction.
