A taste test of own-brand instant coffees from five major UK supermarkets has crowned Marks & Spencer as the winner, with its jar costing just £1.20 – the cheapest of all. The test, conducted by journalist Katherine McPhillips, ranked M&S first for its rich, smooth flavour, while Tesco came last with a bitter aftertaste.
How the Taste Test Was Conducted
McPhillips tested the coffees by dissolving the grounds in hot water, pouring over ice, and adding cold milk to make simple iced lattes. No syrups or toppings were used, ensuring the coffee's natural flavour was the focus. The aim was to find the most affordable and tasty option for homemade iced coffee, especially during the UK's hot weather.
Results from Worst to Best
Tesco – £2.35
Tesco's instant coffee, labelled “mellow and smooth,” was rated the worst. McPhillips described it as having a “very strong aftertaste that I can only describe as quite acidic” and a “horrible burnt taste.” She could not finish her latte and brushed her teeth immediately after. She noted that fans of very strong coffee might like it, but she would never buy it again.
Morrisons – £1.35
Morrisons' coffee was found to be “a bit bland and flat” and “a bit weak.” McPhillips said the most flavour came from the milk, and she would only drink it if no other option was available. She described it as “underwhelming” and unlikely to buy it again.
Co-op – £3.00
Co-op's coffee was the most expensive and came in the smallest jar. It was advertised as fair trade, which McPhillips appreciated, but the taste was “good but not as rich or flavourful as some of the other brands.” She ranked it third due to the price and said she would consider buying it again.
Aldi – £2.09
Aldi's coffee earned second place. McPhillips noted it smelled wonderful while brewing, filling her kitchen with a “rich coffee aroma.” It had a “lovely bold flavour” and was “incredibly satisfying to drink.” It was not quite as smooth as the winner, but she would happily buy it again.
Marks & Spencer – £1.20
M&S coffee, despite the store's reputation for high prices, was the cheapest at £1.20. The jar promised “rich and smooth” and delivered a “deep, full-bodied taste” that was a “delight to drink.” McPhillips praised its velvety texture and noted no bitter aftertaste. She has used it several times since the test and would prefer it over many coffee chain beverages. She concluded, “I would definitely recommend it if you want to save money on your caffeine addiction.”
Impact on Coffee Lovers
This test shows that budget-friendly options can outperform more expensive brands. With the average price of a coffee shop latte around £3-4, making iced coffee at home with M&S instant coffee costs just 12p per cup (assuming 10 cups per jar). Consumers can save significantly while enjoying a superior taste. The results highlight that price does not always reflect quality, and shoppers should not overlook cheaper options.
