Marks & Spencer orange squash has been named the best in a taste test, scoring a perfect 10/10 and beating market leader Robinsons, which costs 75p more per litre. The M&S squash, priced at £1.25 for a litre, impressed with its mature flavour and lack of artificial aftertaste.
How the test was conducted
Angela Patrone, Senior Lifestyle Reporter, tested eight own-brand orange squashes against Robinsons. Each drink was prepared by mixing 15ml of concentrated squash with 135ml of water. The squashes came from Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, and M&S.
Results: M&S takes top spot
M&S squash, made with 20% real fruit, was described as having a more mature flavour and appearance than other varieties. It is not overly sugary, which may appeal more to adults than children. The tester noted no artificial sweetener-style aftertaste, giving it a 10/10 rating.
Robinsons, at £2 per litre, scored 7.5/10. While visually top-notch, its taste was slightly artificial despite its "real fruit" claim.
Budget options: Tesco and Asda cheapest
Tesco and Asda squashes were the cheapest at 45p each. Tesco scored 6/10, with plenty of flavour that does not dominate. Asda scored 3/10, described as faintly flavoured water lacking the zesty kick of orange squash.
Sainsbury's, at 49p, scored 6/10 and was deemed nearly indistinguishable from Tesco's offering, with identical packaging and similar sweetness.
Mid-range performers
Lidl and Waitrose both scored 6.5/10. Lidl's 89p squash lacked sweetness but was a reasonable substitute. Waitrose's £1.50 squash was sugary yet lacking in orange flavour, failing to deliver a citrusy aftertaste.
Aldi's 89p squash scored 5/10, being drinkable but noticeably inferior in quality. Morrisons' 99p squash scored 5.5/10, leaning towards sweeter but representing decent value.
