Raspberry jam is a beloved accompaniment to toast, desserts, and baking recipes. With a vast selection ranging from supermarket own-label products to well-known brands, shoppers often face a dilemma when choosing between seeded and seedless varieties or conserves. The wide array of options can leave consumers uncertain about which product delivers the best flavour while offering good value.
Hartley's and Bonne Maman are leading branded jams stocked across numerous supermarkets, but they typically cost considerably more than many own-label alternatives. Following a comparison of supermarket strawberry jams, it seemed only right to see whether supermarket raspberry jams could compete with branded alternatives. Jams from Lidl, Aldi, Tesco, Asda, and Marks and Spencer were selected, and the findings were surprising.
Lidl - 89p
The seedless Lidl raspberry jam was purchased as the nearest store did not stock seeded varieties. It had a deeper colour compared to most other jams in the taste test. Upon inserting a spoon into the jar, the jam had a very jelly-like and dense consistency. The taste was more subtle than all the other options, which proved disappointing as a considerably bolder flavour was preferred. The consistency was also overly thick for preference.
Rating: 3/10
Hartley's - £1.70 from Asda
The branded jam without seeds had a subtle aroma when the jar was opened and offered a sweet taste with a slight tang. Once again, the jam was quite jelly-like and somewhat thick for preference. It could benefit from a bolder flavour as there was not much lingering taste. It is a solid choice if a thick jam that is not overly sweet is preferred.
Rating: 6/10
Asda - £1.15
Asda's seedless option proved more spreadable than the earlier varieties. It was thick and delivered a lovely sweet flavour. This jam leaned more towards sweetness than tanginess and left a pleasing aftertaste.
Rating: 7/10
Tesco - 89p
Tesco's raspberry jam containing seeds was selected, and the jar was packed with them. Among all the seeded varieties in the test, this had the highest quantity. The jam appeared dark and somewhat jelly-like, though less so than Lidl's or Hartley's. It offered a sweet flavour without excessive tang.
Rating: 8/10
Bonne Maman - £3.95 from Tesco
The branded option had a deep colour with minimal aroma. However, it delivered substantial flavour as it was not excessively sweet or overly tangy. It achieved the ideal combination of both and had a delightful melting quality when tasted.
Rating: 9/10
Aldi - 89p
Aldi's seedless variety was paler in colour compared to others and notably runny. It offered a pleasant melting consistency and delivered a beautifully balanced sweet yet tangy taste. In view, it was the best seedless jam in the comparison and surpassed Hartley's considerably.
Rating: 10/10
Marks and Spencer - £2.70
The raspberry conserve from Marks and Spencer claims to offer a sharp and sweet flavour, which it absolutely delivered. The tartness of the preserve combined with the sweetness of the raspberry was appreciated. It boasted a very agreeable texture and emerged as the top choice amongst seeded jams.
Rating: 10/10
