WE all know we can swap branded goods for supermarket own-brand ones to save money – but is it possible to pay less without sacrificing on quality?
Our Squeeze Team is testing everyday items from all the major supermarkets to find out which ones are the closest to the branded version and the best value for money.
9
9
Today, we’ve looked at six-packs of ready salted crisps sold at the major supermarkets and compared them with Walkers to see how they measure up.
We tasted all the crisps and gave them marks out of ten for crunchiness, saltiness and taste.
Finally we worked out how many crisps you get for your money, giving a score out of five for value.
Here’s how the crisps scored out of 15 overall from best to worst.
9
Asda Ready Salted, 82p for 6 x 25g bags
Price per bag = 14pSalt content = 1.1% Saturated fat content = 2.9%
The Asda crisps were a pleasant surprise as they were thin, crunchy and nicely salted.
In fact, they were really similar to Walkers – but cost around half as much.
Taste = 8/10, Value for money = 5/5 Total score = 13/15
Most read in Money
9
Walkers Ready Salted, £1.50 for 6 x 25g bags
Price per bag = 25p Salt content = 1.3% Saturated fat content = 2.5%
The classic Ready Salted crisp was just as tasty as you would expect.
The Walkers crisps were pleasantly salty and had plenty of crunch to them.
They also had the joint lowest saturated fat content, which is good news if you’re watching what you eat.
But at 25p per bag, you’re paying more than twice as much for the branded product than at the cheapest supermarkets.
Taste = 8/10 Value for money = 3/5 Total score = 11/15
9
Sainsbury’s Ready Salted, 90p for 6 x 25g bags
Price per bag = 19p Salt content = 1.3% Saturated fat content = 2.9%
These Sainsbury’s crisps felt thinner than Walkers and had a strong potato taste, with a little too much salt.
They were still tasty and a decent alternative to the branded product, especially considering they were 40% cheaper.
Taste = 7/10, Value for money = 4/5 Total score = 11/15
9
Tesco Ready Salted, 82p for 6 x 25g bags
Price per bag = 14p Salt content = 1.2% Saturated fat content = 3.3%
Tesco’s version had the joint highest saturated fat content and felt greasy.
They tasted intensely salty, which might be too much for some people.
But they were nearly half the price of Walkers and not a bad alternative – if you really like salt.
Taste = 6/10, Value for money = 4/5 Total score = 10/15
9
Morrisons Ready Salted, 85p for 6 x 25g bags
Price per bag = 14pSalt content = 1.2% / Saturated fat content = 3.3%
The Morrisons’ crisps were very crunchy but a bit greasy.
They were fairly bland and didn’t taste of much, despite having the joint highest saturated fat content.
Taste = 5/10, Value for money = 4/5 Total score = 9/15
9
Aldi Snackrite Ready Salted, 65p for 6 x 25g bags
Price per bag = 11pSalt content = 1.4% / Saturated fat content = 2.5%
Aldi’s crisps were thicker than the others we tested but had a powdery consistency without much crunch.
Despite having the highest salt levels, these crisps tasted bland – except for an oily aftertaste.
They were the joint cheapest but they wouldn’t be a great swap if you love the taste and texture of Walkers.
Taste = 4/10, Value for money = 4/5 Total score = 8/15
9
Lidl Snaktastic Ready Salted, 65p for 6 x 25g bags
Price per bag = 11p Salt content = 1.3% / Saturated fat content = 3.0%
There were quite a few burnt crisps in the bag we tried from Lidl.
The crisps didn’t taste hugely salty but they did have quite a strong taste of oil.
We also found they left an unpleasant greasy feeling in your mouth for a while afterwards.
However, they were very cheap at just 11p per bag.
Taste = 4/10, Value for money = 4/5 Total score = 8/15
Elsewhere, we tried all the supermarket Yorkshire puddings to find out which was the best.
And one expect reveals how to never pay full price at the supermarket.
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The Sun Online Money team?
