GIN and tonic cans are the perfect addition to a summer picnic – but what should you be looking for, and which is the best?
G&Ts have never been more popular and it’s now sold in ready-mixed cans on supermarket shelves.
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We carried out a taste test to see whether you can swap branded products for supermarket own-brands without sacrificing quality.
We looked at the own-brand version of gin and tonic cans sold at the major supermarkets and compared them with the leading brand Gordon’s.
We gave them a score out of 10 for taste and a score out of 10 for value for money.
Here’s how they scored overall out of 20:
Gordon’s (250ml), £2.25
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There’s a reason that Gordon’s is the go-to Gin brand for many.
Even in a pre-mixed can, it still tastes like a great gin and tonic.
It still has its recognisable botanical taste and I can imagine it tastes even better in a glass with ice.
I picked a can up for £2,25 from Tesco, but prices will vary depending on where you buy it from.
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- Taste: 8/10
- Value: 7/10
- Total: 15/20
Sainsbury’s London Dry Gin and Tonic (250ml), £2
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A lovely drink you can imagine sipping on a hot summer’s day.
You could definitely taste the alcohol in this Sainsbury’s can and there was a genuine fizz when I opened the can.
It tasted as good as Gordon’s and costs just 25p less per can.
- Taste: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
- Total: 16/20
Tesco Gin and Tonic (250ml), £1.10
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Tesco’s G&T was certainly refreshing and sweet.
But it just didn’t give me the feeling of drinking a classic G&T from a glass.
And while it’s £1.15 cheaper than Gordon’s, I would have rather paid a little extra to get a bit more satisfaction.
- Taste: 6/10
- Value: 6/10
- Total: 12/20
Aldi Greyson’s Gin and Tonic (250ml), 95p
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The Aldi gin was the cheapest we tried, at just 95p for a 250ml can.
While the price can’t be sniffed at, it just didn’t compare in taste to some of the other brands.
Its consistency felt a bit like drinking water, until the bitter and metallic taste kicked in.
- Taste: 4/10
- Value: 8/10
- Total: 12/20
M&S Gin and Tonic (250ml), £2.50
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M&S‘ tinny has a double serving of alcohol, which may just give it a slight advantage.
But this aside, the refreshing and botanical taste definitely makes it a convincing G&T.
I didn’t even mind that I was drinking it out of a can – I think it would taste just as good no matter how it was served.
It is a little pricier though – coming in at 25p more than a Gordon’s can.
It scored 10/10 for me on taste and was my winner. I will be stocking up for my summer gatherings.
- Taste: 10/10
- Value 7/10
- Total: 17/10
Overall verdict
It’s easy to become dedicated to one particular brand, but having tasted the alternatives, there’s no need to stay loyal.
Nearly all of these own brands had their good points, whether that’s on taste or value for money.
Of course, you will still have to fork out a little more for something that’s top quality.
Marks and Spencer was my favourite, but if you’re looking for something a little cheaper, Sainsbury’s and Tesco were up there too.
Meanwhile, we tested supermarket strawberry trifles from Lidl, Asda and Tesco.
We also tested supermarket fish fingers – and one brand was miles better than Birds Eye.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
