God, I love a good jam test. Especially when it involves raspberry jam, which I've been slightly obsessed with since I was about seven and my gran used to make it from the bushes in her garden.
The UK is absolutely jam-mad. We're dropping over £200 million yearly on the stuff, with raspberry being teh nation's sweet-toothed darling. And now Meghan Markle's got in on the action with her own raspberry preserve that apparently sold out faster than concert tickets.
I volunteered (ok fine, I begged my editor) to try every supermarket raspberry jam I could get my hands on. Eight jars later, my kitchen looked like a crime scene and my blood sugar was through the roof. Worth it though.
Audio Summary of the Article
The Science-y Bit About Raspberries (I Promise This Won't Be Boring)
Raspberries are actually nutritional powerhouses – packed with antioxidants and vitamins while having less sugar than other fruits. The tricky part is timing. Pick 'em too early and your jam tastes like you're sucking on a lemon. Too late and it's syrupy sweet.
Anyway. Enough about berries. Let's get to what you're here for.
Hartley's: The Name Brand That Left Me... Whelmed
£1.50 for 300g (50p per 100g)
I expected Hartley's to blow the supermarket brands out of the water. It didn't. With only 35g fruit per 100g, it was actually less fruity than most own-brands I tried. The taste was sweet but had this weird artificial edge that reminded me of those raspberry-flavored candies that no actual raspberry in nature has ever tasted like.
The seeds were nice though. And the ingredients list was refreshingly simple.
Taste: 4/5
Value: 3/5
Total: 7/10
Aldi's Jam Smelled Like It Was Trying Too Hard
69p for 454g (15.1p per 100g)
When I opened Aldi's offering, the smell practically assaulted me. My husband walking by actually said "What died in here?" Harsh, but not entirely wrong.
Despite having 45g fruit per 100g, it was weirdly over-sweet – probably because of the glucose-fructose syrup they've dumped in. The consistency reminded me of that slime my kids make – gloopy and resistant to spreading. It just sat there on my knife like "nope, not moving."
Taste: 2/5
Value: 2/5
Total: 4/10
Waitrose: Posh But Worth It?
£1.40 for 454g (30.8p per 100g)
The Waitrose jam looked absolutely gorgeous – deep red, almost plum-colored. I got a bit excited just looking at it (yes, I need to get out more).
This one's SWEET. Like, dessert sweet. With 45g fruit and a whopping 63g sugar per 100g, it's basically a sugar vehicle with some raspberry passengers. But there was this lovely tangy aftertaste that saved it from being one-dimensional.
The seedless texture was perfect for my youngest who thinks seeds are "bug eggs" (thanks, YouTube).
Taste: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Total: 8/10
Sainsbury's: The Unexpected Champion
89p for 454g (20p per 100g)
I actually did a double-take with this one. If you'd blindfolded me (which would be weird, but stay with me), I would've sworn this was some artisanal farmer's market jam that cost three times as much.
The color? Gorgeous. The seeds? Present but not overwhelming. The sweetness? Absolutely spot-on – not too tart, not too sugary.
With 45g fruit per 100g, it delivered perfect raspberry flavor without making my teeth hurt. I ended up using this on everything – toast, yogurt, and even a last-minute cake filling when I realized I'd forgotten to buy buttercream. Oops.
Taste: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Total: 10/10
Tesco Brings Its A-Game
89p for 454g (20p per 100g)
Tesco's jam had this homemade quality that reminded me of my gran's kitchen. Thicker consistency, simple ingredients (just sugar, raspberries, gelling agents and acidity regulators), and a really balanced flavor.
It wasn't as sugary-tasting as some others, which let the 45g of fruit per 100g really shine through. For 89p, I was genuinely impressed. Almost bought a second jar but then remembered I already had seven others to get through...
Taste: 4/5
Value: 5/5
Total: 9/10
Is Morrisons Trying to Pull a Fast One?
£1.15 for 420g (27.3p per 100g)
First thing I noticed – this jar is smaller than the others. Classic shrinkflation move, Morrisons. I see you.
Flavor-wise, it was... fine? The sugar overpowered the raspberry a bit, which was disappointing since it contains the standard 45g fruit per 100g that most others had. It wasn't terrible, but at this price point, there are better options.
My 6-year-old liked it though. But he also eats ketchup sandwiches, so...
Taste: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Total: 6/10
Asda's Pretty Jar Couldn't Save Its Contents
£1.15 for 454g (25.3p per 100g)
I'll give Asda this – their packaging is cute. Too bad what's inside doesn't match up.
Like Aldi, they've gone the glucose-fructose syrup route, making it overly sweet with a slightly artificial taste. The consistency was runnier than I'd like – it kept dripping off my toast before I could get it to my mouth. (My white shirt from that morning sends its regards.)
The raspberry flavor had this weird tartness that didn't quite work. Not terrible, but not great either.
Taste: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Total: 6/10
M&S: Fancy Pants Jam That Almost Justifies Its Price
£2.60 for 340g (76.5p per 100g)
Look, I expected M&S to be good. At nearly three quid a jar, it bloody well should be.
And it was delicious – perfectly balanced between sweet and sharp, with a gorgeous consistency that spread like a dream. With 55g fruit per 100g (the highest in the test), it tasted authentically raspberry-ish without being overly anything.
But is it worth three times the price of Sainsbury's or Tesco? In 2025, with my energy bill what it is? Probably not. Sorry, M&S.
Taste: 5/5
Value: 3/5
Total: 8/10
After eight jars and what felt like 400 pieces of toast (my jeans are definitely tighter), I can confidently say that Sainsbury's 89p jam is the absolute winner. It punches so far above its weight class that it's almost suspicious. I've already bought three more jars and hidden them in the back of my pantry.
The real surprise? The fancy brands aren't always worth it. My gran would be proud – she always said the simple stuff is often the best.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does inflation affect the value of money?
Inflation refers to the general rise in prices over time, which erodes the purchasing power of money. As inflation increases, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services, meaning that the value of money decreases in terms of what it can purchase.
How can I start saving for retirement?
To start saving for retirement, begin by establishing clear retirement goals and determining how much you need to save. Contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k), and consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Regular contributions and taking advantage of compounding interest can significantly boost your retirement savings over time.
What is the difference between saving and investing?
Saving typically involves setting aside money in a secure account for short-term needs or emergencies, while investing involves using money to purchase assets like stocks or real estate with the expectation of generating a return over the long term. Investing carries higher risks but offers the potential for greater rewards.
What is a budget deficit?
A budget deficit occurs when a government's expenditures exceed its revenues over a specific period, usually a fiscal year. This can lead to increased borrowing and national debt if not addressed through spending cuts or revenue increases.
How can I budget my money effectively?
To budget effectively, start by tracking your income and expenses to understand your spending habits. Set realistic financial goals, categorize your expenses, and allocate funds accordingly. Regularly review and adjust your budget to ensure it reflects your current financial situation and objectives.
What is the role of central banks in the economy?
Central banks manage a nation's currency, money supply, and interest rates. They implement monetary policy to control inflation, stabilize the currency, and foster economic growth. They also serve as lenders of last resort to the banking system during financial crises.
What are the benefits of having an emergency fund?
An emergency fund provides financial security by offering a safety net for unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or job loss. It helps prevent debt accumulation, reduces stress, and allows for better financial planning, ensuring that individuals can navigate unforeseen circumstances without significant hardship.
Statistics
- A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.
- According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
- As of 2021, the median household income in the U.S. was approximately $67,521, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
- According to the Federal Reserve, approximately 39% of Americans do not have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency expense.
- According to the World Bank, around 1.7 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, lacking access to basic financial services.
- A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
- Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that individuals who receive financial education are 25% more likely to save than those who do not.
- In 2020, the average retirement savings for Americans aged 60 to 69 was approximately $195,000, according to Fidelity.
External Links
How To
How To Create a Personal Budget That Works
Creating a personal budget involves several key steps. First, assess your income by totaling all sources of revenue, including salary, bonuses, and side hustles. Next, categorize your expenses into fixed (rent, utilities) and variable (groceries, entertainment). Track your spending for at least a month to gather accurate data. Once you have this information, allocate a specific amount for each category while ensuring your total expenses do not exceed your income. Remember to include savings as a line item in your budget. Review and adjust your budget regularly to reflect changes in income or expenses, which will help you stay on track financially.
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