Soup is a cheap and easy meal option, especially during the colder months. With many people looking for more affordable food choices, own-brand supermarket versions are becoming increasingly popular. But how do they compare to the classic Heinz vegetable soup in terms of taste and price? In a taste test, HOAR tried eight own-brand broths and found that the winners not only beat Heinz in flavor, but they were also 60% cheaper. Here's what we discovered:
Co-op
The Co-op soup surprised with its good taste and texture. It had a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors, with a hint of spice. The vegetables were firm, although there was a slightly synthetic aftertaste and grainy texture. The only downside was the price, at £1 per tin.
Waitrose
Waitrose's soup disappointed in terms of flavor. Despite having a smooth texture and a good mix of vegetables, it tasted bland and uninteresting. However, its price point of 75p was reasonable.
Morrisons
Morrisons' own-brand soup had a thick texture and a mild tomato flavor. While it wasn't as flavorsome as the Co-op soup, it did have the unique addition of green beans. The major selling point was its low price of 67p, making it joint cheapest with Aldi, Lidl, and Sainsbury's.
Heinz
Heinz's vegetable soup didn't live up to expectations. It had a slimy texture and a bitter aftertaste. The price of £1.70 was also a disappointment. Although it could be found for £1 with a Nectar Card, HOAR based prices on the recommended retail prices (RRP).
Tesco
Tesco's soup had a strong flavor of tart tomato and a silky smooth texture. It struck a good balance of sweet and salty, although there was a slight acidic aftertaste. While not the cheapest option, it still offered savings compared to Heinz.
Asda
Asda's soup had a vibrant orange color and a sweet flavor. The vegetables were firm, although the texture was a bit goopy. It was a good value option, not the cheapest but not the priciest either.
Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's soup had a thick texture without being sludgy, but the taste was earthy and bland. Its major selling point was the low price of just 67p.
Lidl
Despite low expectations, Lidl's soup had a surprisingly good flavor. The texture was a bit pithy, but the overall tomato flavor came through nicely. The solid texture of the vegetables and the price of 67p made it stand out.
Aldi
Aldi's soup had an earthy and hearty flavor with a hint of umami. The texture was smooth, although some vegetables were mushy. With a price point of 67p, it was a solid choice.
In conclusion, own-brand supermarket vegetable soups can be just as tasty as their branded counterparts, and they come at a much lower price. The winners of the taste test were Co-op, Morrisons, Lidl, and Aldi, all offering great flavor and value for money. So next time you're in the mood for a comforting bowl of soup, consider trying one of these affordable options.
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