Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Supermarket Own-Brand Coffee Tops Taste Test Against Major Brands
For many individuals, starting the day without a caffeine boost from a cup or two of coffee is unimaginable. This widely consumed drink delivers essential stimulation, helping people to feel alert and energized. To avoid costly visits to coffee shops, having a jar of high-quality instant coffee at home can be a practical and economical alternative. A recent taste test conducted by consumer experts at Which? revealed that a supermarket’s own-brand gold blend coffee surpassed well-known competitors such as Nescafé and Douwe Egberts. The experts aimed to identify the best own-brand gold blend granules available in supermarkets.
M&S Fairtrade Gold Instant Coffee Crowned Winner
In a blind taste assessment, a panel of experts evaluated various gold-blend instant coffees and ranked them based on their sensory attributes. The top position was awarded to M&S. Their Fairtrade Gold Instant Coffee, priced at £6.75 for a 200g jar, greatly impressed the tasting panel. It achieved high scores for its visual appeal, aroma, flavour profile, and mouthfeel, particularly praised for its ‘perfect’ balance of flavour and bitterness.
While positioned at a higher price point compared to other supermarket own-brand options, it was notable as one of only two Fairtrade coffees included in the evaluation, which may influence purchasing decisions for ethically conscious consumers.
Kenco Gold Indulgence Secures Second Place
The Kenco Gold Indulgence Instant Coffee secured the second-place ranking, priced at £7.20 for 195g. This brand also garnered positive feedback for its flavour, scent, and appearance. However, some testers noted that the flavour intensity was perceived as slightly subdued.
Nescafé and Douwe Egberts Share Third Position
A leading brand, Nescafé, priced at £7.60, shared third place with Douwe Egberts in the rankings.
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Aldi’s Alcafe Recognized for Great Value
Although narrowly missing a top-three position, Aldi’s Alcafe instant coffee was recognized by Which? as representing ‘Great Value’ in the test, costing only £2.45 for a 200g jar.
Lower-Ranked Supermarket Coffee Brands
Conversely, some supermarkets did not perform as favorably in the coffee evaluation.
Lidl’s Bellarom Instant Coffee Receives Lowest Rating
Lidl’s Bellarom instant coffee was positioned at the bottom of the rankings, with testers expressing dissatisfaction with its lack of flavour strength.
Asda Gold Roasted Coffee Gets Mixed Reviews
Asda Gold Roasted Coffee Instant Granules received a ‘mixed result’ from the expert panel. Some participants found the flavour insufficiently strong, while others appreciated its bitter notes.