In a taste test comparing popular orange squash brands, Marks & Spencer’s offering emerged as the top choice, surpassing even the long-established market leader, Robinsons. The evaluation included supermarket own-brand options from Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Waitrose, alongside Robinsons and M&S. The primary goal was to determine if the premium price of brands like Robinsons is justified by superior taste and quality compared to more budget-friendly supermarket alternatives.
The Quest for the Perfect Orange Squash
Orange squash remains a ubiquitous beverage in many households, valued for its ability to make water more appealing and encourage hydration, particularly among children. However, the cost of popular brands can accumulate. A one-litre bottle of Robinsons, for instance, typically retails around £2, a significant expense when factored in with other daily necessities. Many supermarket own-brand versions offer a similar volume for approximately £1, prompting the question: is the additional cost for a brand name truly warranted, or does it simply represent a premium for branding?
To address this, a comprehensive taste test was conducted. Ten different orange squash products were evaluated, including Robinsons and eight supermarket brands: Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Waitrose, and M&S. Each squash was prepared using a consistent ratio of 15ml of concentrate to 135ml of water, totaling 150ml of diluted drink. The assessment focused on flavour, colour, aroma, and overall drinking experience, with each product rated against Robinsons.
Brand by Brand: A Detailed Comparison
Robinsons: The Benchmark
As the market leader, Robinsons was used as the standard for comparison. Its packaging is visually appealing, and the diluted drink presents a vibrant orange hue. While advertised as a “real fruit” flavour, the taste profile was noted to have a slightly artificial undertone. Despite its familiar appeal, it did not achieve a perfect score, receiving a rating of 7.5/10.
Aldi: Budget-Friendly Option
Aldi’s offering was one of the most economical, priced at just 89p. It featured a bright orange colour, similar to Robinsons, and was a double-strength concentrate with 20% fruit content. However, the flavour was found to be somewhat lacking, described as falling “a little flat.” While perfectly drinkable, it did not match the complexity of premium brands and tasted noticeably cheaper, though its low price point made it a reasonable choice for budget-conscious consumers. Rating: 5/10.
Lidl: A Solid Contender
Priced identically to Aldi’s at 89p, Lidl’s squash presented a bold, vivid orange colour in the bottle, closely resembling Robinsons. It offered a less sweet profile than the market leader but was still considered a respectable option. Rating: 6.5/10.
Tesco: Value for Money
Tesco’s squash proved to be a surprising highlight, offering remarkable value at just 45p. While not intensely flavoured, it provided a sufficient taste without being overpowering, a common issue with some double-strength concentrates. Its balanced flavour profile made it a strong contender, especially given its low cost. Rating: 6/10.
Asda: Disappointing Taste
Sharing the same low price point as Tesco’s at 45p, Asda’s squash unfortunately did not perform as well in the taste department. It was described as tasting like faintly flavoured water, lacking significant orange intensity despite being labelled as double strength. Rating: 3/10.
Sainsbury’s: Similar to Tesco
The Sainsbury’s squash, priced at 49p, was remarkably similar to Tesco’s offering. Visually, the packaging was comparable when unbranded, and the taste profile, including sweetness and fruitiness, was found to be at a similar level. Rating: 6/10.
Morrisons: Sweet but Mild
At 99p, Morrisons’ squash initially resembled long-life orange juice in its bottle appearance. Once diluted, the flavour was not particularly strong and leaned towards the sweeter side. Despite this, it was deemed decent value and functional for its purpose. Rating: 5.5/10.
Waitrose: Lacking Fruity Finish
The Waitrose squash, priced at £1.50, had high expectations but did not fully meet them. It was noted for its sweetness but a distinct lack of flavour depth and a missing fruity finish, which was present in other brands like M&S and Robinsons. Rating: 6.5/10.
M&S: The Clear Winner
Marks & Spencer’s squash, costing £1.25, stood out with a higher real fruit content of 20%, contributing to its more refined flavour and natural colour. Although priced higher than many supermarket alternatives, it remained more affordable than Waitrose and Robinsons. The taste was described as natural and less overtly sweet, potentially appealing more to adult palates than very young children. Crucially, it avoided the artificial aftertaste common in many artificially sweetened squashes. This product was rated as the favourite, achieving a perfect score. Rating: 10/10.
Conclusion: M&S Excels in Taste and Value
The taste test revealed significant variation in quality and flavour among orange squash brands, even at similar price points. While Robinsons remains a popular choice, its artificial notes prevent it from achieving top marks. Supermarket own brands offer considerable value, with Tesco and Sainsbury’s providing good options at exceptionally low prices. However, for those seeking a superior, more natural orange flavour without an exorbitant price tag, Marks & Spencer’s offering emerged as the undisputed winner. Its higher fruit content and balanced, natural taste profile justify its slightly higher cost, making it the best overall choice for orange squash enthusiasts.
Prices are accurate as of the time of reporting.
