Few groceries have been immune from price rises over recent years and we all know some have soared more than others.
One item that has massively increased since the cost of living crisis began is cheese.
It’s fallen slightly more recently, but with the 12 months to April 2023 seeing a 42 percent hike in the product (according to the Office for National Statistics), we’re a long way from the prices we enjoyed before the crisis took hold.
There are so many brands of cheese to choose from, all varied in price. But most supermarkets have a basic cheddar in their budget ranges too.
The Manchester Evening News decided to compare the mature cheddar from each range at the six main supermarkets – Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Aldi and Lidl.
The pack sizes vary drastically, so the taste test was done by price per 100g to make it fair. They’re all pretty similar though, with Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury’s and Asda working out at 54p per 100g and Morrisons and Tesco slightly more expensive at 62p per 100g.
If you compare that to Cathedral City for instance, which is £3.50 at the likes of Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury’s for a 350g block, which works out at £1 per 100g, then there are big savings to be had with the budget ranges.
To look at they’re not that different either when cut up on a tray. If anything the Sainsbury’s one looks like a nicer, crumblier texture, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Though they’re no cheese connoisseurs, the publication’s team of 10 has sampled their fair share of cheddar – the UK’s favourite cheese.
Opinions were divided on some samples. A few enjoyed Lidl’s texture and taste, while others detected a ‘bitter’ note.
Tesco’s offering was deemed somewhat bland by some, though others praised its ‘nice creamy’ texture.
Aldi’s and Asda’s cheddars were satisfactory, with Asda’s described as slightly ‘powdery’.
Sainsbury’s Stamford Street Co cheddar clinched second place, impressing us with its appearance and robust flavour.
However, the crown went to Morrisons’ Savers cheese. Crumbly, flavoursome, creamy – it ticked all the boxes for a good cheddar. And at £2.18 for a 350g block, it won’t make your wallet wince.
Here’s a breakdown of the contenders:
Supermarket/ brand or range / weight / price / price per 100g
- Aldi Everyday, Essentials, 900g, £4.88, 54p
- Lidl, Simply, 900g, £4.88, 54p
- Sainsbury’s, Stamford Street Co, 600g, £3.25, 54p
- Asda, Just Essentials, 825g, £4.47, 54p
- Morrisons, Savers, 350g, £2.18, 62p
- Tesco, Creamfields, 400g, £2.49, 62p
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