Orange squash can be a lifesaver during the summer months, but it can also be expensive if you buy the branded version – so we tried them all to see which is best
Orange squash remains a beloved staple in most UK homes, offering a tasty twist to regular water and encouraging kids to stay hydrated, which is especially crucial as temperatures soar past the 30-degree mark. Yet, with the price tag of Robinson’s squash hitting £2.50 per bottle, one can’t help but feel the pinch should this become a frequent purchase.
On the hunt for a wallet-friendly alternative without compromising on quality, I embarked on a taste-testing mission, sampling orange squash from Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, M&S, and Waitrose, lined up against the iconic Robinsons.
My goal: to find out if any could match or even eclipse the brand leader’s benchmark, reports the Express.
Robinsons
Robinson’s packaging is exemplary, aesthetically pleasing with vibrant colours that embody its premium status. However, while it boasts the flavour of “real fruit”, there’s a slight artificial edge to its taste, though it doesn’t scrimp on sweetness.
Rating: 8/10
Aldi
Aldi’s own double-strength squash flaunts 20% fruit content and mirrors Robinson’s vivid, appetising orange hue – a sight that seems to beckon your thirst.
Regrettably, it fell a bit short on the taste front. Although still enjoyable, it didn’t quite hit the mark like the top brand, leaving a less memorable impression and tasting noticeably cheaper in quality – which, given the price point, is perhaps to be expected.
Score: 5/10
Lidl
This one, however, lacked the sweetness you’d typically find in Robinsons, but it still serves as a decent alternative.
Score: 6.5/10
Tesco.
While not exactly bursting with flavour, there’s enough of it, and it doesn’t overwhelm, which can often be a problem with double-strength squash varieties.
Score: 6/10
Sainsbury’s
Both share identical packaging, save for the branded sticker, and offer the same level of sweetness and fruitiness.
Score: 6/10
Morrisons
The flavour wasn’t particularly intense, and it leaned towards the sweet side, but it still offers good value for money and gets the job done while saving a fair bit compared to major brands.
Score: 5.5/10
Asda
Perhaps it was at a slight disadvantage because I sampled it later in the line-up, but by comparison, it tasted like vaguely flavoured water. It utterly lacked the punch of orange squash, despite its claim to be double strength.
Score: 3/10.
M&S
This one boasts a more mature, authentic flavour and colour than some other squashes on the market.
It’s not overly sweet, which might not appeal to youngsters as much, but adults may favour this version; I certainly did. Plus, it avoids any sweetener-style aftertastes.
Score: 10/10
Waitrose.
I found the Waitrose squash somewhat lacking in its orange flavour, failing to leave the same fruity aftertaste as its counterparts from M&S and Robinsons.
Rating: 6.5/10