Marks & Spencer's instant coffee, priced at just £1.20, emerged as the winner in a blind taste test of five major UK supermarket own-brand coffees. The M&S offering was described as "rich, full-bodied" and "velvety" with no harsh aftertaste, beating Aldi, CO-OP, Morrisons, and Tesco. The test, conducted by journalist Katherine McPhillips, aimed to find the most affordable and tasty instant coffee for iced lattes during the UK heatwave.
Tesco coffee rated weakest with bitter aftertaste
Tesco's instant coffee, priced at £2.35, was the least liked. Despite the jar promising to be "mellow and smooth", McPhillips found it left a strong acidic aftertaste and a burnt flavour. She struggled to finish her latte and reached for a toothbrush shortly after. She said: "If you're a fan of particularly bold coffee, the Tesco own-brand might suit you, but personally, I won't be picking it up again."
Morrisons coffee described as bland and flat
Morrisons' coffee, at £1.35, was decent but disappointing. McPhillips said it was lacking in strength, with the most prominent flavour coming from the milk. She described it as "rather bland" and said she would only reach for it if there was no alternative. The coffee was marked down for being too mild.
CO-OP coffee praised for fair trade but pricey
CO-OP's coffee was the most expensive at £3.00 and came in the smallest jar. However, it was fair trade, which McPhillips appreciated. The taste was pleasant but not as rich or full-bodied as others, earning it third place. She said: "I did enjoy it and would happily return to CO-OP to pick it up again."
Aldi coffee takes second place with bold flavour
Aldi's coffee, at £2.09, impressed from the start with a gorgeous aroma that filled the kitchen. It had a bold flavour and was tremendously satisfying, securing second place. McPhillips said it wasn't as silky as the top pick but she would gladly make a special trip to buy it again.
M&S coffee is cheapest and best value at £1.20
M&S coffee, priced at £1.20, was the cheapest of all. The label promised "rich and smooth" and it delivered. McPhillips said it was "head and shoulders above the other supermarket brands" with a velvety texture and no harsh aftertaste. She has reached for it numerous times since the initial tasting. She concluded: "I'd certainly recommend it if you're looking to cut costs on your caffeine habit, and I'd honestly choose it over numerous coffee shop drinks."
