Cadbury's hot chocolate has been put to the test as Brits prepare to cosy up on the sofa with a hot cuppa this winter.
The £2.50 tub of instant hot choccie was pitted against the cheapest supermarket versions from Morrisons, Aldi, Sainsbury's, Asda, Co-op and Tesco.
Taste tester Dayna Farrington awarded Cadbury's a noble four out of five points for its good taste and strong chocolatey flavour.
But surprisingly, only the cheapest product on the menu was awarded top marks by the reporter for its "tastier and cheaper alternative."
With its £1.09 price tag, Aldi's hot chocolate was hailed a "clear champion" and awarded top marks for taste despite its "odd smell."
While one rival product scored an embarrassing zero out of five points and was compared to dirty hot water.
Writing in Birmingham Live, Dayna said: "I wasn't sure you could beat Cadbury's hot chocolate, a clear champion in hot chocolate, before I even started this test.
"But I was surprised to find a tastier AND much cheaper alternative in Aldi.
"I would happily go back and this again, particularly as I can save £1.41 compared to a tub of Cadbury's. I'll probably save Cadbury's for a treat, or when it's next on offer.
"I'm looking forward to giving it a try with hot milk instead of hot water, to see if it has the same lovely taste."
Lidl was not included in the taste test as Dayna's local store had sold out, while Waitrose did not seem to have an own-brand instant hot chocolate.
All tubs included in the test instructed users to make the hot chocolate with hot, not boiling, water. Here is how they were ranked:
Cadbury's 400g, £2.50
Cadbury's hot chocolate was scored four out of five for its "really good taste" and "very strong chocolate flavour", according to Dayna.
The powdered hot chocolate was said to mix really well as hot water was added, avoiding any clumps.
"You can't go wrong with Cadbury's hot chocolate can you? It is the champion of chocolates, so they do the warm stuff just as well," Dayna said.
Morrisons 400g, £2.25
First up in the supermarket stakes was Morrisons with a 400g tub only 25p cheaper than the Cadbury's big brand alternative.
But the product was awarded a shocking zero out of five for its tasteless drink which was compared to dirty water.
Dayna said: "I was shocked to find the tub only 25p cheaper than the big brand so I had high hopes, but sadly they were dashed.
"There was literally zero taste to it. It tasted just like dirty-coloured hot water."
Tesco 270g, £1.90
Next up was Tesco where its light hot chocolate was added into the mix, since the regular product was out of stock. The original hot chocolate appeared to be in high demand, with two stores out of stock and a one-week delivery waiting time.
The Tesco lighter option scored three-and-a-half out of five for its good taste, with marks knocked off for its lumpy powder.
"I stood stirring for a good few minutes but there were still lumps of powder floating," Dayna said.
"I had to give up. Luckily, it didn't take away from the taste. It did taste good.
"It was a much lighter, sweet tasting hot chocolate. Not as good as Cadbury's, but by no means the worst."
Sainsbury's 350g, £1.70
With its pleasantly low price, Sainsbury's hot chocolate was the second cheapest option after Aldi with a powder that dissolves well.
However, it was scored an average three out of five as its taste left much to be desired.
"At first taste, it wasn't too far off Cadbury's and I was impressed," Dayna said.
"But then the after-taste hit you. It was very, very bitter which ruined it slightly for me."
Co-op 400g, £2.60
The Co-op's instant chocolate was the most expensive supermarket purchase but lived up to its price tag, scoring on par with Cadbury's.
Despite being 10p more expensive than the popular branded hot choccie, the Co-op product was praised for its powder which dissolves almost instantly and its strong tasty flavour.
"Don't let the price put you off too much," Dayna said.
"I was most shocked by the really dark colour, it more looked like a cup of black coffee.
However, it had a really strong flavour and it was really nice. Possibly as good as, or even better than Cadbury's."
Asda 400g, £1.75
Scoring three-and-a-half out of five, Asda's hot chocolate was the only product to come in a packet rather than a plastic tub.
The hot drink was awarded above average marks for its competitive price and flavour which "was definitely there but felt a little bland compared to others," Danya said.
"t wasn't the best I had tried, but by no means the worst," she added.
Aldi 400g, £1.09
The showstopper of the list was Aldi's cheap and cheerful Choceur hot chocolate, checking out at a bargain £1.09.
Despite being £1.41 cheaper than Cadbury's hot chocolate and 61p cheaper than the next supermarket-own alternative, the product was awarded first place overall.
Dayna said: "When I first opened the Choceur tub, it had an odd smell. It actually smelt a bit like celery to me. Very weird.
"But don't let the smell put you off. I definitely saved the best until last.
"It really was the best overall for taste and with the cheapest price, you can't go wrong. I wouldn't hesitate picking these up again."
Overall Co-op was praised for its "really good alternative" but lost points on its price being more expensive than Cadbury's, Danya said.
The taste tester said she would not try Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury's for a second time and that she would "100 per cent avoid Morrisons."
Overall
Cadbury's: 4/5
Morrisons: 0/5
Tesco: 3.5/5
Sainsbury's: 3/5
Co-op: 4/5
Asda: 3.5/5
Aldi: 5/5
