With the cost-of-living crisis biting, many have been forced to consider cheaper alternatives to some culinary classics, and the Heinz staple of a can of beans and sausages is no exception. Manchester Evening News reporter Emma Gill tried Sainsbury's cheaper alternative for what is a classic childhood meal.
The supermarket's product has received rave reviews, and at just 52p is a bargain when compared with Heinz's £2 item.
Emma points out: "Apart from the colour of the tin, they look pretty similar on the outside, with almost identical lettering - all part of the marketing ploy no doubt."
The photo clearly shows that the sauce in the Heinz tin is lighter and thinner in consistency. Despite some buyers indicating the recipe has changed recently with the juice more diluted, the company insists this is not the case, and reiterated it is 'committed to giving our consumers great tasting and nutritious products without compromising on the quality they know and trust'.
When it comes to the sausages, Emma writes: "With Heinz you get a slimmer, smoother sausage, like a miniature version of a typical hot dog. But with Sainsbury's they're stumpier and with wrinkly skin. And while that might not sound appealing they're pretty tasty."
Emma also speaks of her reluctance to switch brands, after building up loyalty over the years with regular purchasing of Heinz products, but points out that "but then prices were nothing like they are now."
"The problem I have now is that they're reluctant to try any other - and are so accustomed to the look and taste of Heinz that they know if I'm trying to give them 'a rip-off' version."
Emma says that despite brand loyalty and the higher prices, she preferred the Sainsbury's own product to Heinz's. "I'm angry at myself for not trying an alternative to Heinz earlier, when they were at the age they'd neither notice nor care.
"A parenting fail that's now hitting me in the pocket."
