With clocks due to go back this weekend guaranteeing an extra hour in bed, the trade-off is darker evenings and the prospect of cooler temperatures on the horizon as we move through the final months of year. People will be preparing for autumn by switching up their diet, swapping summery salads for hearty soups which is food popular in the colder months.
The majority of supermarkets have their own brand tomato soup. But how does it compare to Heinz, synonymous with soups since 1910?
Which? conducted a survey and asked a large panel of consumers to blind-taste Heinz and Baxters along with seven supermarket own-brand tomato soups. These included Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco.
Several supermarkets beat the branded options. In a surprise finding, the winning soup costed less than half the price of Heinz.
Reena Sewraz, Which? money and shopping editor said: "Tomato soup is a winter staple for many. Yet again our taste tests have shown that supermarket own-brand products can more than stand their ground against pricier items from big brands.
"Many households are looking for ways to cut their spending due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Opting for supermarket own-label groceries is not only a great way to save money, but often you won't have to compromise on taste."
Here are best tomato soups that scored highly in the Which? taste test.
Top three best buy tomato soups on a budget
1. Sainsbury’s Cream of Tomato Soup, 55p per 400g tin
The well-balanced tomato flavour and appetising colour were both rated highly by Which? taste testers. The price is good too, costing less than half the price of Heinz.
2. Tesco Cream of Tomato Soup, 55p per 400g tin
The vast majority of tasters said that the strength of the tomato flavour was just right. It ties with Sainsbury's as the third cheapest soup and is a great choice if you happen to be in Tesco or shop there regularly.
3. Asda Cream of Tomato Soup, 50p per 400g tin
The flavour, texture and sweetness were all a hit with Which? testers; although around a quarter felt the tomato flavour could be stronger, most found it about right. At just 50p a can it is excellent value for money.
The best of the rest of supermarket soups
Morrisons Cream of Tomato Soup
This soup hit the spot for texture and sweetness, but 45% found the tomato flavour too weak. It is third priciest of the supermarket options at 85p per 400g tin, so you are better off stocking up elsewhere if you can.
Waitrose Essential Cream of Tomato Soup
Taste testers liked the texture, sweetness and colour of this soup which costs 60p per 400g tin. However, 46% said they would like a stronger flavour.
M&S Cream of Tomato Soup
Most thought this soup costing 60p per 400g tin, had a good texture. However around a third would have liked a stronger tomato flavour.
Heinz Cream of Tomato Soup
The top brand was rated well for texture and appearance, but 58% were disappointed by the weak tomato flavour. At £1.40 per 400g tin, it is one of the most expensive, however it is the most readily available, being stocked at Aldi, Asda, Iceland, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose.
Aldi Bramwells Cream of Tomato Soup
The tomato flavour was too weak for 59% of testers and more than half found the texture too thin for their liking. It is the cheapest of all the soups on test at 45p per 400g tin, but it might not hit the spot.
Baxters Favourites Cream of Tomato Soup
Baxter's didn't prove to be a favourite which costs £1.60 per 400g tin. Close to three-quarters said the texture was too thin while two thirds found the tomato flavour too weak.
