A cuppa has been voted the best way to get a quick boost… but the price has soared in the cost-of-living crisis.
Shoppers were shocked to find boxes of 240 PG Tips teabags selling for £9.50 online at the Co-op.
Hundreds of everyday food and drink lines are going up even faster than inflation.
And while we all love a good cup of tea, serious savings could be made by switching to supermarket own brands.
But how do they stand up alongside names we know and love? We popped the kettle on to find out...
BUDGET TEAS
Aldi Diplomat Red Label £1.39 for 160 bags (0.87p per bag) 500g, 28p per 100g
This is great if, like me, you need a good strong brew to get you going in the morning. With a full, rich flavour, here is a budget option that definitely gives some of the more expensive teas a really good run for their money. 4 out of 5.
Morrisons Savers Tea Bags 62p for 80 (0.76p per bag) 200g. Price per 100g 31p
I’d never tried Morrison’s tea before because there isn’t a branch near me. I was pleasantly surprised as these were the cheapest teabags and tasted just as good as some others at twice the price. A respectable 4 out of 5.
Tesco Stockwell and Co 69p for 80 (0.86p per bag) 200g. Price per 100g 31p
One of the cheaper options, Tesco calls this is a medium-strength tea. The brand – not the supermarket’s own product but exclusive to them – is not as strong as some competitors, which was a negative for me. But if you like a medium-to-weak cuppa, then why spend any more when you don’t have to? 2 out of 5.
Asda Everyday Teabags £2.50 for 240 bags (1.04p per bag) 696g
Mellow and refreshing, this wasn’t a bad option and would certainly suit some people. However, I found it not quite rich enough and just a little bit bland. 2 out of 5.
Lidl Knightsbridge One Cup Red Label £1.60 for 160 bags (1p per bag) 320g
At just 1p per bag, this gave a really nice rich, strong flavour proving you don’t need to spend more to get a better brew. Not only was it one of the cheapest but it tasted the best and was my clear winner. 5 out of 5.
Typhoo One Cup £1.00 for 100 bags (1p per bag) 200g
I ended up adding two teabags to my cup as it looked really weak even after mashing for five minutes. I like a strong cuppa so this is not for me. There are better teas out there. 1 out of 5.
MID RANGE
M&S Everyday Teabags £1.10 for 80 (1.38p per bag) 250g
Although this made a smooth, light and refreshing cuppa, it did have a slight tang. One of the cheaper items on the list, this isn’t a bad choice but there are better budget options. 2.5 out of 5.
Sainsbury’s Red Label £1.10 for 80 (1.38p per bag) 250g
Some budget options were a bit bland but these teabags made a rich strong brew that won’t disappoint. Just as good as some of the big brands but without the wow factor. 3 out of 5.
Morrisons Everyday Tea £1.35 for 80 (1.69p per bag) 200g
Another fine tea from Morrisons.... refreshing and full of flavour at a fraction of the price of some bigger brands. 4 out of 5.
Co Op 99 Blend Fairtrade Tea £1.50 for 80 (1.88p per bag) 250g
Smooth, refreshing and full bodied... and it’s also fair trade. It stood up against pricier rivals but there are cheaper teas out there. 4 out of 5.
BIG BRAND/LUXURY
Tetley Original £3 for 120 (2.5p per bag) 375g
You can’t go wrong with a cup of Tetley. This was full flavoured, vibrant and refreshing and certainly did its job. However, if you’re looking to save money, it is one of the most expensive and you can get cheaper tea that tastes just as good. 4 out of 5.
Waitrose English Breakfast £2.75 for 100 bags (2.75p per bag) 250g
A strong smooth and refreshing blend of Assam and Kenya leaves. For tea lovers who like a really strong brew this is perfect and definitely hit the spot. A bit pricey compared to some budget options, it still works out at around 2p per brew. 4 out of 5.
PG Tips £2.70 for 80 bags (3.38p per bag) 232g
Probably one of the best-known brands. But does it deserve to be the most popular tea in Britain? Although you can’t fault the taste and it makes a nice strong brew, it doesn’t stand out from many of the budget options which have come on leaps and bounds over the years. 3 out of 5.
Yorkshire Tea £1.75 for 40 bags (4.38p per bag) 125g
As a Lancashire lass I feel a bit of a traitor but I’ve got to be honest and admit this tea is delicious and truly does top the taste tables when it comes to the more expensive brands. Enjoy with biscuits and it really does feel like an indulgent treat. 5 out of 5.
