If there's one thing I couldn't live without, it's a decent brew.
From that morning cuppa, to the late night brew you bicker over whose turn it is to make, and everything in between, a nice cup of tea is one of life's simple pleasures.
The problem is everyone likes it their own special way don't they.
Whether it's a mug of milky stuff that just about passes as tea, or a proper orange-coloured 'builder's brew' you can stand your spoon up in, everyone has a preference.
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My tea addiction started young and with both parents firm fans, I was destined to be a tea belly.
So it seemed only right that I should rope them into tasting tea bags from every supermarket, along with the mother-in-law, who let's just say is quite particular over how she likes her brew.
With families cutting back amid the cost of living crisis, we decided to sample the cheaper own brands from Tesco, M&S, Morrisons, Asda, Aldi, Lidl and Sainsbury's.
If there was ever any doubt about how much supermarkets compete with one another, just a quick glance at the boxes proves how much their products look alike.
They might come in different quantities, but every single one is in a red box, with most described as either 'everyday' or 'original' tea.
I have to admit, there wasn't one that I wouldn't drink again. It was really just a case of some being stronger and richer than others.
My fellow tea drinkers had stronger views though - perhaps it's those extra years of experience.
None of them were that keen on Aldi or Tesco, while Morrisons - the most expensive of the lot - was hit and miss, as was Lidl, although we all agreed the latter was still well worth the £2.09 you'd pay for a box of 240.
Asda's was deemed a decent brew with a nice smooth flavour by all of us, with most of us giving a thumbs up to M&S as the one we'd most likely drink again.
But if it's a strong brew you're after there's only one winner and that's Sainsbury's. 'Rich and refreshing' it says on the box and it was exactly that.
I'm usually under orders to squash the life out of a tea bag to make it strong enough for my mother-in-law, but with this one I didn't have to.
They cost slightly more than the others, at £1.10 for a box of 80, but it's still a lot cheaper than the well-known brands that have shot up in price, leaving shoppers either unwilling or unable to shell out for.
Do you have a favourite tea? Have you switched brands to save money? Let us know in the comments.
Supermarket tea bags in price order
- Morrisons 80 £1.29
- Sainsbury's 80 £1.10
- Tesco 80 £1
- Asda 80 £1
- M&S 160 £2 / equivalent of £1 for 80
- Aldi 160 £1.39 / equivalent of 70p for 80
- Lidl 240 £2.09 / equivalent of 70p for 80
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