When shopping, it can be easy to opt for the most well-known brand on the shelves over the best deal.
And while that's down to certain brands having a reputation for consistently tasty food, ignoring the budget or own-brand options might be a pricey mistake. In some cases these cheaper versions have an almost identical taste at a much lower price.
With that in mind, Emma Gill, Parenting Editor at the Manchester Evening News, pitted Sainsbury's 52p tin of beans and sausages against Heinz, which were selling tins for £2.
Here are the parenting expert's thoughts on the two products, as well as the can of beans and sausages which she deems more of a worthwhile purchase.
Heinz
Heinz is known for its iconic taste and while it didn't disappoint, Emma mentioned that some believe Heinz have switched up their recipe. However, the company says that this is not the case and continues to provide quality that customers 'know and trust'.
Emma said: "The sauce with the Heinz ones is lighter and thinner in consistency."
She added that Heinz were always her beans of choice, explaining: "The problem I have now is that [my children are] 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."
Sainsbury's
Emma decided that she at least give a "rip-off" a try after hearing that Sainsbury's beans were receiving rave reviews.
After trying them she said: "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."
As beans and sausages are "big business" in a household with children, Emma says the cheaper option went down well with her, but persuading her kids to try them might be another matter.
The verdict
"I actually prefer the Sainsbury's ones to Heinz, on texture and flavour as well as my bank balance," Emma said. "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."
Have you swapped Heinz for a supermarket's own brand? Let us know in the comments below.
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