In a quest to find the best value and flavour in orange squash, a taste test pitted supermarket own-brand options against the market leader, Robinsons. Orange squash is a common fixture in British households, valued for its ability to make water more appealing and encourage hydration, particularly among children during warmer months. With the cost of branded squash like Robinsons approaching £2 per litre, exploring more affordable alternatives, which typically retail around £1, becomes an attractive proposition. This review sought to determine if the higher price tag of premium brands truly translates to superior taste or if supermarket own-label products offer comparable quality at a fraction of the cost.

Orange Squash Taste Test Methodology

The evaluation involved tasting orange squash from a range of supermarkets including Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, and Marks & Spencer (M&S). Each supermarket’s offering was compared directly against Robinsons, the established market leader. To ensure consistency, every squash sample was prepared using a standard ratio of 15ml of concentrate mixed with 135ml of water, resulting in a total of 150ml of diluted drink.

Evaluating the Contenders

Robinsons: The Benchmark

Robinsons, a brand often associated with sporting events like Wimbledon, presented a vibrant orange hue that remained appealing after dilution. Its packaging was noted as smart and eye-catching, befitting its leading market position. While the brand advertises a “real fruit” flavour, the taste test revealed a subtle artificial note. Despite this, Robinsons scored 7.5 out of 10, setting a benchmark for the other products.

Aldi: Budget-Friendly Option

Aldi’s offering was one of the most economical, priced at just 89p. It shared a bright orange colour with Robinsons and was marketed as a double-strength 20% fruit squash. However, the flavour was found to be somewhat lacking, described as flat. While perfectly drinkable, it did not achieve the taste profile of the more premium brands and was perceived as tasting noticeably cheaper. Given its low price point, this was perhaps understandable. Aldi’s squash received a rating of 5 out of 10.

Lidl: A Reasonable Alternative

Priced identically to Aldi at 89p, Lidl’s orange squash also exhibited a bold, vivid orange colour in the bottle, closely resembling Robinsons. The taste was less sweet than the market leader but was still considered a reasonable option. Lidl’s squash earned a score of 6.5 out of 10.

Tesco: Value for Money

Tesco emerged as a surprising highlight, offering exceptional value at only 45p per bottle. While not overwhelmingly flavourful, the taste was deemed sufficient and well-balanced, avoiding the overpowering intensity that can sometimes be an issue with double-strength concentrates. Tesco’s squash was rated 6 out of 10.

Asda: Disappointing Flavour

Sharing the same low price point as Tesco’s offering, Asda’s squash unfortunately did not perform as well in the taste test. Despite being labelled as double strength, it was described as tasting like faintly flavoured water with a distinct lack of orange intensity. Asda’s squash received the lowest score of 3 out of 10.

Sainsbury’s: Similar to Tesco

The Sainsbury’s squash, priced at 49p, presented a profile very similar to Tesco’s. Its packaging was also comparable when unbranded, and the levels of sweetness and fruitiness were found to be on par with the Tesco version. This consistency earned it a rating of 6 out of 10.

Morrisons: Sweet but Mild

At 99p, Morrisons’ squash initially resembled long-life orange juice in its bottle appearance but improved once diluted. The flavour was not particularly strong and leaned towards the sweeter side. Nonetheless, it was considered a decent value option that fulfilled its basic purpose. Morrisons’ squash was rated 5.5 out of 10.

Waitrose: Lacked Fruity Finish

The Waitrose squash, priced at a higher £1.50, did not meet expectations. While it was sweet, it lacked a distinct flavour and failed to deliver the fruity finish found in other contenders like M&S or Robinsons. Waitrose’s offering scored 6.5 out of 10.

M&S: The Clear Winner

Marks & Spencer’s squash, priced at £1.25, stood out as the top performer. Made with 20% real fruit, one of the highest concentrations in the test, it offered a more refined and natural flavour and colour compared to most others. Although still cheaper than Waitrose and Robinsons, its higher fruit content likely contributed to its price. The taste was not excessively sweet, which might appeal more to adult palates than very young children, but it successfully avoided the artificial aftertaste common in many competitor products. The M&S squash was awarded a perfect score of 10 out of 10, making it the favoured choice in this comprehensive taste test.

Conclusion: Value and Taste in Orange Squash

The taste test demonstrated that while branded options like Robinsons offer a familiar and generally pleasant experience, supermarket own-brand squashes can provide compelling alternatives, often at a significantly lower cost. Marks & Spencer emerged as the undisputed winner, delivering a superior, natural flavour profile that justified its slightly higher price point within the own-brand category. For consumers seeking the best balance of taste and affordability, exploring options from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Lidl also proved worthwhile, offering drinkable and cost-effective choices. Asda’s offering, however, was found to be significantly lacking in flavour intensity, and Waitrose, despite its premium positioning, did not deliver a taste experience commensurate with its price.