Food24
  • Recipes
    • New recipes
    • Easy weekday meals
    • Videos
    • Festive Recipes
    • Budget recipes
    • South African recipes
    • Cooking with lamb
    • Beef recipes
    • Fish and Tips
    • Braai recipes
    • Pork recipes
    • Air fryer recipes
    • Chicken recipes
    • Vegetarian recipes
    • Baking Recipes
    • Gluten-free recipes
    • Dairy-free recipes
    • Cocktail Recipes
    • Non-alcoholic drinks
  • Features
    • Food news
    • Recipe round-ups
    • Food24 Taste Tests
    • Kitchen Inspo
    • Drinks
      • Wine
      • Beer
      • Coffee
    • Zero Waste Cooking
    • In Season
      • Summer
      • Spring
  • Cooking guides & tips
    • Pantry staples
    • Load shedding lifesavers
    • Baking tips and tricks
  • Kids
    • Baby
  • More
    • Win
    • Newsletters
No Result
View All Result
Food24
  • Recipes
    • New recipes
    • Easy weekday meals
    • Videos
    • Festive Recipes
    • Budget recipes
    • South African recipes
    • Cooking with lamb
    • Beef recipes
    • Fish and Tips
    • Braai recipes
    • Pork recipes
    • Air fryer recipes
    • Chicken recipes
    • Vegetarian recipes
    • Baking Recipes
    • Gluten-free recipes
    • Dairy-free recipes
    • Cocktail Recipes
    • Non-alcoholic drinks
  • Features
    • Food news
    • Recipe round-ups
    • Food24 Taste Tests
    • Kitchen Inspo
    • Drinks
      • Wine
      • Beer
      • Coffee
    • Zero Waste Cooking
    • In Season
      • Summer
      • Spring
  • Cooking guides & tips
    • Pantry staples
    • Load shedding lifesavers
    • Baking tips and tricks
  • Kids
    • Baby
  • More
    • Win
    • Newsletters
No Result
View All Result
Food24
No Result
View All Result

Which is better: no-name or premium brands? We tasted 17 different products to find the best value

Are no name brands really a good deal? We wanted to find out.

Katy Rose by Katy Rose
February 26, 2021
in Featured, Food News, Food24 taste tests
5
Which is better: no-name or premium brands? We tasted 17 different products to find the best value
0
SHARES
88k
VIEWS
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

We tested a range of well-known food brands against their no-name competition from Spar, Woolworths, Pick n Pay and Checkers. All samples were tasted “blind”, that is without any labels or packaging, to try to make the results as fair as possible. We wanted to know which products tasted better and where we could save some rands on our food shopping bill.

1. Cornflakes

Kellogg’s Corn Flakes 750g R59.99 (R79.98 per kilo)
Spar Golden Corn Flakes 500g R31.99 (R63.98 per kilo)

The classic cornflakes box is recognisable from a mile away, and we can see why. The texture and consistency of the Kellogg’s was uniform, pale golden and crispy. The Spar version, however, had a mixed texture that meant that some flakes were light and crispy, while others were dense and very chewy.

Verdict: If cornflakes are a regular breakfast for you, spend a little bit extra on the brand name.

2. Tinned tuna

Woolworths Brand Light Meat Tuna Shredded in Brine 170g R26.99 (R158.76 per kilo)
John West Light Meat Shredded Tuna in Salt Water 170g R29.99 (R176.41 per kilo)
Checkers Housebrand Light Meat Shredded Tuna in Water R15.99 (R94.05 per kilo)

Love it or hate it, tinned tuna is a good protein to keep in your cupboard for those loadshedding evenings. The John West tuna had a light pink appearance and a very fine texture, while the Checkers tuna seemed a bit coarser. The Woolworths tuna had much larger flakes, but this meant that the meat was a bit dry in places. In flavour, they were all basically the same – tastes just like tinned tuna.

All three carry a “Dolphin friendly”certification, while the Woolworths tuna is certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council. 

Which is better: no-name or premium brands? We tasted 17 different products to find the best value

Verdict: If you’re cooking tuna in a pasta bake or a tuna mayonnaise sandwich, go cheap because you won’t be able to tell the difference.

READ MORE: Great tuna recipes to cook for dinner

3. Pasta

Woolworths Italian Fusilli 500g R32.99 (R65.98 per kilo)
Mr Pasta* Pasta Screws 500g R14.59 (R29.18 per kilo)
Spar Pasta Screws 500g R16.79 (R33.58 per kilo)

The price difference here was great, and that is clear in the structure and shape of the pasta. The cheaper pasta had a vague twisty shape while the more expensive pasta had a more defined spiral, with lots of crevices to hold the sauce. All were cooked as per the instructions, with the Woolworths being the most tightly wound and the Mr Pasta coming out a bit pap and slushy. The Spar pasta was a good middle ground.

Verdict: Choose a dried pasta somewhere at the middle price point: the expensive one wasn’t worth twice the price and the cheaper option was just disappointing.

YOU  MIGHT LIKE: Food24’s best pasta recipes

4. Lemon biscuits

Checkers Housebrand Lemon Creams 200g R10.99 (R54.95 per kilo)
Red Label Lemon Creams 200g R17.99 (R89.95 per kilo)
Spar Lemon Creams 150g R8.99 (R59.93 per kilo)

All three biscuits look remarkably similar – surely this can’t be allowed? Our tasters spotted the original Bakers Red Label lemon cream from a distance – the nostalgic flavour just cannot be beat. Bakers had the best crunch in the biscuit and a nice balance of lemon and sweetness. Checkers biscuits had a nice sour note in the filling, but the biscuit was a bit disappointing. The Spar biscuits were a good second place, while the Checkers lemon creams were not amazing, but a good price nonetheless.

Verdict: Buy the originals when you see them on special and thank us later.

https://www.food24.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/biscuits-prooduct-shots.mp4

5. Salted chips

Pick n Pay No Name Plain Salted Potato Chips 120g R14.79 (R123.25 per kilo)
Lay’s Potato Chips Salted 120g R18.99 (R158.25 per kilo)

There is only one winner here, and we think you know who it is. Lay’s was heads above the Pick n Pay chips in flavour, texture and appearance. The Pick n Pay chips were a dark brown colour, and were very light on salt.

Verdict: Lay’s every time: there’s a good reason they are wildly popular across the world.

Which is better: no-name or premium brands? We tasted 17 different products to find the best value6. Strawberry jam

All Gold Strawberry Jam 450g R37.99 (R84.42 per kilo)
Checkers Housebrand Strawberry Jam 450g R31.59 (R70.20 per kilo)

These two jams couldn’t be more different in appearance and flavour. The Checkers no-name brand was a darker brownish-red with fewer seeds, which is great if you prefer that. All Gold was a ruby red with lots of pulp and texture, which is good if you want to know that you are eating strawberry jam. Checkers was mostly just “sweet” while All Gold was “fruity”, and one taster said it had a nice wobble.

Verdict: Buy the brand name if you really love a good jam. If not, the cheaper option will be just as good in a peanut butter sandwich or in a layer cake.

https://www.food24.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/jam-prooduct-shots.mp4

7. Cheese Nak chips

Woolworths Cheese Naks 30g R6.49 (R216.33 per kilo)
Simba NikNaks 55g R6.50 (R118.18 per kilo)

These two samples were different, but we loved both of them for different reasons. NikNaks is the flavour we love, with a slightly sweeter flavour and a hint of paprika. The Woolworths Naks had a more mature cheesy flavour, with a great texture.

Verdict: The choice is yours – both are great!

The results

Some of the products really surprised us with their quality and affordability. The ones we would buy again are:

  • Checkers Housebrand Strawberry Jam: great value for a product that is almost never eaten on its own.
  • Woolworths Cheese Naks taste like NikNaks for adults.
  • Checkers Housebrand Light Meat Shredded Tuna in Water: Good flavour for its price.
  • Spar Pasta Screws: a great pasta at a midrange price.

READ NEXT: REVEALED: The top 10 Taste Tests by Food24

*Made for Checkers

This article is not sponsored in any way and Food24 was not paid to come to any particular result. Our taste tests are always unbiased and intended for your entertainment. However, you may have come to this article through various paid-for advertising.

Tags: Food24 Tasteslemon creamspastaTaste Testtuna


Related Posts

basil-pesto
Food24 taste tests

Food24 shares their thoughts on store-bought basil pesto

November 29, 2023
eggs
Food News

Is it safe to eat eggs again?

November 24, 2023
banana bread
Features

The best deals on food this Black Friday

November 23, 2023
Next Post
How to make an iced coffee at home

How to make an iced coffee at home

Comments 5

  1. Alexandra Middelhoven says:
    3 years ago

    Very interesting and impressed that the comments were unbiased and practical. No name / store brands always pose a dilemma so welcome the comparison. Look forward to more especially the detergents and cleaning materials.

    Reply
    • Katy Rose says:
      3 years ago

      Thank you, Alexandra. We have plenty more tests lined up soon – especially dishwashing liquid!

      Reply
  2. Stefanie Schutte says:
    3 years ago

    Just a comment on the tune comparison. The Woolworth one has the sustainability logo, meaning pole caught, while the others are caught unsustainable in nets, with big bycatch which is discarded.
    I would think that therefore the sustainable caught one should get the recommendation. That is if we care about our fish stocks and their availability to future generations.

    Reply
    • Katy Rose says:
      3 years ago

      Great point, Stefanie! Yes, sustainable fishing is an important consideration when making your purchase.

      Reply
  3. Fecilia Blumrick says:
    3 years ago

    The blind food tasting makes a great read and very informative.
    I look forward to receiving more.
    Thank you

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Food24 Team Loves

cooking-brussels-sprouts

Loathe Brussels sprouts? Try these cooking methods

November 20, 2023
black-friday-food24

The kitchen items to add to your Black Friday wish list

November 15, 2023
tiktok-cottage-cheese-trends

Here’s why cottage cheese is trending on TikTok

November 14, 2023
baby porridge

Introducing Food24 Baby, your go-to resource for trusted nutrition

November 9, 2023
baby-collab-weaning

What is the COLLAB approach to weaning? 

November 8, 2023

Recent favourites

  • eggs

    Is it safe to eat eggs again?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Food24’s fave recipes from November

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Clarifying butter: A step-by-step guide

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • More than soy: A guide to plant-based sources of protein

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Food24 shares their thoughts on store-bought basil pesto

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Newsletter

Get weekly access to our best recipes, tips and tricks

Sign Up
Footer

Quick links

  • Home
  • News
  • Videos
  • Win

Collections

  • New Recipes
  • Festive Recipes
  • Baking Recipes
  • Dessert Recipes
  • Braai Recipes
  • Lunchbox
  • South African Recipes
  • Pasta Recipes

Other links

  • Advertise with Food24
  • Editorial Policy
  • How to Pitch
  • Contact us

Not in the mood to cook?

Visit eatout.co.za to find the perfect restaurant near you.

eatout.co.za

© 2020 Food24.com. All rights reserved.

  • About us
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • New Media
IAB
No Result
View All Result
  • Recipes
    • New recipes
    • Easy weekday meals
    • Videos
    • Festive Recipes
    • Budget recipes
    • South African recipes
    • Cooking with lamb
    • Beef recipes
    • Fish and Tips
    • Braai recipes
    • Pork recipes
    • Air fryer recipes
    • Chicken recipes
    • Vegetarian recipes
    • Baking Recipes
    • Gluten-free recipes
    • Dairy-free recipes
    • Cocktail Recipes
    • Non-alcoholic drinks
  • Features
    • Food news
    • Recipe round-ups
    • Food24 Taste Tests
    • Kitchen Inspo
    • Drinks
      • Wine
      • Beer
      • Coffee
    • Zero Waste Cooking
    • In Season
      • Summer
      • Spring
  • Cooking guides & tips
    • Pantry staples
    • Load shedding lifesavers
    • Baking tips and tricks
  • Kids
    • Baby
  • More
    • Win
    • Newsletters

© 2019 Food24.com. All rights reserved.

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Fill the forms below to register

Subscribe to Newsletter

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
Close
Food24
Recipe Disclaimer

All recipe content is the responsibility of the party from whom such content originated. You agree that you use the content on Food24 at your own risk. Please read our editorial policy.
Close
Food24
Get the latest recipes delivered to your inbox weekly
Promotional Newsletter

Be the first to receive information about competitions and special offers from Food24 and it's partners.

You have successfully been subscribed!
Something went wrong. Please try again.
Make sure you have completed all required fields.
I don't want to see this again