I tested own brand supermarket yogurts – and the best was half the price of brand leader Yeo Valley
YOGURT has even more reason to claim it is top of the pots.
We reported yesterday that scientists say the plain version snuffs out the sulpher-based compounds that give you garlic breath.
It is just another great asset of the creamy superfood – which is known to boost gut health, strengthen your immune system and get protein in your diet when losing weight.
But with top brands charging more than £1.50 for a pot, it is a pricey product to stock in your fridge.
So we see how the cheaper own-brands compare to industry leaders Yeo Valley and Onken to ensure you always have a good remedy in your house.
Thea Jacobs rates for taste, value and an overall score.
Natural yogurt
Asda, £1 (500g)
THIS separated slightly more than the others and requires being mixed thoroughly before tasting.
It is pretty tasteless, with a tiny little twang of yogurtiness at the end.
It wouldn’t really make much difference to anything it was paired with.
Likewise, it wouldn’t ruin anything, either.
- Taste: 5/10
- Value: 5/10
- Overall: 10/20
Natural yogurt
Tesco, £1.10 (500g)
I WAS sprayed with yogurt as I removed the lid, which was a messy start.
This requires a bit of mixing to have a smooth consistency and is runnier than the others.
It is very sharp, with a slight cheesy undertone, which is not ideal.
I am very underwhelmed over all. At this price, I would expect better.
- Taste: 6/10
- Value: 4/10
- Overall: 10/20
Yeo Valley organic plain yogurt
Tesco, £2 (450g)
AS I ripped off the lid I was hit with a tangy smell.
This one needs mixing together as there was a watery residue on top which was a little off-putting.
It is extremely smooth but a little flavourless – all I get is a bit of zing when it coats my tongue.
- Taste: 5/10
- Value: 3/10
- Overall: 8/20
WINNER – Natural yogurt
Sainsbury’s, 90p (500g)
THE tub was a liability to open and I managed to spray the yogurt over my face and top.
It has a strong, tart smell too.
This is another runny option, but that isn’t a bad thing as it is very smooth.
It is the sharpest tasting yogurt of the bunch but it quickly gives way to a much less intrusive taste. I liked it.
- Taste: 9/10
- Value: 6/10
- Overall: 15/20
Essential low fat natural yogurt
Waitrose, 75p (500g)
I AM surprised at how cheap this is given it is from a premium store but once I opened the pot I could see why.
It is a very liquidy yogurt with not a lot of taste.
While most of the others coat the palate, this doesn’t.
I found it disappointing in flavour, being virtually tasteless, and the spoonful I had wasn’t worth eating.
- Taste: 2/10
- Value: 4/10
- Overall: 6/20
Live natural yogurt
M&S, 75p (500g)
I COULD barely smell this as I peeled the film lid away to reveal a smooth, perfectly mixed yogurt underneath.
This is pleasantly thick and plops off the spoon in large blobs.
It coats your mouth with a subtle dairy flavour but isn’t overpowering.
It is the perfect yogurt to have with some fruit.
- Taste: 6/10
- Value: 8/10
- Overall: 14/20
Greek style yogurt
Aldi, 89p (500g)
THE budget supermarket doesn’t offer a plain option so I had to go with the Greek style.
This doesn’t really taste like yogurt, in fact, it is more like a thick cream.
It is very sturdy and smells similar to the other options, despite being a different style.
Overall, it is just not really delivering yogurty goodness.
- Taste: 2/10
- Value: 5/10
- Overall: 7/20
Onken set natural
Tesco, £1.75 (450g)
OUT of all the options, this one is the thickets and reminds me of cottage cheese – but not in a good way.
It virtually has no taste. It is probably good for mixing with sharp fruit to take the edge off.
But at this extortionate price, I would leave it on the shelf.
- Taste: 7/10
- Value: 2/10
- Overall: 9/20