I tested supermarket own brand Hobnobs against the real deal – the winning biscuit was half the price and tasted better
THEY’RE oat-erly delicious, but big-brand biscuit sales like McVitie’s Hobnobs have crumbled amid the cost of living crisis while own-label brands have increased sales by 6.4 per cent?
Sun reporter Thea Jacobs put supermarket versions of Hobnobs to the test against the real deal – with surprising results…
McVities Hobnobs, 255g, £1.50
These are the classic oaty hit we all know and love – but they’re double the price and you get 75g less for the privilege.
While these hold their shape and are the perfect level of sweetness, I’d rather buy two packs of cheaper Sainsbury’s ones for the same price.
Score: 3/5
Tower Gate Oaties
300g, Lidl, 55p
Much darker than the others.
They required a strong bite to break into, but do hold their shape when dunked into tea.
These aren’t as sweet as the originals, but that’s not a bad thing.
Although, they’re not my favourite.
Score: 4/5
Oaties
300g, Tesco, 80p
Tastes so oaty it might as well be a porridge mix.
It doesn’t have any of the sweetness I’d expect for a biscuit.
It’s better value than McVitie’s, but I’m in no rush to have these in my cupboard.
As imitations go, this is a poor one.
Score: 2/5
Belmont, Crumbly Oaties
300g, Aldi, 55p
A bit thicker than the original Hobnobs, but that is the only difference I can really tell.
They have a great oaty start and finish to them with a sweetness running through.
This is perfect for dunking as it doesn’t break apart but goes perfectly mushy.
Score: 4/5
Mini Oat Biscuits
125g, Waitrose, £1.50
The same price as the McVities original, and you get half as many.
Like the packet says, they’re very small and look a bit anaemic.
They taste more like shortbread than oat biscuits, which is fine by me, but doesn’t really work for a replacement Hobnob.
Score: 1/5 – LOSER
Oat Nobblies
300g, Morrisons, 80p
The oats are finely ground, making them feel less like an authentic Hobnob.
That said, they have a perfect sweet and oaty balance to them.
They also hold their shape when dunked into a brew which is great.
If they were a bit cheaper, they’d be perfect.
Score: 4/5
Oaty Rounds
300g, Sainsbury’s, 60p
My winner and An almost perfect imitation of the original Hobnob biscuits.
The only difference is they’re a slightly paler disc.
The oats are left intact while not feeling like I’m mainlining porridge.
They also have a nice sweetness to them that isn’t overpowering.
Score: 5/5