You can also choose between seeded and seedless jams or conserves. The numerous options available can make it challenging to determine which will taste best while also delivering value for money. Hartley’s and Bonne Maman are the most popular branded jams stocked across a range of supermarkets.
However, they typically cost more than many own-brand alternatives. After comparing supermarket strawberry jams against one another, I decided it was time to assess whether supermarket raspberry jams could match up to the branded versions. I selected jam from Lidl, Aldi, Tesco, Asda and Marks and Spencer, and was surprised by the outcome.
Lidl – 89p
I purchased the seedless Lidl raspberry jam as there were no seeded varieties in my local store. It had a darker hue than most of the other jams in my taste test.
When I dipped my spoon into the jar, the jam felt very jelly-like and thick. The flavour was more subtle than all the other jams, which was a disadvantage for me as I prefer a much bolder taste. The texture was also too dense for me.
Hartley’s – £1.70 from Asda
The branded seedless jam had a faint aroma upon opening and delivered a sweet taste with a slight tang. Much like some others, I found the consistency rather jelly-like and a touch too thick for my preference. The flavour could have been more pronounced, as there was little in the way of an aftertaste. That said, it is a solid choice for those who enjoy a thick jam that isn’t overly sweet.
Asda – £1.15
Asda’s seedless jam proved far more spreadable than its predecessors. It was thick yet offered a pleasantly sweet taste. This particular jam leaned more towards sweetness than tanginess and left an agreeable aftertaste.
Tesco – 89p
Tesco’s raspberry jam came with seeds, and there was certainly no shortage of them in the jar. Of all the seeded jams sampled during the taste test, this one contained the most. The jam was dark and slightly jelly-like, though not quite to the same degree as Lidl’s or Hartley’s. It delivered a sweet flavour without an overwhelming tang.
Bonne Maman – £3.95 from Tesco
This branded jam boasted a deep, dark colour with little aroma upon opening. However, it more than made up for it in flavour, striking a fine balance between sweetness and tanginess. It simply melted in the mouth upon tasting.
Aldi – 89p
Aldi’s seedless jam appeared lighter in colour than the rest and had a slightly runny consistency. It offered a delightful melting texture and a wonderfully sweet yet tangy flavour. For me, it stood out as the best seedless jam in the entire taste test, surpassing Hartley’s by a considerable margin.
Marks and Spencer – £2.70
The raspberry conserve from Marks and Spencer says it has a sharp and sweet taste, which it certainly did. I enjoyed the sharpness of the jam paired with the sweetness of the raspberry. It boasted a very agreeable texture and emerged as my top seeded jam.
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