Buy Own Brand - The Conclusion

Apologies for my mysterious disappearance over the past few days.

I've taken some holiday from work, and thought that while I was at it, a break from the old blog probably wouldn't be such a bad thing either.

In typical style as soon as I take some annual leave I get struck down with the lurgy. I guess it's a blessing in disguise in a way as it means I haven't spent too much on going out!

Anyway, where was I before I rudely departed? Ah yes, the delights of own brand food. Well we've tried almost all of the food and here's the verdict:

Asda Cereal Bars

Well they're not lying when they say these are chewy!

Verdict

We'll stick to the Special K bars methinks - my jaws aren't strong enough for these babies!!

Smart Price Ready Salted Crisps

Cheap as chips, but somewhat lacking in the taste department. Possibly a good way to cut down on snack munching though as you really have to fancy a snack of the crispy variety to reach for a pack .

Verdict

OK for lean months (in both senses of the word), but Walkers are so-oo much tastier in my humble opinion!

Chocolate Wafer Biscuits and Snack Biscuits

Not bad, they're not exactly a Galaxy caramel, but they're not a bad substitute for Blue Riband or Penguin bars.

Verdict
Yeh, I'd buy 'em again.

Strawberry Crisp

Love of my Life eats this and says: "Not as tasty as the Jordan's variety, but not a bad substitute."

Verdict

"If you bought it again I'd eat it"

Yoghurt's

These were yummy, yummy, yummy - but on further inspection we noticed how much sugar there was in them!!

Verdict
I'll stick with my natural Yeo Valley ta!

Bottled Water

We always normally buy Evian, but I have to say why? This water is just as good.

Verdict
Bung it in the trolley now!

Smart Price Tissues

Well I was a bit worried about the combination of cheapy non-balsam tissues and a cold, now that is a reality and so far no Rudolph nose, or flakiness!

Verdict
For the money I think I would buy these again atch!

Still to try...

- Smart Price Chocolate Swiss Roll

- Smart Price Sausages

- Smart Price Pasta

- Smart Price Pasta Sauce

So, so far it's a mixed bag really. Some good finds and other things that should stay on the shelf! I'll let you know how the other food tastes as and when I munch it. I had hoped to take a deeper look into the nutritional value of these foods too, but well, I wasn't feeling very Gillian McKeith! Maybe that's a task for another day?

On the whole, it's worth a try. Own brand food, especially the Smart Price or Value variety can work out a lot cheaper than buying brand names. So, give it a shot. Don't be put off by the naff packaging. Buy it and if you like it, ignore the packaging and enjoy the smug feeling it gives you when you realise how much you're saving!!