We gathered a panel of 10 fussy eaters to blind taste-test Coles/Woolworths brand products against their premium name-brand counterparts. The goal: find out where you can save without sacrificing taste.
The definite "Switch" List
These generic items were indistinguishable from (or better than) the brands:
- Pasta (Spaghetti/Penne): $0.80 vs $2.50. No detectable difference once covered in sauce.
- Flour & Sugar: Raw ingredients. Zero difference.
- Tinned Tomatoes: The $0.80 Italian diced tomatoes often beat the $2.00 branded ones in sweetness.
- Milk & Cheese blocks: Basic dairy is highly regulated standard. The $10/kg cheese tastes just like the $16/kg brand for toasties.
- Oats: It's just rolled oats. Switch immediately.
The "Maybe" List
- Tomato Sauce: Some preferred the sweetness of the big brand, others liked the vinegary kick of the generic.
- Bread: The $2.50 toast loaf is fine for toast, but lacks the softness of the $5.00 brand for fresh sandwiches.
- Tea Bags: Tea snobs noticed a difference. Casual drinkers did not.
The "Stick with Brand" List
- Chocolate: The generic chocolate often has a waxier texture.
- Cola: Nothing tastes quite like the 'real thing'. Generic colas were universally spotted.
- Instant Coffee: If you drink it black, stick to the premium brands.