TERRIFIC JAM
I tested all the supermarket strawberry jams – winner was just 39p and had a lovely juice taste on my toast
Read on for one that's a good everyday option for a family fridge
MEGHAN MARKLE has swapped crowns for condiments, launching a strawberry jam as the first product from her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard.
So far only her posh pals and influencers have had a jar, below. If you want some you have to join a waiting list, and no doubt the spread will cost a lot of bread.
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But don’t worry, Laura Stott has rated a range of supermarket options so you can still breakfast like royalty – and save money too.
Morrisons Strawberry Jam
- 420g, £1.15, morrisons.com
- SCORE: 4/5
MORRISONS’ own strawberry jam probably doesn’t offer the best value for money.
The jar is smaller than a lot of other own-brand options and you’ll pay more than a quid for it.
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That said, the taste was top notch. While the berry content was around average, this pot is full of big chunks of proper punnet-worthy red treats, so you really feel like you could be eating them straight from a bowl.
If you aren’t a fan of bits on your bread, this won’t be for you as it does have a rustic and home-made feel.
If you want something that tastes like you could have bought it at the local village fete, this is for you.
Taste the Difference Conserve
- 340g, £2.40, Sainsbury’s
- SCORE: 4/5
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THIS is Sainsbo’s poshest strawberry own-brand preserve so it isn’t the cheapest supermarket own option out there.
You also get less jam for your money at 340g, but if you want a breakfast treat, this is more in the Meghan Markle league of “artisan” spreads.
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More than half of the contents are strawberries so it’s no surprise you get a super mouthwatering flavour of the fruit when you pop the lid.
It has a beautiful berry red colour and is packed with seeds that you’ll want to dive in to.
Delicious on toast or pastries but would also be great in baking. Not cheap but still well priced for the quality.
One to show off on the table when you have guests.
Simply Strawberry Jam
- 454g, 39p, Lidl (in stores)
- SCORE: 5/5 - The winner!
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IT might not rival Meghan’s pot when it comes to packaging, but at the end of the day it’s what you spread on your bread that counts.
And what Lidl’s Simply range of strawberry jam lacks in artisan labels, gold fonts and fancy lids, it more than makes up for in fruity flavour and a bargain price.
Considering the glass jar and contents cost less than 40p, the quantity of berries inside is more than generous, so you get a lovely juicy taste on your toast.
If you don’t have a sweet tooth, this may not be for you, but it is still nicely balanced and just the right consistency. A super strawberry saver.
Just Essentials Strawberry Jam
- 454g, 39p, Asda (in stores)
- SCORE: 2/5
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SAVER spread matches Lidl’s almost like for like on price and size, so it’s great value but does fall down on fruit content, with the lowest amount of strawberries in the jar out of all the condiments I tried.
A fairly basic offering all round, there’s little to get excited about – but nothing to complain over either.
A dollop of this on your knife delivers a sugary hit and smell with a vague fruity flavour but it’s probably closer to the scent of a bag of sweets than a delicious punnet of fruit.
As a budget option it will save you some pennies and sweeten up your breakfast, but sadly the lack of berries is evident when you take a bite. A good everyday option for a family fridge.
Grandessa Strawberry Jam
- 454g, 89p, Aldi (in stores)
- SCORE: 3/5
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I AM a big fan of this offering from Aldi, which is packed with fruity pieces and strawberry seeds, giving it a decent taste that easily rivals pricier options.
You get a lovely fresh berry waft and a delicious aroma when you pop the lid, and although to begin with the texture is a little thick and claggy at the top, once you’ve had your knife in to loosen up the jam a little, it starts to spread better.
I preferred to spread this thinly because of its firmer consistency, but the price is such good value you can afford to slather on as much as you like.
Top marks for the well-designed lid too, which was easy to open – even with my tiny hands.
Tiptree Strawberry Conserve
- 340g, £2.60, morrisons.com
- SCORE: 4/5
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ANOTHER jar that clocks in at the pricier end of the spectrum but you do get a higher ratio of real fruit than in any other offering I tried.
Made by Wilkin & Sons Ltd in Essex, this jar has the HRH seal of praise on its label as the makers have been awarded a Royal Warrant, something which jam rival Meghan won’t be able to boast on her pots, even if Harry likes it.
I loved the classy gold, embossed lid, which would be quite at home on the King’s breakfast table.
It tastes delicious too, with a medium consistency and perfectly balanced flavour. Lovely on a croissant if you are feeling fancy.
I struggled with the lid but this comes with genuine regal approval – and mine.
Hartley’s Strawberry Seedless
- 300g, £1.50, iceland.com
- SCORE: 2/5
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CONSIDERING the rather steep price tag, I feel that the size of this jam could definitely be pumped up more.
And although the label boasts it has been made with real fruit, the quantity is not overly generous for the cost.
I wasn’t a particular fan of the curved jar design either, which I found tricky to manoeuvre my knife around.
This is a seedless spread, so it’s ideal for those who don’t like “bits” on their breakfast. On the plus side, it does make it very easy to spread.
It has a strong saccharine whiff and taste, but if you want a simple, seedless spread then by all means give it a try.
Seedless strawberry jam
- 454g, 89p, Tesco.com
- SCORE: 1/5
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A VERY dark coloured jam from Tesco that could easily be mistaken for blackberry when you spot it on the shelf.
This is another seedless spreader – more in the American jelly condiment style – and while it ticks the boxes of sweet and fruity I couldn’t find much else to get excited about when eating it.
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Very average all round, with a predominant sugary taste and surprisingly thin consistency considering it comes out on the knife looking gloopy. And it was quite pricey too.
It’ll sweeten up your baked goods, and being seedless makes it a useful option for those who don’t want things stuck in their teeth, but I can’t find much to recommend it.