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I tested Asda dupes of well known brands including Nutella – the four times they were better than the original

YOU could get a bargain by shopping for a supermarket's own products rather than buying the well-known versions.

In fact, we've found that some snacks from Asda actually taste better than the original brands.

We compared Asda's items to the branded versions - several are worth buying
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We compared Asda's items to the branded versions - several are worth buying

Sometimes the top taste doesn't come from the branded version of your favourite snack - and you're likely to pay more for it.

We tested the likes of Nutella, cream cheese, peanut butter and custard creams to see if it's worth buying them from Asda instead.

Here's what we found.

Cream cheese

Asda's cream cheese was definitely a good budget option
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Asda's cream cheese was definitely a good budget option
  • Original Philadelphia (165g) - £2.20
  • Asda Creamy Original Soft Cheese (200g) - £1.20

read more taste tests

The Sun's consumer reporter Lynsey Hope put Asda and Philadelphia's cream cheese to the test.

Although Asda's is still a bit pricey, she found it to be better than the branded version.

Lynsey said: "I used to buy Asda's for 70p so a bit shocking to see how much more expensive it has become.

"That said, this is a good budget option and still a £1 cheaper than the big brand - and you get more of it.

"Soft, creamy, lovely taste. I doubt you'll find anything better for the price."

Here's how the two compare on scores.

Asda

  • Taste: 7/10
  • Value: 8/10
  • Overall: 8/10
  • Total score: 23/30

Philadelphia

  • Taste: 9/10
  • Value: 4/10
  • Overall: 6/10
  • Total score: 19/30

Nutella

We compared Asda's hazelnut spread to Nutella and found it was better
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We compared Asda's hazelnut spread to Nutella and found it was better
  • Nutella (200g) - £2.10
  • Asda Hazelnut Chocolate Spread (400g) - £1.70

Lynsey thought Asda's version was a touch thicker than Nutella's, but it's worth it for the price.

She said: "Slightly thicker in consistency than Nutella but still easy to gloop out of the jar on a spoon.

"It has a nutty - not too sweet - flavour with a chocolatey aroma and nicely balanced flavour.

"Asda's version is a bit higher in fat than Nutella and also contains palm oil, but for the price, I've no complaints."

Here are their scores.

Asda

  • Taste: 7/10
  • Value: 7/10
  • Overall score: 7/10

Nutella

  • Taste: 10/10
  • Value: 3/10
  • Overall score: 6/10

Peanuts

Asda's peanuts were unquestionably better than KP's
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Asda's peanuts were unquestionably better than KP's
  • KP Original Salted Peanuts (250g) - £3
  • Asda Salted Peanuts (270g) - £1.50

Lynsey loved the flavour of Asda's peanuts: "Delicious crunchy nuts from Asda and the level of saltiness was spot on.

"They are very reasonably priced too. I'd definitely buy these again over KP. No complaints at all."

Here are the scores.

Asda

  • Taste: 9/10
  • Value: 8/10
  • Overall score: 8/10

KP

  • Taste: 9/10
  • Value: 5/10
  • Overall score: 7/10

Roast potatoes

Asda's were cheap and a good option for speed
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Asda's were cheap and a good option for speed
  • Aunt Bessies Crispy and Fluffy Roasties (720g) - £2.50
  • Asda Crispy Roast Potatoes (800g) - 88p

Lynsey was a big fan of Asda's: "These had a great flavour and they crisped up well in the recommended 35 minute cooking time. One of the best we tried.

"The skin did look a little pasty and pale - which is the only reason they didn't win - but the taste was pretty decent. They had a nice balance of crunchiness versus fluffiness.

"For a quick option, these were good."

The scores are below.

Asda

  • Taste: 8/10
  • Value: 9/10
  • Overall score: 8/10
  • Total score: 25/30

Aunt Bessies

  • Taste: 6/10
  • Value: 4/10
  • Overall score: 5/10
  • Total score: 15/30

But keep in mind not every Asda own-brand beats the original. Take a look at the items Lynsey DIDN'T prefer over the branded version.

Custard creams

Asda's weren't worth it for the taste or texture
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Asda's weren't worth it for the taste or texture
  • McVitie's Tasties Custard Creams (300g) - 70p
  • Asda Custard Creams (400g) - 50p

Lynsey wasn't big on Asda's quality: "Dark and dryer than many others, a bit too much like a cracker.

"The filling was unevenly distributed in the biscuits and it wasn't plentiful or sweet enough.

"They did have a lovely enticing sweet, caramel aroma and a nice crunch but I was left feeling disappointed."

Here's how the two scored.

Asda

  • Taste: 4/10
  • Value: 5/10
  • Overall score: 4/10

McVitie's

  • Taste: 8/10
  • Value: 5/10
  • Overall score: 6/10

Peanut butter

You're better off getting Sun-Pat since Asda's version turned out a little too hard and salty
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You're better off getting Sun-Pat since Asda's version turned out a little too hard and salty
  • Sun-Pat Smooth Peanut Butter (400g) - £3.50
  • Asda Smooth Peanut Butter (340g) - £1.50

The texture in Asda's jar wasn't great: "Asda's offering was quite hard and I found it too salty to taste.

"It contains palm oil. Not my favourite. I wouldn't buy this again."

And here are the scores.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

Asda

  • Taste: 4/10
  • Value: 3/10
  • Overall score: 3/10

Sun-Pat

  • Taste: 4/10
  • Value: 3/10
  • Overall score: 4/10
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