The supermarket cider can that beats both Strongbow and Kopparberg – it's perfect for picnics

The Sun

6 days ago

SUMMER has well and truly arrived, and now is the perfect time to stock up on our expert-approved ciders.
Whether you like sweet or dry, many supermarkets are now selling own-brand drinks at bargain prices.
Whilst prices of beer and wine have risen, some stores are selling cider for around the same price per litre as a carton of apple juice.
From sweet and dry to everything in between, here Lynsey Hope reveals her favourite supermarket choices in a can - and the winner even beats Kopparberg.
As always, if you're enjoying a drink or two, make sure to be Drinkaware.
Taurus Original Cider
Golden colour with a slightly sour fruit aroma and a little toffee.
The sour taste masked the fruit a bit, though there were some very slight herbal undertones.
A little rough on the throat, though we can't deny the amazing price.
At £2.29 for four cans, it's a very, very budget option so if you can't afford anything on a hot day, this'll do.
Not a great tasting cider though - best left for the end of the night when the tastebuds are shall we say, less sensitive.
Taste: 1/5
Value: 3/5
Overall score: 4/10
Tesco Apple Cider
£2.50
£1.42 a litre
ABV: 4.5%
The Tesco cider has quite a crisp refreshing taste.
It's not overly strong and is a little like drinking a fruity, sparkling water.
It needed a bit more punch, but it was pleasant enough to drink.
If you want a chilled cider on a budget, it's a solid choice.
Passable - and £2.10 cheaper than Strongbow for four cans.
Taste: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Overall score: 6/10
Morrisons The Best West Country Vintage Still Cider
Lovely and crispy and this packs a fruity punch, thanks to the higher ABV.
You can tell it's a collaboration with cider maker Henry Weston.
Whilst it's a little pricier than other own brands, it definitely has a finer taste.
It's made using traditional varieties of cider apples, including Dabinett and Michelin, harvested and pressed in the same year, slowly matured and spends time in aged oak vats.
A box instead of cans, but once opened, it was devoured pretty quickly and didn't last long in the fridge.
Taste: 5/5
Value: 4/5
Overall score: 9/10
Asda Cider Original
£2.54 for 4 cans
£1.44 a litre
ABV: 5%
A dry cider that's ok for the price, it tastes a little like Strongbow.
The aroma was fresh and somewhat appealing and it was crisp and refined to drink.
It tasted best when super chilled. Be warned, it does contain sweeteners and sulphites.
Taste: 4/5
Value:4/5
Overall score: 8/10
M&S Devon Orchard Cider
£2.25
£2.82 a litre
ABV: 4%
If you can overlook the fact that you are paying pretty much the same price for this small can as you are for a four-pack at Aldi, then it's really delicious.
They come in a range of flavours and I especially loved the elderflower infusion and raspberry.
Crisp, refreshing and not sickly sweet like many other fruit ciders.
It's all made at Sandford Orchards in Devon and the cans are nice to take out on a picnic too.
It is expensive, but already planning to order in a few more as a treat - even at this price, it's still my winner.
Taste: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Overall score: 10/10
Lidl Woodgate Original Cider
£2.29
£1.30 a litre
ABV: 4.5%
Amber coloured with a very strong, fruity aroma.
It's not as gassy as Strongbow and I found it easier to drink, easily sipping a can without feeling bloated.
It's quite dry, and sour, but not unpleasant - and a great price.
For a budget option, you could do much worse than this.
It's pretty good quality for the price, with no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners.
Taste: 3/5
Value: 4/5
Overall score: 7/10
How to save money on your supermarket shop
THERE are plenty of ways to save on your grocery shop.
You can look out for yellow or red stickers on products, which show when they've been reduced.
If the food is fresh, you'll have to eat it quickly or freeze it for another time.
Making a list should also save you money, as you'll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket.
Going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills too.
This means ditching "finest" or "luxury" products and instead going for "own" or value" type of lines.
Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes where you can get cheap prices if they're misshapen or imperfect.
For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50.
If you're on a low income and a parent, you may be able to get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers to use at the supermarket too.
Plus, many councils offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.