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Twinings quietly discontinues ‘addictive' favourite across all UK supermarkets
Twinings quietly discontinues ‘addictive' favourite across all UK supermarkets

Scottish Sun

time23-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Scottish Sun

Twinings quietly discontinues ‘addictive' favourite across all UK supermarkets

This isn't the only tea flavour Twinings has discontinued in recent months OUT OF STOCK Twinings quietly discontinues 'addictive' favourite across all UK supermarkets TWININGS has quietly discontinued a beloved tea blend, leaving shoppers disappointed. The renowned tea brand has decided to retire its much-loved No22 Dark Caramel Tea. 1 Although the product is still listed on major supermarket websites, such as Asda, it is no longer available to add to shopping baskets Dark Caramel Tea was described as a luxurious black tea blend infused with the rich, indulgent flavours of toffee and golden syrup. Brewed in just three minutes, it is best enjoyed black or with a splash of milk, including hazelnut milk for an extra creamy finish. However, the product's axe was confirmed after a customer asked Twining's on X (formerly Twitter). They said: "I have No22 addiction. "It's the tea I always have after my on calls. "I'd get 20 boxes if I knew... "Do you know anywhere that we can find them? Looks like its our of stock everywhere." In response Twinings UK said: "Hi there! We're so sorry to let you know our Dark Caramel (No22) is no longer available as it has been discontinued and we've sold through all our remaining stock. "Our apologies for any disappointment caused." Although the product is still listed on major supermarket websites, such as Asda, it is no longer available to add to shopping baskets. Which chocolate bars have been discontinued in the UK? This isn't the only tea flavour Twinings has discontinued in recent months. In October, the iconic tea brand also retired its Inner Strength teabags. After learning of its discontinuation, one fan wrote on X: "That's a shame. It was a thing of beauty." The same user had previously quizzed the brand on where the teabags had gone, typing: "@TwiningsUK hello there. Do you still sell the inner strength tea bags please. "I can't seem to find them anywhere anymore." To this, a spokesperson confirmed: "We're sorry to let you know that our Inner Strength has been discontinued and we have sold through all our remaining stock." It came shortly after a popular Yorkshire Tea product was also axed - Toast and Jam teabags. The gradual phase-out of the comforting brew left customers desperately scrambling for one last box. Why are products axed or recipes changed? ANALYSIS by chief consumer reporter James Flanders. Food and drinks makers have been known to tweak their recipes or axe items altogether. They often say that this is down to the changing tastes of customers. There are several reasons why this could be done. For example, government regulation, like the "sugar tax," forces firms to change their recipes. Some manufacturers might choose to tweak ingredients to cut costs. They may opt for a cheaper alternative, especially when costs are rising to keep prices stable. For example, Tango Cherry disappeared from shelves in 2018. It has recently returned after six years away but as a sugar-free version. Fanta removed sweetener from its sugar-free alternative earlier this year. Suntory tweaked the flavour of its flagship Lucozade Original and Orange energy drinks. While the amount of sugar in every bottle remains unchanged, the supplier swapped out the sweetener aspartame for sucralose. OTHER DISCONTINUED ITEMS Earlier this week, The Sun revealed that Alpen cereal bars have permanently disappeared from supermarket shelves. The snack, usually topped with chocolate or yogurt, has been a staple in many Brits kitchen cupboards since the early noughties. Alpen bars were also loved by many watching what they eat or following a Slimming World or Weight Watchers diet plan, as the treat was low in calories. Alpen's entire cereal bar range, which includes Alpen Light and Alpen Delight has been discontinued. However shoppers can continue to buy it's range of muesli, which costs around £3 from major supermarkets. Cadbury also told us that its Fry Coffee Cream bars are no longer being sold in stores. A spokesperson said: "We continuously adapt our product range to ensure it meets changing tastes whilst supporting growth for our customers and our business. 'Our Fry's Coffee Cream multi-packs were introduced as a limited-edition product in summer 2023 for fans to enjoy while stocks lasted. "They have since been discontinued but we still have plenty of other delicious Fry's products for consumers to choose from, including Fry's Chocolate Cream and Fry's Peppermint Cream Multipacks."

Twinings quietly discontinues ‘addictive' favourite across all UK supermarkets
Twinings quietly discontinues ‘addictive' favourite across all UK supermarkets

The Sun

time23-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • The Sun

Twinings quietly discontinues ‘addictive' favourite across all UK supermarkets

TWININGS has quietly discontinued a beloved tea blend, leaving shoppers disappointed. The renowned tea brand has decided to retire its much-loved No22 Dark Caramel Tea. Dark Caramel Tea was described as a luxurious black tea blend infused with the rich, indulgent flavours of toffee and golden syrup. Brewed in just three minutes, it is best enjoyed black or with a splash of milk, including hazelnut milk for an extra creamy finish. However, the product's axe was confirmed after a customer asked Twining's on X (formerly Twitter). They said: "I have No22 addiction. "It's the tea I always have after my on calls. "I'd get 20 boxes if I knew... "Do you know anywhere that we can find them? Looks like its our of stock everywhere." In response Twinings UK said: "Hi there! We're so sorry to let you know our Dark Caramel (No22) is no longer available as it has been discontinued and we've sold through all our remaining stock. "Our apologies for any disappointment caused." Although the product is still listed on major supermarket websites, such as Asda, it is no longer available to add to shopping baskets. Which chocolate bars have been discontinued in the UK? This isn't the only tea flavour Twinings has discontinued in recent months. In October, the iconic tea brand also retired its Inner Strength teabags. After learning of its discontinuation, one fan wrote on X: "That's a shame. It was a thing of beauty." The same user had previously quizzed the brand on where the teabags had gone, typing: "@TwiningsUK hello there. Do you still sell the inner strength tea bags please. "I can't seem to find them anywhere anymore." To this, a spokesperson confirmed: "We're sorry to let you know that our Inner Strength has been discontinued and we have sold through all our remaining stock." It came shortly after a popular Yorkshire Tea product was also axed - Toast and Jam teabags. The gradual phase-out of the comforting brew left customers desperately scrambling for one last box. Why are products axed or recipes changed? ANALYSIS by chief consumer reporter James Flanders. Food and drinks makers have been known to tweak their recipes or axe items altogether. They often say that this is down to the changing tastes of customers. There are several reasons why this could be done. For example, government regulation, like the "sugar tax," forces firms to change their recipes. Some manufacturers might choose to tweak ingredients to cut costs. They may opt for a cheaper alternative, especially when costs are rising to keep prices stable. For example, Tango Cherry disappeared from shelves in 2018. It has recently returned after six years away but as a sugar-free version. Fanta removed sweetener from its sugar-free alternative earlier this year. Suntory tweaked the flavour of its flagship Lucozade Original and Orange energy drinks. While the amount of sugar in every bottle remains unchanged, the supplier swapped out the sweetener aspartame for sucralose. OTHER DISCONTINUED ITEMS Earlier this week, The Sun revealed that Alpen cereal bars have permanently disappeared from supermarket shelves. The snack, usually topped with chocolate or yogurt, has been a staple in many Brits kitchen cupboards since the early noughties. Alpen bars were also loved by many watching what they eat or following a Slimming World or Weight Watchers diet plan, as the treat was low in calories. Alpen's entire cereal bar range, which includes Alpen Light and Alpen Delight has been discontinued. However shoppers can continue to buy it's range of muesli, which costs around £3 from major supermarkets. Cadbury also told us that its Fry Coffee Cream bars are no longer being sold in stores. A spokesperson said: "We continuously adapt our product range to ensure it meets changing tastes whilst supporting growth for our customers and our business. 'Our Fry's Coffee Cream multi-packs were introduced as a limited-edition product in summer 2023 for fans to enjoy while stocks lasted. "They have since been discontinued but we still have plenty of other delicious Fry's products for consumers to choose from, including Fry's Chocolate Cream and Fry's Peppermint Cream Multipacks."

Amazon Everyday Essentials Week: Save up to 40% on household must-haves
Amazon Everyday Essentials Week: Save up to 40% on household must-haves

Scotsman

time14-05-2025

  • Business
  • Scotsman

Amazon Everyday Essentials Week: Save up to 40% on household must-haves

Amazon's Everyday Essential event starts on May 21 | Amazon This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Toilet rolls, toothpaste, Twinings and more are all going into Amazon's new Everyday Essentials sale – here's how to save the most. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Amazon is going back to basics with a brand-new sale event – and it could mean serious savings on the stuff you actually buy every week. From toilet rolls and toothpaste to shampoo, pet food and pantry staples, Everyday Essentials Week is all about household essentials. The Amazon sale officially runs from Wednesday 21 May to Tuesday 27 May, with up to 40% off on some of the UK's bestselling daily-use brands. Think Fairy, Flash, Andrex, Gillette Venus, Cadbury, Twinings and more. Here's everything you need to know about Amazon's Everyday Essentials Week and how to get the best value during this new May 2025 sale. What is Amazon's Everyday Essentials Week? It's a brand-new shopping event focused on practical purchases – everyday items you'd usually pick up at the supermarket or chemist. You'll find deals across grocery, health and personal care, beauty, baby, and pets, with savings of up to 40%. This isn't just Prime Day-lite – it's positioned more like a savvy bulk-buying opportunity for families, pet owners, students and anyone who wants to stock up smart. When does the Amazon sale start? Everyday Essentials Week starts at 00:00 on Wednesday 21 May and runs until 23:59 on Tuesday 27 May. How can I find the best Everyday Essentials Week deals? Once the sale goes live, keep these tips in mind to shop smarter: Use your Wish List: Add essentials now, and you'll be notified if prices drop during the sale. Turn on deal alerts in the app for brands and products you use regularly. Check price history with a tool like CamelCamelCamel – just because it's labelled as a deal doesn't always mean it's the best ever price. Sort by discount level to see where the biggest savings are – some brands will be up to 40% off. Look for Amazon's Must-See Deals label – these are limited-time offers that tend to be the most competitive. Amazon has been running more and more of these themed sales recently, so it's worth checking how 'special' a discount really is. Some products seem to be permanently discounted. What product types have the best Amazon deals this week? Velvet Classic Quilted Toilet Tissue 24 Rolls | Velvet According to Amazon's announcement, some of the biggest savings during this May 2025 sale will be across: Toiletries and bathroom staples: Think Andrex, WaterWipes, Gillette, Venus and Oral-B – look out for a strong Amazon toilet roll deal. Think Andrex, WaterWipes, Gillette, Venus and Oral-B – look out for a strong Amazon toilet roll deal. Cleaning products: Fairy, Flash, Dettol and Finish are usually among the bestsellers. Fairy, Flash, Dettol and Finish are usually among the bestsellers. Food and drink: Expect up to 30% off brands like Cadbury, Nestlé and Twinings. Expect up to 30% off brands like Cadbury, Nestlé and Twinings. Pet supplies: Lily's Kitchen, Felix and other premium pet foods are likely to feature – great news if you're after pet food savings on Amazon. Lily's Kitchen, Felix and other premium pet foods are likely to feature – great news if you're after pet food savings on Amazon. Baby care: Tommee Tippee, Pampers and baby wipes are all expected to see price cuts. Will Amazon's own brands be included? Yes – Amazon says Everyday Essentials Week will include up to 15% off on Amazon Basics, Amazon Essentials, and 'by Amazon' grocery lines. If you're happy to go own-brand, this could be one of the best-value areas of the Amazon sale. Do I need to be a Prime member? You don't need to be a Prime member to shop the deals, but Prime will get you faster and cheaper delivery – including Same-Day in over 80 UK towns and cities. Here's what you get with Prime during the sale: Free One-Day or Same-Day Delivery on eligible items Free delivery to Amazon Lockers or Counters Access to Amazon Fresh, Morrisons, Iceland and Co-op groceries in some areas Students and young adults aged 18–22 can also get 50% off Prime membership, plus a six-month free trial. Can I use Subscribe & Save? Yes – many of the discounted household items are eligible for Subscribe & Save, meaning you could stack the sale discount with an extra 5% or more off for setting up a regular delivery. If you're already buying shampoo or loo roll every month, this can be a smart way to lock in the lower price. What about Amazon pantry offers and grocery deals? Some grocery offers will be available through Amazon Fresh, but this depends on your location. Expect to see up to 30% off on everyday food cupboard items and snacks – a good chance to take advantage of Amazon pantry offers without leaving the house. How do I make sure I don't miss anything? Bookmark the deals page, follow your usual brands on Amazon, and keep an eye on the home page and Must-See Deals section once the sale begins. If you're planning a restock on bathroom bits, pantry staples, or pet essentials – this is the week to do it. Final tips to get the best value Shop early: the best-stocked and highest-discounted items can sell out fast Check unit prices: buying bulk doesn't always mean better value – compare the per 100ml or per kg price Use price history trackers to avoid 'fake' discounts – some items bounce between full price and sale price regularly Compare with supermarket offers – not every deal will beat Tesco Clubcard or Boots multibuy prices More great value retailers

'I found a 50p zero calorie drink better than Fanta or Sprite'
'I found a 50p zero calorie drink better than Fanta or Sprite'

Daily Mirror

time10-05-2025

  • Business
  • Daily Mirror

'I found a 50p zero calorie drink better than Fanta or Sprite'

DASH water is made with wonky fruit to fight food waste and to celebrate a new flavour launch, shoppers can nab 50% off their first order Tired of plain water and looking to reduce my intake of sugary fizzy drinks, I was on the hunt for a refreshing alternative that would still provide the same pleasure you get from cracking open a chilled can of Coke, Sprite or Fanta. That's when I discovered DASH water at the supermarket. Ever since trying it, it's become a staple in my home fridge, offering a healthier option that's far more exciting than regular sparkling water. DASH water is a flavoured sparkling water, crafted with spring water and misshapen fruit as part of an effort to combat food waste. Each can is free of sugar, sweeteners and calories, yet still delivers a fruity flavour and fizz. Having consumed a can nearly every day, I've sampled all the available flavours, including lime, grapefruit, peach and raspberry. Excitingly, the brand is set to launch a new flavour on May 12. To mark the occasion, customers can get a 50% discount using the code SAVEME50 until May 11, after which the code DSH30 will offer new customers a 30% discount, reports the Express. This deal, available exclusively to first-time customers on the DASH website, allows shoppers to grab a box of cans at half price. The sparkling water trial pack includes 16 330ml cans of peach, grapefruit, lime and raspberry flavours, reduced to £12.50, making each can less than 80p. Alternatively, you can mix and match 48 cans of your preferred flavours. This would usually cost £48, but with the code SAVEM50, it comes down to £24. That's a remarkable 50p per can. While the taste of DASH water may tantalise some taste buds, it's not a universal pleaser; as my partner found the flavour too faint, expressing a preference for a bolder fruity kick. Over at Twinings, the Sparkling Tea blends lemonade with hibiscus for a refreshing twist at £12.99 for a dozen. In another offer, Amazon is serving up the Aqua Libra Sparkling Water, Sugar Free Fruit Water in a mouth-watering Watermelon and Strawberry combo, available to shoppers for £14.39 for a 24-pack. Praise pours in for DASH water, which boasts a commendable 4.8 out of five-star average rating from over 1,000 customers. Satisfied sippers are chiming in with approval, with one declaring: "Very refreshing drinks and such great flavours. My favourite is orange and really quenches your thirst and so tasty. Bonus is no calories so can drink without having to count calories." Others can't seem to get enough, with another elated customer writing: "Absolutely love my dash water. Favourites are peach, mango and lime. So refreshing and also make a great spritzer added to some white wine." Echoing my own sentiments, a fellow fan revealed: "Really refreshing! I have these instead of a can of Pepsi with lunch now and love it." Meanwhile, a five-star supporter divulged: "I absolutely love these drinks. Lime and pink grapefruit are my favourite flavours. Buy 72 a month on a subscription and always drink them all. Five stars for sure." As we eagerly await the warmer months, snagging the DASH water deal could be consumer's ticket to refreshing bliss and a chance to sip on the latest concoction while saving money – a snazzy swap for the usual sugary sodas.

The ultimate store cupboard essentials, according to Telegraph readers
The ultimate store cupboard essentials, according to Telegraph readers

Telegraph

time15-04-2025

  • General
  • Telegraph

The ultimate store cupboard essentials, according to Telegraph readers

Not only are we facing soaring prices on supermarket shelves, but brands we once trusted are beginning to let us down. Take Twiglets, for example. A recent recipe tweak to reduce their salt content has left fans mourning the loss of the snack's signature tang. If it wasn't bad enough that Quality Street ditched its sparkly plastic wrappers and introduced paper tubs, the final nail in the coffin for many has been the decision to change the size and shape of the Purple One and Orange Crunch. Heinz has quietly discontinued its popular Tomato and Lentil Ragù sauce, while Cadbury has been called out for shrinkflation. In January, eagle-eyed shoppers noticed that multipacks of Twirls now contain only three bars instead of four, yet the price remains unchanged. Meanwhile, Nestlé was forced to abandon its new Nesquik milkshake formula after receiving backlash from loyal customers, who likened the new taste to 'vile sludge'. Thankfully, chef and food writer Xanthe Clay has been putting everyday supermarket staples to the test for the past few years, holding brands to account. Each week, she blind tastes a specific household essential to unearth the best value for money. While some of you agree with Xanthe's verdicts, many of you have firm favourites of your own. So we've rounded up your most-loved products, the ones you believe are still worth every penny. From nostalgic favourites to unexpected gems, here's your definitive list of essential must-haves on (nearly) all of your shopping lists. Your store cupboard staples: At a glance Earl Grey Your favourite: Williamson Tea Twinings was once a staple in many Telegraph readers' kitchens, but a subtle recipe change over a decade ago caused many loyal drinkers to look elsewhere. Reader Frances Sutton, 68, a painter from Argyll in Scotland, and a fan for over 50 years, said, 'after they altered something absolutely vital, it was never the same again.' David and Melody Forrest 'have ditched Twinings forever' after drinking it for 40 years too, while Sarah Heywood cannot bear to drink it, describing it as 'tasting of thin, metallic dishwater'. Williamson Tea, on the other hand, seems to be winning over more cups by the day. Andrew Ve, 62, lives in Edinburgh, and his family can't get enough of the stuff, and it seems his local community can't either: 'My wife has been buying Williamson's Earl Grey for years, but our local Waitrose keeps running out of it. Everyone who drinks tea in our house comments on how good it is.' Joy Christopher writes: 'I've had Williamson Earl Grey for years. The others I've tried just have no flavour in comparison.' For Lance Cole, who knows a thing or two about tea after growing long-leafed varieties in Zimbabwe, it's clear: 'I've been consistently disappointed with Twinings tea and tea bags. But Williamson's Earl Grey? That's the real deal with actual bergamot rather than artificial flavourings.' While Gavin Thomas sums why this brand of Earl Grey is so popular perfectly: 'It's easy to imagine yourself in the late afternoon, sitting on an upholstered steamer chair on the upper deck of a paddle steamer cruising gently down the Nile with a bone china cup of Williamson's Earl Grey, with a slice of lemon and a shortcrust biscuit, watching the river bank glide by…' Tinned Tomatoes Your favourite: Mutti Polpa Finely Chopped Tomatoes When Xanthe Clay conducted her blind tasting of chopped tomatoes, many readers were outraged at the omission of Mutti Polpa. Food editor Amber Dalton explained that they weren't included this time around because the focus was on chopped tomatoes, not finely chopped 'polpa' or whole plum tomatoes. 'Mutti will get a look-in then,' she assured us. However, when it came to enhancing your tomato-based dishes, you insisted that you weren't fussed over whether your tomatoes were chopped, plum or polpa, so long as they came with the Mutti label. Several of you wrote in to say how you buy Mutti in bulk, such as reader Luke McCairns, who shared: 'I buy Mutti, they're delicious and make a fantastic pasta sauce of any kind. 'When they're on a deal at Morrisons, I buy tons of them. I always have over 20 cans and bottles of the various varieties stocked up.' David Cain also buys them in 24 packs because 'there just is no competition, especially when it comes to a pizza topping.' Although Mutti might be on the more expensive side in comparison to supermarkets' own-brand varieties, Mark Newman, 64, from Worthing, Sussex, suggests: 'If you buy the tins online, you can get them at 95p a can. I've tried cheaper options, but why spoil a dish for 50p, especially when it comes to pasta dishes.' Mustard Telegraph readers are infatuated with Colman's Mustard, but attest that it must be in the 'sinus opening' powder form and not the 'watered-down' jar. Reader Oliver Tattersall, 44, from Broadstairs in Kent, recalls his first encounter with it: 'I remember being six or seven and mesmerised with the Colman's mustard tin. There was something about the bright yellow tin and lettering that I found pleasing to the eye. 'One day, armed with a tablespoon, and before my Mum could stop me, I managed to take a huge heap of the powder and put it in my mouth. I have always since given the utmost respect to the strength of Colman's.' Many of you share how you use this punchy staple. Don Murray, 60, a gardener who lives in Bishops Stortford, swears by 'a pinch or two in a cheese sauce', while Mr Click prefers the powder form because 'it is more versatile as it can be dusted onto roast potatoes or a beef joint as well as used to make fiery Piccalilli.' Further afield, the loyalty remains strong. Arthur Pewty, 67, a former RAF officer, writes: 'Living in France, it is easy to just accept Moutarde de Dijon as the norm. I do. But for French food. 'However, when roasting beef and eating a 'Brit' meal, Colman's Mustard Powder is unbeatable. Adding the power powder to the outer layer of a rib of beef for a roast is unbeatable. Bon appetit!' Across the med, Andrew Cowles, 47, who works in IT, says: 'We're living in Greece now and mustard is surprisingly popular, but it's pretty mild, somewhere between American and Dijon. 'I ask my family to bring the Coleman's powder over because it's great for making a cheese sauce, baking cheesy breads or doing dry rubs to marinade beef.' Mayonnaise If one is short on time, or eggs, which seem to fly off the shelves these days, many readers shop for the most established brand of mayonnaise: Hellmann's. As one reader puts it, it's popular for a reason. Quite right too. But you won't go near the squeezy bottles. Kay Polak loves mayonnaise and has tried many varieties, but 'the only one I go back to is Hellmann's original – in a jar – for it's eggy, fresh and fluffy consistency'. She continues: 'Squeezy bottles are useless and make it runnier, you lose a good tablespoon at least.' Meanwhile, an anonymous reader questions our taste tester's ranking. 'I struggle to see how Hellmann's only scored a three [out of five]. It's popular for a reason.' However, the reader remains open-minded: 'Or am I missing out? Only a trip to Aldi will tell.' For some readers, it's homemade mayo or no mayo. Gary Nuttall says: 'It takes about five minutes with a mason jar and a stick blender. Just ensure the egg is fresh.' He too abhors the squeezy bottles of mayo, which 'taste poorer to screw tops.' Here, Mr Nuttall shares his own recipe: Sardines Your favourite: Waitrose Sardine All'Olio Sardines tend to divide a table – people either love them or hate them. For most of you, they're an absolute favourite. James Walker, 43, from Manchester, writes: 'The only good thing David Cameron did for us was leave us with a decent sardine recipe. 'I like mine with a squeeze of tomato paste, some mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcester sauce and Tabasco on toast.' Many of you expressed your disagreement with Xanthe's one-star rating of Waitrose's Sardine All'Olio, including Jackie Lowe, who said: 'Our family live off Waitrose's Sardine All'Olio, we love them and they never taste metallic.' Allistair Yoxall agrees: 'They're delicious. I buy them whenever I see them and use them to make a puttanesca pasta or just pop them on toast.' Sam Oliver 'love[s] these sardines and I have them everyday for lunch on toasted Gail's olive bread', while Caroline Minto likes to 'tart them up with half a lemon, some mint and finely cut onion.' But it's not just Telegraph readers fighting the war on sardines – your dogs are in on it too. Lady Penelope, 63, who lives in east Anglia, says: 'The dog gets a sardine, whatever vegetables we're having and kibble for his evening dinner. He can count to five and understands a great deal, which we attribute to the sardine suppers as well as his great coat.' When it comes to sardines, Patrick Kirby's dog 'puts a new twist on 'gone in sixty seconds' as he never gets anywhere near the minute mark.' Honey Readers agree with Xanthe's verdict that M&S Collection Apiary Pure British Honey is a humdinger of a honey. However, it is of prime importance to readers to buy locally-sourced honey, whatever the cost, when possible to avoid unnecessary additives and secure the best flavour. Reader David Stainer, 71, a retired professional technical officer for the Defence Equipment and Technology Agency, opts for the M&S honey if English honey from local producers at a farmers' shop is unavailable. Mr Stainer, who resides in Maidstone, Kent, admits, 'Local honey costs a lot more, but I would rather pay the extra than buy some concoction coming out of a Chinese factory.' Likewise, Lynda Benson, 68, believes 'M&S single apiary honey is good if you can't find a local beekeeper.' She appreciates that the M&S honey names the apiarist and location on the label and wishes 'if only people would read labels and apply some thought to what they're buying, instead of just looking at the price'. Meanwhile, Andy Jack, 70, drives from Thrapston to Oundle a few times a month. Coming back towards Thrapston on the A605, the retired nurse sometimes sees a car and an awning, which belongs to 'Basil the Apiarist'. 'Basil is from Romania, and he sells his own honey and mead. The honey is very, very good. It is ten quid a pot, not runny, cloudy and spreadable. It's gorgeous. It's from rapeseed flowers. My neighbour does honey too, but it's not a patch on Basil's,' Mr Jack says. Butter Readers also back our taste tester's top choice of butter. Xanthe described Morrison's Spreadable with Real Butter as having 'a gently unfolding flavour rather than the wallop of cheap butteriness'. Reader E. Hatfield uses ''real' butter for baking and putting in jacket potatoes, but 'spreadable butter' – Morrisons – for bread and toast in winter.' To him, this 'seems an ideal compromise'. John Mulvany keeps his preferences to the point: 'Lurpak is a rip-off, these days. I'll try the Morrison's stuff.' Similarly, Steve Mitchell prefers 'a good butter dish (ceramic) and a bar of unsalted Morrison's at room temperature.' Besides Morrison's, readers argue that any British butter that was 'real', or in other words, a dairy spread that wasn't awash with additional vegetable oils or fats, suits them just fine. Ian Woodier, 79, who lives on the outskirts of Manchester, shares his love of 'real butter': 'Since eggs, full-fat real milk and real butter were admitted back into the fold and declared not to cause instant death, we have gone the whole hog and are enjoying it.' The retired ex-seafarer adds: 'If you want spreadable butter, just leave it out of the fridge.'

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