I tested supermarket own-brand crackers as Ritz shrinks packs by 30% – best gives you 21 more biscuits & it’s cheaper
THERE is no escaping supermarket shrinkflation – but this one really takes the biscuit.
It was recently revealed that Ritz crackers have reduced in size by up to 30 per cent, while prices at the till remain the same.
A report by The Grocer magazine found the famous original red carton had shrunk from 200g to packs weighing either 150g or 140g.
Laura Stott compares the big-brand bakes to supermarkets’ own offerings for taste, price and quantity to work out which offers the best biscuits for your buck.
Ritz Original Crackers
36 crackers, 150g, £1.25, Morrisons
DESPITE the smaller quantity, the wheat bakes still deliver on flavour, with an instantly recognisable salty tang and melt-on-your-tongue texture.
They are just as tasty on their own as topped with your favourite cheese.
But the box is notably smaller than Lidl and Aldi’s own versions so you only get 36 crackers, and mine had lots of smashed ones too.
You pay a big premium for the brand.
RATING: 2/5
Rivercote Savoury Crackers
57 crackers, 200g, 99p, Lidl
LIDL’S version also looks very similar on the shelf in a bright red carton.
Again, this one weighs in at 200g, so you get 50g more for your money, and at less than £1 for the box they offer top value.
Really delicious savoury crackers that were a touch more golden brown than the originals, which really improved the flavours.
They had a lovely crunch and were very moreish.
A top budget buy.
RATING: 5/5
Savour Bakes Savoury Crackers
57 crackers, 200g, £1.09, Aldi
THESE look remarkably similar to the big-brand version on the shelf, except the box is much bigger as Aldi still gives you 200g for a far lower price.
Inside, the tasty wheat bakes are not easy to differentiate from the pricier version either, although they are perhaps a touch drier and saltier.
I’d happily snack on these as they come.
A great cupboard standby that is very good value too.
RATING: 4/5
Cheese Thins
41 crackers, 150g, £1.10, Tesco
A DELICIOUS crunchy biscuit that is slightly larger than the big brand but perfect for dunking or topping with your favourite cheese.
The cheese powder is very noticeable sprinkled on top, so you get the waft of fromage and a hefty hit of the tangy taste but it isn’t too overwhelming or artificial tasting.
They are still subtle enough to enjoy with real cheese.
RATING: 3/5
Cheese Thins
40 crackers, 150g, 95p, Aldi,
A BELTER of a bargain cracker pack and you get a good amount for your buck.
The wheat biccies are very tasty, nice and chunky with a good amount of bite and quite a strong flavour.
On the downside these crumbled quite easily.
That said, they were still very tasty nibbled alone and I also enjoyed them with a bit of cheese on top.
But these are good value.
RATING: 4/5
Cheese Thins
37 crackers, 150g, £1.10, Morrisons
I WAS surprised at the high cost of these own-brand snacks, with not a huge content per pack either.
The crackers also contain the same amount of cheese powder as quite a few of the others, but had a slightly stronger and more potent waft and flavour.
They were light and crunchy but I found them very dry and the overall taste did not really deliver.
Bit of a disappointment.
RATING: 2/5