I wouldn't mind betting that every one of us has, at some time or other, gone for a cheaper generic product rather than our usual well-loved branded one; and regretted it. Saving a few pence is always appealing.
We have bought Marmotte instead of Marmite, Klogs cornflakes instead of Kelloggs, and Hines ketchup instead of Heinz. Usually to our disappointment.
Normally I'm a Coopers Oxford Vintage (thick cut) Marmalade person. But a few years ago I discovered the above; Duerr's thick cut Seville Orange Marmalade. I opened the jar with trepidation, but it was excellent.
Duerr's was founded in 1881, so they've been around a while. I also see by the label that they are based in Manchester, which I believe is half way between Liverpool and Sheffield. It's in the North of England.
Occasionally a generic product can be as good as, if not better than, the original; but not too often. This one is excellent, and, of course, is considerably cheaper than Coopers. I can recommend.
Enjoy your breakfast!
I often buy generic brands and am often surprised too at how good they are. It's always worth trying them, especially as they're half the price.
ReplyDeleteI've more often been disappointed. However, this one was good.
DeleteLidl thick cut is worth a taste and it's cheap. I buy my marmalade from Cottage Delight. You have to purchase a few jars at a time as it's an online job and the cost of them posting one jar is prohibitive.
ReplyDeleteI can't see myself buying Marmalade online. What if I didn't like it, I'd be stuck with 3 jars.
DeleteI order a dozen at a time, they do many different ones. I usually get a jar of piccalilli, half a dozen thick cut, a couple with ginger in, the remainder I use to try a new ones. Trouble is folk know I have lots of marmalade so I end up giving several jars away or swapping marmalade for duty free tobacco.
DeleteSeriously are Marmotte, Klogs cornflakes and Hines ketchup real products. All a bit different I should think to a marmalade that has been made since 1881. Hope you are feeling a bit better.
ReplyDeleteNo, I made them up; but I do like the sound of Hines ketchup. A bit better, thank you.
DeleteP often buys cheaper generic brands as they are cheaper and he says he can't taste the difference. I think he has defective taste buds.
ReplyDeleteOr he doesn't want to admit he was wrong.
DeleteI bought some " Mighty Yeast Extract" from Aldi a while ago, and like it much better than " Marmite" because it is softer and much easier to spread. Can't tell the difference taste wise!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I bought some 'fake' Marmite a few years ago; it was horrible.
DeleteI doubt you'd be disappointed with the Aldi stuff, it's diluted a bit but tastes the same and spreads better.
DeleteLady Magnon doesn't make her own?
ReplyDeleteShe used to, but these days it's just Plum Jam. I once stole a few Oranges from a tree in Marrakech, and made Marmalade from them when I returned to France. It was very good.
DeleteManchester? Never heard of it. Perhaps you mean Macclesfield or perhaps Mansfield. They grow a lot of juicy oranges around both towns. It's like being in Seville.
ReplyDeleteI think it's nearer to Norway; way up North. As you say, their Oranges are legendary.
DeleteHaving moved countries a lot, hence the name, I don’t have particular brand loyalty. My approach on moving to a new country was to start at the cheapest and work my way up until I found one to my taste and stop there. Within reason of course and after looking at ingredients.
ReplyDeleteAs to marmalade my favourite is the stuff I make myself as I like it quite bitter.
Going between the UK and France, I used to have to write down all my favourite products. That way, I always knew I was getting the best. I have a hopeless memory!
DeleteSometimes the off brand, is the same product, made on the same assembly line as the brand name.
ReplyDeleteOften there's a manufactures number on the pack/jar. It's worth checking with more expensive products to see if they're made by the same folk.
DeleteWe like a thick cut marmalade and I second Adrian's Lidl thick cut, it's really nice.
ReplyDeleteI must pay a visit before Christmas, I hear their charcuterie is superb.
DeleteLidl are very good for many things. Their marmalade is now over a pound, pre Batflu it was 49p.
DeleteHoney is another very variable product, Lidl do that Kiwi stuff (Manuka?) at about half the price one can buy it anywhere else. I get honey locally as I know a lady that has a dozen hives, I take my own jars and she fills them for a couple of pounds a go. Rip off merchant she is but I guess being stung carries a cost.
Some Lidl charcuterie is great, others not so. I would give the Parma ham a very wide birth. And don’t turn up your nose at some of their wine. Same goes for Aldi.
DeleteLately, I find quality products a roll of the dice. Even the best of producers looks to cut costs and sometimes what used to be an outstanding product is no longer so.
ReplyDeleteYour marmalade sounds excellent and whatever the price, I'd likely select it over others.
It is very good, I had some this morning.
DeleteHow, if Duerr's has been around since the 1800s, is IT not the original? ;)
ReplyDeleteDuerr's 1884. Cooper's 1874. I had to look it up!
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