'I compared PG Tips to 4 supermarket tea bags - the 80p option surprised me'

A cup of tea is part of many people's routine. For all the tea lovers out there, you can almost guarantee that each one has their own trusty label of tea bags that they wouldn't dare switch out. PG Tips is definitely one of the nation's favourite tea bag brands; it is known for its rich flavour, but it is also fair to say it is slightly on the pricier side.

That's why I thought I'd compare supermarket own brands, including Waitrose, Lidl, Sainsbury's and Asda, to see if you can still enjoy a good brew at home while saving a few coins.

Waitrose's Original Blend tea bags 80 for £1.35

I found the Waitrose original blend tea bags were quite weak, and so my tea, despite having added milk and sugar, tasted slightly watery. I then decided to add pop to a new tea bag, hoping it would give it a stronger taste, which it did; it tasted slightly better. However, still not great.

I think these tea bags would only (just about) work for those who like a builder's tea. Keep the tea bag brewing in there until your last sip, and then maybe it'll be all right.

Rating 4/10

Lidl's Knightsbridge Red Label tea bags 240 bags for £2.75

The cup of tea I made with Lidl's tea bags was also slightly weak and watery, but the aftertaste was more noticeable than after each sip.

Although not my favourite, I wouldn't be displeased if someone handed the cuppa. Not only that, but for the 240 bags you get for the price, it is an absolute steal.

Rating 5/10

Asda's Everyday tea bags 80 for £1.24

Again, Asda tea bags didn't have that richness I was looking for. However, it is advised to let the tea bag infuse for three to five minutes, and so maybe if I had infused it for a little longer or just left it to sit until I was done, I would've got that rich flavour I was looking for.

It's a great option for those who don't like a strong brew, purely because it has a more subtle taste.

Rating 6/10

Sainsbury's Red Label tea bags 40 for 80p

Sainsbury's Red Label tea bags surprisingly tasted fairly similar to PG Tips, and considering they're a fraction of the price. I would happily have it stocked up in my house.

I thought my brews tasting 'watery' were maybe a me-issue, but that was quickly cleared up when I had this cuppa. It was flavourful, refreshing, rich yet creamy with the milk.

It's a big thumbs up for me.

Rating 9/10

PG Tips - 40 for £1.50

Now, the PG Tips cup of tea is exactly the kind you want to start every morning with. This one was certainly "refreshing and flavourful" as the box states, and definitely my favourite.

The box recommendation suggests only needing to brew it for one to two minutes, which doesn't surprise me, as even before making the tea, right back to when I just opened the box, the tea bags had such a strong fragrance, and I just knew it would be bursting with flavour.

I usually have my tea with a bit of milk and some sugar, but honestly, I think it'll be a great cuppa regardless of how it's made.

You are paying a bit more for PG Tips than for supermarket brands. However, for a good cup of tea, I wouldn't mind.

Rating 9/10