For many, tea is more than just a beverage; it’s a ritual, a daily comfort, and a source of debate over which brand truly makes the best cup. In the UK, tea drinkers are passionate about their preferred brand, and the discussion can be as divisive as any political or religious argument. While each household may have its own favourite, for many, Yorkshire Tea holds the crown. But with the cost of living on the rise, are there cheaper supermarket alternatives that can match up to this beloved brand?

As someone who drinks a considerable amount of tea daily, I was intrigued (though sceptical) when asked to put a variety of supermarket tea brands to the test. Could any of these cheaper options really compete with the rich, comforting taste of Yorkshire Tea? Armed with a selection of own-brand tea bags from several supermarkets, I brewed cup after cup to see which one would come out on top.

6) Morrisons – 74p for 80 Tea Bags

Morrisons’ tea bags were, unfortunately, a disappointing start to my tea-tasting journey. While they are the cheapest option on this list, the flavour left much to be desired. The tea was weak, and to make matters worse, one of the bags split open while brewing. Although you can’t complain too much given the price, in this case, you truly get what you pay for. Morrisons lands at the bottom of the list for both taste and overall experience.

5) Sainsbury’s – £1.20 for 80 Tea Bags

Next up was Sainsbury’s, which was an improvement over Morrisons but still didn’t leave a lasting impression. The flavour was slightly stronger, but it lacked the punch that a good cup of tea should have. After finishing, I didn’t feel the usual satisfaction and found myself reaching for a second cup almost immediately. It’s a reasonable option, but it’s just that – reasonable, without being exceptional.

4) M&S – £1.10 for 80 Tea Bags

M&S tea bags came close to making it into the top three. I made a cup for myself and my brother, who’s known for his preference for more expensive tastes. Interestingly, he thought it was Yorkshire Tea, unable to tell the difference. I wouldn’t go that far, but it was a solid cup of tea. It offered a nice, well-rounded flavour and at a reasonable price too. Given M&S’s reputation for quality, I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable this option was, especially considering their often premium pricing.

3) Aldi & Lidl – £1.19 for 80 Tea Bags (Aldi) // £1.19 for 160 Tea Bags (Lidl)

Budget supermarkets Aldi and Lidl earned a respectable third place, tied in my ranking for their impressively good value for money. Aldi’s tea provided a nice flavour, close to what I’m used to with Yorkshire Tea, though not quite on the same level. Still, for the price, it’s hard to argue with the quality, and the savings compared to major brands like Yorkshire Tea certainly add up.

Similarly, Lidl’s offering was strong for the price. At just £1.19 for 160 tea bags, it’s a true bargain. It’s not the best cup of tea I’ve ever had, but for that price point, it’s more than acceptable, and for anyone looking to stretch their budget, it’s a smart choice.

2) Yorkshire Tea – £3.29 for 80 Tea Bags

There’s a reason why Yorkshire Tea is so beloved, and it’s no surprise it ranked highly in my test. It’s the standard against which I measure all other teas, with a rich, hearty flavour that feels like home in a cup. It’s the kind of tea that can pick you up in the morning, comfort you in the afternoon, and relax you in the evening. For me, it’s the perfect brew.

However, Yorkshire Tea comes with a hefty price tag. At over £3 for just 80 bags, it can be considered a luxury, particularly in today’s economic climate where every penny counts. While it remains my favourite, the high cost does make it difficult to justify when there are cheaper alternatives that come close in quality.

1) Tesco – 79p for 80 Tea Bags

The biggest surprise of this taste test was Tesco’s Stockwell tea bags, which took the top spot. I didn’t expect much given the low price, especially after the disappointment of other budget options, but I was proven wrong. Tesco’s tea made a strong, flavourful brew that could easily compete with the more expensive brands.

Not only was it delicious, but it was also incredibly affordable, coming in at just 79p for 80 tea bags. This discovery made me rethink my loyalty to Yorkshire Tea – I’ve even started using Tesco’s tea for my morning brews since conducting this review. It’s proof that sometimes, cheaper doesn’t mean lower quality.