If you enjoy a bowl of cereal in the morning, chances are you’ve tried Kellogg’s Rice Krispies at some point. They’re actually Kellogg’s third most popular variety, beating out Frosties and Coco Pops, according to Statista. But is the branded version always the best option? In most cases, the answer is no.
At £3.45 for a 430g box from Waitrose, Kellogg’s Rice Krispies can be quite pricey. However, we found that all the major retailers offer their own-brand versions at significantly lower prices, with some options even being up to 80% cheaper. So, we put eight own-brand rice pops to the test against Kellogg’s to see if the higher price point is really worth it. Not only can choosing a cheaper alternative save you money, but it can also provide a delicious breakfast experience.
Morrisons: The Disappointment
Morrisons’ own-brand rice crackles didn’t quite meet expectations. They had a strong cardboard taste and a stale texture. Overall, they ranked the lowest in our taste test.
- Price: 7/10
- Taste: 5/10
- Texture: 5/10
- Overall: 17/30
Waitrose: The Posh Choice
Waitrose is known for its high-quality products, and their own-brand rice pops didn’t disappoint. With a subtle malty taste that complemented the milk perfectly, a light and airy texture, and a bit of a stinger when it came to price, Waitrose’s option ranked well in our test.
- Price: 6/10
- Taste: 8/10
- Texture: 8/10
- Overall: 22/30
M&S: A Bit Sandy on the Tongue
M&S’ rice pops had a subtle undertone of caramel, but the texture was a bit grainy and bitty. While they scored well in taste, their price dragged them down in the overall ranking.
- Price: 6/10
- Taste: 8/10
- Texture: 6/10
- Overall: 18/30
Tesco: Crunchy, But Lacking in Flavor
Tesco’s rice snaps had a satisfying crunch and light, airy texture. However, the taste was disappointing, reminiscent of a plain Dorito. They were also a bit bland. On the price front, they were one of the cheapest options.
- Price: 8/10
- Taste: 6/10
- Texture: 7/10
- Overall: 21/30
Asda: A Lackluster Taste
Asda’s rice snaps had a slight caramel-flavored undertone and a firm texture. While they weren’t bad, they didn’t stand out compared to the other options. In terms of price, they were lower than Sainsbury’s, Lidl, Aldi, and Tesco.
- Price: 7/10
- Taste: 6/10
- Texture: 7/10
- Overall: 20/30
Aldi: Great Flavor and Affordable
And the winner is… Aldi! Known for its great value, Aldi’s own-brand rice pops provided both in terms of taste and price. With a nice creamy flavor, a slight bitter aftertaste, and a satisfying crunch, they were a pleasant surprise. Plus, choosing Aldi’s rice pops over Kellogg’s could save you £135 a year.
- Price: 8/10
- Taste: 7/10
- Texture: 7/10
- Overall: 22/30
Kellogg’s: The OG’s Still Impress
Kellogg’s Rice Krispies lived up to their reputation. With a super crunchy texture and a nice balance of salty and sweet flavors, they were even better than expected. However, the higher price point is definitely a downside, being 80% more expensive than the cheapest own-brand option.
- Price: 5/10
- Taste: 8/10
- Texture: 8/10
- Overall: 21/30
Sainsbury’s: A Unique Flavor
Sainsbury’s own-brand rice pops stood out with their unique flavor, resembling a nice cup of English breakfast tea. However, the texture wasn’t as impressive. In terms of price, they were joint second cheapest.
- Price: 8/10
- Taste: 7/10
- Texture: 6/10
- Overall: 21/30
Lidl: The Clear Winner
And the winner of our taste test is Lidl! Their creamy rice snaps, affordable price point, and velvety flavor made them stand out from the rest. By choosing Lidl’s option over Kellogg’s, you could save £135 a year.
- Price: 9/10
- Taste: 9/10
- Texture: 6/10
- Overall: 24/30
So, next time you’re shopping for rice pops, consider trying a supermarket’s own-brand option. Not only can you save money, but you might just discover a new favorite. And for the best combination of taste and value, give Lidl’s creamy rice snaps a try. Happy breakfasting!
Source: F5 Magazine