My brand name snob daughter hasn't noticed! (Asda Tea Bags)

Member Name: superpup

Product:	Asda Tea Bags
Date:	03/09/09 (62 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Price is good, tea brews quite quickly

Disadvantages: It doesn't make itself

Okay, I'm trying to save a bit of money.

After staring at the teabag array in ASDA recently, looking at the price per 100g and trying to work out the best deal for teabags that will make drinkable tea, I decided I would try their own brand.

£3.47 for 240 bags (although they're currently on offer 2 for £5 and Tetley are only £3.00 for the same size pack - prices correct as of 03/09/09). I usually buy Tetley or PG Tips but I have been quite slovenly of late and had run out and there were no offers on my usuals.

The description on the box says 'A blend of specially selected teas for a smooth rounded flavour' and states it's an 'improved blend'. I can't comment on this as I hadn't tried the unimproved version but I am quite impressed. You can tell by looking at the box that it isn't promoting itself as a premium brand or a basics product. It has a perforated cardboard opening and a good 'whiff' of tea when you break through this.

I ensured I got home before my eldest daughter (bit of a snob, likes her brands) and stuffed some of the teabags into the jar we store them in and hid the box. I made a cup of tea as I was gasping at this point. Now, before I spark off a huge debate on how to make the perfect cup of tea, this is the way I do it. I know it's probably not the correct/best/most popular way, but it's the only way I can get the milk to tea ratio right.

I always put the teabag in first, then my sweetener (if I don't have sugar I can eat more biscuits), then milk, before adding boiling water. Then I leave it to sit until a) I remember it again or b) if I'm desperate I hurry it along by poking the teabag with a teaspoon.

I consider I'm an average tea drinker. I'm not of the builders tea persuasion but don't subscribe to the baby tea brigade either. Just a nice, normal, tea colour for mine please.

The taste of this tea is on a par with Tetley and PG Tips in my opinion. The big plus point for me though, is how quickly the flavour is released from the bag (bear in mind that the way I make my tea - milk in before the hot water - means tea brewing can take a little longer). I think the tea is 'ready' before other brands I have used. My youngest daughter, who I let see the box before trying a cup as she can be trusted to give an unbiased opinion unlike her big sis', agrees with me.

The big test was eldest daughter. I can't say to her 'We've been using ASDA teabags for a while and they're okay aren't they?' as she will reply something along the lines of 'I thought the tea tasted funny.' We have been using these teabags for quite a few weeks now and the fact that she hasn't moaned that the tea tastes rubbish, means we're onto a winner.

I will stock up now they're on offer and probably stick with the ASDA own brand unless Tetley and friends give me a 'not to be sniffed at' offer. I can't afford to be THAT loyal!

Summary: Buy it and trick your children!