80 To Tea For 28p (Sainsbury's Basics Teabags)

Member Name: Emmald

Product:	Sainsbury's Basics Teabags
Date:	13/04/09 (131 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Basic but not totally useless

Disadvantages: They can't live up to much more expensive brand names

80 teabags for 28p? It seems to be such a ridiculous price that most people will just by pass them in favour of a brand name.
Last week we had a walk to Sainsbury's and the Other Half was sussing out the Basics range with a keen eye. I could see him eyeing up the Basics teabags and as much as I tried to steer him away and change the conversation it just wasn't going to work.
In the end we reached a compromise, The Other Half put his pack of 80 Sainsbury's Basics teabags into the trolley and I bought my usual brand too.
I tend to be a bit sceptical where cheap turns into give-away!

I wouldn't say that I had no interest in his little experiment because that would be fibbing. But first of all I wanted to examine the box and read the details.
As surmised the box is plain and simple, a very flimsy white cardboard box with the tangerine trimming that is part of the Basics range. On the whole Sainsbury's tend to sell top quality goods, so it was pretty tough to believe that they would put their name on a product that is utter rubbish.
Just lately they have been paying great attention to the promotion of their Basics range.
The flimsy box is covered with clear cellophane which removes quickly and easily, both box and covering can be recycled.

I am going to take a tour around the box. On top of the lid is the Fairtrade symbol, beside the symbol is there is a statement to the effect that Fairtrade guarantees a better deal for Third World Producers. We have the normal `Best before` date which is a good five months ahead and clear concise information tells us that the box contains 80 Fairtrade teabags that contain mixed leaves which offer bags of flavour.

Interestingly enough on the back of the box there is an orange balloon that contains the words `Try me` and a money back promise if you are not totally satisfied with the goods, this information even includes a free Sainsbury's careline telephone number.

A small section of information tells you how to get the best from the Basics teabag.
Put a teabag into a mug, cover the bag in boiling water and leave to brew for around two minutes before removing the bag, then add whatever you like to taste.

I enjoy an experiment, sadly I will go as far as saying that it gives me a kick!
Bag in mug, boiling water poured over the bag, the Other Half is pacing the kitchen like an expectant father and we settle down for the next two minutes until it is time to remove the aforementioned bag from the mug!

Its amazing just how long two minutes can seem when you are waiting.
Time is up and the bag awaits removal, I lift it out on the end of my teaspoon and give it a wiggle, it is still intact and apart from being wet it looks no different!
The tea in the mug on the other hand is a different story altogether. Sitting in my mug is a very strong brew to which I hastily add a little milk. Even the good splash of milk fails to make the tea look any weaker.
By now the Other Half is crowing mercilessly, his prudence has paid dividends...or so he thinks.

So we tuck up on the couch with a packet of gingernuts in readiness to sample this strong brew.
I suppose one of the only words that can describe the feeling would be `surprise.`
The brewed tea doesn't seem to taste brewed, it is in fact quite mellow. If you put it up against some of the mightier brands it would rate poorly but I am looking for a mug of reasonable tea and not a way to impress the neighbours.
We finished our tea in silence, it was receptive to the gingernuts and it was at that point I felt obliged to eat humble pie.

Sainsbury's Basic teabags are not in the same league as Twinings or Clipper but I foresee them having their uses and wouldn't dismiss them out of hand.
They provide a reasonable cup of tea at a very unrealistic price and although I may not use them all of the time I am happy enough to give them an airing now and again.

Summary: Don't dismiss them out of hand.