As temperatures soar, shoppers are snapping up ice lollies to beat the heat, with many turning to budget own-brand options. A recent taste test by Express writer Holly Kintuka compared orange ice lollies from five major supermarkets—Marks & Spencer, Lidl, Asda, Tesco, and Sainsbury's—to find the best value and flavour. The clear winner was Tesco's Ms Molly's Fruit Flavour Ice Lollies, scoring 9.5 out of 10 and costing just £1.20 for a pack of eight.
Lidl's Gelatelli Lollies: Bold but Overpowering
Lidl's Gelatelli Orange and Cola lollies delivered a bold flavour, avoiding the watery taste often associated with cheaper options. However, Holly found the sweetness overpowering, with an artificial aftertaste compared to rivals. Priced at £1.75 for a pack of six, they scored 5/10.
Marks & Spencer's Juicy Orange Pop Ups: Subtle but Pricey
Marks & Spencer's Juicy Orange Pop Ups offered a lighter, more subtle flavour. While refreshing and not overly sweet, the citrus taste was considered too mild, with the icy texture diluting the overall impact. The higher price point—£3.40 for a pack of four—also counted against it, earning a score of 6/10.
Asda's Orange Juice Lollies: Tangy and Refreshing
Asda's Orange Juice Lollies stood out for their tangy, citrus-forward taste. Made with what appeared to be real juice, they struck a balance between refreshing ice and strong orange flavour, earning high praise and a score of 8/10. Priced at £1.40 for a pack of six, they offered good value.
Sainsbury's Stamford Street Lollies: Bold and Natural
Sainsbury's Stamford Street Co Fruit Flavour Lollies impressed with a bold yet natural-tasting orange flavour. Combining intensity with a refreshing finish, they avoided the artificial sweetness found in some competitors. At £1.25 for a pack of eight, they scored 9/10.
Tesco's Ms Molly's Lollies: The Winner
Tesco's Ms Molly's Fruit Flavour Ice Lollies came out on top, praised for their fresh, authentic orange taste. Despite some issues with presentation due to heat damage, the flavour and value made them the standout option. Testers likened the taste to biting into a fresh orange and noted their popularity as shelves quickly emptied. At £1.20 for a pack of eight, they scored 9.5/10.
Verdict: Budget Brands Beat Premium
The results highlight the growing quality of supermarket own-brand products, with lower-cost options outperforming more expensive alternatives. With temperatures remaining high, budget-friendly ice lollies could prove to be one of the most popular ways for households to stay cool this summer.
