Tesco vs. M&S

Mulled wine

I was always going to be biased towards whichever brand of mulled wine I happened to sample first, having been anticipating that magical moment for several weeks now, whilst at the same time not wanting to peak too early, and wanting to judge the moment exactly right. The inauguration of the mulled wine season is a dangerous thing, however, and may lead to a certain dependency in a bid to endure these cold, dark evenings with ever-looming summative deadlines.

On such an evening a couple of weeks ago, a certain specimen caught my eye in Tesco – a certain dark, red, warm and mystical specimen: a specimen which promised so much – that rush of warmth, that unrivalled glow which arises from the very first sup, that woozy feeling which radiates good-will, amity and an all-round joie de vivre. It did not disappoint. At an unimaginably reasonable price of £3.09, to be found exclusively at the Tesco on North Road, this is the without doubt best value for money in Durham, and a small price to pay for what is, for me, the molten essence of Christmas; its festive aroma emanating from within its stemware vessel. The Tesco in Market Place offers only a DIY version, for those after a dubious sense of achievement which can apparently be sourced from adding a Mulled spice sachet to the wine in a pan and warming slowly for 2 minutes. Extra hassle, and 90 pence dearer, and that’s just at its discounted price – RRP £4.99.

‘Your M&S’ offer a “rich, robust blend of fruity Tempranillo and spicy Syrab grapes”, infused with warming aromas of cinnamon, clove, lemon, blueberry and nutmeg (4 flavours less than Tesco), and is only economical bought in pairs at a steep £6.99 for one bottle, but with 2 for £10. I regret to confess that M&S is the underdog in this instance; the Tesco North Road version is just too good value and the difference in taste is marginal, with Tesco’s being by no means inferior.

Christmas sandwich

This Christmas, Tesco has had a clean sweep – the M&S vs. Tesco Christmas sandwich competition is without contest. Whether you go for the Tesco Christmas Turkey Triple, comprising Turkey and Cranberry, Turkey and Stuffing, and Turkey and Bacon respectively, or the exclusive and unparalleled Tesco Finest Christmas Special (a  veritable taste explosion, denoting perfect harmony between ingredients which were made for one another, and in generous quantities too) - which constitutes a mouth-watering Turkey Feast (turkey breast, pork stuffing, Lincolnshire sausage, cranberry sauce, mayo and bacon), a Wiltshire Ham, Vintage Cheddar & Chutney, and a Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese number to top it off - you will be left neither hungry nor disappointed. Which is more than can be said should you seek a similar result in its neighbouring competitor – the 2 sandwiches Marks and Spencer can offer you are lacking in taste and flavour, and do not boast nearly so superior an array of ingredients. The first, the M&S ‘Count on us’ Turkey and Cranberry Coleslaw, is a preposterous notion – at a ‘feel-good’ 285 calories per sandwich, you will be left with no less of an appetite and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Who wants to cut the calories on a Christmas sandwich anyway? Christmas is about indulgence. The regular ‘M&S Turkey Feast’ likewise lacks in any great gusto, and next to the Tesco Finest variety its inferiority is heightened – not what you would come to expect from such a well-reputed brand.