The blind taste tests which could help shoppers save hundreds of pounds a year

With the cost of living crisis continuing to rise, more people are foregoing their favourite food because it's proving too pricey. And who can blame them given that households can save hundreds of pounds by ditching expensive brands and opting for supermarket own-makes instead.

In a series of blind taste tests, consumer champions Which? found that the latter are cheaper when it comes to everyday essentials such as beans, orange juice and honey nut cornflakes. Not only that, they can also taste better than their well-known branded counterparts.

Results from six out of the eight groceries tested indicate that shoppers willing to make the swap could save themselves hundreds of pounds a year without compromising on taste.

Read more: Families have forgotten 'centuries old tip' for making meals cheaper

Save over £70 a year on baked beans Which? found Lidl’s budget-friendly Newgate baked beans (32p for 420g, 8p per 100g) are the best value option. They cost less than half the price of Heinz beans (£1 for 415g tin). For shoppers buying two tins a week, switching from Heinz to Lidl could save more than £70 a year.

Save almost £100 a year on orange juice Aldi’s The Juice Company Smooth Orange Juice is the best value option Which? tested - costing just £1.69 per 1.75L carton (10p per 100ml). Innocent orange juice was the priciest option (£3.60 for 1.35 litres, 27p per 100ml) and came in last place for taste. Overall, shoppers could save £99.32 a year by swapping expensive Innocent juice for Aldi’s budget option.

Save £51.60 per year on Crunchy Nut Cereal Pitted against Kelloggs’ Crunchy Nut cornflakes (£3 per 500g pack, 60p per 100g), Aldi’s Harvest Morn Honey Nut Crunchy Cornflakes is the best value cereal, costing