Since its debut in 1938, Ribena has been a beloved classic, especially on sunny days. However, as a parent mindful of both taste and budget, I set out to compare it against supermarket own-brand squashes — focusing on price, strength, fruit content, calories, sugar, ingredients, and flavour.
The results? Two supermarket squashes stood out, delivering a tastier experience with four times the concentrate strength and at half the price per litre of Ribena.
Here’s what I found from major UK supermarkets:
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Ribena Blackcurrant Squash
Costing £2.25 for 850ml (£2.65 per litre at full price), Ribena boasts 25% blackcurrant juice and added sugar. It delivers 17 servings at 13p per glass, with a mild, fruity taste and smooth texture. Despite a pleasant flavour, it lacks a pronounced blackcurrant aroma and balances sweet and refreshing without a sharp edge. I rated it 4.5/5 stars.
Tesco Quadruple Strength Blackcurrant Squash
At £2.20 for 1.5 litres (£1.46 per litre), Tesco’s squash contains 35% blackcurrant juice with no added sugar and just three calories per 300ml serving. It boasts a stronger, zestier flavour and aroma than Ribena, likely thanks to its higher fruit content. With up to 100 servings per bottle at just over 2p each, this squash scored 5/5 stars for both taste and value.
Sainsbury’s 4X Concentrated Blackcurrant Squash
Priced at £2.30 for 1.5 litres (£1.53 per litre), this squash also features 35% fruit juice and no added sugar. It’s known for a rich blackcurrant aroma and a deep colour, with a concentrated strength that means less squash per serving — ideal for lasting longer. Offering 120 servings at under 2p each, it earned 5/5 stars in my review.
Morrisons Apple & Blackcurrant Squash
For £1.85 per 1.5 litres (£1.23 per litre), this blend boasts 40% fruit juice but only 1% blackcurrant, predominantly apple. It delivers a tangy apple taste and decent strength but lacks the appealing blackcurrant punch. I gave it 3/5 stars for flavour.
Lidl Quadruple Strength Apple & Blackcurrant Squash
Also £1.85 for 1.5 litres, this contains 30% juice (36% apple, 4% blackcurrant) and zero added sugars. Its strong tart apple flavour is unique but less appealing for blackcurrant lovers, scoring 2/5 stars from me.
Aldi Sun Quench Fruit-O
At £1.09 for one litre, this mixed fruit squash has only 10% juice, added sugars, and vitamins D and C. It’s more expensive per serving, with a synthetic taste despite a summery aroma. I rated it 3/5 stars.
Asda Double Strength Apple & Blackcurrant Squash
For just £1.14 per 1.5 litres (£0.76 per litre), it contains 18% fruit juice but only 2% blackcurrant. The flavour is sharp with an apple bite, but it lacks aroma and finesse, earning 3/5 stars.
The Verdict:
While Ribena remains a firm favourite, Sainsbury’s and Tesco’s blackcurrant squashes offer superior taste, higher fruit content, and remarkable value. These quadruple strength options cost less than 2p per glass compared to Ribena’s 13p, making them ideal for families seeking flavour and savings during warm weather.