Tiptree ‘tawny’ chosen best in UK supermarket marmalade taste test

In a taste test of UK supermarket marmalades, Tiptree ‘tawny’ orange marmalade was rated best overall. The product was listed at £2.95 for 340g at Waitrose (87p/100g) and given four stars. The tester consulted Pam Corbin, who said “a truly brilliant marmalade ... is simply one where the peel, the gel, the texture and indeed the flavour are in harmony,” and warned that if 100 people made a panful each would vary.

The write-up notes that most commercially produced marmalades contain added pectin, acidity regulators and orange oil, which affect taste and texture. The Tiptree ‘tawny’ is described as a classic dark marmalade with a rich, caramel-orange flavour, generous thick-cut chewy peel and the second-highest fruit content (47%).

Its ingredient list is given as just sugar and Seville oranges, with no added pectin. Other four-star entries include M&S Fairtrade dark Seville orange marmalade (40% fruit, contains Fairtrade-certified sugar) and St Dalfour orange fruit spread (labelled a “fruit spread” because of lower sugar, made from 51% oranges).

Several mainstream brands scored three stars, including Robertson’s Golden Shred, Tesco Finest coarse cut, Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference, La Vieja Fabrica and Frank Cooper’s, with fruit contents and textures varying across products.

Key Topics

Culture, Tiptree Tawny, Seville Oranges, Pam Corbin, Waitrose, M&s Fairtrade