"No Bits" Strawberry Jam

Scritti

Hi All.

I've not really tried any of the Everyday Essentials range at Aldi yet as I guess I'm just very happy with the "normal" stuff and think they're generally incredibly cheap anyway for such good quality that I've never felt the need to "downgrade".

However, I've recently been looking for some new jam to try. I hate lumpy, hard bits in my strawberry jam. I was finishing a pot of Hartley's "No Bits" Strawberry Jam (assume I'm not the only one then!) and still felt let down. Once I'd gotten through all the "no bits" stuff, there was still half a pot of hard gunk left over which went in the bin.

I've tried so many different jams over the years and always end up throwing almost half of it away.

So I caved in and bought a pot of Aldi's Everyday Essentials Strawberry Jam expecting the worst (I'm not a fan of their normal jam).

Wahay!! I've found what I'm looking for at last! Without wishing to offend people who make their own home-made jam filled with fruit, this is now my favourite jam. Considering the price, there's probably not much fruit in it but it tastes very strawberry-y and there's not one hard bit in it.

Just thought I'd make this recommendation for anyone out there like me who likes totally smooth jam (perfect on toast!), you really should give this a try. And it's only 29p!! I've stocked up, natch. Nice one (yet again) Aldi!!

Anatidaephobia

Sounds good! I'm the same as you, I hate little bits in jam. I'll have to try Aldi.

tightwadess

We buy this from aldi as oh doesn't do bits lol and can confirm its yummyness

sharond101

We buy this too and find it better than other store own brand versions. I however prefer the Aldi strawberry preserve which has bits in and is more than double the price (79p??) but my husband prefers no bits so given cost he wins.

VfM4meplse

What you're describing is more of a jelly than a jam. Why don't you take advantage of the summer and PYO, make a vat of jam, pulp and strain out the fruit fibre?

Scritti

VfM4meplse wrote: »

What you're describing is more of a jelly than a jam. Why don't you take advantage of the summer and PYO, make a vat of jam, pulp and strain out the fruit fibre?

You're right, it IS more like a kind of strawberry jam-tasting jelly. But that's exactly what I was after.

Why don't I make my own? Because I can't be arsed and am more than happy with the Aldi stuff.

I use it more to add a bit of strawberry essence really, don't have much so quality and fruit content isn't much of an issue for me.

My ex is a chef and makes her own jams. She always gives me a couple of pots every year. It's nice enough but I can't tell that much difference in taste. But, as I say, I have a tiny amount compared to most people - a little blob on my toast whereas she puts loads on scones with cream. I think she'd be offended if she knew I'm happy enough with this jam from Aldi so don't think I'd best mention it.

Scritti

Anatidaephobia wrote: »

Sounds good! I'm the same as you, I hate little bits in jam. I'll have to try Aldi.

Nice one! Make sure you get the 29p one though. The normal jam "conserve" is packed with fruit. Which means it's probably of much better "quality" but is no good if you don't want jam full of bits.

pakokelso93

Not tried the 29p stuff in Aldi, but bought the equivalent 29p value Jam in Morrisons, Tesco and Asda and although I prefer good home made or near-home made stuff this cheap gear was tasty enough.

Amount of fruit per jar from value to the shop brand wasn't much different actually.

VfM4meplse

Scritti wrote: »

Why don't I make my own? Because I can't be arsed and am more than happy with the Aldi stuff.

Fair enough! I only mentioned it because I saw it a Rachel Allen recipe on TV recently (edible gifts) and not only was it really simple, but she used berries from the freezer. As you're particular about bits, I thought you wouldn't mind a bit of meticulous straining!

Cornucopia

At 29p per jar, would making your own be any cheaper?

Scritti

Cornucopia wrote: »

At 29p per jar, would making your own be any cheaper?

Exactly! Time is money. I'd rather spend the 29p at Aldi and do an hour's O/T at work than go through all that hassle just for some jam that I use a tiny amount of. I understand the money saving that batch cooking can do but a pot of jam lasts me months so I really don't need a lot. 87p for a year's supply - cheers Aldi!