What things can't you compromise on?

LumpyCustard_2

For me, it has to be:
- not-from-concentrate orange juice
- Robinson's squash; when I last tried own brand it just wasn't the same
- free-range large eggs
- reduced-fat mince
- Kleenex man-size tissues; tried others but either too small or they simply disintegrate on use and I end up with bits all over my clothes
- Always or Carefree sanitary products
- value loo-paper; hate paying loads for something that does the same job and gets flushed away anyway

...must be loads more, but generally I'm happy to buy value for most things.

Bargain_Rzl

I realise this is a really old post (March 2008) but in case you're still reading:

Guapa1 wrote: »

All my seasonings have to be Schwartz. I've tried the cheaper ones and they aren't the same.

Have you tried brands like Natco, East End etc which you can buy from ethnic supermarkets? Better quality than supermarket brands, normally better quality than Schwartz as well, and almost always considerably cheaper by volume.

katycocoa

Sausages - have to be British, high meat content. We love sausages so like to have nice ones

Bargain_Rzl

katycocoa wrote: »

Sausages - have to be British, high meat content. We love sausages so like to have nice ones

I agree. I normally get mine from the butcher or farmer's market but if I do buy from the supermarket the meat content is always the first thing I check.

I was looking at reduced items in Somerfield the other day and a young lad made some comment to me about how pleased he was to have found a packet of sausages reduced to 39p. I looked at the ingredients list and pointed out that they were something like 40% meat :eek: and suggested he splash out an extra 30p for the next pack along on the reductions shelf which was over 80% meat. He did, AND he said thank you

benjo

Teabags - I once bought some 'value teabags' and they tasted like soil!

Washing up liquid - value brands seem to be watered down so you use twice the amount than you would if you had bought fairy

Loo roll - more paper per roll, bigger rolls and keep your eye out for the buy two packs for a reduced amount - they last far longer than cheap loo roll.

jollymummy

got to be free range eggs for us
decent coffee, bread and I am pernickety about shampoo and conditioner.
We gave up alcohol to save money, so hey we deserve a decent cup of coffee and shiny hair

tryingtoruletheworld

Rachels organic yogurt, too yummy to describe and worth every penny! Have tried so many others and just have to force myself to finish them.

Good quality fairtrade dark chocolate, deodrant and meat.

marybishop

FairyElephant wrote: »

One thing I'm finding really annoying is that, I guess because lots of people have now switched to Value who didn't used to buy it and the supermarkets think they can get away with it, the prices have risen horrendously for some Vaue items.....and I have nowhere to downgrade to!

Went to buy the Value chocolate mint thins (like After Eights) until I noticed the non-Value ones were only 1p more - how does that work?!?

SunnyGirl

I'll use cheaper stuff if I'm on a really skint week but I prefer to use Lenor fabric softener. I buy the concentrate and only use half a capful to try to make it last as long as possible.

clutterydrawer

fruit and veg. I could save a lot by cutting back to 5 a day but i feel better for having 10-12