The Shelvis drop a brand level diary

yinhong

Just wanted to say, Great Thread! Thanks Shelvis! Been very useful.

I've been downshifting and have been meaning to do something similar to your project but never really remembered to be honest.

danclyon

shelvis wrote: »

I have put a load of gym kit in the washer this morning and will change into it this afternoon when I go. It smells pretty nice but only time will tell if i am allergic.

There's a little bit of science here to be observed - and if you suffer with allergies I am sure that I'm preaching to the converted, but worth sharing with others just in-case.

Often when you change washing stuff - like liquid soaps, bath foams/shower gels, and other washing supplies you see a reaction.

9 times out of ten this is down to the common building block of the mix- Sodium Laureth/Laurel/Pareth Sulphate. My wife cannot tolerate Laureth - which is sadly the most common and cheapest of the set so we have to specifically look out products that exclude this meaning we have to check every pack. It doesn't acutally leave you with that many to choose from so you tend to stock up when they are on offer!

Worth looking at if you know you have something that you aren't reacting to now and want to make a transition as painless as possible.

Equally, on the washing front and with skeptical being my middle name, we've switched much of our washing over to the EcoBalls laundray balls (which were on offer in Currys of all places at £10 for a set rather than the normal ~£30). For most washing they work well, and when combined with a bit of non-chlorine bleach get most things clean and odour free (I don't like heavily perfumed detergents anyway) - so a big thumbs up from me on that - plus in the 5 months we've been using them we've saved >£10 a month on the laundry detergent - and will do so for at least another 7 months at this rate.
Still need some bio washing stuff for certain loads obviously but way less than before.

[Deleted User]

yinhong wrote: »

Just wanted to say, Great Thread! Thanks Shelvis! Been very useful.

I've been downshifting and have been meaning to do something similar to your project but never really remembered to be honest.

Join in! The more the merrier!

bjbell

Vinegar for cleaning and salt for the mucky bits.Squirt of vinegar or lemon juice for hair with the cheapest shampoo (or washing up-liquid if desperate)
I always try to use non bio in the own brands-Aldi and Netto as well...
Home made scones and oat slice are cheaper and tastier than any jaffa cakes -made in sandwich toaster or microwave or griddle scone mixture in frying pan.
Pots of herbs in the cheapo dump can be rescued and revived on window sill or yard space.
A whole chicken is cheaper than pieces and left overs can be used for future frozen dinners as well as stockpot for soup.
And don't get me started on free pickings from the hedges when you are out pram pushing!

moanymoany

For my 40 and 60 degree washes I use Tesco Value Washing Powder - excellent. I've been using it for a few years now.

Tesco cream cleaner - just as good as any cream cleaner.

Tesco value plain and self raising flour - no difference.

Tesco value long life skimmed milk. Used it for years.

Tesco value orange juice - excellent

ditto tomato juice and apple juice - excellent

Tesco value red kidney beans and sweetcorn - no difference

Other Tesco value items I use on a regular basis - butter, tinned tomatoes, tinned peaches, kitchen towel, brown sauce, bacon, fresh tomatoes, fresh bananas, peppers, meusli, all purpose cleaner, furniture polish, washing up sponges, bleach, lemons, oranges, citrus, potatoes, frozen oven chips, parsnips, carrots, onions, potatoes, pasta, rice, sandwich wrap, sandwich bags, freezer bags, foil

What I've used but don't buy regularly - all value products - ham, pate, biscuits various, scones, bread, chocolate wafers and other bars for packed lunches, crisps, salty snacks, chocolate, vodka, gin, tonic, cheese

All of the above I think good value, tastes as good as alternatives and I would never pay the outrageous prices 'branded' names demand for very little difference.

When not buying value I buy Tesco own brand. There is nothing I've decided worth the extra that it would cost to buy a brand name. Only thing I buy is shredded wheat.

sweetserendipity

I noticed in my local Tesco that their Value products are appearing in more prominent positions i.e. end of aisles, not just hidden on bottom shelf anymore.
Ps. agree with you that value jaffa cakes are lovely! Also chopped tomatoes are fine, if a bit watery but perfectly fine in spag bol etc.

Trying_to_save_2

Hi there everyone,Have lurked and read the site lots recently, but haven't posted in ages. Thanks for this thread - its great to read about different peoples' experiences of changing brand levels.I agree so much with the idea of dropping brand levels and a few of the things I ALWAYS buy in Tesco are: tesco weetabix, tesco light mayo, tesco gold coffee and their blue & white stripe value digestives are LOVELY....mmmm...Hope this helps when next trying to sample new things,T to S

scrooge2008

Tesco do a pack of sponges with scourers on them for 14p, they are excellent.

I have swapped from cocoa pops, to Tesco's variety and DS can't tell the difference, although they are half the price.

I was very disappointed in Tesco Washing Up liquid, which was very weak and their value tomatoes which I thought were disgusting and ruined every tomato based dish that I made.

Interesting thread, thanks. Was going to try their toothpaste yesterday, but didn't have the courage, will revisit after your recommendation.

shabaash

i've used tesco toothpase and its fine.

Syman

I have found that with most breakfast cereals the own brand stuff is on par with their branded counterparts.

and bourbon biscuits, tesco's own are as good as the originals